I didn't have anything. No parents, no family and not even any caretaker. No one cared about me. I was all alone, without anything I could ever call ‘home’. But still, I wanted to survive.

So, when these man came to take me, I didn't resist. Believing their words that I would have a better life with them. Thinking that the opportunity they gave me was the best one. Hoping that my misfortune would finally change.

However, I should have known. Life never goes as planned.

Reality is harsh.

And my biggest regret was my own naivety at the time.

◇

Year ???? Achille: 7 years old

“Alright, maggots.” A man in a lab coat pronounced. “Time to begin the experiments.”

I gave the talking researcher a sideway glance. I was attached to what seemed like a hospital bed. My two feet and hands as well as my neck were tied up tightly to ensure that I wouldn't move.

The thing is, I didn't understand at all about anything that was happening. Immediately after I was brought here, they took and placed me in this place. No explication was given to me nor to any of us.

To be specific, nine other kids, around my age, were brought along with me. And unfortunately, they were given the same treatment as me without any warning.

My thoughts continued running on for a while. I knew something was fishy, but it wasn't like I could do anything. I just hoped things would go well for once.

On cue with these thoughts, the bed I was placed on was moved and inserted in a tube like thing. It smelled weird and was a little too small for my taste. My frame wasn't too big but I knew I wouldn't be able to move well in this sorts of space.

Given, of course, that they were going to release my hold. Which wasn't likely, too. From the earlier words, it's easy to guess that they're going to do some experiments on us. I don't know what kind, though.

Thinking about it, perhaps I wouldn't understand even if they did explain it to me. In their eyes, I was probably just some dumb kids. And they are right. I particularly know that I'm not smart. After all, I didn't have the chance to go to school.

But here again, if they're going to do some weird things to our body, shouldn't they at least talk to us about it? It doesn't have to be a complicated explication, I just want to know their objective and if there are any potential side effect to it.

I should have the right to refuse if I don't like it, no?

“Launch the operation.” The previous man ordered.

At the same time, bright light entered my vision. It wasn't enough to make me blink but it was still a little painful to look at.

A bad feeling ran down my spine as if answering my previous question. I had my suspicions about these people. They looked shady, and this thing they are going to do to us was probably bad too.

Nonetheless, I still wanted to believe that this was for the greater good. I still want to think that this will change my future for the better.

“Inject the substance.”

A naive way of thinking, you say? You're totally right.

From this day on, my life changed from difficult to straight up hellish mode.

A smoke like thing entered inside the tube I was in. I didn't know what it was and in fact I didn't even see it. If not for the sensation on my skin, I would have probably missed it. It didn't have any smell and seemed like to be normal air.

However, something inside me felt like it was wrong. I didn't know why but I was sure of it. The invisible smoke like thing that seemed to envelope my entire being was different.

It was different from everything I had ever known.

'This' doesn't belong to this world.

As soon as I came to that realization, my body tensed up. My blood vessel stiffened and showed themselves on my skin. Something was torning me apart.

“Ughh!” Slowly, I couldn't contain my voice anymore. “AHHHHHHHHH!!!!”

A deafening scream that didn't seem to be mine, came out from my throat. Blood was oozing out from my eyes. I couldn't see anything. My entire surrounding blurred, and then blackened.

The pain was unbearable. Something was modifying my body from the inside. And believe me, it was extremely painful. My consciousness barely resisted and before long, I couldn't think anymore.

◇

“Well, this is complete shit.” A male researcher, Adonis Offman, uttered. “How many survived again?”

“Only three, sir.” Another person, who seemed to be his assistant, responded.

“Tsk. Damnit.” With a cold tone, the man cursed again. “But I guess it's better than nothing.”

A deep frown on his face, he took three sheet of paper from his table. Each one of them contained information about the three survivor.

‘....

Name: Achille Dome

Gender: Male

Ages: 7

...’

‘...

Name: John Galliano

Gender: Male

Age: 7

...’

‘...

Name: Serena Wellan

Gender: Female

Age: 9

...’

“Even with the singularity of healing, we can only reach this much, huh.” Adonis sighed a little disappointed.

All in all, however, the results could be considered satisfying. In the first place, not that many hopes have been placed into this experiments. In fact, this one was more akin to a test than an experiments.

