Angelo stepped into the elevator, pressing the lobby button with perhaps more force than necessary as his mind reeled from the test results. The sleek metal box began its descent, each floor passing marked by a soft chime that seemed to mock his troubled thoughts. As he descended, he could sense Blue still engaged in animated conversation with the young scientist in the lobby below, their voices carrying through their shared consciousness like a distant radio broadcast echoing up the elevator shaft.
"I must say," Blue's cultured tones resonated with genuine enthusiasm, a rare crack in his usually stoic demeanor, "discussing these matters with you has been remarkably refreshing. Outside of the professor, I rarely encounter minds capable of engaging at this theoretical level." He adjusted his posture in the modernist chair, its ergonomic design a perfect match for the facility's cutting-edge aesthetic.
Steven Eagleprince leaned forward, his designer glasses catching the light as his eyes lit up with intellectual curiosity. "The professor you mention - who might that be?"
"Ah," Blue's lips curved into a slight smile, "I speak of Albert Goldstein." The words fell into the space between them with deliberate casualness, but their effect was immediate and electric.
"Albert Gold-" Steven's voice cracked with barely contained excitement, his professional composure crumbling like a sandcastle in high tide. "THE Albert Goldstein? Here in Novaria?" He gripped the arms of his chair, knuckles white with tension. "I've been trying to schedule a meeting with him for months! His facility might as well be a fort for all the success I've had getting in."
Blue's expression carried knowing amusement. "Yes, quite. I can imagine why." The subtle emphasis on 'imagine' spoke volumes about Albert's notorious selectivity with visitors.
Steven leaned closer, his eagerness making him forget proper scientific decorum. "Please, you must tell me - what's your connection to him? How did you manage to gain access to his inner circle?"
Through their shared consciousness, Red's sardonic voice cut through like a knife through butter. "Don't do it, Blueberry. The nerd's head might actually explode."
"Your concern is noted and ignored," Blue responded internally with clinical precision before addressing Steven. "What I'm about to tell you may seem... difficult to accept. First, I should clarify that Angelo and I are not, in fact, twins."
"But..." Steven's brow furrowed in confusion, the perfectly maintained arch of his eyebrows betraying his puzzlement. "The resemblance is uncanny. You're practically identical."
"Indeed," Blue nodded, his tone taking on the measured pace of a lecturer approaching a complex topic. "That's because, in a very real sense, we are the same person. Or rather, we emerged from the same person. Imagine, if you will, the energy composing your physical form split into three distinct yet interconnected entities..."
The light streaming through the facility's vast windows seemed to pause as Steven processed this information. Then, professional courtesy winning out, he let out a polite laugh that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ah, I see! Quite the jest. Your wit matches your intellectual prowess!"
Blue's expression remained unchanged. "I assure you, this is no joke. We three share sensory input, consciousness, even memory. For instance, I can tell you with absolute certainty that Angelo has just completed his ACE evaluation. An Adept ranking, specifically - 100 Aur Energy Control Capacity and 12 Aur Energy Draw Rate." He gestured toward the elevator. "In fact, he'll be joining us momentarily."
As if on cue, the elevator doors slid open with a soft pneumatic hiss, revealing Angelo. The timing was so perfect it made Steven's scientific mind rebel against the implications.
"I see you've been sharing our little secret," Angelo commented dryly as he approached, his footsteps echoing off the polished floor.
"You did mention it was hardly a secret," Blue replied with philosophical calm. "Besides, Steven's intellectual curiosity deserves satisfaction."
Steven's composure cracked completely, his scientific skepticism warring with the evidence before his eyes. "This... this is impossible. You expect me to believe..." He trailed off, his worldview visibly reshaping itself around this new reality.
"A demonstration, perhaps?" Blue suggested, his tone carrying the patient enthusiasm of a professor about to conduct an experiment. "Angelo, if you would be so kind as to turn around? Our young friend can test our shared perception."
