Introduction

Harold lost his parents at a young age and was taken in by Maximus and Cassidy, who run an orphanage. Under the guidance of Sylvester, a supporter of the orphanage, he grew up alongside Tria, whom he still cherishes like a little sister. Fascinated by machinery from an early age, he spent time in a nearby workshop, where his skills blossomed, revealing his talent as a gifted engineer. However, this talent soon attracted the attention of the powerful criminal organization Shadowbane, and his ordinary life took a drastic turn.

1.Harold's Talent and Curiosity

Just off the bustling streets lay a quiet alley with a small workshop. In contrast to the noise outside, this alley was serene, with a brass wind chime gently swaying in the evening breeze above the old wooden door.

Inside, the workshop was filled with an orderly array of machine parts and tools, creating a unique atmosphere. The workbench was lined with the latest microprocessors, optical sensors, and precise electronic components, while complex circuit diagrams covered the walls. Robots and drones awaiting repair rested quietly in the corners. The faint scent of solder and fresh circuit boards filled the air, with only the soft music from an old radio marking the passage of time.

Harold, deep in concentration, worked steadily at the bench. In front of him lay a disassembled AI module from a security drone, sent in for repair. He examined the AI chip closely, his practiced hands moving deftly as he made tiny adjustments with a precision screwdriver he pulled from his pocket. His movements were remarkably skilled for a 17-year-old, his fingers working almost as if in dialogue with the machinery.

"Hmm… so this is the issue," he murmured, identifying an overloaded processing element within the module. It was a rare AI processor, hard to find in a standard workshop, but Harold pulled out a custom-made improved chip from a drawer.

"This one should increase processing speed by 30% and reduce power consumption," he muttered to himself, carefully installing the chip. The evening sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating the hologram display on his workbench in a warm glow. As he neared completion, Harold's eyes shone with excitement.

A satisfying "click" confirmed the final connector was in place, and Harold's face lit up. Running a diagnostic, he watched as the enhanced AI module ran smoothly, its performance surpassing expectations. "Perfect," he murmured with satisfaction, though his focused gaze remained unbroken. Harold's talent had earned him a reputation in the city, and requests for complex repairs or custom developments never ceased. Working at this established workshop brought him genuine happiness.

Outside, twilight was settling over the city. As street lamps began to glow, the wind chime tinkled softly. The workshop door opened quietly, and a man in a black hooded cloak entered without a word.

The man approached the table and placed a reinforced case on it. Unlocking it, he revealed a unique firearm with advanced mechanisms, including nanomachine-controlled circuits and a quantum encryption device, instantly captivating Harold's attention.

"What is this…?" Harold whispered, picking up the weapon to inspect its intricate design and sophisticated electronic systems. His craftsman's curiosity was ignited by the technical elegance before him.

"Quite a special model. Are you requesting modifications?" Harold asked, unable to hide his intrigue. The man nodded silently, handing over a tablet with detailed modification instructions—requests requiring an extraordinary level of expertise. As Harold scanned the data, his excitement grew, stirred by unfamiliar control systems and applications of quantum circuits that he had never tested before.

"…Interesting. I'll take it on," Harold said, his voice steady. The man gave a slight nod, placing a small box on the table before leaving as quietly as he had come. Inside the box were specialized parts for the modification and a credit reward.

"Boss, mind if I work late tonight?" Harold asked as his mentor appeared from the back of the workshop. With a kind smile, he nodded. "Go ahead, stay as long as you need."

Harold immediately set up his workstation, organizing his tools and unfolding the holographic design plans. As night deepened, he lost himself in the unfamiliar technology, working tirelessly.

The workshop lights stayed on late into the night. As the city quieted and the moon rose high, Harold remained at his bench, completely absorbed in his work.

2.The Mysterious Invitation

Past midnight, the workshop was steeped in silence. The only light came from the blueish glow of an LED on the workbench, while faint jazz music drifted from an old radio in the corner. The city's noise had completely faded, with only the occasional whisper of the night breeze hinting at the world outside.

Harold, exhausted but relentless, continued his work. His eyes were bloodshot from hours of delicate adjustments, his back stiff from bending over the control circuits. Yet his hands moved precisely as he made the final tweaks to a quantum control device.

"This… should be the last step."

