Biohive 81

Granny Leah's sharp eyes flicked toward him, her expression softening into a smile. "Come here, boy. Don't just linger like a shadow."

Nioh approached her, removing his cap as he stood before her. She studied him, her gaze both affectionate and piercing.

"You have got to stop telling them these fables," Nioh said as he walked over to help clean up.

Granny Leah chuckled softly, leaning on her cane. "You, of all people, should know that holding on to hope helps ease the pain. These kids are pitiful enough—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, her expression darkening. "But with the subvention reduced again, we might have to sell the grooming equipment to feed the kids next month."

Her voice softened as she caressed his face. "That child's condition is getting worse by the day. She 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, her gaze filled with a mix of pride and resignation. "I've taken care of you for a decade, Nioh. I know your character. You've always 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."

"But now 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 electro-bio-Mechanics, 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, bowing deeply to show his respect.

Granny Leah shook her head, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Just go, you unfilial child. Go wherever you need to. You'll always have a home here." She turned and calmly made her way back into her quarters.

--

Nioh stood there for a few moments, staring after her. Then, steeling himself, he walked toward the exit. He had been out of the Academy for the biocore awakening break, 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. "I've sent it to your communication device."

"Let's start now," Nioh replied, determination evident in his tone. He began jogging in the direction of the Academy, ready to take the next step in his journey.

Granny Leah's stories were always rooted in truth, though she added a dazzling flair for the amusement of the children.

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. It was a rare and extraordinary specimen classified as S-grade. Its ability was unique—it fostered and protected life within its perimeter, functioning 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 an energy strong enough to repel all but the powerful S-class foreign biocores, creating a haven of safety and stability in an otherwise chaotic world. However, Sanctuary's protective energy field had its limits, creating a boundary that shaped the structure and layout of the hive.

Over time, challenges such as space constraints and population control became pressing. To address these, each biohive was divided into two zones: the Inner City and the Outer City.

The Inner City lay at the heart of the hive, nestled closest to Sanctuary. It housed the elite and essential personnel who maintained the hive's critical functions. Protected directly by Sanctuary's core energy, the Inner City was a place of security and privilege, its architecture was sleek and meticulously designed to reflect humanity's aspirations.

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, places of both promise and peril.

The Outer City was a , chaotic blend of biology and machinery, BioMechanical structures rose high, their exteriors pulsing faintly with the organic energy of minor biocores embedded within. Futuristic yet deeply personal, the architecture reflected the struggles and aspirations of its inhabitants.

Homes were often small and modular, constructed from bioengineered materials that could be easily repaired. Vibrant bioluminescent vines crept along the walls, providing natural lighting that flowed with the day-night cycle of the hive.

Mechanized walkways and transport pods wove through the city like veins, bustling with activity. Marketplaces teemed with life, stalls displaying everything from bio-grown produce to salvaged Mechanical parts.

Despite its industrial efficiency, the Outer City retained a raw, unpolished charm. Bright murals painted by children adorned walls, telling stories of hope and survival.

--

"Who goes there?" called the guardian at the Academy entrance.

The man, a retired Vanguard Division veteran, was 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—a relic of his service.

"It's me!" Nioh replied, raising his hands in a gesture of harmlessness.

"Little Nioh? What happened? Did you awaken?" Cruz asked, his sharp eyes noting the subtle but 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 to test my abilities. Can you do me a favor and let me use the private training facilities?"

Cruz's jovial demeanor faltered. "Little Nioh, you know that's not allowed. The Academy is on break, and all the facilities are locked. Even with my army connections, I can't just go breaking the rules."

Nioh leaned in, lowering his voice. "How about this, Brother Vanguard: the university entrance exams are coming up. I'll calibrate your Mechanical arm for free and clean up afterward. If you don't tell, nobody will know."

Cruz hesitated, his Mechanical fingers flexing reflexively as he considered the offer. Sensing the crack in his resolve, Nioh pressed further. "I'll even upgrade the wiring," he added, his tone tempting.

Finally, Cruz sighed in defeat. "Fine. But if you get caught, I'll say you snuck in by yourself."

"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 understands the value of my craftsmanship.'

The truth was, 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.

"The only reason I'm agreeing is because your work is better than the atelier's," Cruz grumbled as he led Nioh toward one of the private training rooms. "You'd better do it right."

"I always do," Nioh replied confidently.

When they reached the room, Cruz pointed to the door. "I'll pick you up in two weeks," he said, stepping back. He shut the door behind him, leaving Nioh alone in the spacious, state-of-the-art training facility.

"I thought he was never going to leave," Nioh muttered, taking in the room's wide expanse and specialized equipment.