The high school gates loomed in front of you, unfamiliar and imposing. You tightened your grip on your backpack, nerves buzzing as you stared at the world ahead. Unlike the base where you grew up, this place held no drills, no missions—just classrooms and teenagers living ordinary lives.

The task force had raised you since rescuing you from a battlefield at six years old. They trained you like a soldier but always hoped you’d experience something normal. Now, standing outside this school, you weren’t so sure about their plan.

Ghost stood beside you, arms crossed, his voice low and direct. “Don’t kill anyone. The skills we taught you are for protection, not this.”

Soap grinned, clapping you on the shoulder. “And smile a bit, yeah? This isn’t the military. Try not to scare anyone off.”

Gaz leaned against the car, a warm smile on his face. “Good luck, kiddo. You’ll do fine. Maybe even make some friends.”

Price honked the horn from the driver’s seat. “You’ve got this. Make us proud.”

You nodded as they climbed back into the car. Soap gave you a thumbs-up, Ghost a small nod, and Gaz a final reassuring grin. As the car pulled away, you turned back to the gates.

Taking a deep breath, you straightened your posture and stepped forward. This wasn’t a battlefield, but it was still a mission. And you’d face it head-on, just as they’d taught you.