The Warden exhaled deeply as he rubbed his temples, his office dimly lit by the glow of his desk lamp. His phone had been ringing nonstop for hours. Reports, requests, demands—everyone wanted something, and they wanted it now.

  The latest call came through just as he leaned back in his chair. His eyes flickered toward the screen. Government HQ. Again.

  He picked up.

  "We need recruits. Immediately."

  No greeting. No pleasantries. Just straight to business. The voice on the other end was tense, almost desperate.

  The Warden’s jaw tightened. “I told you, I don’t have—”

  "Find them."

  A pause.

  "Nigeria is different. The world is noticing. Countries are asking questions."

  The Warden’s fingers drummed against the desk. He had known this was coming. Ever since the Void Cracks started altering the land, ever since strange phenomena started occurring only here—this conversation had been inevitable.

  “Our resources are stretched thin,” he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. “People are barely surviving.”

  "Survival is not the priority anymore," The voice snapped. "Power is. Other nations are growing suspicious of how fast we’re adapting. If we don’t move first, we’ll lose control of the narrative."

  The Warden’s eyes darkened. “So what do you expect me to do?”the kids we have aren't ready yet.

  "Recruit. Fast. There isn’t much time."

  Click. The line went dead.

  He leaned forward, staring at the phone. The weight of the conversation settled on his shoulders like a vice. This wasn’t just about survival anymore. It was about positioning.

  Nigeria was changing. But the real question was— what was changing it?...

  As Sam was dragged away, his gaze met the four kids who had stood up for him and James when the guards had beaten them earlier. Bruised and exhausted, they stared back at him, their expressions a mix of fear and helplessness. Despite everything, Sam managed a small, lopsided grin.

  "Thanks for before," he said, his voice hoarse but steady.

  For a moment, the world seemed to slow. The kids didn't say anything—maybe they didn't know what to say. But the way they clenched their fists, the way their eyes burned with unspoken anger and defiance, was enough.

  Then the guards yanked Sam forward, and the moment was gone.

  James sat alone.

  The camp buzzed with quiet activity, people moving on from the earlier incident as if nothing had happened. The sky was dimming, the sun bleeding into the horizon, casting long shadows across the makeshift settlement.

  He traced a line in the dirt with his finger, his mind replaying the Warden’s words. Solitary confinement until further notice. Below-average rations.

  It was worse than punishment. It was a slow, quiet death.

  But what could he do? The Warden wasn’t just a man; he was in a system far bigger than James could fight. For now.

  A small shuffling sound made him lift his head.

  They were standing there.

  The same four kids who had jumped in to stop the beating.

  At first, none of them spoke. They just stared at him, as if unsure how to start. Then, the girl who had run for help stepped forward.

  "You okay?" she asked, her voice carrying a mix of concern and curiosity.

  James gave a tired, lopsided grin. "If being half-dead counts as okay, then yeah."

  She snorted but didn’t laugh. Instead, she walked closer and crouched down beside him.

  "The Warden," she said, choosing her words carefully. "What did he say?"

  James sighed. "It’s bad."

  The others sat down as well, forming a small circle around him.

  "How bad?" asked the boy with glasses, adjusting them slightly. His sharp eyes narrowed as if already calculating possibilities.

  James ran a hand through his messy hair. "Sam’s getting thrown in solitary. No idea for how long. And they’re cutting his food down to barely anything."

  Their expressions darkened.

  "But… why?" The second girl spoke up, her voice quieter than the first girl’s but firm. "It was an accident."

  James shook his head. "Doesn’t matter. The Warden said the soldier was right. That- the vial was… something we can’t even begin to understand."

  He looked up at them. "You guys ever heard of a liquid so powerful that countries would fight wars over it?"

  Silence.

  Then, realization hit them all at once.

  Their eyes widened.

  "You’re joking," the older-looking boy said, disbelief in his voice. "You're saying it was… that?"

  James nodded.

  They exchanged glances, absorbing the weight of the situation.

  Then, after a moment, the first girl straightened up.

  "I guess we should introduce ourselves properly, then," she said, offering a hand.

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  James blinked before hesitantly shaking it.

  "Amanda Chioma Williston," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "Sixteen."

