[123] Kiriya's past (4)

In the days that followed, Ren sank deeper into his obsession—creating more experimental tech like high-speed glider drones and miniature electromagnetic bombs. He tested them in remote, hidden locations. At first, Kiriya thought it was just another phase of Ren's usual madness—but as they entered high school and responsibility matured, so did his concerns.

"We're playing in illegal territory. If this leaks, it could be really dangerous," Kiriya muttered one night as they sat on the cold floor of Ren's underground lab.

One day, it nearly did leak.

A massive storm hit the coastal waters. A small fishing boat capsized, and a man was thrown into the sea, nearly drowning. Ren, who happened to be flying above in stealth mode, immediately took action. Deploying a rescue drone from his armor, he retrieved the fisherman and hauled him to safety in seconds.