The harsh electronic shriek of Angelo's alarm pierced the pre-dawn silence of his modest apartment, its insistent beeping echoing off bare walls. Through half-closed blinds, the first hints of morning painted thin stripes of pink and gold across his rumpled sheets. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest from yesterday's evolved state training as he fumbled blindly for the source of the noise.
"Ugh... everything hurts..." Angelo groaned into his pillow, his voice thick with exhaustion. "Just fifteen more minutes..." The words slurred together as consciousness began slipping away again, the weight of his healing injuries dragging him back toward blessed oblivion.
A wisp of azure smoke curled up from Angelo's prone form, coalescing into Blue's familiar silhouette. The gray-tinted duplicate regarded his sleeping original with what might have been exasperation, if his usually stoic features could express such an emotion. His aura flickered to life, casting dancing shadows across the spartan room as he grasped the bed frame with deliberate precision.
The world tilted sideways as Blue smoothly lifted one side of the bed. Angelo had just enough time for his eyes to snap wide before gravity claimed him, sending him crashing to the floor in a tangle of sheets and limbs. The impact sent jolts of fresh pain through his barely-healed wounds.
"WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Angelo's roar of outrage was amplified by the small space, his orange aura flaring to life in response to his fury. In their shared consciousness, Red's cackling laughter provided an inappropriately cheerful soundtrack to the scene.
Blue's aura dissipated as he straightened his posture, looking for all the world like a professor about to deliver a lecture. "Your repeated requests for 'fifteen more minutes' have proven historically ineffective," he stated with maddening rationality. "Direct intervention produced immediate results. Additionally, we are not, as you seem to believe, your personal timekeeping service."
Angelo untangled himself from the sheets, wincing as his muscles protested. "You two don't even need sleep!" he shot back, gesturing accusingly. "The least you could do is help me maintain a proper schedule!"
"I believe I just did," Blue replied with devastating calm, his measured tone carrying just a hint of satisfaction.
"Oh man," Red's mental voice dripped with unholy glee, "Our resident stick-in-the-mud is actually trolling! This is better than those hospital soap operas!"
Blue's expression remained carefully neutral. "Your ACE evaluation begins in less than two hours. The testing facility is on the opposite side of the city. Perhaps we should focus on preparation rather than your sleeping habits?"
Angelo hauled himself to his feet, trying futilely to massage the deep ache from his shoulders. "Fine, fine, I'm up," he conceded with bitter resignation. "Red, since you're enjoying this so much, you can handle breakfast while I shower. Let's at least be efficient about this nightmare of a morning."
"Do I look like your personal chef?" Red's indignation echoed through their link.
"Please?" Angelo's voice carried equal parts exhaustion and desperation. "I really can't afford to be late for this."
Crimson smoke poured from Angelo's body, taking shape in the small kitchenette. "Whatever," Red grumbled, though his materialized form practically vibrated with poorly concealed excitement. "But I'm picking the menu!"
"Thanks," Angelo managed through gritted teeth as he limped toward the bathroom, leaving his duplicates to their respective tasks.
The morning passed in a blur of hot water, hastily consumed breakfast, and roof-hopping across the awakening city. Before Angelo fully processed the transition, he found himself standing before an architectural marvel that seemed to defy gravity. The ACE facility rose like a chrome and glass sculpture against the morning sky, its sweeping lines and gleaming surfaces making the surrounding buildings look dull and antiquated by comparison. The stylized letters "ACE" crowned the structure, their metallic surface catching the sunlight like liquid silver.
"Wow..." The word escaped all three aspects of his consciousness simultaneously, though each imbued it with different meaning - Angelo with determination, Red with anticipation of chaos, and Blue with analytical appreciation.
"This is it," Angelo breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. Internally, his thoughts carried a fierce pride tinged with grief: "Watch me, Bill. I'll show everyone exactly what you saw in me." For once, both Red and Blue remained respectfully silent, sharing in the weight of the moment.
The reverent atmosphere shattered as his phone's cheerful chime cut through the morning air. Angelo's expression soured as he saw the caller ID. "Neiva..."
"Angelo!" Her voice burst through the speaker with enthusiasm that bordered on manic. "I'm diving into the investigation today! I need more details!"
