CHAPTER 16: PSYCHE (1)

{Headquarters of Area 02}

A round meeting was held to report the progress of the test run, with all members present.

"Now let the meeting start".

The Commander said as he glanced at the secretary before him, signaling the start of the test run.

*Blimp*

The secretary then touched the round table, slightly as it lit on, with circular azure blue arch light levitating around her hands.

*Fwoosh*

The table glowed a cyan blue light that instantly lit up the reflecting of the faces of everyone.

"Firstly, I would like to talk about the test run of phase 4".

*Shine*

On saying this, the top of the table displayed the preview of the test run on a 3D projection screen.

*Slide*

Meanwhile, she had released her hands from the table. While she then took out a blue tab pressed against her body. Later, she continued.

"The recent test run took place at morning, right after the test subjects got the information".

*Swoosh*

"Venue of the test run took place at the outskirts of the facility".

The display then dissipated into cyan blue particles. Later on, it changed to 3D projection of the outskirts of the facility.

*Swoosh*

"Afterwards, each test subject got transferred into different augmented platforms within the selected place".

Instantly, the screen displays the nine platforms where the test subjects were.

*Swoosh*

"A total of three subjects out of the nine subjects that took the test run died".

Again, it changed, showing the file details of all test subjects, with their faces all shown in 3D projection. Marking the three dead subjects with an X-mark.

*Swoosh*

The screen then showed each subject's projection, while displaying them using their psyche from the test run. While the secretary said.

"Subject 100 - Phase

Subject 101 - Fire

Subject 105 - Light

Subject 108 - Ice

Subject 109 - Shadow

Lastly... Subject 102 - unknown.

Though all remaining test subjects had awakened their psyche successfully. A minor defect was found in subject 102".

"A defect?".

The members all looked in astonishment of the word. The Commander was also shocked.

Attempting to clarify her words, the Commander then asked.

"What's the details in the defect?"

"Subject 102".

She said. Afterwards, her hands were then placed in the tab.

*Swoosh*

The screen changed, displaying Blu's fight with the klaurs.

"As you can all see, subject 102 received a mana link despite having an artificial mana core in phase 2".

"During the test run, he successfully awakened a psyche for a brief period, but was later deemed without a psyche after proper diagnosis".

The Commander then pondered after hearing the secretary's statement.

'I thought he had already awakened a psyche... Is this all part of the professor's plans, or is it just an mistake... Anyways, I would have to confirm that myself'.

The Commander glanced at the secretary, opening his mouth to say.

"So when is the next phase going to happen?"

The secretary replied.

"I believe it would be ready in the next few days".

He then glanced back and said.

"Is there any issue or anyone against the follow up of the project?"

"No issues".

Cerberuse responded, after a strange glare at the Commander.

"Same here, I believe it would be right to continue right away".

Rosa said bluntly. While Dust nodes.

"From what I can see, there's no problem on my part, but I would like it if you refrain from taking actions on the test subjects without informing us

But still, the project will be moving according

Yes it is, the project is moving according to plan, so there won't be any issues coming up.

It seems like the professor is unphased by the recent

Nevertheless, if the subjects may or may not be a problem, I have to find out.

—————————————————————————

The next day, outside the building, training area.

There Blu and the five other subjects stood beneath the bright early morning's sun, in front of them was the Commander.

*Whirl*

The wind gushed into the air, caressing the body of the test subjects with its cold air.

As Blu stood, his eyes were as clear as the sky over the noon sun, it appeared like he was an empty husk of his former self.

"...".

On hearing the silent noise, Blu glanced as he noticed the Commander talking.

"... Seems like this is the first time I'm speaking to you all."

"Am the Commander of this facility, Leazus Fhaust".

He then glanced at the test subjects for a few seconds and continued.

"Your performance on the test run exceeded our expectations".

"Due to unfortunate circumstances, you are all the only ones left...",

"Tsk...".

Blu muttered something over his breath, interrupting the Commander.

The Commander stopped as he noticed this and said.

"Did you say something subject 102?"

Blu segued, with an unceasing resolve as he spoke.

"Unfortunate circumstances, my foot".

"Wasn't it you guys that caused their deaths?

"You all created us, fed us, trained us, so why don't you all feel anything for us?"

"Why do you guys treat all of us like we are all disposable tools to you... Why?—"

Instantly, the Commander interrupted, saying.

"—Because you all are".

"Huh...".

Blu was riddled in despair by the Commander's words. While the test subjects were all left staggered by the shocking words of the commander.

The Commander looked up to the test subject as he opened his mouth bluntly and said.

"It seems you're all getting the wrong idea here, you are all being kept to become elite warriors for the Eliana kingdom".

"There is nothing of the sort as an assurance of life outside this facility".

"So just submit yourself to service".

The commander's bold words shuck them to their spines as they all felt a deadly sensation.

"Now any complaints".

*Ok*

The test subjects stuttered as they shivered in fear.

Blu then said to himself,

'Oi. You gotta be kidding me, we didn't ask for any of this, and now we are to serve a nation we know nothing about'.

Angered by the Commander, he then thought,

'I have a sword... The Commander is here... His guard is down... If I kill him now... I could escape'.

Blu then held his sword firmly as we were in an attack stance, wanting to fight the Commander as his back was turned against them.

*Clatter*

Aria, who was beside Blu, noticed his hands shaking. Instantly, she held on to Blu's hands in an attempt to calm him.

Immediately, Blu glanced at Aria and noticed her clutching on to his hands, while hers were also shaking.

'Aria'.

Blu thought to himself as he noticed he wasn't the only one

'What was I doing? It's not like I am the only one here... And didn't I promise we are all going to escape this facility no matter what?'

*Thud*

A few [men in white] strolled to them as they then brought out a white clad suit.

The Commander then said.

"These are new suits you'd all be using".

As Blu glanced at the suit, he noticed they were overall white tight fits with shining skin.

"Now, as you are all aware, you've all awakened your psychic ability, you are all eligible to wear this".

The Commander then glanced at Blu and said.

"That is except subject 102".

On hearing this, Blu pondered.

'Huh! I don't have a psyche, wait there has to be something wrong there'.

He then opened his mouth and said.

"Wait, I have a psyche".

The Commander replied.

"You have? So what is it then?"

Blu went silent on hearing the sudden development, as he knew well he had a psyche.

'huh! Wait a minute, didn't I awaken a psyche, if I remember correctly, that time — I don't remember what happened?'