  Amanda had the confidence of someone who was used to taking charge. Her dark brown eyes held a spark of intelligence, and her deep brown skin had a few faint scars—nothing too obvious, but signs of someone who had lived. Her hair was styled in a simple but neat manner, just enough to stay out of her way. Though she was of average height, the way she carried herself made her feel taller.

  She gestured to the girl next to her.

  "This is Sophia Rufiat Zubairu. Fifteen."

  Sophia gave a small nod. She had lighter brown skin and softer features compared to Amanda, but her posture was guarded, her arms crossed slightly as if she wasn’t sure whether to trust James just yet. Her dark eyes studied him carefully, and her short, curly hair framed her face in a way that almost made her seem gentle.

  James had a feeling she wasn’t as soft as she looked.

  The boy with glasses adjusted them again before speaking.

  "William Pere Tamuno. Seventeen."

  He pushed his glasses up, his thin fingers moving with precise control. His body was almost too slim—his clothes slightly loose on his frame. It made him seem even smaller than he already was, but his sharp eyes carried a quiet intensity, like someone who observed more than he spoke.

  "And I’m Jonathan Seun Christian," the older-looking boy said, cracking a grin.

  James tilted his head.

  Jonathan sighed dramatically.

  "Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking," he said. "Sixteen, but looking like I pay taxes and have three kids, right?"

  Despite himself, James let out a short laugh.

  Jonathan was big. Not just tall, but broad-shouldered, built like someone who could throw a punch that mattered. His skin was a rich, dark brown, and his short hair was cropped close to his head. His deep-set eyes carried amusement, but there was something else underneath—experience.

  He had seen things.

  Maybe even worse things than James.

  Jonathan stretched his arms and leaned back slightly. "I swear, it’s the worst. Adults tell me to act my age. Kids treat me like a babysitter. Even the guards get confused."

  Sophia rolled her eyes. "They held you in the kids’ camp, though."

  "Because I am a kid," Jonathan shot back. "I’m just a big one."

  Amanda sighed. "We don’t have time for this." She turned back to James, her expression serious again. "So, what now?"

  James exhaled slowly.

  "I don’t know," he admitted. "But I do know one thing…"

  He looked at each of them, his expression hardening.

  "This isn’t the last time we’re going to be reminded that we’re powerless."

  Amanda’s jaw clenched. Sophia looked away. William adjusted his glasses again. Jonathan rubbed his knuckles together absently.

  James sat up straighter.

  "I don’t want to just sit here and wait to get crushed under their boots. I need to do something."

  Amanda studied him carefully.

  Then, she smiled.

  "Good."

  Jonathan grinned. "Now that’s what I like to hear."

  William nodded. "Then we should start planning."

  Sophia sighed but didn’t argue. "If we’re doing this, we have to be careful."

  James let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

  This was the beginning.

  He didn’t know what they could do yet, but one thing was clear:

  He wasn’t alone...

  Meanwhile, outside the Warden’s office, two frustrated teenagers stood before a pair of unimpressed guards.

  “This is the fifth time today you two have come looking for him,” one of the guards grumbled, shifting his rifle slightly. “What’s so urgent?”

  Amanda crossed her arms, her expression determined. “We need to talk to him about sam.”

  James nodded, though his patience was wearing thin. “And before you say it, yes, we know he’s busy. But this is important.”

  The second guard sighed. “Kid, everyone’s got something important these days.” He glanced at his partner. “They’re not the only ones looking for him.”

  “Yeah,” the first guard muttered. “You think this is bad? He’s been dodging military requests all day.”

  Amanda frowned. “Why?”

  “Who knows?” the guard shrugged. “But whatever’s happening… it’s big.”

  That sent a chill down James’ spine.

  Amanda exchanged a glance with him. Something was wrong

  That evening, James, Amanda, Sophia, William, and Jonathan met near one of the camp’s quieter corners.

  “No luck?” James asked, already knowing the answer.

  Jonathan leaned against a rusted fence, arms crossed. “Nope. The guards said the Warden’s busier than he’s ever been.”

  William adjusted his glasses. “Even busier than when the camp was first set up?”

  Sophia nodded. “They said he’s been dealing with government officials. They’re pressuring him about something.”

  Amanda bit her lip. “This has to be about sam.”

