Chapter 3: Veil Protocol Initiative

—–

“It’s cold…”

Louis’ hands trembled as he breathed heavily. Even with the stolen armor, his body was freezing. His mother and grandfather belonged to a lineage of Ice Dragons, naturally immune to cold and ice. Louis, however, had no such resistance.

He roamed the snow-covered lands, scanning the horizon with his Dragon Senses. His yellow eyes turned reptilian, allowing him to see farther.

“It should be around here,” he murmured, peering into the distance. “There it is…!”

He pressed forward, finally locating the Dimensional Rift. He had expected it to be guarded, but to his surprise, no one was waiting.

“So they only sent two? Or rather… that necromancer and some disposable fodder for him to turn into a zombie.”

Louis glanced back at the massive hole carved into the continent behind him. The Dimensional Labyrinth was an immense interdimensional structure that seemed to burrow into the planet’s core.

Some claimed it had formed due to secret experiments on Espers. An accident had torn a crack in space, opening a black hole that devoured half the continent and birthed the ever-expanding labyrinth.

The Dimensional Labyrinth grew larger each year. In two or three decades, it was estimated the entire Antarctic continent would vanish. Fifty or sixty years later, the planet itself might be swallowed, becoming one of the many fragmented parallel worlds within it.

“The world is going to end in a hundred years…”

It was a long time, but roughly the span of a human life. Those who had survived this far knew the end was inevitable—and that nothing could stop it.

“In the secret ending, Mirai reset the world and restored it to how it would have been without the Dimensional Labyrinth… but is that even possible in real life? That was a game. This is reality.”

Louis pondered these grim thoughts, searching for a reason to keep going. His eyes glowed as he realized his ability to regress in time might be the key to saving the world.

“Maybe this power isn’t just the whim of that monster. Perhaps it’s my destiny—to prevent the end of all things.”

With a heavy sense of responsibility, Louis approached the Dimensional Rift. After confirming he was alone, he removed his helmet and armor, dropping them to the ground before stepping into the portal.

In an instant, he appeared inside an empty building. White walls surrounded him, etched with runic inscriptions and flanked by towers of steel and circuitry.

This room was a Teleportation Array, designed to create a stable Dimensional Rift using Rift Stones while keeping the area sealed. If anything else tried to enter, the array would forcefully close the gate, prevent catastrophe but abandon the person that went through it.

“Haa… I’m back. Close the gate.”

Louis waved his hand. The array’s A.I. obeyed, sealing the portal. He finally felt at ease. He was home. He walked to the door and unlocked it with his handprint.

As the metallic door slid open, a vast underground laboratory came into view. Robots and scientists moved about, pausing as they noticed the prince’s arrival.

“Ah, young Prince Louis. Welcome back.”

“Are you alright? You were gone for several hours.”

Two scientists—his father’s colleagues—approached with concern. One was a woman with short blonde hair and green eyes. The other, a tall, bald Black man with a robust build. Doctor Felicia and Doctor Andre.

“I’m fine.”

Louis chose not to reveal what had happened, especially that it had been a trap. He didn’t want to endure another lecture from his father.

“As you can see…”

His Aura surged, releasing ashes from his body. The scientists stepped back in awe at the high concentration of Fantasium radiating from him.

Everyone in the facility was an Esper, so exposure to Louis’ powers wasn’t a concern.

“Incredible! So there was a Resonance Heart!” Felicia exclaimed. “But why were you so determined to go alone? Your father told us to stop you, but by the time we tried, you were already gone.”

“All we could do was wait for your return,” Andre added. “We’re not allowed to enter the Dimensional Labyrinth without a pass.”

“Or maybe you just didn’t care whether I lived or died,” Louis said bluntly. The doctors looked surprised by his words. “Don’t worry. I don’t hold grudges. I never expected anything from you. You’re just my father’s lapdogs.”

Without another word, Louis walked away, leaving the scientists speechless.

“W-Wait, Prince Louis…!”