"I told you everything I know," he replied, trying to keep the irritation from his voice.
"But what about the lab itself?" She pressed on, undeterred. "Was it professional-grade equipment, or more... improvisational?"
Memory rose unbidden - fractured images of the ruined laboratory where he'd spent countless childhood hours. Steel tables corroded by time, sophisticated equipment reduced to rust and rubble, walls that still held ghostly outlines where instruments had once hung.
"Comparing it to Albert's facility..." Angelo chose his words carefully. "It was definitely professional. High-end equipment, proper setup."
"Albert? Who's that?"
"Never mind. Just - yes, it was professional."
"Perfect! Thankies!" Her voice carried a sing-song quality that set his teeth on edge. The call ended with an electronic chirp.
"You know," Red's mental voice dripped with suggestion, "she's kind of cute when she's not drowning in depression. You two gloomy souls would make an adorably miserable couple."
"Not now, Red," Angelo growled. "I've got bigger concerns than your matchmaking attempts."
"Die a virgin then!" Red cackled. "More fun for me to watch anyway!"
"If I may," Blue interjected with philosophical calm, "her improved demeanor is noteworthy. Your presence appears to have provided her with much-needed purpose. That alone is a positive outcome."
"Whatever," Angelo muttered, checking the time. "It's almost eight. Let's get this over with." As he strode through the facility's automated doors, Red's smoky form was already darting off to explore restricted areas, leaving Angelo to deal with registration while steadfastly ignoring whatever trouble his more chaotic aspect might discover.
The reception area gleamed with the same futuristic aesthetic as the exterior, all clean lines and subtle lighting. After confirming his appointment, Angelo accepted a flyer and settled into one of the ergonomic waiting chairs, trying to focus on the information rather than Red's distant mental commentary about "boring" security systems and "hilariously obvious" surveillance blind spots. Some things, he decided, were better left unknown.
> Auron Capability Evaluation (ACE) Test
>
>
> OFFICIAL INFORMATION FLYER
>
>
> OVERVIEW
>
> The ACE Test is a standardized evaluation designed to measure an Auron's core capabilities and determine their ranking within the Auron Power System (APS). Through precise measurement of key metrics, we can accurately assess your current power level.
>
>
> UNDERSTANDING MEASUREMENT UNITS
>
>
> ENERGY UNIT (EU)
>
> The base unit of energy measurement in the Auron system. One EU is defined as the amount of energy required to lift a 1 kg object 1 meter off the ground using aura abilities.
>
>
> AUR (A)
>
> The standard unit for Power Level calculations:
>
> 1 Aur (A) = 1,000 Energy Units (1K EU)
>
>
> TEST COMPONENTS
>
> 1. Energy Control Capacity (ECC) Test
> * Measures maximum energy you can control at a given moment
> * Utilizes Energy Quantification Device (EQD) for precise measurement
> * Results reported in EU (Energy Units)
> 2. Energy Draw Rate (EDR) Test
> * Measures energy draw rate per second
> * Conducted over 60-second intervals
> * Results reported in EU/s (Energy Units per second)
>
>
> SAFETY MEASURES
>
> * All tests conducted in specially reinforced facilities
> * Multiple EQDs available for high-power measurements
> * Medical staff on standby during evaluation
> * Testing can be halted immediately if needed
>
>
> WHAT TO EXPECT
>
> * Complete testing takes approximately 20 minutes
> * Wear comfortable clothing suitable for energy manipulation
> * Bring water and light snacks for recovery periods
> * Plan rest time afterward as testing can be physically demanding
>
>
> RESULTS & RANKING
>
> Your Power Level will be calculated using the formula:
>
> This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.
>
> PL = min(EDR × 2s, ECC)
>
> Based on your Power Level,
> you will be assigned one of the following ranks:
>
> * Novice Auron: PL < 15 A
> * Adept Auron: 15 A - 75 A
> * Elite Auron: 75 A - 375 A
> * Veteran Auron: 375 A - 250K A
> * Arch Auron: 250K A - 6M A
> * Master Auron: 6M A - 190M A
> * Enlightened Auron: 190M A - 4B A
> * Legendary Auron: > 4B A
>
>
> ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
>
> * Retesting available upon request
> * Mandatory retesting after significant power increases
> * All results strictly confidential
> * Special accommodations available if needed
>
> To schedule your ACE Test or for additional questions, please contact the Auron Evaluation Department.
