**Chapter 7: Reassemble**

  After the catastrophic destruction of the arena, you wouldn’t believe it had once been a grand venue for many events, if not for the racks of seats scattered everywhere. The remnants of the structure were sparse, and what little remained offered no evidence of its past glory.

  The crowd that had been waiting outside initially saw the first attack on a particular section of the arena but didn’t flee. They assumed it was part of the show, especially since there was no immediate reaction or panic from inside. However, when the entire arena finally collapsed, the reality set in, and the crowd outside panicked, fleeing in terror. Only one observer, who had witnessed the entire ordeal, remained behind. With a look of disdain, he quickly gathered the seven objects and left, muttering, "Pathetic."

  Zero dreamt of K's final words: *"I hope your brothers will believe you..."* These words echoed in his mind like chains, entwining him in a dark void of doubt and fear.

  But it wasn’t the dream that woke him. Instead, it was the hushed whispers and murmurs around him. His body had felt heavy, but now, he was inexplicably energized, as though the fatigue had vanished. Bewildered, he sat up, trying to grasp the sudden shift from exhaustion to complete vitality.

  The whispers ceased as Zero looked around, finding all six of his brothers staring at him with intense, piercing gazes. The silence was palpable, carrying the weight of years of torment and conflict. Beneath their sharp looks, Zero sensed a mix of gratitude and shame—an acknowledgment of his sacrifice and their own sense of guilt.

  C, tears welling in his eyes, broke the silence. "Am... we are sor..." His voice trembled with emotion, but Zero cut him off.

  Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

  "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have said that," Zero interjected, his voice steady but filled with remorse. "But don’t feel guilty. Throw it at me. I will bear it. I was the one who said kill them all. Hate me. I was the reason."

  Before C could continue, an unfamiliar voice interrupted. "I am Doctor Pill," the voice said calmly. "As in 'the pill you took while being sick'—though that’s not my real name. I’m here to understand what happened."

  The seven brothers, still confined behind bars, exchanged bewildered glances. They were puzzled as to why this person had come specifically to introduce herself with a name that seemed irrelevant to them.

  Noticing their confusion, Doctor Pill continued, "I am the new person in charge of the project. If you’re wondering why I’m here, it’s because a catastrophic event occurred resulting in the deaths of several high-profile members of society. There must be consequences for this disaster. I’m here to determine if you will be the ones to bear the blame or if you will be filled with shame."

  Without further explanation, she gave a subtle signal to the two people who had been waiting outside the cell. They responded immediately, stepping forward to unlock the door and release the seven brothers.

  As the door swung open, the brothers all stood up in unison, their faces showing a mixture of relief and apprehension. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they were free from the confines of their cell.

  Doctor Pill turned and started walking, her steps confident and measured. As she moved, she spoke without looking back, "Follow me."

  As they walked down the corridor, Doctor Pill heard the sound of footsteps growing fainter behind her. She turned to see Zero moving away from the group, heading right, while the remaining brothers continued left.

  Doctor Pill stopped and called out, "Where are you going?"

  Zero glanced back and replied, "My shift started."

  One of Doctor Pill's companions, who had been observing the situation, stepped forward and explained, "The last general assigned him as the janitor. He must still think of it as his duty."

  Doctor Pill's brow furrowed in understanding, and she motioned for her companion to resume guiding the group while she took a moment to consider Zero’s situation.

  ---

  Dr. Pill watched as Zero slowly drifted away from the group, his steps hesitant yet determined. She observed him carefully, her eyes narrowing in thought. Once he was out of sight, she whispered to herself, "I think I know how to reassemble... and you will help me make them swallow the bad news."

  A small, knowing smile crept onto her face as she turned back toward the remaining brothers……

  to be continued……………..