I stared at him with my eyebrows bunched together and I was trying to decide if he was being serious. All doctors were really the same in our galaxy. I guess. Even alien ones.

“I mean, you need to change your clothes.” He corrected when he saw my face. When Athlan said that, I became relieved and gave him a rueful smile. I hated it when our doctor asked me to remove my clothes at the clinic. I was not a prude, but when a grown man asks some dude to get naked, it's not normal.

The fat elf came back carrying some workout clothes in his hands. He handed it to me and took me to a supply room for me to change. I inspected the workout clothes while I was butt-naked inside the room and they were not your typical workout clothes. They were dark grey, almost black and it had the same texture of silk, but more stretchable. I looked closer at the fabric and there were small lines in the cloth like the circuitry of a microchip. Someone knocked on the door and I tore my gaze away from the patterns. Fearing the fat elf would open the door to check if I was okay, I put on the clothes quickly and left the supply room.

The leggings and long sleeve shirt were skin-tight. The clothes hugged my body so tight that an embarrassing bulge on my crotch was visible. I stood straight while Athlan and his assistant attached small devices to the back of the shirt and leggings. After the testing the devices, they asked me to do warm-ups and I did my usual routine.

“Alright. Let us start with your strength. We will record this as a baseline for other future tests.” Athlan announced while I stood there covering my crotch.

“What do you want me to do.” I asked and look at the different types of exercise equipment in the room

“Mmm. Endurance first, after that the legs, then arms, and finally your core strength ” He read from his holoscreen.

“My Core strength? You can test it?” My ears twitched and I perked up with interest. Now, this is what we're talking about.

“Hmm. No, not your Core but your core muscles.” he smiled and gestured at my midsection.

“Oh.” I replied a bit disappointed.

“We will do that later,” he said. He grinned and his eyes glinted. I remembered that face and my heart dropped. “Much later.” He added and his eyes widened.

The first test was my endurance and he asked me to get on a treadmill. I got on it and the fat elf pressed the start button. At first, the speed was that of a brisk walk, but at every five-minute interval, the settings got higher. I was now running at a marathon pace and we stayed at that speed. I recalled Mr. Bonzcrahzir shouted at us to straighten our body and keep our hand by our sides when doing long distance runs. So I corrected my posture and grudgingly accepted that maybe the orc had a point and I was able to run for an hour straight.

Athlan made me rest for ten minutes and advised me to drink some water. He happily recorded the results and his assistant prepped the other machines. After I recuperated from the grueling run, he tested my leg strength on the leg press and I was now sweating profusely. He made a “not bad” comment when I completed the leg press and I was breathing too heavily that I never got to say biting retort. I rested again and we did the arm strength test.

The machine was a weird one. It had a rubber gripped, metal handlebar solidly attached to a shock absorber like that of a car. I asked him what weight should I try first and Athlan said to push up as hard as I can. I shrugged and sat on the seat below the handlebar. I wiped my hands and gripped the rubber handle just near the top of my head. I took a deep breath and pushed up. My eyes opened wide in surprise by the weight he set and the handlebar started moving slowly. I looked at Athlan and he was looking at the display on the side of the machine. He noticed that I stopped and he said to continue. So I braced myself and pushed as hard as I can. I grunted as I pushed the bars up harder. It was really heavy but inch by inch the handlebars moved at glacial speed.

“Yes. Yes. Push... Good. Push.” The elf was saying in encouragement. But I tuned it out and concentrated on pushing. I finally reached my breaking point and I shouted at the end. I dropped the handlebars and I instantly lowered my head in exhaustion. My heart was beating fast and I wiped the sweat from my forehead with a towel. I looked at Althan to ask if what I did was okay.

“Is that the best you could do? Because if that was it… A Halfling can do better than you!” His voice was full of disgust and the elf was sneering at me. My eyes widened in shocked at his reaction. His scornful gaze was like a physical blow to me. I didn’t ask for this test and If he doesn’t like the result, screw him. I was angry at that point and almost left the test room but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction. So I sat there and glared angrily at him. He still had that mocking look and I turned my face away. I dried my hand on my pants and gripped the handlebars. I took a deep breath and pushed as hard as I can.