The objective they sought was a difficult one. As such, it was only logic that they would follow any lead that was placed before them. And this operation was one of its result.

The process was simple. It wasn't too time consuming and didn't need that much money. In short, they had the possibility to do it, so they did.

If the experiments itself was to be summarized, it would go like this.

‘Inject a lethal dose of ■■ inside a person and observe the reaction’. Of course, a lethal dose means that the target will die as a consequence, which wasn't exactly what they hoped for. So, in order to avoid such outcome, they had opted for the use of a singularity.

A healing one and the most powerful of its kind to boot. Unfortunately, 7 or, statistically, 70% of the guinea pig still ended up dying.

“Meaning that we'll have to search for other way.” Adonis, concluded. “Before that, though, we need to check the survivor.”

◇

Pitch black.

As soon as I woke up, that was all I could see. It wasn't that the room was dark or that I kept my eyes shut. It was just that I couldn't see anything. No matter what I did, everything was just black.

I became blind.

How?

What did they do to me?

“Welp, this one is blind isn't he?” The voice of a man entered my ears. “What a waste. I guess this really is an ineffective experiment. Gotta put this in my report.”

...eh?

‘Is this,’ Horror slowly filled my eyes. ‘some kind of joke?’

What's going to happen to me?

◇

Year ???? Achille: 9 years old

“No.01.” A voice called out to me and I looked up. “It's time.”

Of course, I couldn't see anyone. In fact, I didn't even know where I was. Over the years I gained a little awareness of my surrounding but that was all. If you were to ask me to describe my current room, I wouldn't know what to say.

Everything was just black.

Though, right now, I guess it was better that way.

Shaking off my thoughts, I stood up. Following my sense of earing I advanced to the man who talked to me. Seeing my action, the person probably nodded and marched forward.

I could hear his footstep going further away so I hastened my pace. I was just like a dog obeying to its master. But, what could I do? This was now my reality. If I disobeyed, I would be killed on the spot.

And I don't want to die.

So I have to comply. Simple, right?

That aside, it seemed today's experiment was a little different from the usual. As a reference, I would normally be attached to a bed and be injected all sort of thing (generally painful) or be put to do different kind of test (which was painful too).

Well, in short, I was a guinea pig.

Exceptionally, however, they said that I didn't need to be one today. It seemed that they had something else in mind for me to do. And for once, I knew the reason why.

A few days ago, I had awakened to a supernatural power. ‘A singularity’ or so they had called it. I could generate some electric sparks on my hand. It didn't amount that much, though. The most I could do was shock someone a little. But I guess this is still something for the researcher.

Hopefully, I could have it easy today—or not. I wasn't that naive anymore. Nothing good ever happened to me here and that wouldn't change.

“Stop.” The man said putting his hand on my face to halt me. “You'll stay here and wait for our orders.”

After leaving those words, I could hear the man going away. Then, surprisingly, I heard another footstep from in front of me. It was light compared to the earlier sound so it was probably a kid.

Just like me.

I guess that means I wasn't the only one suffering, huh. This somehow makes me feel a little.... better. I know I shouldn't. Nonetheless, knowing that my situation wasn't unique makes me feel strangely relieved.

I don't really know how to explain this feeling. Still, I think it's bad for me to think this way. Not that it did matters.

My feelings are hardly of any relevance anymore.

“Okay, No.01 and No.02, listen carefully.” The deep voice of a man sounded through a speaker. “The two of you have now awakened to your singularity. However, they are uselessly weak. Of course, given five to six years, they would probably grow stronger. But, as you may have guessed, I don't have that much time to give to you.”

The man continued his explanation.

All throughout, an ominous sensation crept up my spine. I knew for sure that I didn't want to hear his next words.

“So, here's what we're gonna do. According to statistics, an Elite's power evolves exponentially in life and death situation. And we're verifying that now. Only one of you is going out of that piece alive.”

See? Nothing ever take a happy turn for me.

“Use everything you have inside of you to give us a satisfactory result. And, begin!”

The voice of the man cut out. Silence regained the room and I clenched my fist.

They were asking me to kill someone. I had never done that before. I didn't want to do that, too.

I mean, that's a capital crime, right? If I do that, wouldn't I go to jail?

