He put it on, adjusted the zippers, and checked the fit. The fabric molded to his body like a second skin, restricting no movement. The sensors activated immediately, recording every muscle fiber and every micro-adjustment in his posture.
"Marcus, this first evaluation will measure your coordination and physical control," Dr. Vann explained. "Follow the exercise instructions carefully: maintain balance on unstable platforms, alternate weightlifting, manipulate moving objects, and react to visual and auditory stimuli. Focus and perform at your maximum."
Marcus nodded and began. Each platform moved unpredictably; some vibrated, others tilted, forcing him to constantly adjust his posture. Objects were thrown at him, requiring him to catch, throw, and place them with precision. Occasionally, sudden visual cues demanded a reaction in less than a second, while auditory signals tried to intentionally distract him.
The scientists remained silent, only whispering among themselves:
"His muscular control is flawless," Liora said as she observed the graphs. "Every postural adjustment is executed effortlessly."
"His coordination surpasses the average human-form transformer," Dr. Vann added. "Even the integration of complex movements is remarkably efficient."
Next, Marcus was guided to the strength and maximum power station. The room was equipped with bars, weights, pulley systems, and platforms for pull-ups, military press, and deadlifts.
"You’ll perform bench presses, deadlifts, weighted pull-ups, and military presses," Dr. Vann instructed. "Maintain perfect technique with every repetition and constantly control your rhythm."
Marcus lifted the bars with absolute focus. Every movement was measured: joint pressure, muscle activation, controlled breathing, and precise posture. Even as the weight gradually increased, he maintained complete stability and control. Every repetition was executed with surgical precision.
The scientists discussed among themselves while monitoring the data:
"His strength is slightly above the average of human-form transformers," Jaren said, pointing to the muscle tension graphs.
"Not only does he lift more, but he maintains full control of the weight and posture," Liora added. "This indicates exceptional synergy between strength and control."
Then they moved to the speed and reflex station. The circuit was filled with moving holograms, flashing panels, and sound sensors. Every stimulus required immediate response: touch, dodge, or redirect.
"You must react to every object as it appears," Dr. Vann explained. "This will measure your hand-eye coordination, speed, and reflexes."
Marcus reacted almost instinctively. Objects appeared from various angles and at different speeds, some seemingly impossible to anticipate, yet Marcus caught or dodged each with precision. Every movement was fluid, fast, and exact.
The scientists followed the real-time data and whispered observations:
"His speed is slightly above average," Liora noted.
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"His reflexes are far above average; he can anticipate objects even before they reach the contact zone," Dr. Vann added. "This level of reactivity is unusual for a humanoid transformer."
Next, they tested his regenerative capacity. For the trial, one of the scientists made a controlled incision on Marcus’ forearm while multiple sensors recorded his heartbeat and cellular activity. Within seconds, the wound closed rapidly, leaving only a faint trace before disappearing entirely. The monitors lit up with unusual peaks.
"Remarkable," murmured Elias.
"Yes. His regeneration is above average," the other confirmed, reviewing the data.
Finally, Marcus prepared for the endurance test. A weighted vest awaited him, along with a circuit combining running, jumps, push-ups, and lateral movements. He had to maintain continuous effort for hours.
"This will measure your ability to sustain physical effort while performing complex tasks," Dr. Vann explained.
Marcus began running, jumping, moving laterally, and repeating push-ups. His breathing remained controlled, his rhythm steady, and his body showed no signs of fatigue. The test lasted four hours straight, far beyond what an average human-form transformer could endure, and Marcus still seemed capable of continuing.
The scientists exchanged observations:
"His endurance is exceptional," Liora said. "He sustains effort much longer than other human-form transformers."
"He could go for several more hours," Jaren added. "This is far above average."
After completing all physical tests, the scientists finally approached Marcus to explain the results:
"We have compiled all your data and compared it with the average human-form transformer. On our scale, 1 represents the average."
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Coordination: 1.5 — above average
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Strength: 1.3 — slightly above average
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Speed: 1.4 — slightly above average
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Reflexes: 1.9 — far above average
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Endurance: 3 — far above average
"These numbers reflect your human potential, Marcus," Liora said. "Even without fully transforming, your body already surpasses most of your peers in several areas. This data will guide your training and development."
Processing the results, Marcus began formulating a theory: his transformation and abilities were likely geared toward close-quarters combat, an instinct already partially present even in his human form.
Ten minutes later, Marcus sat in a chair, drinking water after the physical tests. His tracksuit was slightly damp from exertion, and he savored the moment of calm, feeling his breathing normalize and his body gradually relax. It was a pause, a chance to reorganize his thoughts before the next phase.
Elias Vann appeared beside him, walking with calm, measured steps.
"Hello, Marcus," he said warmly. "Take a few more moments if you need, but when you’re ready, follow me. We’ll move on to the next phase."
Marcus stood and followed Elias down the corridor to a reinforced room. Elias moved to an adjoining room, separated by an observation window from where he could monitor every movement without direct intervention. He activated the microphone, his voice clear and professional:
"All right, Marcus. Now we’ll explore your special abilities. Even in human form, every transformer has access to traits derived from their monstrous form, although only partially. That means you can’t use your full potential yet. Today, you’ll learn to sense and activate these limited abilities."
"Before we begin, it’s important that you understand ether. Ether is the energy that flows through all transformers, a unique manifestation of the power encoded in your genes. It is what allows your monstrous form to emerge and grants extraordinary abilities. In your human state, you can still access part of this energy, enough to activate certain powers, but not in full."
"To manipulate ether, you must learn to feel it, guide it, and direct it intentionally. It responds to your thoughts and instincts, and with practice, you can manifest it. For now, focus on sensing it within your body, letting it flow to the area you choose, and trust your instincts to shape it."
Marcus positioned himself in the center of the room, taking a deep breath. He began to feel the ether subtly coursing through his body, a warm, vibrant energy that seemed to respond to his thoughts. Instinctively, he knew what he could do. Concentrating on his right forearm, he focused the ether there and activated it immediately.
Fine red filaments appeared across his forearm and hand, intertwining like artificial muscle fibers beneath the skin, creating the sensation of denser, reinforced musculature. The sensation was both strange and natural, as if his body recognized this new structure as part of itself.
Almost simultaneously, small gray plates began to emerge, rigid but perfectly integrated with his skin, forming along his forearm and hand. The plates felt surprisingly light yet solid, moving effortlessly with each slight flex of his fingers and wrist. Marcus could feel the ether flowing into each segment, reinforcing the connection between his will and the manifestation of his powers.
From behind the observation glass, Elias’ calm voice came through the microphone:
"Marcus, can you activate it across your entire body?"