“Are you even trying human? I cannot even... This is pathetic. You are Weak!” Athlan mocked at me.

When he uttered that word I became enraged. I was angry because it was true. I despised that word so much that something inside me snapped. I wanted to punch that face but I took it out on the machine instead. I felt my muscles straining and noted that my joints were cracking. I pushed even harder and my chest started burning. The burning sensation traveled to my whole body but I didn’t care and pushed even harder and harder.

I heard the sound of my heart beating in my ears like a pounding drum was deafening. I roared loudly and the sound echoed in every molecule of my body. I didn’t know how long I was pushing but I finally reached my limit. I dropped the bars and it felt like my arms fell off. I noticed a humming sensation in every part of my body. I roared again because it felt like the right thing to do. I noticed someone was patting my back softly and I looked at the hand. It was Athlan's, he was smiling widely and face had a fanatical quality to it. I glared at him and I started to stand but my body felt weak.

“I am sorry for the words I said.” He said softly to me and he now had a somber face. Even though he apologized I was still mad at him, because saying the word ‘weak’ to me felt like a slap in the face.

“I only said it to make you angry and make you push harder. Brian Hunter, please forgive me.” After he said those words he made a very elaborate bow and he held that bow, with his eyes to the ground. I softened my glare when I digested what he said. My burning anger was slowly melting away into a small glowing ember. His body was still bent and I thought he was waiting for me to accept his apology. I wanted him to keep that bow for a long time and I chuckled out loud. Finally, the embers of my anger died.

“Forget about it, doc.” I said to him but the elf was silent and his body was still bowed. I was perplexed when he didn’t straighten up and I remembered his sincere and formal apology. I hurriedly stood up and I hit my head on the handlebars, but I ignored it.

“I forgive you.” I said. My voice sounded formal and I bowed to him. “And sin no more” I added glibly.

When I said those words, it was like a ritual was completed and the ended the bow. He looked at me with a lopsided grin.

“I am not sure about not sinning.” he said grinning. I laughed out loud and he joined in. The fat elf grunted and walked away. Like the assistant was embarrassed at his boss's behavior.

“No hard feelings okay?” I said to him to remove any doubt and I offered my hand for a handshake. He took the hand and shook it.

“Okay. Please sit down. You will need some time to recuperate.” he suggested. I nodded and sat back down. He walked away tapping at his holoscreen furiously and muttered something I couldn’t hear. I stretched my body slowly after a while the weakness started going away. I took a sip of water and was suddenly hungry. The fat elf as if reading my mind handed me a candy bar, I eagerly took and ate it quickly. I mumbled a thank you while my mouth was full. He nodded to my thanks and he left to join to Athlan. The elves were deep in a discussion, so I enjoyed the bar and rested my sore muscles.

After they were finished in their discussion, Athlan came to me and asked me to follow him to his office. The elf sat at his desk and he invited me to sit on the chair in front of the desk. I sat and looked at Athan’s face. He was in deep contemplation and when he finally turned his face to me, he gave me a small smile.

“You are probably wondering why I acted like that earlier.” he started. I nodded to him and waited for him to continue.

“How do I say this so you can understand...hmm.” His forehead wrinkled trying to gather his thoughts. He nodded to himself and looked at me with a serious expression.

“I wanted the Bear Core inside of you to… to awaken. Yes. awaken.” He explained. When I heard the word ‘bear’ and ‘core’ I started to worry and it showed on my face. He saw my worried look and rushed to continue.

“Do you remember what I said? No fur, no tail, ears..” He asked me. I nodded jerkily and grimaced at the thought of those things appearing on my body.

“It will not happen. I assure you. Unless you want to undergo a transplant wi..” He stopped when he saw me shaking my head vehemently confirmation.

“Sorry. I digress. A normal ‘Being’ has one core type tailored to its host. Me, I have an Elf Core. Your mom and dad have a Human Core. Understand.” I nodded and understood.

