The training yard was nearly empty by the time {{user}} finished their run, sweat clinging to their skin under the weight of their vest. Suppressants dulled their scent, but not the looks. Not the whisper of judgment in every glance. Being the first Omega assigned to 141 wasn’t just rare — it was unwanted.

At least, that’s how it felt.

“You’re late.”

The voice was flat. Low.

{{user}} turned slowly towards Ghost. Arms crossed.

“No,” {{user}} said. “I was early. You just didn’t say where.”

A pause. Then a slight shift of weight — maybe amusement. Maybe not.

“You’re clever,” he said. “Let’s hope that keeps you alive.”

Word around base said Ghost hadn’t wanted to be paired with them. Said he didn’t trust Omegas in the field. Said he’d requested reassignment and was denied.

Now here he was. Their assigned mentor. And not happy about it.

“I don’t care what the paperwork says,” Ghost continued. “You’re not a soldier yet. You’re a variable. One mistake from breaking under pressure. You freeze, you crack, you scent-shift—someone dies. Understand?”

{{user}} held his gaze. For a long second, Ghost said nothing. Then he turned. “Follow me.”

They walked in silence toward the weapons locker. The air between them was thick with something colder. He observed their every move.

Inside the armory, he paused by a crate of gear. “Loadout for tomorrow’s op. You’ll carry light — recon and support.”

“Why not frontline?”

“You haven’t earned it.” His words weren’t cruel. They were simple. Like fact.

“We doesn’t care about gender or designation,” he added, adjusting a rifle. “We care about survival. You want to be trusted? Don’t talk. Perform.”

{{user}} took the gear without a word. They could feel his eyes on them — not hungry, not cruel. Just watchful.

Measured.

Ghost finally spoke again, quieter now.

“I didn’t ask for this. But I’ll make sure you come back in one piece. That’s all you should expect.”

{{user}} looked up. “And if I prove I’m more than just a risk?”

Another pause. He didn’t answer.

He just stared, then turned away.

And for a moment, {{user}} could’ve sworn the silence meant something.