"Kentaro."
A strangely familiar voice echoed through the darkness.
"Kentaro."
Again. The same sound, soft yet unsettling.
"What… what is this? Who's calling my name?" Kentaro muttered, eyes darting around the endless void.
Then again —
"Kentaro… hehe."
His pulse quickened. "Is… is that you?" he shouted into the dark.
And suddenly—
Kentaro opened his eyes. He found himself floating in a strange, empty place. He didn't know where he was, but somehow, a strange calm sat over him, like the void itself was swallowing his fear. He drifted deeper… and deeper.
"Am I dreaming again?" he whispered, closing his eyes.
---
Fwsssh.
The world around him twisted.
"Eh? Where am I?" he muttered.
He was now lying on the ground. His hands — soaked in blood. The metallic smell filled his lungs. Before he could move, someone wrapped their arms around his head.
"I'm sorry, Kentaro…" a trembling voice whispered beside his ear.
He froze.
"Eh? Sorry? Sorry for what? What's going on?"
He tried to move — nothing. His limbs refused to obey. Panic flooded his chest.
"Hey! What's happening? I can't move or speak!"
The figure above him shook, their tears falling onto his face.
"It's my fault… I'm so sorry, Kentaro… it's all my fault this happened…"
His heart hammered against his ribs. "Stop— stop saying that! What are you talking about!?"
The voice cracked.
"Ken—"
PICHAAK!
Blood splattered across his face. His heartbeat stopped.
And in that instant—
Kentaro snapped awake.
He shot upright in bed, gasping for air. Sweat ran down his face as he pressed a trembling hand against his chest. His heart still pounded like a war drum.
"What… the hell was that…"
The room around him smelled like disinfectant — a mix of medicine and phenyl. He glanced around; the dim light barely revealed stacks of medical equipment. A small monitor beeped quietly beside him.
Across the room, a woman in a white coat sat typing on a computer.
"Oh, you're finally awake," she said, not even turning her head.
Kentaro didn't answer. He was still dazed, collecting his thoughts.
"How long… was I out?" he asked quietly.
"Twelve hours," she replied calmly.
He exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
"Lily and Kyler will be here soon," she said, breaking the silence.
Kentaro didn't respond — just lay back down, staring at the ceiling.
"Why did I pass out?" he asked finally.
"You're really asking that?" she said, turning her chair slightly.
"You performed seven surgeries — on yourself. What did you expect? To become immortal?"
He blinked. "Wait… how do you know I did them all myself?"
She smirked. "I'm a doctor. I can tell who performed what. The way your skin was cut — that's not how a professional surgeon works."
He looked away, voice low. "Still doesn't mean I should've passed out that long."
"Oh, but you should have. After that many self-surgeries, your body's weak and fragile. One wrong move, and you'd be good as dead."
Kentaro clenched his fists. Deep down, he knew she was right.
The woman stood up, flicking on the lights.
She was tall — long black hair, pale skin, a black shirt with the top few buttons undone, and round glasses framing her tired eyes. Despite the dark circles, her gaze was razor-sharp.
"Your muscles are swollen, your nerves overstressed," she said, stepping closer. "Your body's trying to keep up with your mind… and losing."
Before Kentaro could respond, the door opened.
Lily and General Kyler walked in.
The woman — Rika — adjusted her glasses and muttered, "You shouldn't push him so soon."
Kentaro straightened up immediately, regaining composure.
"How are you feeling now?" Lily asked softly.
"I'm fine," he replied, trying to sound convincing.
Kyler's tone was colder. "Still ready for the surgery, I assume?"
Kentaro opened his mouth —
"Sorry, but my patient isn't ready for any surgery yet," Rika interrupted sharply.
Kentaro blinked — he didn't expect her to step in.
"And what makes you so sure, Miss Rika?" Kyler challenged.
"First — his body's still unstable. Second — I'm the one performing the surgery. So it's my call, isn't it?"
Her tone sliced through the room. Kyler stared for a few seconds, then sighed.
"Fine. Rest well, Kentaro."
He turned and left, Lily following close behind.
"Bye, Kentaro!" Lily called before the door closed.
Kentaro looked at Rika. "Why'd you step in like that?"
"It's just—"
"Papa!!"
A small voice echoed from the doorway.
Mira ran toward him, eyes gleaming. The old man followed behind her, trying to catch up.
Kentaro smiled faintly as she jumped onto his lap, hugging him tight.
"I missed you so much," she mumbled.
The old man crossed his arms. "And what were you doing all this time, you punk?"
Kentaro chuckled weakly. "I'm sorry for making you worry."
The old man froze, clearly not expecting that answer.
Rika smiled faintly. "Visiting hours are over. Let the patient rest — come tomorrow."
Mira hopped off the bed, holding the old man's hand.
"Good night, Papa! See you tomorrow!"
"Good night, kiddo. Be good, okay? Don't give Grandpa trouble."
"Yeeeh!" she grinned, waving as they left.
"Hey—" Kentaro started.
"No more questions," Rika said, switching off the lights. "Sleep."
Kentaro sighed. With no choice left, he finally closed his eyes and drifted back into uneasy sleep.
---
Meanwhile, inside Krishima's laboratory…
"How long do we keep this a secret?" Krishima asked, staring at the glowing test tube before him.
"According to the plan — eight months," replied a woman beside him, wearing a black military uniform.
"Eight months?" He sighed. "That's too long, Commander Haley."
She stayed silent.
Krishima smirked, his reflection gleaming off the glass.
"Fine. We execute in four. Prepare everything."
Haley's eyes narrowed. "As you command… Compound S will be globally introduced in four months."