The yearly assessment is conducted in every sector to measure the radiation exposure levels of a person.
Exposure levels may vary depending on how radioactive a place is. Technically, those who lived near or in radioactive sites had a high probability of evolving.
Due to the value of radiation, the Blessed monopolized it strictly for themselves and their families, leaving no room for the Cursed.
However, in the past few decades, some Cursed managed to evolve and rise to the ranks. The reason for this was simple: the air, water, and even food were contaminated, and the Cursed could slowly absorb that radiation.
"...the world should have ended forty years ago. However, humanity has achieved its greatest feat!"
"Human adaptation has surpassed human boundaries. We conquered radiation and now use its power."
Nico leaned toward Jian and whispered, "Do you think he was a priest?"
Jian shrugged faintly. He didn't want to cause a ruckus, unlike his friend.
"Anyways, let's hope we can both evolve!"
The scientist, with a seasoned face and noticeable scars on his cheek, glanced at the two before saying, "Prepare yourself!"
He clicked a button on his wrist device. Then, a blue light swirled, and a large cylinder with transparent glass began to materialize in the air.
Seeing how a huge item appeared with just a click piqued Jian's interest.
"That must be the new radiation body scanner. It is more advanced than the last time we used it," Nico shared with him.
The scientist, wearing a lab coat, activated the sensor device.
He called the Cursed.
One after another, they entered the device, and it scanned each person from head to toe.
"Your exposure level is 4 Sieverts. Potential to evolve: 20 percent!"
"Next!"
The crowd of Cursed joining the yearly assessment slowly decreased.
"I will go next; pray for me!" Nico said, his hands trembling.
Jian looked at him with a sense of hope, knowing that his radiation exposure level from last year had reached 8 Sieverts.
As Nico entered the cylinder, the red light scanned his body. After it reached his elbow, it suddenly turned green.
"Nico of Sector Five, your exposure level is 15 Sieverts. Evolution threshold reached. Probability: 100 percent."
Nico ran to Jian and happily said, "I reached 15 Sieverts!"
With his skinny hands, Jian awkwardly gave him a high five.
For the first radiational evolution, a person must have a radiation exposure level of at least 10 Sieverts or higher. This makes Nico the first to achieve this great opportunity.
The scientists gave him an electronic waist chain.
"Click that button, and a floating screen will appear. Enter your personal information. That will be your proof of identification."
"Do not input a surname! If you join a Blessed faction, you will receive one!"
"Understood, sir!"
Watching Nico happily type in the floating window, Jian felt a sense of jealousy.
Jian slowly approached the device. Nico cheered for him excitedly.
As Jian entered, the red light began scanning him. His skin felt itchy, but the rest felt normal.
Jian wished it were his lucky day. If he could even reach exposure level 10, then he would already be treated as Blessed.
The light reached his toe. Suddenly, it turned bright red.
Jian looked outside in confusion.
The scientists checked his screen for a minute.
Then, he glanced around as if looking for someone.
A woman scientist approached him. They had a brief conversation. After that, the woman hurriedly ran to their vehicle.
She pressed a red button inside, and a loud siren echoed.
"Attention to all the citizens of Sector Five! Code Red in the slums! I repeat! Code Red!"
"Immediate backup is requested. Please fall back from the slums!"
Nico grabbed the arms of the scientists and asked, "What is happening? He was okay, right?"
"Is he your friend?"
"Yes!"
"Without a doubt, his exposure level reached Zero Sv!"
"That can't be true! Last year he had 9 sieverts!" Nico reasoned. His eyes were filled with concern as he looked toward Jian.
The scientist scrolled through his floating screen and said, "There is only one explanation!" He turned to Jian and whispered, "He has already evolved but failed."
Nico became silent. He glanced at Jian with trembling hands.
A group of men appeared, holding guns and protective gear.
"Take him away!" the scientist said, speaking to a Border Knight.
"Don't hurt him!" Nico shouted, a teardrop tracing down his cheek.
The scientist put an earpiece in his ear. His audio sensitivity changed. The voice from Nico disappeared, and Jian's heartbeat became audible.
With a single gesture of his hand, the Border Knight subdued him. They pinned him to the ground and injected a syringe into his neck.
Jian felt drowsy. His sister's voice echoed in his ears.
"Don't get yourself in trouble..."
Jian smiled and whispered, "Yes."
The scientists gave him a tired look and asked, "Did you fail to evolve?"
"Yes."
"How long?"
"A month ago!"
"What do you feel?"
"Hungry!"
The scientists administered another dose of a hallucinogenic substance.
"Are you aware of your surroundings?"
"Yes!"
The scientists closed the floating screen in front of him. He turned to the Border Knights and muttered, "Take him to the frontline! He can be useful as a war dog!"
"Kill him or use him. It's not my business!"