> Now available on the app!
>
> "Measuring potential, empowering progress"
Angelo's eyes glazed over as he attempted to process the dense wall of text before him. The flyer's crisp pages crinkled in his tightening grip as equations and technical jargon swam before his vision like particularly aggressive fish.
"Nope," he muttered, folding the flyer with perhaps more force than necessary. "Not dealing with this."
"Wait!" Blue's protest rang through their shared consciousness. "That information is crucial to understanding the evaluation process!"
"Then by all means," Angelo drawled, stretching his arm out dramatically, the flyer dangling from his fingers like bait. "Be my guest."
Azure smoke curled through the air, coalescing into Blue's familiar form. He snatched the flyer with barely concealed eagerness, settling into the adjacent chair with the intensity of a scholar discovering ancient texts. "Your aversion to technical knowledge continues to astound me," he commented, already absorbed in the document's contents.
Angelo pulled out his phone, hoping to distract himself from Blue's running commentary. But his duplicate's enthusiastic murmurs of "Fascinating!" and "The implications!" kept dragging his attention back.
"Angelo, this is remarkable!" Blue's eyes practically sparkled behind his serious expression. "They've developed devices capable of quantifying energy manipulation! The EQD can measure both control capacity and draw rate, creating a comprehensive power level calculation through—"
"NERD!" Red's gleeful accusation echoed through their link.
"Fascinating," Angelo replied looking away with all the enthusiasm of someone discussing paint drying.
"Indeed it is fascinating!" An unfamiliar voice cut through their exchange. A young man in a pristine lab coat approached, his carefully styled blonde hair and designer glasses screaming 'academic elite.' His smile carried the particular brand of confidence that came from multiple advanced degrees. "Always wonderful to meet another appreciator of the sciences."
His eyes darted between Angelo and Blue, a pleased expression crossing his features. "Ah, twins! Let me guess - the classic dichotomy? One blessed with brawn, the other with brains?"
"Yep, you nailed it," Angelo deadpanned, suddenly finding the waiting room's modernist art installation absolutely riveting.
The scientist's smile widened as he adjusted his glasses with practiced precision. "Steven Eagleprince, rising star in Auron physics. Currently conducting research at this cutting-edge facility." He paused expectantly.
"Angelo," came the minimal response.
Steven's eyes narrowed briefly before widening in recognition. "Wait a moment... that interview yesterday... You're him, aren't you? The Angel of Death?"
Angelo and Blue exchanged loaded glances, volumes of silent communication passing between them.
"What if I am?" Angelo's tone carried a careful edge.
"Extraordinary!" Steven's enthusiasm doubled. "The Angel of Death has an academically inclined twin! The implications for nature versus nurture studies alone..."
"You're too kind," Blue interjected smoothly. "I'm Blue, and I must admit, I'm fascinated by the sophisticated approach your facility takes to Auron evaluation."
Steven's expression lit up like a child on festival morning. "Oh, but ranking is merely a beneficial side effect of our true work! The real excitement lies in understanding the fundamental nature of Auron abilities."
"Do tell," Blue leaned forward, genuine curiosity evident in his posture.
"Consider the energy connections Aurons utilize," Steven began, his hands moving in elaborate gestures. "While superficially similar to wormholes—"
"In theory," Blue corrected automatically.
"Precisely!" Steven beamed. "These connections facilitate pure energy transfer between points in space-time. Some theorize they function as simple conduits, but I postulate they're more akin to quantum bridges, creating direct links between—"
Angelo's groan of pure suffering harmonized perfectly with Red's mental equivalent.
"Fascinating!" Blue's eyes shone with intellectual fervor. "Would different theoretical frameworks affect our understanding of how Aurons interface with these connections?"
"Oh would you look at the time!" Angelo practically leaped from his chair, his sudden movement making both academics jump. "Got an evaluation to attend. Please, continue your discussion about... whatever this is. Without me. Far away from me." He backed away with the desperate energy of someone fleeing an incoming natural disaster.
Angelo rounded the corner, trying his best to tune out the enthusiastic discussion still playing through their shared consciousness. Blue and Steven's voices carried on about quantum mechanics and energy theory with unwavering enthusiasm, like a particularly academic radio station he couldn't turn off.