“But you have a Human Core and Bear Core and it combined into a unique single Core... Hmmm... Maybe I was correct about them uniting. Except it produces two different nanites now.” He looked away from me and rubbed his chin, deep in thought. I waited for him to continue and my uneasiness of the idea of having a bear inside of me started to wane.

“During the test, you only used your Human Core nanites and it was within normal parameters. Except for the last one. That last effort you did, you used the Bear Core nanites. I checked the readings and both human and bear nanites in your Core were working together.”

“But how did that happen doc?” I asked still having trouble understanding the significance of what Altlan just said.

“Did you feel anything strange earlier..maybe a..”

“I think so! It felt like there was something hot in my chest and it spread to my arms, legs …. Everything!” I exclaimed and my eyes widened in recollection. I remembered the feeling. It almost felt like hot water was pouring through my veins.

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“Ah. As I expected the Bear Core activated its nanites throughout your body...hmmm... Yes.” He nodded as if it was only normal.

“Is that bad doc?” I asked concerned. “I’m not turning into a mindless human-like bear am I?” I asked for confirmation. That would be bad if that were to happen.

“What? No! You watch too many entertainment fictions.” He shook his head ”Movies will rot your brain.” he cautioned his face full in disdain. Thank God!

“Like I said nothing to worry about. Although I was a bit concerned that your Human core would reject the Bear Core and split into two.” He said frowning and he continued. "And the two Cores would fight each other turning your insides into mush."

“But I was Correct! Of course, I am correct. I am never wrong! ” He said to himself, not looking at me. I saw Athlan’s face return in that manic expression earlier.

“But it could have split.” I asked my eyes narrowed and stared at him hard. Like before, he pretended he didn’t hear me. I sighed deeply and started to get annoyed with the elf.

“So I’m okay, right. I won’t turn into something..”

“What? No. no. It is quite useful actually. Think of it as a...a reserve strength... Yes. As a backup.” Then he smirked at me. “If you want out to find more. You can try asking the Beastmen. Goodluck with that!”

“Hehehe. You and your secrets! I have them now!” he said smugly, his gaze looking at the ceiling. I deduced he was talking about the Beastmen.

“Okay. It’s like hitting the afterburners. I’m okay with that. ” I nodded and smiled at the idea of having super strength. We were living in our own world at that point. We ignored each other and thought of different things. We were silent for some time and I broke first from that fugue.

“So...There are bear nanites in my system then?” I asked. I wanted to understand how it works.

“Hmmm.. Yes. Did I not say that earlier?” He was annoyed that I interrupted him from his daydreams.

I tried recalling what he said and I remember him saying my Core now produced two types of nanites. If I understand correctly the human nanites that strengthened my body and if it needed more the bear nanites would help out. I hoped that it was the only thing they did. But what would happen if I absorbed another Beast Core? Hmm. Maybe a Silver wolf or the cheetah. I asked Athlan about it.

“Are you an Idiot? Try putting two predators in a single cage! See what will happen!” He guffawed at my question. Tears running down his face.

“I was only asking.” I said in a hurt voice. So no Bear/Tiger/Cheetah/Lion/Eagle hybrid Core then. I thought bitterly of the lost combinations.

“Aren't they just nanites anyway? So what’s the big deal!” I crossed my arms still annoyed he was having fun at my expense. He stopped laughing and his face turned somber, almost sad.

“I tried doing that for a long time Brian and the results were bad, very bad. I requested the Beastmen for information but they are secretive about the subject.” He glared at the invisible beastmen.”I believe that the Cores assumes the essence or attributes of the host species, although only subtly. I am still researching it. That is where you come in with the test. And that is why I am a Core Scientist and Healer” He said puffing up his chest.

“How long have you been a scientist?” I was curious about his age. Elves live three times longer than humans even without the Elf Cores.

“Eh... Ah. I just recently started researching... Ah...I am still a young elf...I had a few things I had to do...I was a bit busy.” He deflated and didn’t meet my eyes. Before he met me, I had the impression that his research was going nowhere.

"How old are you actually doc?" I asked him directly. Elves were actually very proud of their age, unlike human women.

"Me? Oh. I am only sixty-one" He seemed actually embarrassed about it.

