After the gruelling training session, as Dr Xavier mentioned, he brought her to the restorative vats, large transparent, cylindrical tanks filled with a special solution that allowed her to recover quickly.
It even provided her body with the ideal amount of nutrients, as the solution actively nourished her.
They were simple to operate, though she needed to submerge herself head to toe in the tank and wear a breathing mask. Such vats were rare and expensive equipment, showing both the resources and power of the Helixas Corporation.
The vats allowed her to heal any damage she had accumulated during her rigorous training session, and Ayna felt great afterwards.
As promised, Dr Xavier allowed her to return to the living quarters afterwards, where he said she could rest and she would be alerted by the AI, Lamia, when he wanted her to get ready for his big surprise.
Finally being left to her own devices, she allowed herself to sit in deep thought for a while.
I have been going along with it, but this is really bizarre. I have no idea what type of place this is. Is it even real? Is it a game? Have I been transported to another Universe? It feels so realistic that I can’t take the chance, yet I’m still left to wonder the absolute truth of how I ended up here.
Ayna felt like screaming into her pillow in frustration. She did not like this place one bit. The description in the game did not do the Helixas Corporation justice. Dr Xavier gave her the constant feeling of judgment and danger, leaving her on edge throughout.
I swear, I would throttle James from the narrative team if I could get my hands on him. He is the one who supposedly wrote this horrible backstory! Thinking of his big, stupid smile as he proudly declared that in front of me made me want to tell my former self to slap him at that moment. Why couldn’t you have written Dr Xavier more normally?
Now she has become the target of Dr Xavier’s schemes. Even now, he is likely watching her through that AI of his.
Signing deeply, she decided to go to bed. She felt tired, and whatever Dr Xavier had planned for her tomorrow, she could neither delay nor avoid it. It meant she had to meet it head-on and hope for the best. After all, if a C-grade Metahuman like Stormflash is subject to the whims of Dr Xavier, then what about her?
Prying off her clothes and slipping into comfortable nightwear, she crawled into bed before mumbling, “What an eventful day.”
Ayna felt the feeling of sleep claim her as soon as her head hit the soft pillow.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Ayna woke up in fright as the loud alarm blared.
What the heck is this? Where am I? Which imbecile has such a loud alarm?
And then it all came back to her as the events of the day before crashed back.
I’m seriously still stuck in the game I worked on in the past decade. I almost fooled myself into thinking it would be some elaborate dream I would wake up from.
Feeling the last hint of denial in her consciousness being crushed, her inner turmoil was interrupted by the robotic voice of the AI, Lamia.
“Dr Xavier expects you to be dressed and ready in thirty minutes. Do not waste his time; your punctuality is obligatory.” The robotic voice declared coldly.
Of course, the AI was responsible for that horrid alarm. And what a pleasant greeting to have in the morning, Dr Xavier demanding her promptness for further experimentation.
Finding herself signing once again, she gritted her teeth as she pried herself out of the cosy bed that felt far more inviting than what Dr Xavier had planned.
Ayna knew she needed to avoid getting on Dr Xavier's bad side, as drawing attention to herself before she could find a way to escape would only enhance the difficulty of pulling it off.
Trudging over to the bathroom, she turned her head towards the digital display of the washroom. The shower was a sleek capsule that the user could modulate.
Ayna adjusted the settings and entered, while the machine operated with utmost efficiency, leaving her body spotless, dry, with smooth skin, and with a refreshing scent of lavender.
‘Now this is something I could get used to.’ Ayna thought that the Helixas Corporation might be immoral, but at least her ‘prison’ was comfortable.
She wanted to explore and experience it longer. Ayna had coded and designed such backgrounds for the game, but it never felt so vivid. She was in awe of it and couldn’t believe this was her reality.
Unfortunately for her, this was no game; Dr Xavier and the Helixas Corporation were a real danger, and she needed to move.
Getting ready, she found a similar suit to the one she had worn the day before, waiting for her as soon as she left the restroom.
Wondering if this is what they expected her to wear, she was startled when she heard the robotic voice of the AI, Lamia, “Your outfit is decided. Put on the training suit and await Dr Xavier.”
‘Damn, that thing is watching me at all times, though I'd better do as it says.’ She thought, hurriedly getting dressed, she knew that she could not make Dr Xavier any more suspicious of her.
Exiting her living quarters on time, she found both Dr Xavier and Stormflash awaiting her.
Dr Xavier greeted her pleasantly as he asked, “Have you enjoyed your rest? I sure hope the accommodations are to your liking!”
“They were great, thank you,” Ayna replied curtly.
Stormflash, on the other hand, never stopped scowling soon after he caught sight of her, as he said, “Do you want me to train her again? Is that why you ordered me to wait out here instead of performing my usual duties?”
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Dr Xavier laughed as he said, “Of course I do! But that is not all I want, I’m going to give you a demonstration first. One here will be giving us a show! And though I appreciate your candidness, this will serve as a great life lesson!”
‘Now that does not sound pleasant.’ Ayna thought as she saw a look of contemplation fill Stormflash's face.
After some thought, Stormflash shook his head wordlessly as he said, “Go ahead, then, show me this ‘life lesson’.”
Ayna unknowingly found herself respecting Stormflash more.
‘At least the guy has got a backbone.’ Ayna thought, yet for some reason, she thought this was going to backfire.
Dr Xavier's smile grew even wider, to the point she thought his face was going to split as he said, “Of course, I won’t delay you any further. Now let us walk.”
Once again, she found herself being led by Dr Xavier, as both he and Stormflash walked slightly ahead of her.
She found herself being escorted through a section of the Enclave she had not been to yet, though Stormflash recognised it as his frown grew worse and worse the further they went.
