The refreshing feeling of warm water pouring against my body, as if washing not only the filth but also the exhaustion. A thin cloud of steam enveloping the whole bathroom as I showered. I wasn't sure when was the last time I took a bath. After all, being busy with work had greatly altered my biological, that I lost track of time.

As I closed my eyes in thought, my mind was still full of equations, ideas, predictions and questions about the project I was working with.

Will it work? If so, how and when?

Even the time for relaxation was being invaded by these thoughts that I could only heave a tired sigh.

From a reliable study, I remembered, unwinding every now and then was essential for a person to organize his thoughts. About the organizing part I already verified. But then with each passing second, new thoughts kept on surfacing one after another which requires another session of organizing. This unending cycle, for how long would it continue?

In order to break free from this deadlock, I opened my eyes. Wanting to occupy myself with something in order to not return inside that endless process, my vision fell on the mirror that was installed on the wall in front of me.

The steam which carried that relaxing warmth fogged up the mirror. As if symbolizing the path that I was taking, unclear and was full of mystery.

But if there's a will, there's a way!

Immediately wiping it clear with a hand, the image became clearer. Caused by the friction of my skin against the mirror, squeaking sounds were made.

Certainly, those sounds made were unpleasant to the ears that I reflexively gritted my teeth. Nonetheless I continued with that action until the reflection was crystal clear.

From a single glance, one would definitely mistake him for a girl due to his small stature. Though when you look closely it was the other way around. Silver white hair reaching his shoulders that were noticeably wider than a female’s. Deep emerald eyes coupled with an androgynous face, quite a bewitching look indeed. But then, the Adam’s apple which protruded from his neck and the chest that was flat as a board, unanimously revealed his gender.

Seth Alberts, a 15 year old researcher, a member of the Order of the Phantom. Assigned as an apprentice in the meteorology division and had stayed here for the past 5 years.

I admit it, I am not in possession of an aura befitting of an intelligent being. Instead, an atmosphere filled with innocence surrounded me ever since I was a kid.

Noticing that I've spent quite some time bathing, I hurriedly turned the water supply off. For if I continued to do so, I would certainly catch a cold and that would be very bad. Getting sick was a scientist’s most feared occurrence as it would greatly impede their progress.

Anyways, as I quickly dried myself with a towel, I hurriedly went inside my room in order to get a new set of clothes. Opening the wardrobe carefully, the contents were revealed to me.

If a normal citizen was to see the clothes stored inside the wardrobe, they would surely be bewildered as to how could a civilized human being be so unfashionable.

Only one type of attire could be seen. A plain black t-shirt, matching trousers and of course a pure white laboratory coat. Numerous sets of the same combination of clothes were carefully arranged and hanged properly inside the wardrobe. And with swift and experienced movements, I immediately chose a set and wore it straightaway.

From what I’ve heard from the announcement the presentation would be held at exactly 11 AM. A splendid scheduling indeed as it may be done up until noon, considering that we’re already inside the main facility an extravagant lunch would certainly be presented for every attendee.

Mmn.. just thinking about it made me hungry. Eating only instant and canned foods, my tummy craved for something freshly cooked. Attending a conference with only food in mind, I may sound like a glutton but then, great minds need some great nourishment too or so I thought.

After making sure that I look at least presentable, I exited my room. Ending up inside the testing area, I glanced at my machine once again.

Hnnng! I wanted to do some more tests! I didnt want to leave him alone here!

As if a child throwing a tantrum, my mind refused to leave this place be. But then, I got my duties to fulfill and my job was on the line here.

Sigh, Why am I making this more complicated? Let’s get this over with!

Shaking my head as to let go off anymore thoughts that would slow me down, I trudged through the concrete floor. However, before I managed to exit from the warehouse, I glanced at the familiar electronic clock and took note of the time.

10:15 AM

Guh! Im going to be late!

With that as another push, the pace of my walking hastened. And sooner that expected I arrived in front of the only door which connected the inside of the warehouse to the outside world.

Seriously though, I had to catch my breath as the warehouse’s interior was nothing to laugh at, for it was almost the size of a football field.

Leaving the complaints aside, I quickly opened the door. It wasn’t state of the art like most things you could find within the island. Just a normal door which used the common security system of padlock and keys.

As I stepped out from the darkened inside of the warehouse, a scene that I could never feel tired of seeing welcomed me.

Luscious trees which spanned out from both my left and right, completely filling my field of vision. It was quite unusual to find an enormous warehouse in the middle of a forest. Moreover, considering that most facilities within the island possessed advanced technology, a decrepit warehouse such as this shouldn't had existed.

Even so, I was assigned to make this my own research lab. For me, who was discriminated due to my age and educational background, the higher ups decided to place me here. Truthfully, I was very thankful for that decision. Instead of working under those belittling eyes of my seniors, I would rather enjoy freedom and solitude.