The sound of someone running at me cut me out of my thought. A little stunned, I reflexively took a step back.

“I'm sorry.” I heard the voice of a kid.

Then, without warning, pain assaulted my belly. A fist had slammed into it. The one called No.02 probably did it. Not wasting his time, he continued by punching my face. Two times. No, probably more.

I could already feel the blood coming out of my nose. It hurts. One would probably think I would be used to that by now, but that wasn't the case. Pain was still pain. I don't think I'll ever be used to it.

However, that wasn't important, right now. I was being beaten to death. I couldn't see my attacker's face, obviously, yet I could still feel his desperation through his punch. It was evident he didn't want to die.

I guess there really is no choice, then. Like I had said earlier, I wasn't naive anymore. Of course, I knew that this place was worse than prison. I just wanted an excuse that would help me maintain my reason.

It's true that I don't want to kill someone after all.

Unfortunately, I wanted to live even more.

So, there really is no other choice. I have to comply to the order.

◇

I don't know what happened after that. I can't remember it—no, in fact, I don't want to remember it. All I know is that when I came to, the feeling of blood filled my hands. Static electricity coursed through my body and I felt nauseated.

I was blind so I couldn't see anything besides black. However, for the first time in two years, the color of red, of blood, vividly plagued my mind. I could hardly breath, not because of my extern wound, but because of my own action.

I... just killed someone.

For the sake of my own pitiful life, I had done the worst thing a human could ever do. I robbed this child's future. And the worst part? I don't regret it. I probably would do the same thing if this was to happen again. I... can't not do it. I need to survive.

I want to survive.

“Aren't I just the worst?” My voice finally leaked out of my throat. It felt so alien, like it didn't belong to me. I think that was the first time I had spoken in that place. Besides scream, I never really did open my mouth.

I was afraid, after all. Afraid of these people's wrath. Afraid to worsen my own situation. Afraid of.... dying.

I can't do anything by myself. At the rate it was going, I was destined to be a dog for the rest of my life. But, the simple thought of rebelling terrified me. I am a coward. That's why, I can never totally get rid of my naivety.

I had claimed I did, which was an obvious lie. I just wanted to try to convince myself. Yet, even that didn't work. After all, I can't help but still hope.

Hope that someday, someone out there was going to rescue me. Hope that, my fate wasn't going to end like this. Hope that I'll have my happy ending.

I know those wouldn't happen. Still...!

“Somebody, please!!” I desperately shouted with all my force. “Help me.”

And, as expected, no one heard me.

◇

Year ???? Achille: ?? Years old

Years passed after that. I don't know how much, though. In fact, I doubt I know anything anymore. My memory worked less and less these days. I don't even remember what I ate today—No, I don't remember anything from these past few months.

I just followed the order given to me, trying my best to survive. If I was asked to be a guinea pig, I would do so. If I was asked to kill someone, I would do so. If I was asked to kidnap someone, I would do so.

Quite the fine dog, wouldn't you say?

This was my life now and as surprising as it may be, I still didn't want to give up on it. Honestly, if I had wanted otherwise, I would already be dead by now. All I needed to do was to blunder in a mission or just outrightly rebel against this organization and it would be over for me.

In a sense, dying was the easiest way for me. However, and I'm surprised to say this, I decided to take the hard path. Becoming a sort of 'villain' was the natural consequences. A puppet, could also be another, more appropriate term for it.

Well, in short, I couldn't have a peaceful life anymore.

“Wow. No.01 I'm surprised you're still alive.” A man called out to me...perhaps. I don't know. It seems my ears didn't work properly too.

Among the inaudible word of the man, I could somehow make out the most important thing. I was given a name, a location and an order to kill. And those were amply enough. I was in a trance after that, but I had the feeling I was heading to where I was tasked to.

Only after arriving did I get some sense of self. And surprisingly, my ears also decided to work again. From the sound of the footstep approaching, I deduced that my target this time was... a girl. A young one at that.

Poor kid. Unfortunately, I couldn't give pity anymore. This already happened many times after all. Maybe a dozen, no perhaps even around twenty times. I had killed that much people.

“Who are you?” She asked me.