Before him lay the completed, modified firearm, fitted with an auto-targeting mechanism on the barrel and a biometric lock on the trigger. Thin, intricate circuits ran across its sleek black surface, occasionally flickering with a soft blue light.

Harold carefully scanned the finished weapon, running a diagnostic that confirmed each system's flawless performance. Satisfied, he placed the firearm into a bulletproof case and activated the security lock.

"Finally… it's done."

Relief and accomplishment mixed on Harold's face as he sank back into his chair, gazing up at the old ceiling fan with a deep sigh. A quick glance at his watch showed it was already past 3 a.m.

After a few hours of sleep, Harold returned to the workshop at dawn, where the man in black reappeared. Harold carefully handed him the packaged firearm, and the man, without a word, handed over a high-value credit chip with a weighty finality.

"Verify it," the man said, his first words, prompting Harold to display the hologram data for the weapon. Every reading showed green, confirming the perfection of his modifications. The man gave a small nod and left.

As Harold examined the credit chip, he noticed an envelope underneath it. Made from fine white paper, the envelope was embossed with elegant letters spelling "Velforia."

"Velforia…?"

Curious, Harold opened the envelope. Inside was an intricately designed holographic invitation. As he unfolded it, three-dimensional letters appeared, suspended in the air.

"Mr. Harold, Your modification skills surpassed expectations. Your talent deserves to shine in a more 'extraordinary place.' Why not open the door to curiosity? Tonight, at Velforia."

The invitation included detailed map data to a central location in the city's entertainment district, but it was unsigned. Harold read the invitation several times, his logical mind sensing danger. The late-night modification request, the advanced technology, and this sudden invitation—all of it felt off.

Yet his curiosity was undeniably piqued. The cutting-edge technology embedded in the firearm, the identity of the organization behind it, and the possibility of further honing his skills—all pulled at him.

The faint light of dawn crept over the city as the streetlights dimmed. Harold sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"What should I do…?"

The more he considered, the deeper his dilemma grew. Finally, he lifted his head with resolve. His curiosity had outweighed caution.

3.Tria's Accompaniment

The orphanage was on the verge of dawn. Though simple, the place was kept clean, thanks to the dedication of Maximus and his wife, and it now served as a home for dozens of children.

Harold returned to his wing of the orphanage with heavy steps. His body was exhausted from working all night, and the words of the mysterious invitation still echoed in his mind. As he climbed the stairs and turned the corner, he heard the light patter of footsteps and a familiar, sleepy voice.

"Harold? What are you doing up so early?"

Tria stood there, still half-asleep, dressed in light pink pajamas with her long hair slightly tousled. She yawned and looked at him curiously.

"Tria… Perfect timing. I need to talk to you," Harold said, hesitating. He and Tria had grown up together, and he thought of her like a sister. He was reluctant to involve her in something potentially dangerous, yet he couldn't resist sharing this strange, intriguing story with her.

They sat by the hallway window, where the morning sunlight cast a soft glow on their faces. As Harold recounted the events of the previous night, Tria's expression gradually changed. The sleepiness faded from her eyes, replaced by a serious, cautious look.

"That sounds… dangerous, Harold." Concern was clear in her voice. "Sure, modifying weapons isn't unusual, but this time is different. A mysterious client in the middle of the night, using unfamiliar technology, and then an invitation out of nowhere? None of it is normal."

"I know," Harold nodded quietly. "But I want to go."

He looked out the window. "The technology in that weapon… it's on a level I've never seen. I want to understand it. I want to see that world for myself and find out if my skills can really measure up."

There was a spark of excitement and curiosity in his eyes. Tria watched him intently, thinking it over. The sunlight gradually grew brighter, filling the hallway with a warm glow.

"Oh, Harold. You're always like this," she sighed deeply. "As soon as you hear about something interesting, you can't help but jump in. It's risky, you know…"

Her expression, however, conveyed her resolve not to let him go alone. She had no intention of letting Harold face such unknowns by himself.

"Fine, but on one condition," she said, looking at him seriously. "Take me with you. If we're together, we can escape if things get bad."

Then, in a softer tone, she added, "Besides, I worry about you. When you're alone, you always end up getting in too deep."

Harold was momentarily speechless, then smiled warmly. Since they were young, they had always looked out for each other. And now, in this moment, he could feel that same unbreakable bond.