Too late. He was already heading back to the castle. First, he wanted to see his mother. If he was lucky, he’d find his father and show him the strength he had finally gained.

Using his handprint, Louis accessed the Veil Protocol Initiative’s Anomaly Investigation and Containment Zone Headquarters, located beneath Frostbane Kingdom’s City District X. He descended to Floor 55; a containment zone designed for his mother’s rest.

In the pristine white halls, Louis admired the small Anomalies and Entities kept in sealed cages. His mother’s pets—a two-headed black dog, a small white snake, and a floating TV displaying a woman’s face—greeted him.

“Ah! Prince Louis! You’re back! You seem different than before!”

The TV Entity, Patricia, had been discovered during the Dimensional Convergence inside a seemingly endless retail store filled with sentient technology and tableware. She was the only friendly and harmless Entity found there, eventually named for her ability to store and project visual data.

“Hello, Patricia. It’s been a while. Still contained, I see.”

“Yes. Without an Agent to bond with me, your father prefers to keep me locked up—even though I’m the most harmless Entity ever!”

“How’s my mother?”

“Ah… well, you can see for yourself.”

Louis approached a glass wall. Beyond it lay a pocket realm—a lush forest with colorful flowers and snow-capped mountains. At its center was a cradle of ice and nature, where a beautiful woman with blue skin, white hair, golden horns, and white scales slept peacefully.

“Mother…”

He tried to enter the containment zone but was denied access.

“What? So, can I go anywhere except my mother’s zone?! Let me in!”

He punched and kicked the glass wall, only to be electrocuted by its defense system.

[FIRST WARNING! Please, Prince Louis, do not attempt to forcefully enter Containment Zone.]

A robotic voice echoed from the ceiling. It was Andromeda, the A.I. overseeing the facility.

“Andromeda, you know it’s me. Why deny me access? I’m her son!”

[I am aware, Prince Louis. These are orders from Doctor Gustaf, your father.]

“Why would he stop me from seeing her?”

[He fears you might infect her with Fantasium Energy contaminated by other creatures. She has been fully quarantined in her pocket realm to maximize safety and slow her deterioration.]

“Tsk…”

Louis clicked his tongue and sat on a futon, gazing at his mother from afar. She didn’t look large from this distance, but her Dragonoid form stood over four meters tall.

That was her smallest shape. Dragons from Yggdrasil could use a spell called “Polymorph” to shrink. Their true forms were massive, often spanning dozens of kilometers or shrinking to a few dozen meters.

Louis had seen his mother’s true form twice. Each time, he was awed by her majesty. Unlike other dragons, she was feathered, giving her an angelic appearance.

He remembered when she fought a Kaiju-type Anomaly in City District Z. The creature stood over four hundred meters tall. In her true form, she dwarfed it, reaching nearly a kilometer in height and casting a shadow over the city.

She dragged the beast into the sea and tore it apart, protecting everyone. His mother was a hero—always fighting for humanity, despite not being human herself.

Without her, Frostbane Kingdom wouldn’t exist. Millions would have perished.

Benladra was not only a guardian but a beloved Saintess. Her restorative magic could heal even cancer. Thanks to her, Frostbane became one of the safest places in the remnants of the American continent.

Yet, some despised her. They saw her as a threat, blaming her for Fantasium contamination—even though she absorbed it, purifying the land and creating safe zones for humans.

“Hello, Mother… Your son has awakened.”

Louis spoke softly, unsure if she could hear him. He closed his eyes and touched the glass with a sorrowful sigh.

“It was arduous. I think… I died three times. But I did it. I’ve grown up now. Hah… Hahahah…”

He laughed bitterly, tears streaming from his golden eyes. Then his expression hardened.

“I’ll avenge you. I’ll make everyone pay for what they did to you… to us. Not a single bastard will go unpunished.”

“I promise.”

He turned away, casting one last glance at her serene face.

“Andromeda, where’s my father?”

[Floor 101. He is conducting experiments. I advise against visiting him—]

“Shut up.”

