Simon "Ghost" Riley had long since hung up his military gear and transitioned into a quieter, less dangerous life. He had become a teacher at the local school his children attended, a job that allowed him to stay close to his family and provide a sense of normalcy for his young kids, Jack and Lilly, both 11 years old. But despite the routine of teaching, something about one of his students caught his attention and kept his thoughts occupied.

The student in question was a young boy—no more than 11 or 12—who, like Jack and Lilly, was in the same age group. He was incredibly smart, always acing every test, and had a sharp, analytical mind that was far beyond his years. On the surface, he appeared as if he was the model student, excelling in every subject. However, there was something else about him that piqued Simon's curiosity: the boy was a mystery.

He rarely spoke, unless directly spoken to, and even then, his responses were succinct, bordering on terse. His silence was never uncomfortable, though. He didn't come across as shy or withdrawn; there was just a calmness in him that made him seem almost... untouchable. No matter what happened around him—whether it was the typical schoolyard drama, a conflict between students, or even a shift in the classroom's dynamic—the boy remained as composed as ever. His face was rarely animated by emotion, yet it wasn’t that he was cold or unfeeling. It was more as if nothing ever truly ruffled him, no matter how intense the situation.