Man Eater Youth Code

Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past

Michael entered the bunker, closing the heavy door behind him to shut out the biting cold and unforgiving world outside. He placed the bag of polar bear meat on the table and began to butcher it, carving out chunks with practiced precision. His father, Alwin, sat silently in his wheelchair, his pale face lined with age and fatigue, his gaze distant but observing.

"Hey, Dad," Michael muttered without looking up. "Looks like we're having bear meat tonight. Don't worry, it won't take long."

Alwin's voice, raspy but steady, cut through the quiet hum of Michael's work. "Michael, I have something to tell you."

Michael kept slicing, his movements sharp and methodical. "If this is about me joining Nova Corp, you're wasting your breath. I'm not going."

"No, Michael," Alwin replied, his tone heavier. "This is something from a long time ago... something that happened the night the Code appeared."

Michael paused, his knife hovering mid-air. His father's words pulled him out of his focused routine, and he turned to face him, curiosity mixed with concern.

"What is it?" he asked, voice steady but wary.

Before Alwin could answer, the door creaked open. A tall, white man wearing all black, his long coat sweeping over the dusty floor, entered with a calm, deliberate stride. His expression was unreadable, his presence imposing. He scanned the room, and his gaze settled on Alwin with an intensity that felt like history, tension, and familiarity all at once.

"So, this is where you've been hiding, Alwin," the man said, his voice low and cold.

Michael moved instantly, grabbing his rifle and pointing it squarely at the intruder. "Who the hell are you?"

Alwin raised a weary hand. "Michael, put it down. He's... an old friend."

"What if he's a Code?" Michael demanded, eyes narrowed, finger brushing the rifle's trigger.

"No, he's not." Alwin's tone was calm but firm, carrying an authority that Michael seldom heard. Reluctantly, Michael lowered his weapon but kept his grip firm, his posture tense.

The man glanced briefly at Michael before addressing Alwin directly. "My name is Bernhard. I'm an agent with Nova Corp."

Michael's eyes flashed with distrust. "What do you want?"

Alwin leaned forward slightly in his chair, and with a small nod toward Michael, he said, "Michael, can you step outside for a minute? I need to talk to Bernhard... alone."

Michael's gaze flicked between his father and the stranger. "What if he tries to kill you?"

Alwin managed a slight, reassuring smile. "He won't. Trust me."

After a tense moment, Michael gave a curt nod. Slinging his rifle over his shoulder, he stepped outside, closing the bunker door behind him. As he leaned against the icy wall outside, the muffled voices inside faded into whispers, leaving him alone in the cold, his mind racing with questions.

END OF CHAPTER 6