A metallic clang echoed in the dimly lit room as Adam's consciousness slowly returned.
His eyes fluttered open, and he found himself sitting on a cold, iron chair.
A heavy fog clouded his mind as he took in his surroundings.
The room was bleak, its steel walls devoid of any decoration or warmth.
A single wooden table stood in front of him, the only object breaking the monotony. He shifted slightly, only to feel the sharp resistance of metal chains binding his wrists tightly behind the chair.
"What the hell is this?" Adam thought, his heart racing as he realized his predicament.
His chest was also bound tightly with chains, leaving no room for movement.
Panic surged through him, but he quickly forced himself to calm down.
Taking a deep breath, he scanned the room again, looking for anything that could provide a clue to his situation.
Before he could process more, the sound of a door creaking open drew his attention.
A middle-aged man entered, his presence commanding. The man's sharp gaze and a visible scar running down his neck hinted at a lifetime of battles.
Adam instinctively straightened as the man approached.
The stranger pulled a chair from the corner, placing it directly in front of Adam before sitting down with deliberate slowness.
His intense stare bore into Adam, creating an air of tension that made Adam's skin crawl.
"My name is General Core," the man finally spoke, his deep voice resonating in the confined space. "I operate the East Command."
Adam's brows furrowed in confusion. Why is the military involved? And why have they chained me like this? His thoughts spiraled as he tried to make sense of the situation.
Core leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes never leaving Adam. "I know you've been through hell under Rhea Nation's tyranny," he said, his tone oddly empathetic.
Adam froze, his attempts to free himself from the chains halting abruptly. He met Core's gaze, trying to decipher the truth in the man's words.
Rhea Nation? Tyranny? What is he talking about?
Core stood and began pacing, his boots clicking against the steel floor. He walked behind Adam, the sound unnerving him as he couldn't track the man's movements.
"I know what you are," Core continued, his voice lowering. "You're a super-soldier."
Adam's heart skipped a beat. "Super-soldier?" he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Core stopped pacing and leaned in close to Adam, his hands resting on the table. "Yes," he said, his piercing gaze locking onto Adam's. "I can see the pain in your eyes."
Adam flinched, a mix of fear and frustration bubbling inside him. "How do you know all this?" he demanded.
Core smirked, his expression one of quiet triumph. He straightened and returned to his chair. "Call it a calculated guess," he said, his tone casual. "But it seems I hit the mark."
Adam's mind raced. What does he mean? Is he lying? And why does he seem so sure of himself?
Core's expression turned somber as he folded his arms. "We've been trying to punish Rhea Nation for years. They've committed atrocities beyond imagination. You may not remember it, but your parents were citizens of this country—my country. They were stationed near our borders when Rhea Nation launched a surprise attack. Your parents were killed, and you were kidnapped."
Adam clenched his jaw, his disbelief evident. This man's lying. He has to be. But a small, unwelcome seed of doubt crept into his mind.
Feigning interest, Adam forced himself to engage. "You knew my parents?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Core's face brightened. "Yes," he said. "Your father was a dear friend. As soon as I saw you, I recognized you. The resemblance is uncanny."
Adam masked his skepticism, knowing he needed to play along. "What were they like?"
Core smiled, but there was something unsettling about it. "They were brave," he said, his voice softening. "Your father was a man of principles, and your mother was a beacon of hope for all of us."
Adam nodded, suppressing the urge to call Core a liar. He needed to gather as much information as possible before attempting to escape.
"Do you remember Falco City?" Core asked suddenly, his tone probing.
Adam frowned, the name ringing no bells. "No," he admitted.
"What about Geo Kingdom?"
Adam shook his head.
Core's eyes narrowed. "Flore Nation?"
Adam hesitated before answering. "Never heard of it."
Core stepped back and glanced at a corner of the room where a CCTV camera was mounted. He adjusted his cap, a subtle signal to someone watching from outside.
"Well," Core said, turning back to Adam with a smile. "That confirms it. You've truly forgotten everything."
Adam's mind buzzed with questions. What is this place? And who's watching us?
Core resumed his story, his tone serious. "You were a citizen of Flore Nation. Years ago, Rhea Nation abducted you after murdering your parents. We searched for you tirelessly but found nothing until recently. Our soldiers discovered you near Rhea's border."
Adam's memories flickered briefly. He recalled an attack on the train he was traveling on. "I remember a train," he admitted cautiously.
Core nodded. "That was us. We've been waging war against Rhea for years, but their army is massive. It's been impossible to gain the upper hand."
Adam's voice hardened. "So, what do you plan to do with me now?"
Core smiled faintly. "I've gone to great lengths to bring you here. There are many out there who'd rather see you dead or locked away in a lab. But I've ensured your safety."
Adam's suspicion grew. "Why would you protect me? I owe you nothing."
Core sighed, his expression weary. "Because you're one of us, whether you believe it or not. But it's not just up to me. You'll need to prove yourself."
Adam's throat tightened as he asked, "Prove myself how?"
Core leaned forward, his tone firm but not unkind. "You'll need to cooperate with us for some tests. Nothing invasive, I assure you."
Adam's eyes narrowed. Tests? So, that's their game. They want to use me.
Sensing Adam's hesitation, Core's added, "We don't have the resources for experiments like Rhea Nation. This is for your security as much as ours."
Adam exhaled deeply, his tension easing slightly. "Fine," he said reluctantly. "Do whatever you need to."
Core's face lit up with approval. "Good. That's the spirit I was hoping for."
The chapter ends with Adam sitting in silence, his thoughts swirling as he contemplates his next move.