"Thank you, Tria. Let's go together."

The morning sun embraced them as they sat by the window, and downstairs, they could hear the faint sounds of the other children beginning to wake up.

4.Their First Club Experience

The entertainment district was alive, neon lights painting the night sky. Colorful lights lit up the streets, and a chaotic mix of music vibrated through the air. Harold and Tria walked through it all, looking out of place and bewildered.

"It should be around here…" Harold muttered, checking the map. For Harold, who usually spent his time in his workshop, and Tria, who rarely left the orphanage, this world of lights and sound felt entirely foreign.

Eventually, a massive building loomed before them, its name, "Velforia," glowing in a pale blue light against the night sky. The building was covered in LED screens, flowing with geometric patterns, and a heavy bass rhythm could be felt vibrating through the ground beneath their feet.

"Uh… is this it?" Tria asked, her breath catching. In front of them was a long line of young people dressed in flashy outfits. The sounds of heels clicking, laughter, and phone notifications blended into a unique and overwhelming noise. Their plain clothes made them stand out awkwardly in the crowd.

"Harold, don't we look a bit out of place?" Tria tugged on his sleeve, her voice tinged with anxiety. They could feel the stares of people nearby, including a few glamorous women who exchanged whispers while glancing their way.

"We have an invitation…" Harold replied, though he sounded unsure, checking the invitation in his pocket. They joined the end of the line, overwhelmed by the atmosphere around them.

At the entrance stood security guards dressed all in black, their expressionless faces and imposing physiques exuding an air of intimidation. Surveillance cameras were positioned everywhere, capturing every move of the guests.

"Um, here's… this," Harold said, finally reaching the entrance and nervously handing over the invitation. One of the guards silently took it, scanned it, and replied curtly, "Go ahead." With that, they were ushered inside.

A thundering beat pulsed through their bodies as they entered the massive main floor, filled with a hot, sweaty crowd dancing in close quarters. Above them, giant speakers blasted heavy bass while countless laser lights swirled through the space. Each flash of the strobe lights froze the crowd's faces in brief snapshots.

"Harold! Wait, I…!" Tria's voice was nearly drowned out by the blaring music.

At the bar, people crowded around, dressed in tight party dresses, revealing mini-skirts, branded suits, and luxurious leather jackets. Some sipped colorful cocktails, talking intimately; others posed for selfies or leaned on friends, too drunk to stand alone. The energy of the nightlife seemed concentrated in this space.

At one edge of the floor, men in black guarded a staircase leading to the VIP area, where elegantly dressed men in suits and women in glamorous dresses ascended.

Their simple clothes made Harold and Tria stand out even more in the lavish surroundings. Pushed along by the flow of people, they exchanged increasingly uneasy looks.

"Are we really supposed to…?" Harold muttered anxiously, barely able to hear himself over the music. This world was so different from their everyday lives that even his determination began to waver.

But the invitation had clearly pointed them here. Gripping each other's hands tightly, they moved forward, weaving through the crowd.

5.Meeting Quincy

As Harold and Tria stood overwhelmed by the heat and noise on the edge of the dance floor, an upbeat voice called out from behind Tria.

"Hey there! First time here? You look a bit lost."

Turning around, Tria saw a young man with blond hair, dressed stylishly in a dress shirt and vest. He wore a friendly smile and had his gaze fixed warmly on her.

"Oh… um…"

Taken aback by his sudden approach, Tria looked unsure. The young man stepped closer, his blond hair catching the club lights as he spoke smoothly.

"It's a shame to see such a cute girl standing alone. How about letting me show you around?"

"What do you want?" Harold quickly stepped in front of Tria, his tone sharp. "Please don't approach strangers like this."

"Whoa, sorry about that," the young man said, taking a step back and raising his hands. "No harm meant. I should've introduced myself. I'm Quincy, a regular here at the club."

"Regular or not, that's irrelevant," Harold replied coldly.

"You're right. Fair point," Quincy conceded easily, giving Harold a sidelong glance. "But you came all this way; it'd be a shame to stand frozen at the edge of the floor."

Harold still frowned, but Quincy's gaze suddenly shifted to the invitation Harold held.

"Oh?"

Quincy's tone changed as his eyes caught sight of the invitation. A brief glint appeared in his eyes.

"That's an invitation, isn't it?"

