“So… that’s what my Power value is at the moment. It’s 10:11, which makes the total only 21. Neither my Level nor my Power have changed since the beginning.”

The CIO Virpal Bansal’s facial expression didn’t change a bit when I finished my explanation. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if she even heard me.

I couldn't tell if this was a good thing or not. Was she calm because she thought this wasn’t a big deal, or was she so troubled by what I said that she didn’t know what to think?

Virpal, once a powerful Rhombic herself, was a woman in her mid 30s. Smooth black hair and matching eyes made her a striking beauty. Her sturdy stature indicated that she was a strong lady who continues to work out diligently. It was even rumored that Virpal Bansal still retained some, if not most, of her power despite her age.

After a brief silence, Virpal replied, “Hmm… I see. I must say that this is indeed very unusual.”

A perplexed look finally appeared on Virpal’s face, but I had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t just what I just told her that surprised the woman.

Earlier when I first entered her office, I saw a distinct recognition in her eyes. Various emotions seemed to cross her face, but I couldn’t tell what they were. I was fairly certain she knew me, which was odd since I’ve never met this woman before.

Despite her telling reaction, Virpal introduced herself to me and pretended ignorance. For a brief moment, I considered confronting her about it, but it didn’t seem like a smart idea. Because Virpal acted so naturally after her initial reaction, I began to doubt my assessment. I decided that it was very possible that I just imagined it.

I was suspicious by nature after all.

Looking at her computer, Virpal continued, “All of your other classmates have been progressing normally, so I can understand why you must be concerned.”

“Have you seen something like this before, Ma’am? Do you think I’ll eventually reach the normal Power value if… if I keep working hard?”

I tried to keep desperation out of my voice, but I was struggling. It had been a draining past few months, and this was my last attempt at saving my career.

In a way, I felt a little relieved to finally be telling someone about my problem. Virpal appeared to be very calm, which helped me feel better. Some might have considered her quietness uncaring, but for some unknown reason, I could feel that Virpal wanted to help me.

The CIO shook her head and replied, “No, no Rhombic that I know of has ever had a total Power value that didn't equal 100. I guess this makes you very unique, Leah.”

Well, whoop-de-doo, lucky me.

Virpal wasn’t being sarcastic, but her comment still managed to plunge a dagger in my heart. I never asked to be unique, at least not like this.

“Leah… This is hard for me to say, because it looks like you really want to be a Rhombic, but… And I hope you understand that I’m only saying this because I want what’s best for you.”

Virpal seemed to suddenly become hesitant. I knew very well that “This is hard for me to say” was a code for “Get ready for some real good spanking”.

I felt my body clench, no pun intended.

“I have been doing this for many years, and I can tell you that I am very good at judging a Rhombic’s potential. Leah, you… I don’t think this is the right path for you. Based on what you told me, you are putting yourself in grave danger every time you enter the Door. I think you know this too.”

Well, there you have it. An expert in Rhombic power just told me that I sucked.

I have imagined many different ways this conversation could go, and this definitely was one of the most likely possibilities. Yet when I actually heard the words, my heart fell despite the kindness in her voice.

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I didn’t say anything back to her.

I couldn’t.

What was I supposed to say? Okay, Ma’am, I’ll just quit and never bother you again? I’ll give up the only chance I have to save Sofia and get a life I’ve always dreamt of?

Seeing my obvious devastation, Virpal’s voice softened even more as she continued, “I know this isn’t the news you wanted to hear. But your safety… is so important to me, Leah. I hope you know this. Rhombics have become some kind of celebrities nowadays, but you should know that the world inside the Door… There is much more to it than what you know. You aren’t like the others, so I really pray that you will make a smart decision. It is for your own safety.”

I looked into the CIO’s deep dark eyes. This time, I felt certain that she DID recognize me. Her words were too heartfelt to be for a complete stranger. There was no way she spoke like this to every Rhombic she had a consultation with.

So how did she know me? From where? When did we ever meet? To my frustration, I had zero recollection of ever seeing her before today.

And why did it sound like Virpal was warning me? It wasn’t just about my low Power value she seemed to be worried about. There was something she wanted to tell me, but was prevented from doing so for an unknown reason.

My initial devastation was now half replaced by curiosity and confusion. But at the time, my priority was very clear.

Many ideas to convince Virpal crossed my mind. My first thought was to tell her about Sofia. Then, I considered adding my financial motivation for being a Rhombic. But when I actually opened my mouth, the words from the deepest part of my heart began pouring out.

“I don’t want… No, I CAN'T be powerless anymore, Ms. Bansal. I can’t be weak and defenseless. I… I must be able to protect myself. You’re right that I am ignorant of so many things. But I do know one thing. Everything in me screams at me that I must do this. I need to find power. I must… be ready.”

Ready? Ready for what? I must have been more upset than I thought, because I didn’t even know what I was saying.

But shockingly, it seemed that Virpal understood me. She became quiet for a moment before she replied, “Indeed. Being ready… Yes, I think I understand.”

That’s it? My rambling was enough to convince her?

Well, if she was going to change her mind this easily, why did she even bother with the whole speech about how I shouldn’t do this?

And more importantly, did this mean there was a way for her to help me?!

“So… what should we do now?” I asked quickly before this fickle lady changed her mind again.

“Since I can’t see your Display, I want to confirm the values myself, if that’s okay with you. It’s not that I don’t trust your words, but…”

I replied hurriedly, “No, I totally understand, Ms. Bansal. I’m here to find an answer, so you do what you need to do.”

“Please, call me Virpal.” The CIO smiled and added, “And we’re going to get you measured now, so follow me.”

***

There are two ways to find out a Rhombic’s level and Power. The easiest and the most common way was to just call up your Display to check it. A Display was a holographic screen that showed a Rhombic’s Level, Power value, and Skill if present.

The second method available was through the use of a device invented many years ago. Called the R-Machine, it was able to accurately estimate the numerical values of a Rhombic. This device was rarely used because this information was so accessible through the Display.

The Level and the Power values were like your social security number. They were private information, and they were only shared in rare occasions. For example, a Rhombic was required to go through the official measurements if they planned on applying for a job in RAC.

I stood still underneath the machine that very much resembles the body scanners at the airports. Virpal stood nearby in front of several screens that showed her the readings as the R-Machine hummed around me.

It only took 10 minutes for the process to be completed, but it felt like a lifetime. Would the machine give a different reading than what I could see on my Display?

Very unlikely.

And when my values are confirmed, what then?

This step was suggested by Virpal, but I didn’t think it was because she had a clear solution to my problem.

Requesting help from Virpal wasn’t just my Plan A. It was also my Plan B to Z. I had been afraid to tell anyone about my problem and for a good reason too. This was exactly why I have been trying to fix it by myself by going to the Door everyday.

For a while, I had hoped that experience and hard work would pay off like they were supposed to. I prayed that if I tried really really hard, it would make my Power value go up.

But four months have passed with no result. In the end, I asked for help from RAC because I was desperate and couldn’t think of any other options.

On a side note, I was actually a little proud of myself for asking for help like this.

RAC was a powerful organization, so it had to know how to help me, shouldn’t it?

Beep!

I jolted when the machine suddenly bleeped.

“It’s done, Leah. Hmm…” Another unreadable look appeared on Virpal’s face as she stared at the screens.

So many thoughts raced through my head while I waited. Feeling impatient, I was about to ask about the result when Virpal announced.

“I think you should come over here, so we can have a look together.”