TRUTH WE CAN'T HEAR

After hours of traversing through the treacherous terrain, the group finally reached their destination—an isolated underground bunker hidden beneath layers of rock and metal. The entrance was sealed with a reinforced steel door, secured by an advanced biometric lock. Dain stepped forward, using a device to override the security. A hiss of pressurized air escaped as the door slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor leading into the heart of the bunker.

At the end of the hallway stood a lone figure, her sharp gaze fixated on the intruders. Dr. Moreau.

She was a woman of formidable presence, her silver hair tied back in a strict ponytail, piercing green eyes reflecting an intelligence that surpassed most. She didn't appear frightened—only wary.

Ryan Jim stepped forward. "Dr. Moreau, we've come to bring you to safety."

She didn't move. "Who are you people?"

Ryan straightened his posture. "We are from the Goodie Hunters. Sir Manav, our country's president, sent us to bring you to our facility. You'll be working alongside the other two greatest scientists in the world, Dr. Solis and Dr. Voss, to cure the virus and save humanity."

Dr. Moreau's lips parted slightly at the mention of the other scientists, but then her expression hardened. "No."

The refusal struck like a whip. The entire group was taken aback.

Ryan Jim stepped closer. "Dr. Moreau, this virus is wiping out civilizations. You are the only one who can complete the research that was started. We need you."

Dr. Moreau crossed her arms. "You think I don't know that? You think I don't understand what's at stake?" She exhaled, rubbing her temples. "But you don't understand what you're asking of me."

Liora stepped in. "We do. And we know it's risky, but millions of lives are depending on you."

For what felt like an eternity, Dr. Moreau remained silent, studying their desperate faces. Finally, she let out a bitter chuckle.

"You all admire Manav, don't you?"

Ryan Jim blinked at the sudden shift in the conversation. "What do you mean?"

Dr. Moreau's voice lowered, becoming almost ominous. "Before I agree… let me tell you the truth about Manav."

The room went eerily silent. Everyone's breath hitched.

And then she spoke.

(But the truth is not revealed to the audience.)

The team's faces drained of color as they listened. Their eyes widened, their bodies stiffened, and a suffocating heaviness filled the room. Dain's hands clenched into fists, Liora took a step back, and even Ryan Jim—the warrior who stood against Erythros without flinching—looked as if he had just been struck by a force greater than any physical blow.

Dr. Moreau let the silence drag on before she spoke again. "Now, do you still want me to come with you?"

No one responded. They were too shaken.

Finally, Ryan Jim exhaled, steadying himself. "…Yes."

Dr. Moreau studied their reactions one last time, then gave a slow nod. "Fine. I'll go."

---

The journey back to Goodie Hunters was filled with an unspoken tension. No one said a word about what they had learned. Not a single person dared to voice what was now embedded in their minds.

Upon arrival, Dr. Moreau was immediately escorted to the lab, where she would begin her work alongside Dr. Solis and Dr. Voss. The fate of humanity now rested in their hands.

Meanwhile, in the grand dining hall of Goodie Hunters, a quiet atmosphere loomed over the room. At the center of the table sat Priya, her calm demeanor unwavering. Across from her sat the man himself—Manav.

The heavy doors creaked open, and the commanders who had just returned from the mission stepped inside. Without hesitation, they moved in unison, dropping to one knee before him, bowing their heads.

"Sir, you're great."

The words echoed in the vast hall, but Manav's reaction was empty. He merely stared at them, no emotion crossing his face. Not even the faintest glimmer of pride or satisfaction. Just an unreadable, neutral gaze.

Then, after a moment of suffocating silence, he uttered a single word:

"Disassemble."

The commanders hesitated for half a second, then swiftly stood and left the room without another word.

Priya, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, studied Manav carefully. His expression remained unreadable, but she knew something had shifted.

She just didn't know what.