Angelo sighed with the weariness of someone who had performed this party trick far too often. "Really, Blue?" But he complied, turning his back to Steven while maintaining their mental link.
"Now then," Blue addressed Steven with scholarly precision, "if you would hold up any number of fingers, Angelo will tell you the exact count without seeing them. Feel free to change the number as often as you like."
Steven's scientific skepticism warred briefly with his curiosity before he raised a trembling hand. His eyes darted between Angelo's turned back and Blue's serene expression as he began the test.
"Two," Angelo called out immediately.
Steven changed his count, mouth falling slightly open as Angelo responded instantly: "Three."
"One... five... none..." Each correct answer came without hesitation, matching Steven's increasingly frantic changes. The young scientist's breath caught in his throat as the impossible accuracy of their shared perception became undeniable.
Angelo turned back, irritation evident in his posture. "This is ridiculous. Why don't we just take him to Albert and let him explain the whole thing? Save us all some time."
The suggestion hit Steven like a physical force, his scientific excitement briefly overwhelming his skepticism. "You mean... you'd actually introduce me to Albert Goldstein?"
"Indeed," Blue nodded, satisfaction evident in his tone. "The professor has been studying our unique condition for years. His 'Components of Pure Energy Theory' provides a fascinating framework for understanding our situation." He rose from his chair with fluid grace. "Shall we?"
"Wait," Steven's eyes darted between them. "You mentioned three entities. Where's the third?"
Angelo's expression turned guilty. "Red is... conducting his own exploration of the facility."
Internally, he reached out to their missing third. "Red, wrap it up. We're heading to Albert's."
"Not a chance!" Red's mental voice carried theatrical horror. "I'd rather gargle acid than listen to more quantum theory babble!"
"I'll buy pizza..." Angelo offered, knowing his counterpart's weaknesses.
A moment of internal silence, then: "...fine. But I want extra cheese!"
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The morning sun had risen higher as they stepped outside, the ACE facility's chrome and glass exterior creating rainbow refractions in the air around them. Steven reached for his phone, already pulling up a ride-sharing app. "Shall I call us transportation?"
The look of abject horror on Angelo's face made him pause mid-motion. "An Auron? Taking a cab?" Angelo's orange aura flared to life, tendrils of forged energy coiling around him like living molten metal. "We travel in style. You're welcome to join us, or take your chances with traffic."
Blue's aura ignited next to them, his more controlled energy patterns taking on an almost crystalline quality. "I would be honored to ensure your safe passage, Steven. The experience is quite exhilarating, I assure you."
Steven swallowed hard, his adam's apple bobbing nervously as he looked between them. "You... you're certain this is safe?"
"Absolutely," Blue's calm assurance carried real warmth. "My forged energy provides complete security. Though I should warn you - the ride can be somewhat... dynamic."
Before Steven could properly process his decision, Blue's energy tendrils had already wrapped around him in a secure cocoon. The young scientist's startled yelp echoed off nearby buildings as they took to the air, leaving the ground and conventional physics far behind.
The city blurred beneath them as they bounded from rooftop to rooftop, Steven's initial terror giving way to breathless wonder. The morning air rushed past them, carrying the mingled scents of the awakening city - fresh bread from corner bakeries, the sharp tang of industrial districts, the green freshness of scattered parks. When they finally touched down before Albert's facility, Steven's perfectly styled hair was in complete disarray, but his eyes shone with the joy of discovery.
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The pristine halls of Albert's facility gave way to lush greenery as Angelo and his companions were escorted through a series of high-security doors. The laboratory garden was a stunning fusion of nature and technology - delicate orchids grew alongside humming analysis equipment, while climbing vines wrapped around polished steel supports. The air carried a unique blend of antiseptic cleanliness and organic life.
Albert stood at a pristine workstation, his weathered face a mask of concentration as he measured precise amounts of iridescent chemicals. His white hair caught the filtered sunlight streaming through the transparent ceiling panels, creating a halo effect that seemed oddly appropriate given his status in the scientific community.
