Chapter 21

Upon reaching the camp, Revan headed to the healers’ quarters to have his injury examined. As for the rest of us, each went their own way.

"Iris, can you come to my office?" I heard Nayla’s voice through my Fairy, summoning me.

​I walked through the corridors and headed for the elevator to the first floor. Nothing had changed in these sterile, bright hallways. I turned, contemplating those rooms... I was born in one of them.

​I had truly forgotten the sensation of the stinging wires and the constant pressure on my head. I hope I remain oblivious to it forever.

​I passed through the laboratories, paying them little mind. I wondered why Nayla had called for me.

​"I’m here," I said upon reaching her office door.

​"You may enter." The door opened, and I stepped inside. I looked at her through the screen she was focused on. She looked up at me, then gestured for me to sit, and I did.

​"I have been reassigned from the Academy back to the Laboratory department," she spoke without preamble. This was the first time she had ever talked about herself with me.

​I nodded. She looked back at the screen and added: "Do you know the reason I was appointed to the Academy in the first place?"

​"Was it... to monitor me?" I spoke slowly, my voice betraying my hesitation.

​Nayla gave a faint smile, one devoid of her usual coldness. She leaned back, resting against her chair.

​"Correct. It was to supervise your surveillance and ensure you wouldn't pose a threat to the camp." She paused for a moment, then added, "I was the one responsible for supervising your transformation into a human, after all. So, I had to oversee my mission until the end. After your graduation, the Academy no longer had a need for me."

​"I see. So, you are no longer tasked with monitoring me?"

​"You aren't wrong. My mission as your observer has ended, Iris. You have been accepted as a soldier and have proven yourself as a fighter."

​I have proven myself... I swallowed hard, my fists tightening over my skirt. So, I had become competent as a fighter... and of use?

​"Are you familiar with the term Res Natura?" She brought up a new topic unexpectedly and answered it without waiting for a response. "It is a Latin term used in ancient philosophy."

​"And what does it mean?"

​"You already know that Nature is the physical world and Extension is the laws that govern it. We use the term 'The World' to describe the life that combines both. But it is strange how an ancient philosophical term describes their fusion more accurately."

​"Which is Res Natura," I completed her sentence, though I didn't yet grasp the point of her words.

​"Correct. Iris, I believe your fighting style in battle is the perfect example of this term. The union of your two powers is the interaction of matter and its laws within a single body."

​"Within a single body..." Repeating the words made them feel heavier than they should.

​"Yes. And because of that, much is expected of you as a soldier. Even those who once rejected your existence have begun to acknowledge your importance to the camp." She paused for a moment, the corners of her mouth lifting. "Good job, Iris."

​My eyes widened at those words; a lump formed in my throat. I smiled back at her and whispered through the emotion, "Thank you, Nayla."

​I left the office. My steps were light yet steady, a smile refusing to leave my face. I looked at my room as I entered it, still reflecting on everything that had happened this year... starting from people’s rejection of me to this moment, where I have become a soldier within a team.

​And I had gained... recognition of my existence.

​I turned to face the mirror. So much had changed, but what about me? I touched the cold surface of the glass with my fingertips, as if trying to pierce through that mysterious reflection. I was still searching for the answer... still lost in the distance between what people see and what I feel deep inside.

​My fingers trembled against the glass. Did this success come from 'me,' or from the human role I am playing?

​"Who am I...?"

​The monster who wants to be accepted by others, or the soldier who fights alongside her comrades? Or perhaps something in between.

​In the past, I only looked for a way to make people accept me—any way. I fought, I obeyed, I changed... just so I wouldn't be discarded. But now... I have friends like Arinas and Aden, and comrades I rely on like Axel, Revan, and Mirai. Nayla, who finally acknowledged me, and also... Darian.

​They all accept my presence.

​So, after being accepted, what exactly am I? I am no longer a monster mimicking humans; I am something much deeper. And perhaps... that in itself means I am truly living like any other human.

​A smile escaped my lips.

​"Iris, Revan, Axel. Remember to show up early for training tomorrow." Mirai’s order came through the Fairy without room for debate.

​The next day arrived. I stood before the entrance of the training hall. It wasn't the usual hall for trainees, but the one designated for soldiers. This made me realize my growth.

​The door opened automatically, and a massive hall unfolded before me. I stepped onto the light grey floor, which created a stark contrast with the black walls.

​"Iris, stop staring at the ceiling as if you're in a museum."

​Mirai’s voice came from the center of the hall. She was already there, beginning her warm-up exercises. Revan stood beside her. I walked toward them, noticing Axel wasn't there. Had he not come?

​"Yo." The door opened behind me, announcing Axel’s arrival.

​"Didn't you say you weren't coming?" Mirai mocked.

​"Shut up."

​"Alright, it’s good that you came. Let’s start the training now."

​Yes, there was no point in overthinking it now. I am who I am—Iris. My identity isn't defined by a specific mold; rather, the moments I spend with my comrades are what define me.

​I stepped forward firmly, approaching my team members. A smile washed over my features as we shared the training together.