Anyhow, I continued to walk away, traversing one particular direction. No roads or trails were in sight, but still I was not afraid of getting lost.

The shade of the trees provided little amount light as I proceeded through this maze-like wonder of nature. Walking in circles was inevitable, one would certainly think if they were to find themselves here. Nevertheless, my destination eventually came in sight, as I saw a conspicuous looking building erected in the middle of nowhere.

A pure white structure with the shape of a box, at least 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. Installed on its front was a fully automatic door and beside it, a biometrics machine was attached.

*Beep* *beep* *beep* *beep* *clink*

“Please position your eye in front of the camera.”

After inputting the four digit identification number on the keypad that was present on the machine, an electronically produced voice urged me to direct my eyes in front of the retinal scanner. And without a single hesitation, I obeyed and placed my eye on the designated position.

A red colored horizontal beam started its work, scanning every individual blood vessel within my eyeball. Those flashing lights were rather unpleasant to the optic nerves that It took me a full week to get used to it, back then.

“Authorization complete, have a nice day Mr. Alberts.”

*Foooosh*

The sound of the hydraulics system opening the door drowned the voice of that artificial intelligence. Awaiting inside the room was a capsule, much like a cockpit of an aircraft without the controls and navigation system. Instead it looked like a semi-transparent egg that floated from the ground, disregarding the presence of gravity.

As to how did this thing work, I had no idea. But according to my mentor, he was the one who proposed its principle. Utilizing an artificially created element to eliminate the gravitational pull of the planet or so they said.

I stepped inside the capsule while wearing an uninterested face as I was already used to it.

“Destination: Main headquarters.”

Uttering those words in motone, the system recognized my voice. The capsule’s opened door responded by closing it automatically and the whole capsule started to move.

Still levitating, it moved sidewards until the vehicle was inside a more peculiar structure.

A tunnel made of fully transparent, tempered glass. Big enough for the capsule to pass through, stretching up to the horizon it was outrageously long.

Serving as the main transportation within the island, the anti-gravity transit was considered a stepping stone in the development of aircraft that uses the same principle in order to gain lift.

Moreover, the awe inspiring scenery outside was showcased as the journey through the tunnels continued smoothly.

The sun peeking from the clouds, the trees swaying against the morning breeze. As if I was experiencing a safari trip, all kinds of wildlife were present. Untouched and preserved, science co-existing with nature. Whenever I passed through here, I couldn't help but smile. If the whole planet shared the same state I think the world would absolutely be a better place.

*Fooosh*

“Destination reached…..”

Being immersed in such a breath-taking scenery, I lost track of time. Spacing out as always, I managed to recover my senses as I heard that electronic voice yet again. But even before I got out from the capsule, something interrupted my entrance.

“1 New voice message from professor Alberts, would you like to hear it now?”

Not only did the capsule served as transportation, it was connected to the main intranet. Enabling functions similar to a mobile phone, it was certainly convenient.

“Yes…”

I answered right away, for him to send a message personally it must've been something urgent.

“Come to my office after the conference, I have something to discuss with you..”

The low pitched voice of a middle aged old man was heard. It was familiar alright, as it was from my one and only teacher Hansen Alberts. It may sound weird that we had the same surname, but then, there was a big reason for that.

Professor Alberts, supervising the recruitment of all new members of the Order, decided to perform a simple experiment. Using a certain website in the internet, he posted a series of mathematical puzzles. Intending to scout intelligent individuals, the difficulty of the puzzles required prerequisite knowledge in post-graduate mathematics, quantum physics and computer algorithms.

And by pure chance, I stumbled upon it when I was surfing the net, seeking amusement by using the one and only computer inside the orphanage. Fascinated by such complicated problems, I strived to break the code.

Having internet connection meant that I could access electronic books about those advance prerequisite subjects. Even if they were advanced, I continued to read and read. And sooner or later, I managed to answer one after another. Such a feeling of satisfaction, I could never get enough of.

Possessing an abnormal intelligence compared to my peers I isolated myself from mingling with kids of my age. My life’s story was quite tragic as I grew without a single parent. Well, not that it affected me that much, at such a young age I learned to accept reality. Crying, despairing, no matter what I do there was no way of bringing them back. Not a single memory of them, their faces, their voices, I was completely clueless. For the me back then, they were non-existent so I dedicated all of my time solely on discovering the unknown.

And not long after I answered the third puzzle, the anonymous user contacted me and notified me that I passed the screening.

I was overjoyed! Everyone deemed me unusual, an abnormal that everyone kept their distance for me. But then, I certainly felt that I’ve achieved something, that someone acknowledged my worth.

Professor Hansen hastily arrived inside the orphanage after that day and signed the adoption papers so that I could finally be free from this facility. Starting from that day, my name was changed into Seth Alberts and my new life as a member of the Order began.