"Albert!" Angelo's casual greeting shattered the laboratory's reverent atmosphere. The old scientist started, nearly dropping his carefully measured solutions before recognition softened his features into genuine warmth.
"My boy!" Relief colored Albert's voice as he set down his work with trembling hands. "I've been sick with worry since I heard the news!"
Angelo's eyebrow arched skeptically, his posture radiating accusation. "Worried enough to send a text? Make a call? Maybe stop by the hospital?"
A flash of guilt crossed Albert's face as he suddenly found his equipment fascinating. "I... that is... I thought you might need space to process recent events." The words rang hollow even to his own ears.
"Right," Angelo's tone could have frozen nitrogen. "Nothing to do with being lost in research again?"
The silence stretched like taffy before Albert's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Guilty as charged," he admitted with a rueful smile. "Though I did call the hospital! Once I knew you were stable, I thought... well..." He gestured vaguely, his usual eloquence deserting him.
Angelo's expression softened slightly at the genuine remorse in the professor's voice. Blue stepped forward smoothly, his cultured tones dispelling the awkward moment. "Always a pleasure, Professor. I trust your research progresses well?"
Before Albert could respond, Steven practically vibrated with barely contained excitement. "Professor Goldstein! I'm Steven Eagleprince - your paper on quantum harmonics in Auron energy fields changed my entire understanding of theoretical physics!"
Angelo recognized the telltale signs of an impending scientific discussion. "And that's my cue," he announced, already backing toward the door. "Red and I will be on the training grounds if anyone needs us."
"Now you're speaking my language!" Red chimed in.
The training ground stretched before them like an arena, its reinforced walls bearing the scars of countless previous battles. Red emerged from Angelo's body in a swirl of crimson smoke, materializing with his back turned in an exaggerated display of theatricality.
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"Angie, my eternal nemesis..." Red's voice dripped with mock menace as he slowly rose from his crouch, turning to face Angelo with glowing crimson eyes. His aura erupted around him like a bloody sunrise. "At last, we meet again!"
Angelo stared at his duplicate with withering disdain. "What's gotten into you lately? Trying to land a role in the Novarian Theater?"
Red dismissed the jab with a dramatic wave. "Today, I shall finally have my REVENGE!" His evolution exploded outward in a devastating display, crimson energy particles showering the arena as a shockwave of pure power rippled through the air. The very ground seemed to tremble beneath the force of his transformation.
Angelo's own aura answered the challenge, orange light blazing to life around him as he forced his evolution. The competing energies made the air itself feel thick and heavy, like trying to breathe underwater. Red dropped into a predatory crouch, forged energy crystallizing around his arms to form wickedly sharp claws that gleamed in the morning light. He launched forward with explosive force, but Angelo was ready.
The Aura Area expanded outward from Angelo's body like a sphere of pure awareness. Through this enhanced perception, he sensed Red's attack coming several meters out - each shift in air pressure, every minute change in energy patterns painted a perfect picture of the incoming threat. But Red's movements defied conventional physics, his claws raking through the air in impossible patterns that somehow felt both random and perfectly calculated.
Angelo manifested a shield of forged energy just in time to block Red's latest slash, the impact sending orange sparks cascading across the training ground. "Close," Red's grin turned feral, "but no cigar!" Eight massive tendrils of crimson forged energy erupted from his body, each one moving with terrifying independence as they whipped toward Angelo from every conceivable angle.
"How in hell is he controlling that many?!" Panic edged into Angelo's thoughts as he desperately tried to track the multiple threats.
Red's mental voice cut through their shared consciousness with sadistic glee: "Because I'm better than you, Angie!"
"Stop listening to my thoughts, you cheating bastard!" Angelo's fury manifested in waves of orange energy that made the reinforced walls groan.
