Colonel Reynolds seems to be in the know. It's likely that all Awakened are privy to some information about the mutated beings in the wastelands beyond the wall," Sky reflected, carefully controlling his expression to show confusion and surprise.

Colonel Reynolds' order was clear and firm, "Execute the order, now!"

Sky stood up, pushed aside his chair, and stood erect, meticulously following the colonel's orders to the point of being completely undressed.

The colonel circled him several times, examining every inch of Sky's skin. Once satisfied, he signaled Sky to dress again.

Returning to his seat, the colonel powered up his tablet to revisit Dr. Spencer's medical analysis report on Sky. His tone softened, "Don't stand there, sit down."

"Understood," Sky replied, pulling back his chair and sitting down firmly. His audacious act had seemingly been successful.

Sky deliberately chose to describe Arachne's sensing of a strong presence in the north as his own feeling, after careful consideration.

Firstly, he needed Colonel Reynolds' attention on his trial. This was crucial for gaining the Awakener's protection and support in the coming two days.

Secondly, it was essential to keep Arachne's situation secret. However, her unique abilities might be key to their mission. Sky aimed to glean more information from Colonel Reynolds to gain an advantage in upcoming tasks.

Thirdly, if his speculation is correct, the strong auras felt by Arachne could likely be the so-called Mutant Evolvers. Sky's goal was to alert the colonel, prompting the city's defenses to prepare.

Colonel Reynolds appeared highly responsive to this tactic.

After pondering, the colonel queried, "You mentioned sensing formidable entities nearing the city. Is this a persistent sensation? Can you determine how many there are and their distinct traits?"

Sky shook his head, "It's quite vague, and the feeling is intermittent." This was a fabrication. What Sky truly meant to say was, "In fact, whenever I have this sensation, I feel a gentle and warm energy spreading within me, much like basking in the sun, with every cell in my body enveloped in comforting warmth."

The colonel nodded in understanding, "Such a sensation could indeed be a harbinger of awakening. Each person's awakening experience varies, but a unique internal energy fluctuation is common before it happens. Our research on awakeners is in its infancy; we, the awakeners, are still unraveling the nature of this energy. Our theory posits that our continuously enhanced genes and body have unlocked a hidden mystical power. This surge of internal energy seems to purify and strengthen our cells, readying our body for the upcoming awakening. The gene enhancement potion serves as an artificial catalyst for this process."

The colonel took a brief pause before continuing, "No one can outline the exact path to your awakening; I can only offer advice based on my experience. Most people think of awakening as a mutation following genetic enhancement, but in my view, it's more than just a physical change; it's a spiritual transformation as well.

Based on my observations, an awakener's powers are closely linked to their deepest thoughts and emotions. You must discover what resonates with the deepest part of your heart, as it is both the key to your awakening and the fountainhead of your power's growth post-awakening. It could be anger for some, sorrow for others, or a deep-seated desire to protect for yet others. Find that emotion, confront it, embrace it, for it may reveal the true essence of awakening.

Additionally, the significant impact of the enhancement potion on you indicates your body's exceptional capacity for evolution. Use this to your advantage, pushing your body and mind to their limits to unleash your hidden potential, which might just lead to your awakening.

Your situation suggests a high probability of possessing powerful perceptive abilities. I recommend you spend the next two days here at the base. I'll provide access to our specialized training facilities, where you can focus on strength training, especially for enhancing your perceptual skills.

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Dr. Spencer has arranged for your evacuation to the main city in two days. During this period, you'll be staying at the base, and I'll organize a room for you."

Sky quickly added, "The evacuation plan also includes my brother Raimondo and a girl named Arachne, who recently lost her father. I've pledged to protect her, as her father was a key researcher in our genetic lab."

The colonel raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "Quite the complicated scenario. Your brother is one thing, but a girl too? With a war on the horizon, are you sure romance is the right focus right now?"

"No, no, it's not like that," Sky clarified hastily. "Dr. Spencer arranged everything."

"We have limited rooms available."

"We can manage together in a single room for two days."

"Alright, if that's how you want it. Since Dr. Spencer is involved, have her send over confirmation, and you can move in today," the colonel replied, showing a hint of impatience. "She also requested that I assign a bodyguard to you."