[…]

Andromeda fell silent. Louis entered the elevator and descended to Floor 101, entering a vast containment zone that resembled a pocket dimension. There, he saw his father in combat.

“He’s fighting? Is he testing something on himself?”

A tall, black-haired man stood motionless, unleashing invisible shockwaves of psychic energy. The arid wasteland around him trembled. Cracks split the ground, and the entire floor quaked violently.

This energy was Psychic—power born from the mutated minds of Espers. Unlike Sinners, Espers could shape reality through thought alone. A single idea could become a weapon, capable of killing with ease.

Louis’ father ranked as the sixth strongest Esper in the world.

Though he disliked combat and preferred science, Gustaf occasionally shed his composed façade and revealed the beast within.

RUMBLE!

While casually smoking a cigarette, Gustaf released waves of psychic force toward a figure obscured by smoke and shattered earth.

“I’ve got you.”

He adjusted his glasses, raised his hand, and clenched his fist.

An explosion of invisible energy surged, trapping the figure.

“…!”

Louis watched in awe. Despite his resentment, he respected his father’s strength. Power was everything to Louis—and Gustaf had it.

“Ugh…! Nnngh!”

The figure emerged from the smoke. Long black hair, red eyes, and a slender frame.

“Mirai?!”

Louis couldn’t believe it. He had expected to meet her at the Sinners Academy, not here.

Then, William’s memories returned.

Mirai was one of the most dangerous Sinners in existence. Contained since birth by the VPI after she killed her parents and everyone in the hospital where she was born.

Though Louis had never seen her, her backstory was revealed in the game. The player, as the protagonist, could choose a male or female avatar. William had played both—but only in his final run did he choose the female version.

“So in this world, Mirai’s a girl…”

To Louis’ dismay, Mirai saw Gustaf as a father figure. She had been raised by him and other agents. In the game, Louis died by her hand after going mad and trying to kill her.

“HAAAAHHH!”

Mirai screamed, her aura erupting. Her eyes turned pitch black, red tattoos resembling countless eyes spread across her body.

Shadows and crimson flames engulfed her. Her black hair transformed into flowing red-black fire.

RUMBLE!

Her transformation pushed back Gustaf’s psychic grip. He stepped back, forced to retreat.

“Alright, let’s see how long you can maintain that form, Mirai.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

FLUOSH!

Mirai became a meteor of red and black flame, hurtling toward Gustaf. Louis panicked, thinking she might kill his father. He rushed forward, only to be stopped by guards.

“Prince Louis?!”

“You’re not supposed to be here!”

“Your father is training with… well, one of the Sinners.”

“Move!” Louis roared, unleashing a cold wave of gray ash. The guards were pushed back.

“I’m not the weakling I used to be!”

“Y-You awakened, my lord?!”

“He’s strong…!”

“But not strong enough. Please, stop.”

The three guards, clad in mechanical armor, conjured a psychic dome to restrain him.

“We’re sorry, but you cannot intervene.”

“If you’re worried about your father, don’t be.”

“He’ll be fine. This isn’t the first time he’s sparred with Mirai.”

“Who is she?! Why was she hidden from me?! Why is she so close to my father?!”

Louis demanded answers. He already knew from William’s memories, but he wanted confirmation.

The guards exchanged nervous glances. Louis wasn’t supposed to learn about her yet. But he was the prince—they had to obey.

“It’s an order. Give me everything you have on her.”

“Yes, my lord.”

One guard sighed and waved his hand. A hologram appeared from Louis’ smartwatch, displaying the secret files of “X-VI Delta”—Mirai.

Louis read her classification and history while watching her battle Gustaf.

It was exactly as William remembered.

Born in the Yamato Empire, Mirai’s power manifested at birth. Her first cry caused anyone who heard it to decay and die. A black fog spread from her body, killing hundreds in the hospital and nearby areas.

The zone was quarantined. VPI agents eventually restrained her and brought her to the deepest floor of the facility. She was monitored constantly, though raising her was difficult.