With a roar that seemed to shake the foundations of Albert's facility, Angelo summoned his evolved signature weapons. Forged energy coalesced into the flowing robes of the Angel of Death, while the massive scythe materialized in his grip, its blade drinking in the morning light. He settled into his iconic pose, weapon resting casually on his shoulder as he glared at his duplicate with menacing intent.
"Oh please," Red's theatrical voice dripped sarcasm as he clutched his chest. "Let me guess - 'Change your heart and find redemption, or strike at me and get fucked?' HAHAHA!" His mocking imitation of Angelo's serious tone made blood vessels throb in the original's forehead.
Angelo's embarrassed rage transformed his expression into something both twisted and deadly. Without a word, he extended his arm and released the scythe. The weapon hung suspended in the air for a heartbeat before beginning to spin. Faster and faster it rotated until it became a disc of pure cutting force, its blade howling through the air as Angelo sent it screaming toward Red like a giant circular saw.
"Oh shit!" Red's eyes widened as the improvised buzzsaw of death closed the distance. He manifested a crimson shield of forged energy, but the spinning scythe tore through it like tissue paper. Though he managed to mostly dodge, the blade caught his right arm, shredding it into particles of crimson energy that dissipated like smoke in a strong wind.
"Got you now!" Angelo's triumphant roar echoed off the training ground walls.
Red's face twisted from rage to something far more sinister as forged energy began collecting around the glowing wound. The crimson light pulsed and solidified, forming a completely new limb that glowed with internal power. His predatory grin promised violence as both duplicates launched themselves forward, their collision sending shockwaves of competing orange and crimson energy rolling across the reinforced field.
The true battle was only beginning.
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While combat raged on the training grounds, a very different but equally intense exchange was taking place in Albert's laboratory garden. The three intellectuals sat surrounded by humming equipment and blooming orchids, their discussion having reached a fever pitch following Albert's explanation of his latest theory.
"Absolutely astonishing!" Steven's eyes gleamed with academic fervor behind his designer glasses, nearly bouncing in his ergonomic chair. "The theoretical implications alone are revolutionary!" His hands moved in excited gestures as he processed the information. "And to think that Angelo operates at 50% potency - the applications for understanding power distribution in Aurons could reshape our entire field!"
"Actually," Blue interjected with practiced precision, "recent calculations suggest a mere 25% efficiency rate." His tone carried the weight of academic certainty. "Consider: if Angelo's physical capabilities are reduced by 50%, and the amplification factor from his aura is similarly halved, the compound effect results in approximately 25% operational capacity compared to a standard Auron."
Albert and Steven exchanged glances heavy with scientific skepticism. Steven's "May I?" followed by Albert's "By all means" caused Blue's face to twitch almost imperceptibly - a crack in his usually perfect composure.
Steven leaned forward with the enthusiasm of someone about to share a profound secret. "Let me explain how Auron energy really works," he began, his eyes bright with academic passion. "Imagine you're trying to fill water balloons for a fight - this analogy will help explain both Energy Draw Rate, EDR, and Energy Control Capacity, ECC."
He gestured to the holographic display, which shifted to show his improvised analogy. "ECC - is like the size of your water balloon. It determines the maximum amount of energy you can hold at once. While EDR - is like the speed of your faucet, how quickly you can fill that balloon."
"Now here's the critical part that most people misunderstand," Steven continued, warming to his subject. "Let's say we have two people in our water balloon fight. Person A has a huge water balloon - that's high ECC - but a tiny trickle of a faucet - that's low EDR. Person B has a smaller balloon but a powerful faucet that fills it almost instantly."
Blue watched intently as Steven manipulated the hologram to demonstrate. "In a fight, Person B will dominate. Why? Because they can quickly fill and throw multiple balloons while Person A is still trying to fill their first big balloon. In Auron terms, high EDR means you can quickly gather and use energy, which is far more valuable in combat than simply having a high capacity."