After pondering for a moment, the colonel called out, "Max, come in."

"Yes, sir!" Max promptly entered, having apparently been standing just outside the door the whole time, likely overhearing the entire conversation.

The Colonel's gaze was icy as he fixed it upon him, his voice unwaveringly stern. "Not a word of what you've just heard should leave this room, understood? Your new assignment is to appoint two of your squad members to act as bodyguards for this young man. If he sustains even the slightest injury in the next two days, I'll see you in a military court, clear?"

"Crystal clear, sir!"

"Moreover, in two days, there's a team headed to the main city, mainly to escort the kin of those from the gene lab and the top brass of the municipal government. Your squad will be in charge of their protection."

Max, with visible reluctance and a hint of irritation, accepted the orders and departed the Colonel's office alongside Sky.

The Colonel, left alone and gazing at the door closed by Sky, murmured under his breath, "Curious, he has the semblance of a mutant awakener, yet no physical mutations are evident. It might be a unique type of sensory ability."

Two hours later, Sky, Raimondo, and Arachne, escorted by Luca and Emily, arrived at their new lodgings within the base, toting their simply packed luggage.

They had left the old building and the refugees in the capable hands of Mr. Miller at the temporary refugee dispatch center.

At first sight of their new living quarters, they were taken aback. The accommodations were not the typical barracks housing eight soldiers per room but single-occupancy studio apartments. Each room was outfitted with essential living facilities, striking a balance between spaciousness and comfort.

Raimondo whistled in awe, "The privileges of a gene soldier are truly extraordinary, even the dorms scream luxury."

Emily, with a gentle smile, elaborated, "The minimum rank for a gene soldier is Second Lieutenant, hence the officer-level amenities.

Sky, now that you qualify to be a gene soldier, staying here temporarily aligns with the city defense army's protocol.

However, since there's only one bed, a couple of you will need to bunk on the floor. I'll bring over some sleeping bags shortly.

As Sky's temporary guards, we've moved to the neighboring rooms. We'll be on a 24-hour standby for the next two days, ensuring your safety.

Should you need anything, we're just a call away.

Also, Sky, Captain Max asked you to report to Dr. Spencer once you've settled in. Your assessment report is expected to be ready soon."

Sky gave a nod of agreement, "Let's make our way there now."

In the depths of the city hospital's third sub-level, Dr. Spencer extracted a sleek, metallic syringe from the lab's password-protected safe. With an air of expectancy, he approached Sky, "Sky, it appears you're the swiftest yet in our city-state to have mastered the fusion with the H-type enhancer and moved onto the G-type serum. The latest data suggest that, despite just a night's passage, your body's ready to welcome the G-type." Twirling the syringe lightly, he queried, "Prepared for the next frontier?"

Sky, brimming with impatience, rolled up his left sleeve, "I've been longing for this moment."

Three hours after the injection, Sky lay drenched in sweat on the rubber flooring, his breaths coming in heavy gasps. His eyes, somewhat glazed, were fixed on the immense lighting apparatus suspended above the base's training area. The exhaustion he felt now dwarfed any fatigue he had experienced in the previous day's battlefield encounters.

One hour after observing Sky in the lab post the G-type serum injection, Dr. Spencer and his team ushered him to the base's training facility. For two exhaustive hours, Sky was put through a rigorous regime using advanced equipment tailored for gene-enhanced warriors, while his performance metrics were scrupulously recorded.

"While your physical metrics are impressive, they don't particularly excel, hinting that your abilities may not lie in combat," Dr. Spencer, squatting beside Sky, voiced his thoughts. "What intrigues me is that given your fusion level, you should have manifested some unique capabilities by now. Excluding combat types, they're likely to be sensory or manipulative, with sensory being more probable."

Patting Sky on the shoulder, Dr. Spencer concluded, "Let's call it a day. Get some rest and see me in my lab first thing tomorrow morning."

Sky, visibly spent but responsive, managed to rise. Despite enduring the doctor's thorough examinations and tests, his mind was already racing with the thought of another experiment he was eager to try, rekindling his spirit.