Granny Leah's sharp eyes flicked toward him before her expression softened into a smile. "Come here, boy. Don't just linger like a shadow."
Nioh approached her while removing his cap respectfully. He stood before her as she studied him. Her gaze interchanges between affectionate and piercing.
"You have got to stop telling them these fables," Nioh said breaking the stalemate while bending over to clean up.
Granny Leah chuckled softly as she leaned on her cane. "You of all people, should know that holding on to hope helps ease the pain. These kids are pitiful enough that we don't need to crush their dreams completely. And with the way things are going, I probably won't live long enough to see them grow. I might as well leave them with some good memories."
She pushed herself upright with her cane, studying him closely again. "You've grown taller. Looks like you're not eating well at the Academy. And your hair—it's too long. Next week, I'll give you a proper cut." She paused as her expression darkened. "But with the subvention fees being reduced again, we might have to sell the grooming equipment to feed the kids next month."
Her voice softened as she caressed his face. "Your condition is getting worse by the day. You might pass away before I do. This world is so cruel…" Her voice trailed off as she turned away.
"Aren't you going to ask?" Nioh interrupted, his tone steady.
Granny Leah sighed, tapping her cane against the ground. "Would it change anything? When I begged you not to join a military school, you disobeyed me anyway. I suppose it's your destiny."
She turned to face him again "I've taken care of you for a decade, Nioh. I know your character. You've always looked like you carried the weight of the world on your shoulders. I never questioned you about your origins because I was afraid you'd feel disappointed—that your body couldn't keep up with your ambitions."
"You always acted like you were on a timer. But now It seems like you've found a way. I've taught you everything I know, and you're my only successor in this world. Even though you loved biomechanics, your eyes never lit up as much as they did when you studied biocores. It was only a matter of time before you chose this path."
"I'm sorry…" Nioh said while bowing deeply to show his respect.
Granny Leah shook her head and a faint smile graced her lips. " A mother just wants to protect her child. Just go, you unfilial child. Go wherever you need to. Do whatever you need to do. Do it brilliantly, do it without restrains. I know you are not worse than all those punks they show on my screens…" She turned and calmly made her way back into her quarters.
Nioh stood there for a few moments staring after her. Then after steeling himself, he walked toward the exit. He had been out of the Academy for the biocore awakening surgery. With two weeks left before classes began, he intended to make the most of them.
"The plan has been curated," Ekoh's voice broke the silence, resonating in his mind. "Are you sure it is kayo to leave? Her words sounded like a goodbye."
"It will be fine. This place will always be home." Nioh replied as he stepped out with determination evident in his tone.
He began jogging in the direction of the Academy, ready to take the next step in his journey.
--
Although she added a dazzling flair for the amusement of the children Granny Leah's stories were always rooted in the truth.
Nioh lived in Biohive 81, the latest addition to humanity's expanding network of refuges across the planet.
Biohives were monumental constructs, centered around a single biocore named Sanctuary. Sanctuary was a rare and extraordinary specimen classified as S-grade. Its belonged to the nonaggressive branch of biocores and Its ability was unique. It fostered and protected life within its perimeter of action. It functioned like an enormous greenhouse shielding its inhabitants from external threats.
Unlike synthetic biocores, Sanctuary was a naturally occurring biocore that could only be formed through the hatching of another Sanctuary. It radiated pheromones strong enough to repel most biocores exert the powerful S-class foreign biocores. Thus creating a haven of safety and stability in an otherwise chaotic world.
The drawback is Sanctuary's protective pheromones field had its limits, resulting in the creation of a boundary that shaped the structure and the layout of the biohive.
Over time, challenges such as space constraints and population control became pressing. And to address these issues each biohive was divided into two zones: the Inner City and the Outer City.
The Inner City lay at the heart of the BioHive and was nestled closest to Sanctuary. It housed the elite and essential personnel who maintained the hive's critical functions.