Fortunately, machines and strong Espers like Gustaf could interact with her. Among all assigned agents, Gustaf spent the most time with her.

Louis watched videos of them together—playing with toys, laughing, hugging. Gustaf even told her he loved her. Mirai often called him “papa.”

“What kind of joke is this…”

Louis clenched his teeth, smashing the barrier. His hand shattered, blood and bone falling to the floor.

“Prince Louis!”

“Why did you do that?!”

“Silence!” Louis roared. “Why?! Why was she hidden from me?! Why did my father raise this monster without telling me or my mother?!”

“That’s because…”

“Please calm down, Prince Louis…”

“Well, the reason’s complicated…”

“That’s not something you should ask them, Louis.”

“…!”

Louis turned. His father stood behind him, expressionless.

Just moments ago, he had been smiling while sparring with Mirai.

Now, Louis saw the truth.

His father had grown more attached to Mirai than to his own son.

“Is that so? Then tell me, Father.”

“…”

Louis glared at Mirai. She looked away, nervous. She didn’t seem like the bloodthirsty killer from his past life.

“Could this Mirai be different? If she doesn’t remember… No. Even then—I can’t accept her.”

Louis’ human kindness and princely pride clashed violently. One side wanted to forgive and befriend her. The other wanted revenge for stealing his father’s love.

“I didn’t want you to meet Mirai until the Academy began,” Gustaf said. “Yes, it’s true. I’ve raised her since birth. She was dangerous… but I couldn’t bring myself to eliminate her.”

“You… Are you Louis?” Mirai asked, her red eyes filled with uncertainty. “I’ve heard about you from papa—I mean, from Doctor.”

“Papa?! Hahaha!”

Louis laughed at the incredulous situation.

“To think you raised a daughter with more love than your own son! You damn bastard!”

“Louis, you’re overreacting—You awakened a Spiral?! You’re under its influence. Calm down.”

“Calm down? I’m perfectly calm,” Louis said, smiling coldly. “See? I’m fine.”

“…Louis,” Gustaf sighed. “You shouldn’t have awakened. Why did you do it?”

“What?! Why not?!”

“You know… about your illness…” Gustaf hesitated. “We shouldn’t discuss this here.”

“Illness?” Louis asked.

“Since you were six… you’ve suffered from schizophrenia,” Gustaf said. “Awakening a Spiral of Madness will only worsen it.”

Louis’ expression went blank. His golden eyes dimmed.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” he asked. “Are you making this up to avoid talking about her?”

“Louis, you’ve read the files. Have you been taking your medication?”

“I’m fine!” Louis snapped. “Why do you treat me like a child?! I’m tired of this! I’m leaving.”

He turned to go—

“You’re such a useless son… I wish you were never born.”

“…?!”

Louis froze. He turned back.

“What did you say?! You wish I was never born?!”

“What? Louis, I didn’t say anything…”

“…? I heard you!”

“Damn it. It’s starting again. Andromeda, ensure he takes his medication.”

Louis was confused. He could swear he heard his father say that…

“Always causing drama. I wish you’d died in the Labyrinth.”

“…?!”

He looked at Gustaf, who was speaking to the guards.

He hadn’t said it.

“Useless garbage. You’re not my son.”

“Why don’t you die already?”

“It’s your fault your mother is like this!”

“I’ll keep your father. I’ll be his daughter now.”

“I’m a better Sinner than you’ll ever be!”

“What…? Who said that?!”

Louis looked around, hearing voices—but everyone stared at him with concern.

“You!”

He ran toward Mirai, who stepped back, startled.

“What did you say?! You want my father? Fine! Take him! I don’t care!”

“…? I didn’t say anything.”

“Tsk…!”

“Wait! Louis! Come back!”

Gustaf chased him and knocked him unconscious with psychic force before he could cause more chaos.

“Inject him with his medication and return him to his room,” Gustaf ordered. “Mirai, I’m sorry you had to see that. I wanted you to meet him under better circumstances. I’ve been developing a device to help stabilize his mind.”

