The sky was covered in gray clouds, as if even the weather knew that something dark was about to unfold. Squadron 300 flew above the industrial zone of the Communist Federation. From above, the smoke from the chimneys revealed that the factories were still active… but as they approached, the most grotesque detail became visible.
Children.
Working with blackened hands, hollow eyes, and bodies barely standing. Some wore patched uniforms; others worked barefoot on the frozen ground.
—What the hell...? —Jin-Ho muttered, adjusting his binoculars.
—They're children... being used as slaves, —Mei-Lin said, anger rising in his voice.
The soldiers turned to Itsumi, expecting some kind of reaction. But he just floated there, his rifle resting against his chest, his gaze fixed — empty, as if what lay before him wasn't even worth a single word.
—Come on… You're not seriously suggesting we just destroy everything… right? —Wei asked, visibly unsettled.
—Are you seriously not going to say anything about killing them all? —Jin-Ho added, more direct.
Itsumi didn't even blink.
—Aren't you going to say something? —Nakamura insisted, tension growing in his voice.
Nothing. Just silence. That hollow gaze. Deep, distant… maybe not even seeing what was in front of him anymore.
Captain Sato furrowed his brow and activated his communicator.
—We'll evacuate the children. That's a direct order. No one opens fire until they're safe. Understood?
—Yes, sir, —they all responded.
Even Itsumi nodded, without emotion, without effort — like a mechanical reflex.
Minutes later...
The soldiers descended swiftly, using magical camouflage to infiltrate the old brick factories. The rescue was difficult. Some children screamed, others tried to flee, fearing they were facing new enemies. Mei-Lin and Jin-Ho used their magic shields to block debris and machinery.
—Group 1 secure! —Nakamura shouted.
—Group 2 safe! —Jin-Ho confirmed over the magic channel.
Itsumi didn't move.
From above, he watched. Silent. Like a crow circling a grave.
—Itsumi, the children are safe, —Mei-Lin finally reported, breathless.
Then came the sound — a metallic click, the activation of his magical rifle.
A second later, a shot pierced the air. Then another. And another.
The sky turned red. The factories began to burn.
—What the hell are you doing?!! —Jin-Ho shouted in panic.
—We're not all out yet!! Stop, you idiot!!
Explosions rocked the ground, one after another. Metal twisted, buildings collapsed, and thick smoke covered the entire horizon.
—Damn it! He's going to kill us!! —Nakamura yelled, flying at full speed.
Captain Sato watched from the air in disbelief.
—Itsumi! STOP!! Can't you see what you're doing?!
But Itsumi didn't respond. He didn't flinch. He didn't blink.
—What kind of soldier unleashes hell without waiting for his squad? What kind of human can look at all this and feel absolutely nothing?! —the Captain shouted, outraged.
The soldiers regrouped, breathing hard, covered in ash and dust.
—That boy… —Mei-Lin whispered, horrified— He only heard that the children were safe… and nothing else mattered.
—He's not just destroying factories… —Jin-Ho added, his voice shaken— He's destroying everything. Without distinction. The enemy. The land. And himself.
Among the flames, Itsumi floated silently. His face, covered in soot, remained expressionless. His rifle hung from his arm, still hot. There was no satisfaction in his eyes. No rage.
Only emptiness.