In front of them stretched a large office, filled with elegant desks, screens, and a low hum of activity. People moved with purpose, focused on their tasks. David guided Marcus through the room, weaving past the workers with ease, until they reached another door at the far end.
He opened it, and both entered a bustling café. The aroma of coffee and baked goods filled the air, a stark contrast to the cold corridors they had walked through just minutes before. Marcus looked around, noting the relaxed atmosphere, the murmur of other patrons, and the warm light that filled the space.
David led him to a table by the window, and they both sat. After a moment, David smiled and said:
—Go ahead, Marcus. Order whatever you like.
Marcus hesitated for a moment, still overwhelmed by everything that had happened, but he felt the comfort of this small, ordinary moment. He ordered a sandwich and a drink, and David waited patiently, letting him eat without interruption.
Once Marcus had finished and set down his plate, David leaned forward slightly, his voice firm and serious:
—Well, now I have to explain you what the government do in these situations —David began, his voice firm and serious—, in cases like yours, when a person unlocks their potential and emerges as a transformer, we follow a specific protocol. Every step is designed to evaluate and manage your abilities safely and effectively. This protocol is not optional: without it, an unsupervised transformer can pose a risk to themselves and others.
—First, a series of medical, genetic, and physical assessments will be conducted —he continued—. They will evaluate your body, your energy, your reflexes, and your abilities. This will allow us to understand your limits and how your powers manifest.
—Additionally —he added—, we will investigate your "monstrous" form. Every transformer manifests their powers differently: strength, agility, speed, or special abilities. It's essential to understand exactly how your body works and how far your capabilities can go, because only then can we ensure your safety and that of others.
David paused, looking at him with seriousness:
—Once all these assessments are complete and we have a clear understanding of what type of transformer you are and what your capabilities are, you will be presented with options for how to proceed. For now, this is mandatory: you must cooperate and submit to the evaluation so we can assess you properly.
Marcus took a deep breath, aware that this first phase did not depend on his choice: it was an examination, an observation to determine the extent of his abilities and the risks they might pose.
—Now that we have a clear idea of your capabilities and limits, Marcus, it's time for you to consider how you want to proceed. You will have two options:
David enumerated calmly:
—First option: live a normal life. This means not attending the academy or receiving specialized training. You must understand something important: if you choose this option, you will be prohibited from transforming, because you would not be able to manage your abilities safely. You would maintain more freedom, but also face greater risks: your monstrous form and your abilities could manifest uncontrollably, and your safety and that of others would not be guaranteed.
—Second option: Attend the Official Academy of Transformers of Virelia. There you would receive intensive training to control your monstrous form and develop your abilities safely. As a benefit, you would receive a good residence in a secure part of the city and full access to resources for your development. The trade-off is that, upon completing your training, you would be required to fulfill military service in which your abilities would be needed.
David held his gaze steady, professional and serious:
—The decision is yours. Neither option is mandatory beyond the evaluation protocol, but you must understand that the academy is not a punishment; it is a structured environment designed to help you manage your abilities and reduce the risks that could arise if you choose to live outside it.
Marcus took a deep breath, weighing the options and assessing the risks and benefits. He understood the magnitude of what it meant to be a transformer and how decisive his next step would be.
Marcus asked David
—I get it, I will need some time to think.
David replied, relaxed and smiling:
—Don't worry. There's no rush. Some people take even years. The only thing that's mandatory is that you attend the assessments.
David led Marcus down the hall toward his room. Along the way, Marcus looked at him with a curious gaze and asked, "Hey, David… I have another question. Why is my hair… why is the root of my hair gray?"
David laughed and replied, "Don't worry, It's something normal, some Transformers acquire special physical traits because of their transformation. A clear example is me—that's why my sclera is black. But they areonly aesthetic, they have no real effect "
Finally, they reached Marcus's room. David opened the door and gestured for him to enter. "Here you'll stay tonight," he said. "I'll be here tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. to take you for the assessments."
Marcus nodded, still processing the day's events. David gave a small nod, then immediately turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Marcus looked around the simple but comfortable space: a neatly made bed, a small desk, and a wardrobe along one wall. He walked to the bathroom, showered, and changed into fresh clothes, feeling slightly more grounded after the exhausting day.
Once he climbed into bed, the combined weight of shock, transformation, and sheer exhaustion proved too much. The moment his head touched the pillow, Marcus drifted into a deep, unbroken sleep.
David led Marcus to his room, opening the door and gesturing for him to enter.
—Here you'll stay tonight —he said—. I'll be here tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. to take you for the assessments.
Marcus nodded, still processing the day's events. David gave a small nod, then immediately turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Marcus looked around the simple but comfortable space: a neatly made bed, a small desk, and a wardrobe along one wall. He walked to the bathroom, showered, and changed into fresh clothes, feeling slightly more grounded after the exhausting day.
Once he climbed into bed, the combined weight of shock, transformation, and sheer exhaustion proved too much. The moment his head touched the pillow, Marcus drifted into a deep, unbroken sleep.