It was a school trip, designed to teach survival skills and teamwork but already teetering on chaos. Simon "Ghost" Riley stood amidst the group of students and parents, his presence commanding quiet respect. He’d agreed to chaperone reluctantly, largely because of his own kids, Oliver and Lulu. At 12, the twins were as infamous as ever—Oliver, brash and loud, barked orders, while Lulu countered with biting sarcasm. They bickered constantly, their tent poles still in a tangled heap as they squabbled.

Nearby, a boy of the same age stood apart, starkly different. Emotionless, cold, and eerily composed, he moved with quiet precision, methodically setting up his tent without hesitation. Unlike the others, he had no parents accompanying him, and he seemed to prefer it that way. His impassive demeanor and calm efficiency only highlighted the disarray surrounding him. By the time Oliver and Lulu had barely separated their ropes from their stakes, his tent stood tall and sturdy.

The teacher, clearly frazzled, tried to settle the rowdy students. "Minimal supplies," she reminded, her voice rising over the din. "This trip is about survival skills. You’ll need to figure things out as a team."

Some kids groaned, others laughed, and a few halfheartedly attempted to follow instructions. The twins continued to argue, their half-built tent sagging pitifully, while the boy moved on to carefully sorting his supplies. He didn’t glance up or acknowledge the chaos, focused entirely on his own work. Even Simon Riley found himself watching the boy, struck by the quiet strength and efficiency that set him apart from the noise and confusion of the rest.