I racked my brain trying to figure out what this means. Is he aware of 'me' or who ever this body belongs to?
I decided to shoot my chance , a line was starting to form behind me and it's now 5 minutes to the appointment time. I might not be the most time conscious person but I don't want to know what ''dire consequences'' mean.
'I am here for the ability scan. Appointment at 1600 .'
His eyes glimmered then he gestured towards a side elevator, it looked quite grandiose. As soon as he started walking towards that side I heard the couple behind me whispering 'is he a VIP?' , 'Quick grab a picture, we might be taking the exam with a superstar'. The guard heard them as well and gestured to another guard who moved stealthily and covered the range of the lens before they got the holographic camera started.
As I stepped into the elevator, I noticed the guard press an empty space that then opened a new keypad panel. He then proceeded to press 13. As soon as he did the floor started flashing, then a second later the elevator sounded a *ping* .
The doors then opened, and the guard stepped out and to the side gesturing ahead to a human female, with a round face , a short black hair and an expensive looking suit that left little to the imagination.
Esteemed guest , I am your guide for today , my name is Kim . Pleased to make your acquaintance. Please follow me to the lounge, the assessor will be there shortly'' . I nodded my head, and followed her, after a few twists and turns , which I am positive they were to confuse people, I was lead into a massive room, reminded me of the drawing rooms of old monarchs, expensive and valuable looking art on the walls, a sofa set in the middle with a wide spread of confectionery and tea arranged.
Since they are treating me this well, I sat down on the position of head on the sofa, and tilted my head up , attempting a somewhat arrogant tone , but unfortunately came out flat
'please have them hurry, my time is precious'.
And least I did not squeak , remember to settle for small winnings
The Lady bowed down and left the room, finally giving me time to gather my thoughts.
…
*POV Security Guard *
My name is Hans, I am a C-3 Level Ability user. In this day and age my ability is Average at best, however despite that I snagged the lucrative job of a security guard at the center, because of my ability to gauge approximate level and ability of an individual, saving the center from possible terrorist attacks by nipping at the bud .
Today the monthly ability scan and assessment exam was to be conducted. As per usual procedure, inspections done and bets placed on the highest possible level to emerge this month. Even at this country planet , we had one S-2 level before , albeit 15 yrs ago.
As the candidates arrived, the 1st one to enter the center was surely * unique*. Dressed like those nobels you see in old earth dramas, and with an eye bandage as well. My friend's voice carried over the ear comms 'how much do you bet whether he will fall or not, who wears an eye bandage ? He surely can't afford surgery''.
'Don't bet on that, he came in using the model A17 of the Royal series AI. that military one recently commissioned for civilian use. Even on hailing app it costs my 3months salary just to guarantee booking. Who is this tycoon'' , another's voice carried over.
I however decided to use my ability to see how much likely it was for this little tycoon to awaken an ability. As soon as I activated my ability, I saw .. red … it was red everywhere, his halo was engulfing this entire room. It became more black the closer he looked at the 'tycoon'. This is no mere mortal looking to awaken an ability. This is Yama himself descended on the center.
Over the comms he called the boss , the leader of the guards ' Boss, I have an anomaly, its even worse than your level' . After discussing with the boss he attempted contact with the target. The closer he got the more his back was drenched in sweat. It took every ounce of energy Hans had not to tremble . Not because of what he was seeing, but because something, Deep inside him felt primal fear. Like a prey awaiting the jaws of the predator.
When I heard that voice , I felt my heart constricting. It was like every word was a command from an entity I couldn't fathom. This could never be a human. This felt foreign, oppressive and unpredictable.
No matter what, be cool Hans , you can do it. You will not be the reason the center disappears today.
As I guided him to the teleportation array, he seemed 'unimpressed' , this had been humanities biggest breakthrough in the last 5 yrs, but it feels like he didn't care about this. Just where did this ancestor descend from.
After the door opened I could see my lifeline, Ms Kim, the Cheif secretary, standing there. I did a flawless pass and then bolted back to the 1st floor. I need a break. This was the worst thing I ever had to go through. I am going home and cuddling with my wife. I saw my life flash back and forth, I need cuddles.
*****
All this and our little MC , was still blissfully unaware that in the span of 10 min he had the entire planet ability center at it's highest alert level ever.
The IT team was working overtime trying to understand who this ancestor was , and why he graced their center. No one believed that little 'ability test' excuse. They were running out of time, fast. However to their dismay, not even this one's name could be found in the military data base . Well it figures, as he is yet to be enrolled there.
But that is a story for another day