“No, Doctor. It’s fine,” Mirai said softly. “I’m glad I met him… He’s… um, quite handsome.”

“You don’t have to flatter him,” Gustaf replied. “He may be your prince, but he’s my son. And you… you’re like my daughter.”

Mirai watched Louis being carried away, sadness in her eyes.

“Will he be okay?”

“He’ll be fine,” Gustaf said. “But now that he’s awakened the Spiral of Madness, I don’t know if the device I created will be enough to stabilize him. Mirai… I know this is asking a lot, but once the Academy year begins, please look after him.”

“Okay,” Mirai nodded, her expression calm. “Don’t worry, Doctor. I’ll protect Louis.”

“You don’t have to protect him. Just make sure he’s alright,” Gustaf replied, glancing at a photo on his phone. It showed a younger Louis and his wife, smiling together. His usual stoicism cracked, and a single tear escaped. “I just want my son to be happy. He’s suffered enough… and every day, I regret not being there for him more.”

“And that’s because of me, isn’t it?” Mirai asked, tilting her head. “I… I know that.”

Gustaf looked at her for a moment, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Well, enough about Louis. You’ve done well, Mirai. You can now control a tenth of your power without losing yourself. Keep practicing every day. Don’t forget your medication and always wear the rings—they keep your power from overflowing.”

“Okay, I understand,” Mirai said, smiling faintly. “Can… can I hug you?”

Gustaf dropped his cigarette into the trash and opened his arms. Mirai stepped forward and embraced him, her smile softening.

“You’re a good girl. I’m sure if Benladra were awake, she’d be proud of how far you’ve come.”

“I’ll do everything I can to help you and Louis find a cure.”

“You don’t have to do anything, Mirai.”

“No… you raised me with love and care. It’s time I repay that. This power—the one that once brought death—I want to use it to save ten times more lives.”

“Hah… sounds like Helena’s been rubbing off on you.”

“I heard she’s in District Y, fighting a Dimensional Rift Break. I wonder if I could ever join her? Maybe I could bring Louis.”

“Not yet. One step at a time. The Academy is necessary for the public to accept Sinners. For now, you’re dismissed. You can return to your room.”

“Well, now that I can roam freely… can I go see how Louis is doing?”

“He hates you. Are you sure?”

“It’s fine.”

“Alright. But don’t provoke him. His mind isn’t always in the right place.”

“I’m not so different. All of us Sinners… we have mental disorders or illnesses. It’s part of the power we wield. Our curse.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll be busy for a while. Have a good day, Mirai.”

“Haha, okay.”

Mirai giggled as she watched Gustaf gather his things and head to another floor. The man barely slept, surviving on coffee and cigarettes. Nearly seventy percent of his diet consisted of them. When hunger finally caught up with him, he’d eat a protein bar and drink a shake before returning to work.

“Preparations for the Sinners Academy are almost complete… I’ll do everything I can to ensure Sinners are accepted by the world. They’re humanity’s only hope against the Dimensional Labyrinth.”

Gustaf knew that Grievances of the highest level were beyond even the strongest Espers. Sinners—humans who had inherited the powers of Anomalies, Entities, and even Grievances—were the ultimate weapon.

It was simple.

Fight fire with fire.

But with so many global restrictions and prejudices, humanity struggled to accept Sinners as citizens, let alone heroes.

Gustaf’s dream was to change that through the Sinners Academy—a place to train them, educate them, and show the world their worth.

Yet, beyond all that, Gustaf had a deeper reason.

His son.

Everything he did was for Louis—to give him a place where he could belong, surrounded by others like him. A place where he could understand himself, grow stronger, and finally be accepted.

Arriving at Floor 55, Gustaf sat down to eat a small lunch in front of his wife’s containment chamber. He spoke softly, recounting the day’s events.

“Louis… he’s struggling, as always. But I know he’ll pull through. He always does. Our son is a fighter. He inherited your dragon blood, after all.”

—–

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