Chapte 1
It was a dark, yet incredibly beautiful night. The sky was pink – a rare event in these parts – so many people had gone outside to witness it. All except one woman: young, beautiful, intelligent, short in stature, but unbelievably strong-willed and powerful. She stayed inside with her newborn child. She loved him with such deep, careful, and attentive affection that it was hard to imagine this child would one day become what he was meant to be.
Suddenly, two men from the city Garakhta – the Elthvia word for police – entered the house.
The first was quite plump: short hair, nearly bald with a shiny patch on top, a mustache, and a large nose. He was short-legged, looked around 45, and was about 167 cm tall – slightly above average for Elthvia.
The second man, by contrast, was massive by this country's standards – but not overweight. Muscular, around 27 years old, with very bright teeth, striking green eyes, and curly hair. He stood at 185 cm – an enormous height for Elthvia. And despite his attractive appearance, he radiated an intimidating aura.
The woman, who had just held her baby with tender hands, gently laid him in the crib and stood up.
– What do you want this time? You come to me every day demanding something I've already given you! I don't owe that debt anymore! I paid it! – she said.
– Sweetheart, don't strain your voice yelling at law enforcement. You know the law says payment is due weekly, and your absence racked up a debt. Be grateful the government lets you pay it daily instead of demanding it all at once – the fat one said.
– Ma'am, try to understand my partner. We just don't want any trouble – that's all. The moment you give us the money, we'll leave. But if you don't… then you'll have to settle the debt another way – the handsome one added.
– You're going to rape me?! A woman who just gave birth?!
– Of course not. Are you joking? Why would we? And no offense, but you're not worth that kind of debt. This is much more serious. We have to take your son. The government heard he's a Grolf. Sorry, but they need people like him more than regular ones.
– What?! You wouldn't dare! I'll flay each of you alive and hang your skins to dry in the street! I'll make soup from your bones and feed it to your families! You'll never get my son! Never!
– Such a shame it has to end like this, ma'am…
The handsome one signaled to the fat man. Instantly understanding, the fat man fired a gun – but instead of a bullet, a dart shot out. It hit the woman in the neck, and she collapsed.
– You know, that was pretty cowardly, Nikter…
– I know, Zerux. But you should've realized – if you hadn't fired that gun, she would've torn us to pieces. Don't forget who she is.
– Good thing the government has those special bullets. That new powder… they say it can propel darts at 1500 km/h.
– Yeah… "they say"… Anyway. Grab the child and let's go.
They picked up the baby and walked slowly out into the rain-soaked streets. The child, just born into the world… How will he live? Where are they taking him? And what kind of "police" steals babies, anyway? But that didn't matter now.
The child – a Grolf – was a bearer of some of the strongest genes in recorded history. While regular children learned to walk at 12 months, this gifted boy could do it at 4. A true prize for the government.
– 14 Years Later –
– Edmus, pass! – a boy shouted from the edge of the field.
But Edmus didn't listen. He once again broke through the defense on his own and scored.
– Did you see that, Guko? Another goal! – he called proudly, running to his teammate.
Guko smiled faintly, but his eyes darkened.
– I saw it – he replied flatly. – But I won't be playing with you anymore.
– What? Why? We're friends!
– Maybe we were… but I'm tired, Edmus. You're always first. In lepboll, in cooking, with girls. Everything comes easy to you, and I'm just… there. Just a shadow. I don't want to feel like second place anymore.
– I never meant for you to feel that way… – Edmus began, but Guko interrupted:
– That's not the point. You're perfect. And it's exhausting. I'm not jealous – just worn out. Competing with you is impossible. And you don't even notice how much pressure you put on everyone.
Edmus clenched his fists.
– Just say it. It's because I'm a Grolf, right?
– No! – Guko snapped. – It's not who you are. It's what you are. You're too perfect. I'm just human. And you're something more.
Sorry, Edmus. I'm done.
He turned and walked away without looking back.
Edmus stood there. Alone.
He walked over to a nearby tree and punched its trunk hard.
– Why… Why is it always like this?! Why did I have to be born a damn Grolf? I just want… to be like everyone else.
But I can't.
This cursed lock in my heart won't let me hold back… I always have to be strong. Always the best. For "security." For them.
He breathed heavily, leaning his forehead against the bark.
– To them, I'm just a weapon. An experiment. A toy.
Faces of two men came to mind again – Nikter and Zerux.
The officers who "visit."
But they never bring comfort. Only questions.
– "Do you remember your mother?"
– "Did you ever see pink clouds?"
What pink clouds?! We're in Yussia. The sky is never pink here.
Edmus sighed. Alone. Again.
He picked up his things and headed home, saddened by another day where his friendship was rejected.
Edmus was 14 years old and 180 cm tall – quite tall even by Grolf standards.
He was handsome – some would say flawless. Girls froze when they saw him.
Edmus had bright green hair and was one of the strongest Vusks in his camp and unit.
– "You're a Vuskus now, Edmus. Vuskuses are the top among the kids in the camp. They're the strongest, responsible for order. You must be responsible."
You, you, you, you, you! I must, I have to! I owe nothing to this damn government that hides my parents and the whole damn world from me.
Freaking Yussia – "one of the top 3 most developed nations in the world." Yeah, right! Worse than a colony…
Edmus clearly hated the country.
Yussia was known for its limited human rights, incredibly powerful military, and strong economy.
But its biggest flaws were that it was in constant conflict with nearly every other nation.
Its only ally was Elthvia – a peaceful, open, friendly country, the opposite of Yussia.
It was as if one completed the other.
Edmus had always wanted to move to Elthvia.
But to do so, you needed money and government permission – something Edmus, as a Grolf, would never receive.
That's why he planned to escape the country. But how? It was vast – and without a horse, he wouldn't get far.
He wandered the streets, still angry, though now more tired than enraged.
Passing a cozy café with soft lighting and mellow music, he entered. He just wanted to sit and stop thinking.
He spotted a girl at a window table, around his age.
Beautiful, with expressive green eyes and dark hair tied in a messy bun.
Dressed formally – a white blouse, dark skirt, neat shoes.
There was something about her… unaffected by his usual charm.
Edmus walked up without hesitation.
– Hey. I'm Edmus. I go to school nearby. What about you?
The girl slowly looked him over from head to toe and squinted.
– Slime-head. What do you want?
He blinked.
– Uh… what?
– You're one of those green-haired Grolfs. Got it.
That had never happened to him before. Usually, girls swooned at his presence.
But not her.
– You're different – he smirked. – Stylish. And… sharp.
– Thanks for the evaluation. But if you're trying to flirt, don't bother. I'm not into genetic "perfection."
– Really? Then who do you like? – he asked with a crooked smile, now genuinely intrigued.
– Zechi – she shrugged.
– Zechi? Those runts with empty eyes and constantly runny noses?
– Ha! Stereotypical. They're actually the smartest ones, if you didn't know. And looks aren't my priority anyway.
Edmus fell silent.
For the first time in his life, someone wasn't looking up at him.
It was… strange. And oddly pleasant.
– What's your name? Where do you study?
– Fira. Across the road from your school, genius. Anyway, I'm off.
– Maybe we'll meet tomorrow? Same time?
Fira tilted her head slightly.
– We'll see.
She smiled softly and left.
Edmus watched her go, noting how smoothly and confidently she moved.
"Wow… Interesting."
He absently noted her figure too – but for once, it didn't stir shallow desire.
It sparked curiosity.
Who was she? Why was she so blunt? Why didn't she react like everyone else?
He sat for a while longer, then got up and walked out.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt… something real.