Harold hastily tried to put it away, but Quincy's next words made him pause.

"If you're special guests, maybe I can show you around."

Quincy lowered his voice, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "Whatever you're looking for, you'll likely find it."

Harold's caution didn't waver, but curiosity began to spark in his eyes.

"What do you mean?" Harold asked.

Quincy nodded toward the other side of the crowd. "I can't explain here. But if you're interested, I'll show you."

"Harold…" Tria whispered, tugging on his sleeve with concern. Following a stranger was clearly dangerous. Yet, despite knowing this, Harold's eyes had already begun to glow with curiosity. The mystery of the invitation and the challenge it presented were tempting him, and his rational mind was starting to falter.

"…Just for a little while," Harold replied, his voice uncertain.

Tria sighed, realizing it was no use trying to stop him in this mood. "Fine… but be careful."

She clung to Harold's arm, staying close in case they needed to make a quick exit, her eyes scanning their surroundings.

With a satisfied smile, Quincy began weaving his way through the crowd. Harold and Tria followed cautiously, blending into the chaos of the club as they moved forward.

6.Discovery of the Underground Laboratory

Leaving the noise of the main floor behind, Quincy led Harold and Tria down a quiet corridor. As the pounding music faded, a black door appeared at the end of the neon-lit hallway. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary emergency exit.

"Wait here a moment," Quincy said, checking their surroundings. He placed his hand on a terminal beside the door, which lit up with a blue glow as he swiftly entered a passcode.

"Harold, are you sure this is safe…?" Tria whispered, tugging at his sleeve, her worry evident. But Harold's gaze was already fixed on the door, unable to look away.

The door opened soundlessly, revealing a dimly lit staircase descending below. Pipes ran along the walls, filling the air with a faint metallic scent.

"After you," Quincy said with a graceful gesture.

As they descended, the sounds from the main floor faded completely, replaced by a low humming noise, like machinery in operation. Turning the corner at the bottom of the stairs, they were suddenly met with a blinding light.

"Welcome to the true Velforia!"

An enormous underground facility stretched out before them. Towering reactors reached up to the ceiling, surrounded by intricate energy control systems. Cylindrical glass tanks filled with a special coolant glowed with a soft blue light, encasing mysterious devices inside. Scientists in white lab coats moved briskly through the space, while walls lined with monitors displayed streams of complex data.

"A-amazing…"

Harold's voice shook with awe. He felt a thrill in his veins, the excitement of a true engineer.

"To have such a massive experimental facility underground… Judging by the scale of the neural processor-based control system, they must be running some intense computational experiments."

Harold wandered through the lab in a daze, eyes shining with wonder as he took in each advanced piece of equipment, technology he'd never dreamed of seeing in a typical workshop.

Tria, watching Harold's excitement, couldn't help but smile, but a sense of unease lingered. Why was such a facility hidden beneath a nightclub?

"Hey, Harold, maybe you shouldn't touch anything…"

She called out, her voice filled with concern. Snapping back to reality, Harold stopped in his tracks.

"No worries," Quincy waved dismissively. "All the equipment here is secured with strict biometric authentication and access controls. Unless someone has clearance, they can't operate anything. It's perfectly safe to look around."

Reassured, Harold resumed his fascinated observation, but a vague feeling of dread had taken root in Tria's heart. The stark contrast between the vibrant club above and this unsettling underground space gnawed at her. And more than anything, Quincy's calm, all-knowing demeanor left a lingering discomfort in her mind.

7.Their First Act of Bravery

The sterile quiet of the underground lab was suddenly shattered by a piercing alarm. Red lights began to flash, and they could hear panicked screams from the floors above.

"What's going on!?" Harold spun around as the lab's massive monitors automatically switched to surveillance footage, showing scenes from the club floor. The once-vibrant space was now chaotic. A man was rampaging through the center, sending partygoers screaming and scrambling for safety. Shattered glass littered the floor, and the club's lively atmosphere had transformed into panic.

"This is bad," Quincy muttered, his usual laid-back demeanor gone.

"Let's go!" Harold started running toward the lab's exit but stopped and turned back to Tria. "Tria, you should—"

"I'm coming with you!" she replied firmly. "I'd be more scared waiting alone."

