Marcus was led into the first assessment room and handed a perfectly fitted technical tracksuit, made from a lightweight, elastic fabric that adapted to every movement of his body. It was equipped with integrated sensors that measured strength, balance, breathing, muscle temperature, and energy flow. Every seam was designed to not interfere with his movements, and reinforced areas helped protect joints and muscles during high-impact exercises.
Marcus put it on, adjusting the zippers and checking the fit. The fabric molded to his body like a second skin without restricting a single movement. The sensors immediately began recording, capturing every muscle fiber and micro-adjustment in his posture.
"Marcus, this first assessment will measure your coordination and physical control," Dr. Vann explained. "Follow the exercise instructions carefully: balance on unstable platforms, alternate lifting weights, manipulate moving objects, and react to visual and auditory stimuli. Focus and perform to the best of your ability."
Marcus nodded and began. Each platform moved unpredictably; some vibrated, others tilted, forcing him to constantly adjust his stance. Objects were thrown toward him, requiring precise catches, throws, and placements. Occasionally, visual cues appeared suddenly, demanding a reaction in under a second, while auditory signals intentionally tried to distract him.
The scientists remained silent toward him, only commenting among themselves:
"His muscular control is flawless," Liora said, watching the graphs. "Every posture adjustment is made effortlessly."
"His coordination is better than the average human-form transformer," Dr. Vann added. "Even integrating complex movements is remarkably efficient."
Next, Marcus was guided to the maximum strength and power control station. The room was equipped with bars, weights, pulley systems, and rigs for pull-ups, military press, and deadlifts.
"You will perform bench press, deadlifts, weighted pull-ups, and military presses," Dr. Vann instructed. "Maintain perfect technique for each repetition and control your rhythm consistently."
Marcus lifted the bars with absolute focus. Each motion was measured: joint pressure, muscle activation, controlled breathing, and exact posture. Even as the weights gradually increased, he maintained complete stability and control. Each repetition was executed with surgical precision.
The scientists discussed among themselves while observing the monitors:
"His strength is slightly above the average for human-form transformers," Jaren said, pointing at the muscle tension graphs.
"Not only does he lift more, but he maintains total control over the weight and posture," Liora added. "That indicates a rare synergy between strength and control."
He was then led to the speed and reflexes station. The circuit was filled with moving holograms, flashing panels, and sound sensors. Each stimulus required immediate reaction—touch, dodge, or redirect.
"You must respond to each object as it appears," Dr. Vann explained. "This will measure your speed, hand-eye coordination, and reflexes."
Marcus reacted almost instinctively. Objects appeared from various angles and at varying speeds, some seemingly impossible to anticipate, yet Marcus caught or dodged them with precision. Every movement was fluid, fast, and exact.
The scientists followed the real-time data, commenting quietly:
"Speed slightly above average," Liora observed.
"Reflexes are well above average; he can anticipate objects even before they reach contact zone," Dr. Vann added. "This level of reactivity is unusual for a human-form transformer."
Then they proceeded to measure his regenerative capacity. For the test, one of the scientists made a controlled incision on Marcus's forearm while several sensors tracked his heart rate and cellular activity. Within seconds, the wound closed rapidly, leaving behind only a faint trace before vanishing altogether. The monitors lit up with unusual spikes.
—"Remarkable," Elias muttered.
—"Yes. His regeneration is above average," the other confirmed while checking the data.
Finally, Marcus prepared for the endurance assessment. A weighted vest and a course combining running, jumps, push-ups, and lateral movements awaited him. He had to sustain continuous effort for hours.
"This will measure your ability to maintain physical exertion while performing complex tasks," Dr. Vann explained.
Marcus began to run, jump, move laterally, and perform repetitive push-ups. His breathing remained controlled, his pace steady, and his body showed no signs of fatigue. The test lasted four continuous hours, far longer than the average human-form transformer could manage, and still, Marcus seemed capable of continuing.
The scientists exchanged observations:
"His endurance is exceptional," Liora said. "He sustains effort far longer than other human-form transformers."
"He could go on 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've compiled all your data and compared it to the average human-form transformer. On our scale, 1 represents the average:
Coordination: 1.5 — above average
Strength: 1.3 — slightly above average
Speed: 1.4 — slightly above average
Reflexes: 1.9 — well above average
Endurance: 3 — far above average
"These numbers reflect your human-form potential, Marcus," Liora said. "Even without fully transforming, your body already surpasses most of your peers in several areas. This information will guide your training and development."
As he processed the results, Marcus began to form a theory: his transformation and abilities were likely geared toward close-quarters combat, an instinct already partially present even in his human form.
10 minutes later, Marcus was sitting in a chair, drinking water after the physical tests. His tracksuit was slightly damp from the effort, and he savored the moment of calm, feeling his breathing return to normal and his body gradually relax. It was a pause, an opportunity to reorganize his thoughts before the next phase.
Elias Vann appeared beside him, walking with a calm and cordial stride.
"Hello, Marcus," he said warmly. "Take a moment longer if you need it, but when you're ready, I want you to follow me. We're moving on to the next phase."
Marcus nodded, stood up, and followed Elias down the corridor until they reached a reinforced room. Elias moved to the adjacent room, separated by an observation glass, from where he could monitor every movement without directly intervening. He activated the microphone, and his voice sounded clear and professional:
Alright, Marcus. Now we're going to explore your special abilities. Even in your human form, every transformer has access to traits derived from their monstrous form — though only partially, meaning you can't use their full potential . Today, you'll learn to sense and activate these limited abilities.
"Before we begin, it's important you understand the ether. Ether is the energy that flows through all transformers, a unique manifestation of the power locked within your genes. It is what allows your monstrous form to emerge and grants you extraordinary abilities. In your human state, you can still access a portion of this energy, enough to activate certain powers, but not to their full extent.
"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 make it manifest physically. For now, focus on sensing it within your body, allowing it to 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, vibrating energy that seemed to respond to his thoughts. Instinctively, he knew what he could do. Focusing on his right forearm, he gathered the ether there and activated it immediately.
Thin red filaments appeared across his forearm and hand, weaving together like artificial muscle fibers beneath his skin, giving the effect of enhanced, denser 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 yet seamlessly integrated with his skin, forming along his forearm and hand. The plates felt surprisingly light but solid, moving effortlessly with each minor flex of his fingers and wrist. Marcus could sense the ether flowing into each segment, reinforcing the connection between his will and the materialization of his powers.
From behind the observation glass, Elias's calm voice came through the microphone.
"Marcus, can you activate it across your entire body?"