"Here lies your misconception," Steven continued, his eyes gleaming with academic passion. Even Angelo and Red paused their fight to listen in, "Every Auron automatically allocates a portion of their Energy Draw Rate to enhance their natural abilities. Think of it like a power grid distributing electricity to different systems in a city. A percentage of your total EDR is constantly being channeled into three key attributes: offensive power, defensive capability, and movement speed."
He manipulated the holographic display to show a diagram of energy flow. "The fascinating part is that this distribution isn't equal. Some Aurons naturally channel more energy into speed, while others might have a higher allocation to defense. It's part of what makes each Auron unique."
"More experienced Aurons," Steven added, his voice dropping as if sharing a trade secret, "can actually control this distribution. They can consciously reduce the percentage of EDR allocated to their enhancements. It's a risky technique - like diverting power from your shield generators to your weapons in a sci-fi spacecraft. You can charge attacks faster by reducing your defensive enhancement, but it leaves you vulnerable."
Blue's eyes widened with understanding. "So if an Auron has 10 EDR, and they normally allocate 30% to enhancements, they're working with 7 units for active abilities. But they could potentially lower that enhancement allocation to 20%, giving them 8 units for attacks at the cost of reduced natural enhancement?"
"Precisely," Steven nodded approvingly. "Though few Aurons ever discover this level of energy manipulation. Most operate on instinct, letting their bodies maintain a fixed enhancement distribution. But those who master this technique gain a significant tactical advantage, able to shift their power allocation based on the situation."
Blue's face showed dawning comprehension. "So when Angelo's test showed 12 Aur per second EDR..."
"Exactly," Steven nodded. "And since his energy is split, that 12 Aur actually manifests as 6 Aur of usable power. It's like having a water faucet where half the water evaporates before it can fill the balloon."
Red's mental voice cut through their shared consciousness like sandpaper on silk, dripping with smug satisfaction. "Well, well, well... looks like our resident genius isn't quite as brilliant as he thought. How's it feel to be schooled, Professor Blue?"
Blue's teeth ground together audibly, his pride visibly wounded. "Shut. Up." The words escaped through clenched teeth as the laboratory's ambient sounds seemed to mock his discomfort. The usual steady beeping of monitoring equipment felt like it was counting off the seconds of his humiliation.
Relief washed over Angelo like a cool breeze, the weight of perceived weakness lifting from his shoulders. Understanding that his power limitations weren't as severe as Blue had feared ignited a spark of renewed determination in his chest.
"If EDR is the key," he began, excitement coloring his thoughts, "Blue, ask them how to increase EDR , then maybe we should focus our training on—" His strategic planning cut off abruptly as Red's crimson form blurred toward him, evolved aura blazing with manic intensity. "Red, wait! STOP—!"
In the laboratory, Blue pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ignore the chaotic feedback bleeding through their shared consciousness. He turned to his colleagues, scholarly curiosity overriding his concern for Angelo's predicament.
"Might I inquire about EDR enhancement?" Blue's measured tone carried genuine eagerness beneath its usual calm. "What would a focused training regimen entail?"
Steven's eyes lit up with academic fervor, practically bouncing on his heels. "Brilliant question! Think of it like progressive overload in weight training," he explained, gesturing enthusiastically. "EDR development requires pushing just beyond your current limits in controlled bursts - like sets in the gym. Each day, you force yourself to draw energy slightly faster than your comfortable maximum. The energy connections adapt, just like muscle fibers!"
"The same principle applies to ECC," he continued, fully in his element. "You gather energy until you hit your capacity, then push to hold just a bit more. Maintain that edge of discomfort as long as possible. Consistent daily practice yields steady improvements in both metrics."
Blue's eyes widened with fascination. "The implications of energy connections responding like biological tissue..."
Their theoretical discussion faded into the background as chaos erupted on the training ground. Red had undergone a grotesque transformation - every severed limb replaced by constructs of pulsing crimson forged energy. His legs had become wolf-like appendages of crystallized power, while one arm ended in wickedly sharp energy talons. The other had morphed into a whirring buzzsaw of pure destructive force.