The three of them dashed up the stairs. The ground floor was already in turmoil, laser lights cutting through the darkness as the heavy bass continued to intensify the chaos. People were pushing toward the exits, their screams echoing around them.

"Damn… this situation…" Harold scanned the area, noting that the man's movements were unsteady and chaotic.

"Quincy, can you help?" Harold asked.

"Of course. What's the plan?"

"That guy has a habit of leaning on his right leg. It leaves him open. I'll draw his attention from the right; you go for him from the other side."

"Got it." Quincy's eyes sharpened, understanding the strategy instantly.

"Tria, stay somewhere safe," Harold said, his tone steady.

"I understand. Be careful, Harold."

Harold took a deep breath, calming himself. A focused resolve took over, unlike the Harold usually seen in his workshop.

"Let's do this."

Harold made a bold move into the man's line of sight, drawing his attention. As the man turned to face Harold, Quincy slipped into his blind spot like a shadow.

Their teamwork was flawless. Harold's diversion threw the man off balance, and Quincy seized the opportunity. With precise timing, he landed a blow at a vulnerable point.

"Ugh…" The man dropped to his knees, unable to resist, subdued in moments. Silence fell over the room. Then, someone began to clap, and soon applause rippled across the floor.

"Nice work," Quincy said, giving Harold a friendly pat on the shoulder. "You read his movements perfectly."

"Well, I…" Harold hesitated, smiling modestly, but inside, he felt a sense of pride and fulfillment at having taken down a formidable opponent together with Quincy.

8.Formation of Team "BE-COOL"

It was closing time at Velforia. After the earlier chaos, most of the guests had left, and the club floor now felt oddly quiet. As cleaning staff swept up shards of glass, the manager thanked the trio.

"I'm truly grateful," the manager said, bowing deeply. "Thanks to you, the damage was kept to a minimum."

Quincy smiled proudly, with a hint of mischief in his expression. "Don't be modest. Our teamwork was pretty awesome, right? Harold, I think we'd make a great team."

"Oh, it was just luck," Harold replied, scratching his head, though there was a glimmer of confidence on his face. The realization that his judgment had been helpful, outside of his usual workshop environment, was starting to give him new confidence.

"Not just luck," Tria said with a gentle smile. "Harold, you're the kind of person who can't sit still when someone's in trouble, right?"

"That's it!" Quincy exclaimed suddenly, his voice loud enough to echo. "That's it, Tria!"

"Wait, what?" Harold and Tria both looked at him, puzzled. The lights on the floor dimmed, and the cleaning staff disappeared into the back.

"We should make the most of this combination!" Quincy's eyes sparkled. "Harold's level-headed judgment and my action skills—it's perfect for a team of heroes!"

"Heroes?" Harold said, half-bewildered. "How old are you, exactly?"

"Oh, come on!" Quincy continued, unfazed by their reactions. "From today on, the three of us are Team BE-COOL!"

"BE-COOL?" Tria repeated, looking a bit confused. The name sounded almost childish.

"Exactly! Always stay cool—BE-COOL!" Quincy explained enthusiastically. "Isn't it awesome? My genius for naming shines through!"

"Uh…?" Harold couldn't hide his disbelief. "Are you seriously calling that cool?"

"Oh, Harold!" Tria chuckled. "But… doesn't it sound kind of fun?"

"Tria, not you too…" Harold sighed, but he couldn't hide a faint smile.

"Alright, it's settled!" Quincy interpreted their reactions positively. "From now on, we're Team BE-COOL, protecting the peace of this city!"

Quincy's voice echoed through the quiet of midnight Velforia. Harold and Tria, though slightly exasperated, found themselves smiling. Thus, almost impulsively yet surprisingly naturally, a new chapter began for the three of them.

9.Quincy's True Identity

Late at night, Quincy returned alone to the underground lab. His usual cheerful demeanor was gone, replaced with a cold seriousness.

"Reporting in," Quincy spoke into his communicator. "As planned, I've successfully made contact with Harold."

A voice responded from the other side. "Understood. Proceed as planned."

"Roger that," Quincy replied, his eyes glinting with a cold determination.

After the transmission ended, Quincy smirked to himself. "Everything's going smoothly. All that's left is to steer Harold in the right direction."

Everything was unfolding according to his script. Beneath the glamorous nightclub, the sinister plans of the powerful criminal organization, Shadowbane, were quietly set into motion.