They soon found themselves in a botanical garden. There were grey, straight metal paths with sections and patches of rectangular sections of fields containing various exotic greenery, including large trees. Artificial light hung above, offering nourishment for the plants.
“Now, listen closely, there is always a moment in life where you should stand your ground and fight. Unfortunately for some, they get it wrong. Let this be a lesson to you, One. This is my playground, and being a daughter to some bigwig in the Luxonary Federation will not save you.” Dr Xavier said, the smile vanishing from his face as his eyes turned cold.
Despite being directed at her, Ayna knew the message wasn’t intended for her but for Stormflash, who, for the first time, showed more emotion than an annoyed scowl.
Instead, she saw concern, and not for himself, but for another?
Soon, she saw what Dr Xavier wanted them to see.
Ahead lay a bench and a massive tree. So big that it almost touched the artificial light above. It was beautiful with glowing, luscious leaves and thick branches that created a vibrant, naturalistic feel to the surroundings.
Hanging from that tree was a naked woman. She was attractive with luscious, bright red hair. She hung chillingly still, a look of absolute terror plastered on her lifeless features; even in death, her expression remained fixed and horrifying.
“Ember… what have you done?” Stormflash mumbled in absolute shock as he pointed an accessory finger at Dr Xavier.
“She was a spy sent by the Luxonary Federation. Don’t act clueless, Stormflash; you’re smarter than that. Now, be silent, it is show time after all, relax, and watch as One takes the only thing of value that the harlot had, her powers.” Dr Xavier said calmly as he placed his hand on Stormflash's shoulder.
Stormflash attempted to move, but Dr Xavier’s hand tightened like a bone-crushing vice as he remained fixed to the spot.
Stormflash said, “Let me move. Or I will…”
“You will what? I could slaughter you before you could even blink, and what will that achieve? It is no fun to have a bunch of mindless drones. I will keep you around for entertainment, yet there is only so long you can push me, but where was I again?” Dr Xavier said with a laugh, as he paused for a period before remembering, “Oh yes! One, go ahead and utilise your power on the recently deceased Ember! Pyrokinesis, a strong ability, was wasted on her; the only thing she was good at was having a romp with Stormflash here, according to Lamia, she was rather experienced at handling anyone of importance in this facility.”
Dr Xavier said the last part with an exaggerated wink, as Stormflash held in his anger.
Ayna froze for a while, unsure what to do, as she looked back and forth between Stormflash and Dr Xavier.
Surprisingly, it was Stormflash who said something first, as with gritted teeth, he said, “Go ahead and do it! Just get it over with!”
Dr Xavier seemed to look in surprise as he said, “Oh wow! You heard it, One! Go ahead and absorb lover boys traitorous harlot powers, and let us be done with it. I haven’t got all day.”
Taking a deep breath, with resolve, Ayna walked forward as she approached Ember's deceased body with determination.
Staring into the beautiful crimson eyes of the deceased woman, she locked eyes with the vivid expression of horror on the woman’s face as she mumbled, “I’m sorry…”
She already knew what to do. The activation of the power felt instinctive ever since she received the indication from the interface.
Placing her hand on Ember, words from the interface appeared soon after she did so.
Your Esper power, Ability Absorption, has detected the Ability Pyrokinesis. Would you like to absorb?
Power will fill 1/2 of your current available slots.
Knowing she could not hesitate, Ayna selected yes, and immediately felt a warmth flood her body.
She felt as if a raging fire was transferred from Ember to her, as notes of energy were dragged and assimilated from Ember towards her.
Before her eyes, Ember's body seemed to deform and crumble as Ayna’s ability ripped and extracted the DNA in Ember that granted her supernatural powers. Ability Absorption was a violent power that would tear the very source of the target's ability away from them, assimilating it into her own DNA, allowing her to utilise their ability even better than they could, or the potential to.
All abilities have differing limits and potential, and Ayna has the highest potential among them. As her power and rank grow, so do the abilities she absorbed grow with her. Currently, Pyrokinesis would be capped at her current rank, F, but it has the potential to grow to SSS.
Ayna felt the notes of raging energy slow, and before her eyes, Ember's body began to disintegrate into ash, leaving nothing behind; the rope she had hung from was now empty, black with ash.
The interface's glowing text reappeared.
Your Esper power, Ability Absorption, successfully assimilated the ability, Pyrokinesis.
You have acquired a new ability: Pyrokinesis [1/2]
You have acquired a new class skill: Fire Affinity.
You have gained experience towards [Esper (Novice)]
[Esper (Novice)] has levelled up.
Lvl 1 > 2
Energy +5
Intelligence +2, Willpower +1, Charm +1.
You have received 2 attribute points.
Wow! She did not expect to level up, as well, though it is to be expected since Esper gain experience and level through the use of their ability as well as defeating mobs. All powered classes gained a base boost to energy per level, equivalent to one intelligence point.
She had two attribute points to spare, though she found her excitement waning even with the gains; after all, this was no game, and the momentary locking of eyes with the dead woman was very real.
Her thoughts were interrupted by loud, jovial claps as Dr Xavier looked on with approval.
“That was fantastic, One! Now, let us get back to combat training. Stormflash, I bet you can’t wait to train the very person who turned your lover to ash.” Dr Xavier said jubilantly.
Stormflash shook his head, defeated as he said, “Let us get on with it.”
Laying off the torment, Dr Xavier paused as he gestured for her to follow.
Ayna followed silently, her mind still on the look of sheer terror on Ember’s face.
It was then that the interface lit up as she received something unexpected.
New Quest Received!
‘A quest?’ She thought with interest and continued to follow along; she went to pull up the rest of the description.
