Days of future's past

The Framework leader—an older man with a hardened face, deep scars lining his jaw—stared him down, waiting for an answer. Around him, soldiers in sleek black armor stood at the ready, weapons humming with an eerie blue energy.

Justin clenched his fists. "You expect me to just say yes? You kidnapped me, threw me in a damn cage, and now you want me to help you? Screw that."

The leader, who had introduced himself as Director Kain, barely reacted. He simply nodded, as if he expected the answer.

One of the recruits, the stunning girl who had spoken before, stepped forward. Her silver eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Do you even know what you're rejecting?"

Justin shot her a glare. "I know enough. I don't trust you."

Kain exhaled sharply, folding his arms. "You think this is about trust? Look outside, kid. The world isn't what you think it is. You saw it with your own eyes—the Echoes are getting stronger. You're the first person we've seen handle one alone. That makes you important."

Justin scoffed. "Yeah? And if I say no?"

Kain turned to the nearest agent and gave a sharp nod.

In an instant, Justin's body locked in place.

A metallic hum filled the room as glowing restraint bands wrapped around his wrists, forcing him to his knees. He struggled, but the energy tightened like an unbreakable chain.

Kain's voice was cold. "Then you die here."

The room fell silent.

Justin swallowed hard. He had faced cruelty his whole life. His boss underpaying him. His grandmother cursing him. The city treating him like trash. But this?

This was different.

This wasn't just about him anymore.

He lowered his head, his breath slow and steady. He had to think.

And then, an idea struck.

"You want my help?" Justin lifted his gaze, his voice controlled but sharp. "Fine. But on my terms."

Kain arched a brow. "You're in no position to make demands."

Justin smirked. "Maybe not. But if I'm as valuable as you say I am, then you can't afford to waste me, can you?"

Silence.

The silver-eyed girl's lips curled slightly, as if impressed.

Kain exhaled through his nose. "What are your terms?"

"First," Justin said, his voice steady, "I work alone. No babysitters, no teams. I don't trust anyone yet, and I'm sure as hell not gonna follow orders blindly."

Kain gave a slight nod. "Fair."

"Second," Justin continued, "I don't do this for free. You pay me."

A chuckle came from one of the other recruits. "Damn, he's got guts."

Kain's expression didn't change. "And third?"

Justin leaned forward, his eyes deadly serious. "You tell me everything. The real truth about the Echoes. No more secrets."

For the first time, Kain hesitated.

Justin caught it instantly. There was something more to this.

The air in the room shifted. The silver-eyed girl exchanged glances with her teammates.

Finally, after a long pause, Kain spoke. "Fine. But if you betray us, you won't live long enough to regret it."

The energy restraints around Justin's body released, and he slowly stood up, rolling his shoulders.

"Deal," he said.

Kain turned to his agents. "Prepare him for his first assignment."

Justin exhaled. He had no idea what he had just gotten himself into.

But one thing was certain.

There was no turning back now.