"I swear," Red's mental voice dripped with suffering, "if I have to hear one more word about quantum whatever, I'm going to materialize just to bang my head against a wall."
"You'd still hear it," Angelo thought back miserably as Steven launched into what promised to be a lengthy explanation of field harmonics. They both tried to focus on literally anything else, knowing that complete escape was impossible as long as Blue remained thoroughly engaged in his scientific discussion.
----------------------------------------
The elevator ride to the top floor felt longer than it should have, each floor's gentle chime doing nothing to settle Angelo's growing nerves. When the doors finally opened, he was ushered into a vast chamber that made his footsteps echo ominously. The room was almost entirely empty save for what looked like an instrument of medieval torture - a sleek but menacing device bristling with tubes and sensors, its polished surface reflecting the harsh overhead lights.
"You're absolutely certain this is safe?" Angelo eyed the apparatus warily, memories of less pleasant laboratory experiences flickering through his mind.
"Don't be such a wimp!" Red's enthusiasm cut through their shared consciousness, providing a stark contrast to the distant murmur of Blue's ongoing scientific discussion with Steven. "This is gonna be awesome!"
A technician in a pristine white coat stepped forward, her professional demeanor somehow making the device seem less threatening. "Completely safe," she assured him, her voice carrying the patience of someone used to nervous test-takers. "Let me walk you through the Energy Control Capacity test."
She gestured to two circular openings in the device. "Place your hands here. You'll gather energy as if preparing your strongest attack, but aimed away from the equipment." Her hands traced the path of the tubes. "The sensors will measure energy flow until you reach your maximum controllable threshold - like hitting your limit during weight training. The key is to approach that edge without crossing it."
Angelo nodded, trying to process the technical details through Red's running commentary about 'fancy science toys.'
"For evolved Aurons," she continued, "you must maintain your evolved state, but without manifesting your specific element. Standard energy only." She studied his face. "Any questions?"
"Just one - can we get started?" Angelo shifted his weight impatiently, the constant drain of his evolved state already beginning to tax him.
The technician's smile carried understanding as she directed him to marked positions on the floor. Despite its intimidating appearance, the device allowed surprisingly natural movement. Angelo's eyes tracked upward to a massive circular opening in the ceiling - clearly designed for safely venting energy attacks into the sky.
"Free light show for the whole city!" Red's mental voice bubbled with anticipation.
"Ready!" Angelo called out, watching the technician retreat to a reinforced observation booth. Her thumbs-up signal started the test.
Orange light blazed around Angelo as his aura evolved, the familiar drain on his stamina kicking in immediately. He brought his palms together, focusing his energy into a sphere that grew steadily larger. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he pushed harder, the orb of power expanding until it dwarfed his body.
"More..." he growled through clenched teeth, feeling the familiar precipice approaching - that razor's edge between control and chaos. "Maximum!" The word burst from him as his arms trembled with effort.
"Hold steady!" The technician's voice crackled through speakers. "Three... two... one... release!"
The energy bomb rocketed skyward, its light briefly turning night to day before disappearing into the atmosphere.
"Excellent," the technician called out as the device whirred and repositioned, automatically adjusting Angelo's stance. "Now for the Energy Draw Rate test - sixty seconds of continuous energy projection."
"What's happening?" Angelo fought down a spike of panic as the machine moved around him.
"Just maintain a steady beam upward," she explained. "We'll measure your energy output per second."
"Fine," Angelo muttered, fatigue from his evolved state making him irritable. "Let's finish this."
Another signal, and Angelo projected a continuous stream of energy toward the opening. The minute seemed to stretch endlessly, though his stamina held steady against the familiar drain of evolution.
"And... done!" The technician emerged from her booth, tablet in hand. Her eyes widened slightly as she studied the readout. "Your Energy Control Capacity is 25,000 EU - that's 25 Aur. And your Energy Draw Rate..." She tapped the screen, double-checking the numbers. "12 Aur per second."
She quickly performed the calculation, her smile growing. "That gives you a Power Level of 24 Aur. Well now, this is interesting... Congratulations!" Her professional mask cracked into genuine enthusiasm. "You've achieved Adept rank!"