"you're that Sixty-one?" I was shocked and it showed on my face because when he saw it he grimaced. I thought he was less than forty.

"Yes, I am only sixty-one. But I am one of the youngest Core Scientist in this sector!" He defended. "Unlike some people." he muttered.

"Eh, you consider yourself young? But sixty-one is old!" I exclaimed.

"To you humans maybe. But to us, they consider someone less than a hundred young. Someone whose opinion does not matter." He said darkly. Then he looked at me and raised his eyebrow.

"But that does not matter in the scheme of things. When I have successfully completed my research, they will kneel to me and apologize for the countless slights they have given me" His eyes flashed and his lips drew back in a snarl.

"Hey doc, what are you talking about?"

"Hmmm... Just some things I need to account when I finish this." He composed himself and looked at me. "You do not need to concern yourself." he assured me.

"Okaaay. What’s next? The test I mean." I was getting bored with the discussion and I needed to finish early so I can go back home.

“Hmmm. Just a few more," he checked his holoscreen. “Just the core strength, a reaction test and a mental test”

“Right. Lead the way” We both stood up and exited his office.

The core muscle test was brutal. I did so many different types of sit-ups and my abdomen was starting to cramp. My favorite test was the reaction test and it was fun actually. It was like a whack a mole arcade game and I had to use my hand to hit a series lights as quickly as I can. I heard the assistant say “He’s fast” but I ignored him and completed the test.

“Above average I should say” Athlan commented but did not elaborate and I didn’t push him to explain it.

The last test was the mental one and it was by far the most difficult. It was like a souped-up IQ test with puzzles and mazes. That was the first time my brain actually hurt and I finished it with a small headache. When I was finished, I narrowed my eyes at Athlan and dared him to make a comment about my intelligence.

“Passable” Athlan said grudgingly said

Athlan told me to grab something to eat when the test was finally finished. From the hours of exertion, I was physically drained and hungry, so I nodded eagerly. While I was munching on alien delicacies, I had a thought and I hurriedly ate and went back to the test room. Atlan was busy typing on his holoscreen and I interrupted him.

“Excuse me, Doc. I forgot to tell you. I installed some mods earlier and I was asking if it was okay?” I asked him. As soon as he heard ‘Mods’ and ‘installed’’ He stopped from his typing and waved away the holoscreen quickly. He then grabbed my shoulders and shook me.

“You installed Mods? Are they working? What kind of mods? Hurry up speak up boy!”

“Uhh...I...Stop shaking me! GODDAMMIT!” I shouted. He stopped shaking me and when he realized what he was doing. He shook himself and gave me an embarrassed smile.

“I am sorry, Brian. I lost myself there for a second. I was so preoccupied with the testing that I didn’t realize you had mods installed. A moment please.” He then checked his notes and I was left stunned by his reaction. I was about to say something but he beat me to the punch.

“Yes, I see it now. Here, in the scan data. I thought it was just some minor irregularities. Nothing to worry about. I assure you” he stopped from his musings and looked at me. “What Mods do you have actually?”

“I just installed a Storage Mod. I have an Auric Mod too. It’s not installed though.” I answered.

“And it works?” I nodded eagerly and pulled out my rifle.

“Put that away!” He said quickly glancing at the door. I hurriedly stored the rifle and gave him a crooked smile.

“So it works... Yes… As I suspected...Of course, it works...I calculated that it would.” He said checking his notes again. I cleared my throat.

“Ah sorry. We were supposed to test it later. Installing Mods” Looking up from the holoscreen and turned it off. “But, that is already done.”

“Please don’t move.” He picked up a device and scanned my whole body. Then he reviewed the finding while I kept quiet. Why was he so worked up about it? Maybe Althan was concerned that installing mods wouldn't work. This asshole elf and his secrets.

“It is well within parameters. The Mod connected to the Human part of your core.”

“So it’s safe to install mods?” I asked tentatively. I should have asked him before I installed that Storage Mod. I grimaced at that mistake.

“It seems so. We could try body enhancing Mods.” When I heard that, I became excited. Strength Mods here we go.

