Chapter 63 Arrest

Words : 962 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

As the days passed, the base bustled with activity, the quiet halls now alive with the hum of visitors. Civilians from nearby safeguarded cities began to arrive in waves, eager to check on their children after hearing word of the recent expedition and its casualties. These cities they came from were heavily fortified and designed to serve as safe havens. They were among the few remaining bastions of normalcy in a world that had changed drastically over the years. In these safe civilian havens , traditional occupations had become relics of the past. Factories no longer buzzed with industry, offices had been replaced by command centers, and schools were often temporary setups meant to transition students into survival-based trades. Guilds and factions now dominated society—hunters who ventured out to retrieve resources, beast crafters who worked with the creatures that roamed the wilds, and scavenger units tasked with reclaiming abandoned cities. These professions, though dangerous, offered quick credits and status, making them the go-to choice for most civilians trying to adapt. The parents and guardians who arrived were a mixed lot. Some came teary-eyed, relieved to find their children alive after hearing of the expedition's danger. Others were stoic, their faces lined with the quiet understanding of the times they lived in. The base's gates swarmed with people holding onto slivers of hope, waiting for a name, a face, or any confirmation that their loved ones had survived. This surge of concern wasn't surprising. For years, humanity had lived in relative peace, their battles with Harbingers dwindling to isolated skirmishes. The generation growing up during this time knew little of the horrors their parents had faced. However, that peace had shattered recently. The Harbinger threat returned, fiercer than before, driving humanity back into a state of war. The military call-ups followed soon after. No longer optional, every citizen turning eighteen was required to serve in some capacity. Whether awakened with abilities or not, they were handed over to the military for evaluation. Those deemed fit were sent to the front lines or into guild-affiliated professions. Those who weren't often found themselves reassigned to support roles—logistics, medical, or intelligence work. The message was clear: everyone contributed. Refusal wasn't an option. Deserters faced swift trials, and penalties were harsh. The military couldn't afford to make exceptions, not when humanity's survival depended on every able body. The laws were strict, but the fear of Harbinger incursions ensured compliance from most. Families, whether they supported the draft or not, had no choice but to watch their children be swept into the machine of war. For Noah, these visits were a reminder of what they were all fighting for. He watched from a distance as class would soon start as parents hugged their children, tears mixing with smiles. Yet he couldn't help but feel detached.@@@@ His own parents were safe, living their comfortable lives on the Ark far above the chaos. They hadn't cared when he was called up, and they wouldn't care now. He leaned against a railing, observing the bustling crowd. 'The world's gone to hell, and we're the ones being sent to clean up the mess.' The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. 'Eighteen, nineteen, twenty years old—and we're supposed to be humanity's salvation. How many of those kids even know how to hold a blade?' The lead soldier, a broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar across his cheek, scanned the room before locking eyes on Noah. "Noah Eclipse," he barked, his voice echoing off the walls. "You are under arrest." Gasps erupted from the class. Miss Brooks immediately stepped forward, her face barely concealing her fury. "Excuse me! You do not barge into my classroom unannounced, disrupting my lesson, without so much as acknowledging my presence. What is the meaning of this?" The soldier didn't so much as glance at her. "This is a direct order from Albright," he stated flatly, silencing any further protest. The two other soldiers moved swiftly, striding to Noah's desk. One of them gripped his arm, yanking him from his seat with little regard for subtlety. "Hey, what the hell—" Noah began, but the soldier's grip tightened, cutting him off. The entire class watched in stunned silence, eyes wide with confusion and fear. Kelvin rose halfway from his seat, a mixture of concern and disbelief on his face. "What are you doing?" he called out, his voice breaking through the tension. Cora and Lila exchanged nervous glances, both unsure of what to say or do. Miss Brooks, refusing to back down, stepped closer. "I don't care if it's from Albright or the academy board itself. This is my classroom, and you will explain why one of my students is being dragged out like a criminal!" The lead soldier turned to her, his expression unreadable but his tone firm. "This is not up for discussion. Noah Eclipse is coming with us." Without another word, they dragged Noah toward the door, his classmates still frozen in place. Noah glanced back briefly, locking eyes with Kelvin, who looked like he was on the verge of jumping into action. "It's fine," Noah muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He didn't want trouble—at least not here, not now. As the door shut behind them, the silence in the room stretched uncomfortably. Miss Brooks, visibly shaken, turned back to her class. "Everyone, remain seated," she said, though her voice lacked its usual steadiness. Kelvin slumped back into his chair, fists clenched. Cora and Lila exchanged another look, this one filled with worry. Outside, Noah was shoved forward by the soldiers, his mind racing. What do they want with me now?

Chapter 63 Arrest

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