ARRIVAL AT THE ISLAND

OLAMILEKAN

The van rumbled to a stop as we reached the port. I looked out through the bulletproof window, my gaze landing on a massive harbor bathed in the weak light of dim floodlights. Several other black vans, just like ours, were in line along with a massive ship with the letters 'NSDA' painted down its side. The wind was scented with saltwater, and waves crashed in regular cadence against the piers, casting an eerie atmosphere under the moonlit sky.

Joshua and I stepped out, our legs stiff from the long drive. Other awakeners—like us—gathered around us, emerging from their cars, as confused as we were. Some exchanged nervous glances, while others straightened their cuffs, a reminder that we were still under strict command. At the end of the dock, a lanky man wearing a dark green soldier's uniform stood with his arms crossed behind his back, his stance firm and unrelenting. His face was blank as his keen eyes swept the group.

"Follow me," he commanded, his deep voice ringing over the waves. No greeting, no introduction—just a command.

We went as we were instructed, moving in a well-ordered line towards the massive vessel. It wasn't like a normal cruise ship at all; its metal body was plated with heavy armor plating, and mechanized turrets sat at each corner. This was more than a mode of transportation—it was a waterborne fortress.

---

The journey lasted for days, with nothing but water in every direction. The ship's lower deck housed our dormitories, each of us assigned a small room with bunk beds. Most of us kept to ourselves, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on us.

It was nighttime when we actually reached our destination. The ship dropped anchor on a secluded island, its beach ringed by dense forests that stretched beyond my line of sight. The island wasn't on any map that I knew—that much was certain. Secluded, hidden, perfect for whatever the NSDA had planned to do to us.

Waiting at the dock was the same harbor man. When we were stepping off, he stepped out and said, "Welcome to your new home. Come with me."

The island was icy in its beauty. Trees bent lazily in the wind, and the air was purer than anything I'd ever breathed. Huge metallic buildings with mirror-like reflective surfaces stood sparsely on the ground, connected by roads. Surveillance drones hummed overhead silently, red blinking lights chronicling each move.

As we traveled deeper into the island, we marched over multiple training areas—each one massive, featuring holographic dummies and various guns. Some featured metal poles protruding from the ground, shooting out electricity, and others were hollow, probably used for hand fights.

We eventually arrived at a dormitory—four stories, reinforced steel. The man halted at the door. "This is your quarters. All you need has been taken care of. Lights out at 10 PM. Wake-up call at 5 AM. Training immediately afterward."

And with that, he turned around and headed off, leaving us standing at the door.

Joshua and I found the room we were to stay in on the second floor. It was simple, but cozy—two beds, small wardrobe, desk, and an en-suite bathroom.

"Go ahead of me," Joshua said, dropping his bag on his bed.

I did not complain. The warm water was comforting against my skin, washing away the exhaustion of the past few days. By the time Joshua finished his turn, I was already in bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Everything's changed, huh?" Joshua grumbled, breaking the silence.

I turned my head to view him. "Yeah… and it's only just starting."

He sighed. "Do you think they'll ever let us go home?"

I hesitated before I replied. "I don't know."

There was a few minutes' silence before Joshua grinned and turned around to face me. "Missing your girlfriend?"

I almost choked. "Temi is not my girlfriend!"

Joshua laughed so much. "You say so, but your face says otherwise."

I rolled over, placing my pillow on my face. "We're friends."

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

We continued talking, our conversation shifting from banter to gossip on our training. Fatigue soon caught up with us, and we both dozed off.

---

A loud bell shattered the peaceful silence, jolting me awake. I jumped out of bed with a startled gasp as Joshua muttered in frustration.

"Five o'clock in the morning? Are they mad?" he moaned, pinching his eyes.

We hauled ourselves out of bed and had showers. Our issued black-blue tracksuits proved very comfortable. They were lightweight yet sturdy, with a tiny number tag sewn onto the left-hand side of our chests—'0214' for me, '0215' for Joshua.

The moment we stepped out of our dorm, we saw a line of other awakeners, all wearing the same uniform, marching towards a ginormous hall.

Inside the hall, it was enormous, with its ceiling so high that it looked as if looking into the heavens. A stage was set at the middle, with a huge screen at the back of it. We were queued in hundreds, waiting. The atmosphere was charged with tension.

Then the same guy from before entered. As soon as he climbed onto the podium, everyone was quiet.

"You are here because you are special," he began. "You are here because you are dangerous. The world is afraid of what it cannot control, and you, all of you, are uncontrollable."

His gaze swept over us. "This compound exists to demonstrate control, discipline, and the boundaries of your capabilities. You have some raw power but no control. Others are still learning their potential. Here, you will be trained, tested, and—if deserving—you will be the ones to protect this world when trouble arises."

There were grumblings in the room, but he raised a hand, and silence fell.

"You will be sorted into four groups based on ability, combat potential, and compatibility. When I call your name, step forward."

Names were called, and one by one, people were divided.

When I was called at last, I stood up and joined the group into which I had been sorted. Joshua's was called shortly afterwards—but he had been placed in another group. We glanced at each other, but nothing was spoken.

After we were sorted, we were led to our respective classrooms. The moment I entered, I noticed a man standing in the front. He was in an army uniform, his face impassive. Just his appearance was threatening.

When he cast his eyes across the room, his lips twisted into a snarl. "Welcome," he stated, his voice low and commanding. "You all belong to me from now on.".

The room fell silent.

I felt as though things were going to become a whole lot more difficult here.