The base

Aiden followed closely behind Reyna as they made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of the Reapers' base.

The walls were lined with guards at every turn, their eyes cold and unfeeling as they watched him pass.

Every room they walked by had a secure, card-locked door. Aiden noted everything, his mind working to memorize the layout, the security measures, and the possible escape routes, all while maintaining the façade of an obedient captive.

Reyna led him deeper into the base, her steps confident, and her presence commanding. Aiden could sense the authority she wielded here—she was second only to the leader of the Reapers.

As they walked, Reyna finally spoke, her voice cold and matter-of-fact. "This is your new reality, Aiden. You'd better start getting used to it. You're not in some academy where you're protected by rules and teachers. Here, only the strong survive, and the weak… well, they don't last long."