High-pitched, maniacal laughter echoed off the reinforced walls as Red crouched like a predator about to pounce. His evolved aura cast everything in a blood-red glow, making the scene look like something from a nightmare.
"Look at yourself!" Angelo shouted, barely evading another frenzied assault. "You're completely out of control!"
Red's only response was more deranged laughter as he unleashed a barrage of attacks that seemed to defy both physics and sanity. Each strike carried enough force to leave gouges in the reinforced ground, his movements becoming increasingly erratic and unpredictable.
Angelo's expression hardened as he realized this had gone too far. "Time to end this madness!" Forged energy coalesced around his arm, forming a gauntlet that hummed with barely contained power. As Red launched himself forward in another berserk charge, Angelo saw his opening.
With precise timing born from countless battles, Angelo shifted just enough to let Red's attack whistle past. In the same fluid motion, he drove his reinforced fist deep into Red's midsection. The impact sent shockwaves across the training ground as Red's physical form exploded into a cloud of crimson particles that streaked back into Angelo's body.
As his aura faded, Angelo felt Red's essence settle within him, radiating something that felt suspiciously like smug satisfaction. The chaos of their battle gave way to quiet determination as Angelo's mind raced with possibilities for their new training regime. The knowledge gained today would change everything - they just had to survive Red's enthusiasm long enough to implement it.
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The late afternoon sun painted long shadows through Albert's laboratory windows as the group prepared to depart. The day's revelations hung in the air like a tangible presence, each person touched by new understanding and possibility. Albert's weathered face carried an unusual intensity as he turned to address Angelo and Blue one final time.
"My boys," the old scientist's voice carried a weight that made both duplicates pause. "If I might make one last request..." His fingers absently traced the edge of a nearby workstation, betraying an uncharacteristic nervousness.
Angelo and Blue exchanged glances, their shared consciousness rippling with curiosity. "What is it, Albert?" Angelo asked, noting how the professor's usual casual demeanor had shifted to something more formal.
"The 'Components of Pure Energy Theory' has been my life's work for longer than I care to admit," Albert began, drawing himself up to his full height. His eyes blazed with scholarly determination - a look that somehow made Angelo feel like a child again, despite his recent evolution. "I believe it's finally ready for publication. With your blessing, of course."
"Oh!" Angelo shifted his weight, caught off guard by the request. His voice carried a hint of uncertainty as he considered potential ramifications he might be missing. "Yeah, sure... I don't mind..."
"Splendid!" Albert's enthusiasm burst forth like sunshine through clouds. "You'll be credited as a contributor, naturally. Your unique condition made this breakthrough possible."
Blue seemed to hesitate before speaking, his usual confidence tempered by politeness. "If I might be so bold..." he began, choosing his words carefully. "Given our shared contribution to your research, perhaps Red and I could also be acknowledged?"
Through their mental link, Red's dismissive voice cut through: "I literally don't care." But Blue maintained his composure, pointedly ignoring their more chaotic third's input.
Albert's face softened into genuine warmth, crow's feet crinkling at the corners of his eyes. "My dear boy, of course you'll be included! All three of you contributed equally to this discovery." Albert's weathered hand patted Blue's shoulder affectionately. "Forgive an old man's oversight - I should have made that clear from the start."
The rare smile that crossed Blue's usually stoic features made him look startlingly human.
Steven, who had been practically vibrating with contained excitement, finally burst forth: "Professor, please consider me at your disposal! My expertise in current energy theory could provide valuable insight as you prepare for publication!"
"I shall certainly keep that in mind," Albert replied diplomatically, though his eyes sparked with interest at the young scientist's enthusiasm.
As they exchanged final farewells, each carried away something beyond mere theoretical knowledge. They parted ways beneath the setting sun, each carrying new goals that would shape not just their futures, but potentially the entire field of Auron research. The day's revelations would echo far beyond Albert's laboratory walls, though none of them could yet guess just how far those ripples would spread.