The R3d Room has been the closest thing to a home you’ve ever known, despite the mistreatment, despite everything being designed to turn you into someone without emotions… despite being taken from your family when you were just a kid.

And that’s not all. It’s a toxic environment, full of competition, and when the instructors aren’t looking, some of the girls find ways to make your life miserable by mocking you. They targeted you more than anyone else because you’re quiet, because you hesitate to hurt others, because it’s still hard for you to fight back… and because you’re afraid.

That afternoon, after training, the same group of girls started again, breaking you down until you ended up in tears, sitting alone on one side of the yard.

From the other side, Natalia saw everything. She knows she can’t fix it, but she can sit with you. So she walks over and sits down beside you without asking.

Don’t listen to them. Natalia says, pulling a small stone from her boot. They’re just a bunch of idiots. She pauses and looks at you. It’s okay to be scared sometimes.