“But you are still a minor. You are not allowed Level 2 mods. Hmmm… Yes, I remember reading a memo about that in orientation.” He said to me and my heart dropped. “You have an Auric Mod still uninstalled?”

“Yeah. But it was for the rifle. Like an ear protector.” I sighed disappointedly. The Auric Mod was nice and all but it was a bit mundane.

“We could try that. It’s the same principle with strength mods and other body enhancement mods.” He had a faraway look and nodded to himself. “Yes. Let’s do that, but I need to monitor the integration.”

“What do you mean it’s the same?” I asked. I was still new to this mod thingy.

“An interdimensional storage mod allows you to open a pocket universe through the conduits in your palm.” He showed me his own studded palm. ”Your body wasn’t changed. It only added the tools.”

“An Auric Mod, like a Strength Mod, enhances parts of your body, like your inner ears, so you can hear better or manage loud noises.” He looked at me and he indicated his ears. “You will stay at my home for the night while I monitor you.” He said his eyes sparkled. My eyes widened when I heard that. Did I hear correctly?Did he say stay at his home? His tone made me think that like I didn’t have a choice.

“Doc, I need to get home! I'm supposed to be back the same day!” I told him as reasonably as I could. “My mom’s a bit protective”. I said that so maybe he’ll reconsider. My mom’s parental instinct was very strong, like the mama bear. I hope the elf would realize that too and change his mind. I wondered about the bear cub and it was okay.

“Call your parents. They will understand. It is for your health after all.” He grinned at me, daring me to call his bluff.

I scowled at him knowing what my mom’s answer was when my health was involved. I scratched my head and looked at the bright side. At least I’ll know if I can use a Strength Mod in the future. So I called up my mom and told her I needed to stay for the night. Her quick ‘yes’ was a bit disconcerting. I thought she trusted the elf too much.

It was already afternoon and Athlan decided that we need to go to his place because of the traffic. He invited me to ride together in his car and I accepted because I hated the traffic. We drove for an hour and arrived in the city. Although it wasn’t my first time in Seattle, I still acted like a tourist. I watched the scenery and the people. The city was very modern than our town and I felt a little envy. Here and there, I can see a few people use their holoscreen. My eyes softened when I saw a cuddly Cerberus puppy jumping around on a leash. We approached a tall building and Athlan went down the underground parking lot. We rode the elevator and entered his apartment.

I was impressed by how big it was. It was larger than our house and you could see the space needle out the window. This place must be expensive and I was impressed at the elf. I raised my eyebrow at him. He said his Healer profession pays well. the condo was mostly furnished in all different shades of white, from the couch, the marble floor, the table, etc. Shades of white were better than grey anyway. I thought about me staying here for the night and the elf seemed harmless enough.

The elf was a good host I thought grudgingly as he ordered a lot of food. When we finished our dinner, he said it was the time to install the Auric mod. So I wore another workout clothes with sensors again. The installation was a bit easier this time. The pain wasn’t so bad like the Storage Mod. With nothing to do, I played games on my phone in the guest bedroom the entire. Athlan knocked on the door and placed the sensor on the bedside table and left the room without saying goodnight. Rude.

The bed was comfy enough and I was very tired from the testing that I instantly fell asleep. I was dreaming again but this time it was different. I was riding the bear and we were in a battle with me riding carrying a long lance. We were fighting a dragon and we were evenly matched. We were both battered and bruised. Our enemy was laughing at us and we both roared in defiance. I patted the bear and she looked at me with determination. We charged the dragon with my lance pointed forward, aiming for the dragon's heart. I didn’t know the conclusion of that battle because I was rudely interrupted by a piercing scream.

I instantly opened my eyes and covered my ears. The sound was so loud that I rolled off the bed in agony. The scream was so intense it penetrated my body and soul. Then screaming stopped, I opened my eyes slowly and my face was full of pain. I saw a female elf covering her eyes with her hands and she wasn’t covering it well. She glanced at the bulge in my pants and her eyes widened. The banshee screamed again and the agony started once more

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek” Screamed the elf girl.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” And I replied.