  James frowned. “Maybe. But if it was just about him, why would the government be involved?”

  The group fell silent.

  Jonathan let out a low whistle. “Something’s happening, and I don’t think we’re gonna like what it is.

  Inside his office, the Warden’s phone rang again.

  He almost didn’t answer.

  But when he saw the caller ID, he knew he had to.

  He picked up.

  "The government will start the program next year. You need to hurry now."

  The Warden stiffened. He had suspected this would happen, but hearing it confirmed made it real.

  “I need more time.”

  "You don’t have time. You have orders."

  A heavy silence stretched between them.

  Finally, the caller spoke again.

  "Get it done."

  Click.

  The Warden placed the phone down and leaned back, his hands clasped together. His thoughts churned.

  This wasn’t just about keeping order anymore. It wasn’t even about Nigeria’s survival.

  It was about who would control the future.

  Late at night right before the camps curfew. The soilders that always monitored the kids looking for the warden. Said . In a soft manner "the warden want to see you all tomorrow "

  The next morning, James and the others sat together, trying to figure out their next move.

  Then, a guard approached.

  “The Warden wants to see you.”

  James felt his stomach twist.

  Finally.

  But whether this was good or bad…

  That was still unknown.

  The atmosphere in the warden’s office was suffocating. The five of them—James, Amanda, Jonathan, Sophia, and William—stood before the imposing desk, the dull overhead light casting long shadows across the room. Behind the desk sat Warden Gregory, a man known for his cold efficiency. His uniform was crisp, his demeanor unreadable, but the air of authority around him was undeniable.

  Gregory leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. His sharp gaze swept over them before he finally spoke.

  "I won’t waste your time," he said. "You all know why you’re here. Your friend, Samuel, has been confined under military law. Charges against him are serious enough to ensure he never sees the outside world again. But…" He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "There’s a way out."

  James' fists clenched. He already hated where this was going.

  "Join the military," the warden continued. "Serve under the AUN, work for the government, and Sam walks free. Not only that, but any charges against him will be erased. He’ll be a free man. That’s the offer."

  The room fell into silence. James could hear the faint ticking of a clock on the wall, each second dragging out the tension. He glanced at his friends—Amanda’s jaw was set, Jonathan looked tense but thoughtful, Sophia and William exchanged uncertain glances.

  James took a breath, then stepped forward. "I’ll do it." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "But let me do it alone. The others… they’re not close to Sam. This isn’t their problem. I’ll take responsibility."

  Gregory exhaled slowly, his expression remaining neutral. "No."

  James stiffened. "What?"

  "You misunderstand, Conor," the warden said. "This isn’t a request for a single soldier. We need capable recruits, and all five of you fit the profile. It’s all of you, or no deal."

  James' teeth clenched. "That’s not fair. They have their own lives. They shouldn’t have to pay for my friend’s mistakes."

  Gregory only shrugged. "Fairness is a luxury, not a right. The world runs on necessity, not sentiment."

  Before James could fire back, a voice cut through the tension.

  "I’ll do it."

  Amanda.

  James turned sharply, his brows furrowing. "Amanda, don’t—"

  "I’ve already decided," she said, her arms crossed. Her eyes met his, unwavering. "You’re not the only one who cares about Sam. I like him is a funny Guy" . She said as she giggled slightly

  "Me too," Jonathan said next, exhaling as if finally settling something within himself.

  Sophia hesitated for only a moment before she nodded. "If Amanda’s going, I’m going."

  "Guess that makes five," William added, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Not like I had other plans anyway."

  James' stomach twisted. "No, you don’t have to do this. You don’t—"

  Amanda put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him mid-sentence. "It’s not just about Sam anymore, James. We all have our reasons."

  Jonathan gave a tired smile. "And besides, you’re not the only one who wants to change things."

  James opened his mouth, then closed it. His mind raced, trying to find something—anything—that would make them reconsider. But as he looked into their faces, he realized the truth: their minds were

  already made up.

  Warden Gregory leaned back in his chair, satisfied. "Then it’s settled."

  James felt the weight of the decision crush down on him. He had stepped forward, thinking he could bear this burden alone. But now… they were all in it together. Whether they wanted it or not, their fates had just been sealed.