Regroup

Wrex Stroggan’s upbringing was grounded in care and discipline. The only child of doting parents, he grew up in an environment of love and structure. His father, a figure of quiet strength, was his hero, instilling in him the importance of self-reliance and resilience. At the age of eleven, Wrex was sent to a disciplinary camp—a decision his father made to ensure his son grew up capable and adaptable. While Wrex obeyed without question, his mind often wandered, captivated by the wonders of his world: the towering technological marvels, the seamless systems of society, and the ever-present spark of progress. Yet, even as a child, he felt a strange dissonance, as though the perfect world he lived in was too polished to be real.

At the camp, Wrex excelled in his lessons, making a handful of close friends along the way. But his most vivid memories were of a girl his age, with medium-length black hair and an air of mystery that set her apart. She spoke in a way that fascinated him, sharing stories that were wise beyond their years. Her presence stirred something in Wrex, a yearning to understand the world on a deeper level. When she left the camp prematurely due to family issues, Wrex was left with only fleeting memories of their brief but impactful connection. Even now, her image would surface in his mind, unbidden and bittersweet, particularly when he looked at Loria. Her sharp features and enigmatic aura reminded him of that girl from his past, though he knew they couldn’t be the same.

As Wrex grew older, his curiosity deepened. The world, for all its shimmering perfection, felt hollow to him. He questioned the past, the tightly controlled present, and the future that seemed predetermined. His friends, those who shared his unease, planted the seeds of rebellion in his mind. The truth, they suggested, lay beyond the layers of surveillance and control, buried in the stories of Montlaif, Point Touch Zero, and the enigmatic True Residents.

Now, in the dimly lit common room, Wrex sat with Loria and Fozic, his thoughts a whirl of memories and the pressing present. Fozic, ever the center of attention, leaned forward, holding up a worn leather-bound book. His voice carried a note of excitement as he addressed the group.

“I’ve been waiting for the right moment to show you this,” Fozic began, his grin widening. “This book… it’s about the True Residents. And since your birthday’s coming up, Wrex, I thought it’d make the perfect gift.” He paused for effect before adding, “My special book about the True Resi—”

“The moment was earlier than I expected,” a new voice interrupted, smooth and self-assured. “But that’s fine too, I guess.”

The trio turned sharply to see a figure stepping into the room. Wrex’s eyes widened in recognition as a grin spread across his face.

“Rizor,” he said, his voice tinged with surprise and relief. “You always know how to make an entrance.”

Rizor shrugged, his easy demeanor masking the weight of his words. “Can’t let you have all the fun without me, can I?”

Wrex stepped forward, clasping Rizor’s hand. It had been years since they’d last seen each other, but Rizor’s presence felt both familiar and necessary, like a missing piece finally clicking into place.

Loria, however, remained cautious, her sharp gaze fixed on Rizor. “Who is he?” she asked, her tone clipped.

“An old friend,” Wrex replied, glancing back at her. “We go way back.”

“More than just friends,” Rizor added with a smirk. “I’ve got some history with the system you’re all so keen on dismantling. And, coincidentally, I’ve got some information you’ll need.”

The group gathered around as Rizor began to explain. “If you’re serious about reaching the True Residents’ territory, you’ll need to join the Lingering Forces. That’s the only way to get past the checkpoints and into the restricted zones.”

“The Lingering Forces?” Wrex repeated, his brow furrowed.

“They’re the elite,” Rizor explained. “And to join them, you’ll need a TSM license. That’s no easy feat on its own. But if you want to make it, you’ll also have to rank in the top twelve during the trials. Only then will you have a shot at being part of the raid.”

“The raid?” Loria asked, her tone skeptical.

“The Lingering Forces are planning a major operation,” Rizor continued. “The kind that could change everything. You want answers? You’ll find them there.”

The room fell into a tense silence as the weight of Rizor’s words sank in. Wrex felt a surge of determination. This was the path he’d been searching for, the chance to uncover the truth and challenge the system that had kept them all in the dark.

“Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us,” Wrex said finally. “But we’re in.”

As the group prepared to call it a night, Fozic lingered, his eyes fixed on Rizor. Something about him seemed to unsettle Fozic, though he hid it well. As Rizor turned to leave, Fozic muttered a strange word under his breath—a word that Wrex didn’t recognize.

Rizor froze, his body tensing for just a fraction of a second before continuing as if nothing had happened. But Wrex caught the flicker of recognition in Rizor’s eyes.

“What was that?” Wrex asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Nothing,” Fozic replied lightly, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Just thinking out loud.”

Loria narrowed her eyes but said nothing, her suspicion evident. Rizor, for his part, simply offered a parting smile.

“Goodnight,” he said, his tone deliberately casual.

As the three of them returned to their quarters, Wrex couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Rizor’s arrival—and Fozic’s reaction—than met the eye. The pieces were falling into place, but the picture they formed remained a mystery.

Upon lying in his bed,Wrex then remembered about the note he got,the messages,and he tried to put all those pieces into the puzzle.But shorly,he fell asleep,even though this was supposed to be their rest day.