While protecting them directly with Sanctuary's core pheromones. The Inner City was a place of security and privilege a place Nioh never stepped into.
In stark contrast, the Outer City spread along the fringes of Sanctuary's protective perimeter. While it still benefited from the biocore's shielding energy, its location made it more vulnerable to external threats—particularly the relentless attacks from Feral biocores. This was where the orphanage and the Academy were located.
The Outer City was a chaotic blend of biology and machinery. You could see biomechanical structures rise high, with the exteriors pulsing faintly with the organic energy of minor biocores embedded within.
The architecture reflected the struggles and aspirations of its inhabitants, futuristic yet personal. The homes were often small and modular, constructed from bioengineered materials resistant to minor earthquakes and high temperatures. And materials that could be easily repaired.
Sometimes, vibrant bio-luminescent vines crept along the walls, providing natural lighting that flowed with the day-night cycle of the biohive.
Some mechanized walkways and transport pods wove through the city like veins. Marketplaces were filled with stalls displaying everything from home-grown produce to salvaged Mechanical parts and forbidden biocores.
Despite its industrial efficiency, the Outer City retained a raw, unpolished charm telling stories of hope and survival.
--
"Who goes there?" called the guardian at the Academy entrance.
The man very well known to Nioh was a retired Vanguard Division veteran known as Cruz; though everyone affectionately called him "Brother Vanguard.".
Cruz never missed a chance to brag about his military past, especially since he'd replaced his injured right arm with a mechanical hand as a relic for his service. In this part of the world, having mechanical limbs was considered an honor. It was a proof of duty and survival.
"It's me!" Nioh replied, raising his hands in a gesture of harmlessness.
"Little Nioh? What happened? Did you awaken?" Cruz asked because his sharp eyes noted the undeniable physical changes in the boy.
"Yes! I did, just yesterday," Nioh confirmed.
"Haha! Congratulations! Back when I awakened, I shot up two heads taller in no time. You're still a bit behind me, though. You know, in the army—"
"Brother Vanguard," Nioh interrupted before Cruz could launch into one of his trademark stories. "I just got back, and I need the money for the last time I tweaked your mechanical arm"
Cruz's jovial demeanor faltered. "Little Nioh, You know times are hard. Things with your aunt at home are …"
"How about you provide me, with the vanguard recruiting method, and training regiment?" Nioh interrupted putting more pressure on the veteran.
"Little Nioh, you know that's not allowed. The Academy is on break, even with my army connections, I can't just go breaking the rules." the old man replied.
Nioh leaned in while lowering his voice. "How about this, Brother Vanguard: the university entrance exams are coming up. You owe me, a thousand credits I will exchange it for secret information."
Cruz hesitated, his Mechanical fingers flexing reflexively as he considered the offer. Sensing the crack in his resolve, Nioh pressed further. "I'll, not mention it to anyone. After this, we can forget the debt" he added, his tone tempting.
Finally, Cruz sighed in defeat. "Fine. But if you get caught. It I will deny any involvement"
"Thank you, Brother Vanguard!"
'He's very easy to bribe,' came Ekoh's sardonic comment in Nioh's mind.
'He's not easy to bribe,' Nioh retorted silently. 'He just hopes I die during the exams so he doesn't have to worry about paying back his debt.'
The truth was that Nioh's unparalleled talent in biomechanics had earned him a spot at the Academy despite his very lacking physique.
Over time, he'd gained a reputation for fine-tuning Mechanical parts, both for classmates and staff members like Cruz. He often offered his service in exchange for favors.
"The only reason I'm agreeing is that your work is better than the atelier's," Cruz grumbled as he led Nioh toward one of the private military control rooms.
"I know," Nioh replied confidently.
When they reached the room, Cruz pointed to the door. "I'll pick you up in two hours," he said, stepping back. He shut the door behind him, leaving Nioh alone in the spacious, control room.
"I thought he was never going to leave. Let's get into hacking." Nioh muttered before taking in the room's wide expanse and specialized equipment.