Eli had barely processed the truth of the fourth dimension, or the 4D world, when he found himself standing in front of the other members of Squad S, sharing everything he had just learned from Commander Steve. Each face reflected a similar mixture of shock and disbelief, mirroring his own emotions from moments before. For several long seconds, the room was silent, everyone grappling with the enormity of the revelation.
Captain Jordan Kim was the first to break the silence. "So… now you all know the truth," he said, his voice measured and steady. "This isn't just about natural disasters. What we're fighting against is beyond anything we've faced before."
Lina looked visibly shaken. "We're talking about… beings from another dimension? They can really cause the kinds of disasters we've seen? Earthquakes, wildfires—everything?"
Eli nodded solemnly. "That's exactly it. They exist in a dimension we can't perceive, but their presence… it distorts reality itself. Commander Steve said that our missions would be about more than just saving lives. They're about protecting reality."
Captain Kim crossed his arms and looked at each member of the squad, his gaze landing back on Eli. "Knowing this, you all have a choice. I won't lie to you—this knowledge comes with responsibility. And that responsibility comes with risks. If you want to walk away, you can. No one will judge you for it. But if you stay, there's no going back."
Silence fell over the room again, heavier this time. Eli's eyes drifted to his teammates, observing their reactions. He could see determination in some faces, fear in others, but one by one, each member met the captain's gaze and gave a nod of agreement.
"We're in this together," Misbah said firmly, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with a newfound seriousness.
Lina and Aiden exchanged glances and nodded, while Ravi's jaw was set with determination. Despite the weight of the responsibility, not a single one of them opted to step back.
Captain Kim allowed himself a small, approving smile. "Good. I had a feeling you'd make the right choice." His smile faded as he added, "Now, let me tell you what's next."
The captain reached into his pocket, retrieving a small, sleek metallic chip no larger than a coin. He held it up for them to see.
"This is a piece of nano-technology that we're going to implant into each of you. It's designed to interface with both your brain and your body, enhancing your physical and mental abilities to survive and counter the effects of the Unknown."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle over the group. "The power source for this nano-technology is unique. It relies on a nuclear reactor combined with helium-3, a rare isotope. This technology is so advanced that it's barely understood, even by our top scientists. But it's our best weapon in the fight against the Unknown."
Eli felt his pulse quicken. "So… we're going to have nuclear reactors inside us?"
The captain nodded. "In a way, yes. But it's not that simple. Before the nanotechnology can truly integrate with your body, you need to develop a level of mental strength and resilience far beyond anything you've known. That's why the training for this isn't just about learning new skills—it's about surviving a test of willpower."
Ravi raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "What kind of test are we talking about?"
Captain Kim's gaze hardened. "For six months, you'll be placed in a pitch-black room with minimal food and water. It's designed to break you down to your core, to force you to confront every fear and weakness within yourself. It's meant to awaken your inner strength—the part of you that doesn't just want to survive, but that's willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good."
Eli's stomach tightened at the thought. "Has this been done before?"
Captain Kim's face grew grim. "Yes. There was a squad before you—Squad R. They were selected to undergo this same process. But… they failed. They couldn't handle the strain of the nanotechnology, and they couldn't overcome the psychological demands of the training."
Lina's voice was barely a whisper. "What happened to them?"
The captain's expression darkened. "Some of them went mad. Some of them… didn't survive. That's why this training is only for those who are prepared to put everything on the line. If you don't have the willpower to make it through, the consequences could be… catastrophic."
Eli looked around at his teammates. Fear was evident on everyone's faces, but so was a fierce determination. They had come this far, faced truths they couldn't have imagined, and yet, none of them seemed ready to turn back.
Captain Kim's tone softened. "Listen, I know this isn't what you signed up for. But I'm asking you to do this because, if you fail… if Squad S fails… the Unknown will continue to wreak havoc. And eventually, their influence could unravel the very fabric of our world."
Eli swallowed, his voice steady. "What happens if we succeed?"
A small smile crossed Captain Kim's lips. "If you succeed, you'll have the strength and resilience to not only survive encounters with the Unknown but to fight back. You'll become humanity's first line of defense. You'll be able to stand against threats that others can't even comprehend."
Silence hung in the air as each squad member processed the weight of the task ahead. They were no longer just a rescue squad—they were being asked to become something more, something that could stand between their world and the unknown forces threatening to break through.
Finally, it was Misbah who broke the silence, his voice calm and resolute. "We're ready, Captain. We've trained for years to make a difference, and if this is what it takes… then we're in."
The captain nodded, his expression one of respect and pride. "Then let's begin."