I wonder. No.01 was how I was called but I don't think that's my real name. No matter. That is of no relevance. I just need to follow the orders.

I reached out for my singularity and coiled it around my hand. Sparks burst out and I sent it to my victim. The faster I do this, the easier it will be. For both of us.

To my greatest surprise, however, the girl was very resilient.

This may come off as unexpected but I had learnt how to fight. Of course, I didn't learn it from someone. The researcher fiddled with my head and somehow gave me these sort of knowledge. And, up till now, it proved to be very useful to me.

Yet, faced with this girl, it didn't amount to anything. Her movements were much more experienced than mine. I couldn't reach her even with my singularity. Which meant that she was stronger than me.

Upon stumbling on that fact, I became strangely aware of myself. No, perhaps, it would be more accurate to say I returned to my old self.

‘I....’ A dreadful conclusion immediately dawned on me. ‘can't kill this girl.’

What should I do then? Should I run? No! The orguanization would kill me if I did.

Should I continue to fight then? No! If I do, this girl will kill me...hm?

She didn't.

“You lack will.” Those words came out of my mouth, apparently vexing my target.

She leaped and relentlessly attacked me. However, she purposely missed all of my vital. Why? I think I know. I think she doesn't want to kill me. I guess, that is logic. No one sane would probably want to do that after all.

If that really was the case, then I could still win. If I take advantage of her sense of ethic, then I could kill her. That's my only solution. If I want to survive that's what I must—

“Just kill me.” My own voice cut me out of my thoughts.

Did I really say that? Wasn't I supposed to like living?

Maybe that was an illusion. Yeah that must be it. I still don't want to die. Tightening my grip on my weapon, I strived to make sure I wouldn't.

“You could have won already. Why are you still hesitating?” Again, my own voice surprised me.

....

“You're stronger than me and you know it. So why won't you do it?”

I... don't know what to think anymore. Why am I saying those things? Is someone possessing me or something. Or is it because of the countless experiments I had undergone.

“What's wrong with you!?” The girl's shout startled me and for the first time, I felt a faint killing intent.

An angry glare was locked on me. I couldn't see her in turn, obviously, yet her expression somehow appeared on my mind. I was blind so I didn't know her feature, nevertheless her deep feeling was transmitted to me.

I see.... I think I'm beginning to understand.

This girl.... isn't weak willed at all.

“Do you want me to kill you!?” She asked me.

Of course not. That much is obvious. Throughout all those years of being a slave, my determination to live was the only thing that didn't change about me. For the sake of surviving, I would become—no, I had become a demon.

But, this girl is the same isn't she? The reason is different, however, something does drive this girl forward. Her friends, perhaps? Or maybe her dream? Or is it both? I don't know.

Either way, this only meant one thing.

“Yes.” My voice responded.

I raised my sword high in the night sky. And with the intention to kill, I swung it down with all my force.

A high pitched metallic noise resounded after.

‘As expected’ I thought, with a wry smile. ‘I can't kill her. She's way, way stronger than me.’

“Who... Are you?” The girl asked me with a complicated face.

In a strange irony of fate, I finally remembered. Achille, that was my name. A pitiful, selfish kid, who, even in this very moment, still wished to be saved.

Unfortunately, no Hero existed in this world. And even if they did, they wouldn't save a boy who sacrificed others in order to survive.

That's why, my feeling doesn't matter anymore.

“Would you please,” My mouth moved once again, trying to convey a wish. “kill me?”

A wish that I didn't want. Does that make sense, I wonder? Nevertheless, I do think this is how it should go.

I don't want to be killed but that doesn't matter anymore. I'm a villain after all. And that mean I'm bound to have a bad ending.

“I'm sorry.” Those words once again entered my ears.

It's okay, this is fine. You're not in the wrong.

I thought as I ran forward. This could also be called my last struggle. Still, I knew I couldn't win.

I have regrets, of course. I have a ton of them, in fact. But what could I do?

Reality was harsh. And the sword now protruding my chest was proof enough. However, this girl, Rin, shouldn't grieve other something like this.

My hand, now colored in red by my own blood, reached out toward her face. I was the one dying, yet her face was as pained as mine. I tried my best to smile after finally touching her.

And I opened my mouth, “....It's okay. This is fine.”

Those were my last words.