Booker’s HCID beeped. With surprise, he glanced down as a holographic image popped up. A small avatar came into existence that looked somewhat like Kara. Smiling and winking, it brought up its hand into thumbs up. “Well, I’ll be Tech.” Booker grinned down at Helena as he combed his hair again. “Kara found some time to speak with you directly, little lass.” I expected as much. Kara did say she wanted to meet with me, but how did she know I’m awake?

“I’ve been directed to take you myself,” Booker said as he leaped out of his seat and rounded the table to pull out Helena’s chair. She scooted off and they exited the cafeteria. She noticed every eye in the room on her again. Which of these Factions will actually approach me and who is my competition? I know a few will skip by me, because of Kara, but who will look past that?

They briskly walked toward Kara’s meeting place, Helena having to power walk to keep up. “What did you mean by, I’ll be Tech? Is that some kind of curse?”

Booker smirked. “Yup, so don’t let the Boss be hearing you say it.”

Slightly intrigued, Helena asked. “What does it mean?”

“Well—I’ll put it this way. Tech believes in human evolution through technological integration, prosthetics. However, espers—in general, believe in evolution through genetic selection.” Helena hummed thoughtfully and furrowed her brows in confusion. So it’s something along the lines of a dead end or false direction, but what does that have to do with Kara’s message?

Booker laughed as he glanced down at her studious expression. “I was wrong in thinking the Boss was too busy for you, little lass. I apologize.”

Realization struck. “Oh—it was my ignorance,” Helena replied, ending the conversation.

He quickly took the lead and went two hallways before realizing Helena was running to keep up. “Oh—again, my apologies. I’m used to the Boss’ pace, she’s a speed demon, always somewhere to be.” Does he have trouble keeping up with Kara? Booker’s clearly taller than Kara by half a meter and quite muscular. How does Kara overtake him?

Slowing his pace, Booker took special care to not outpace her walk. A few minutes later, Helena couldn’t take it anymore and bit. “How does Kara walk so fast? Does she use electro-stimulation to enhance her muscle movement?”

“Oh—interesting. Electro-stimulation you say, first time I heard that. Boss keeps her abilities on the down low. A lot of those Primes would love to know a few of the Boss’ limits.”

After turning a corner and stepping across a yellow taped line, Helena felt an odd disturbance that sent shivers up her spine. Her hair felt like it was standing on end and the back of her neck prickled. She quivered, recognizing a mass of unnatural electromagnetic fields of different frequencies and power bouncing around her. Uncomfortably, Helena asked. “What’s the purpose of all these strange fields? Is Kara causing them?”

“Nope,” Booker replied, “the dead room’s up ahead. It’s been designed to cut out most eavesdropping and there’s much more than magnetic waves flying around to deter a sneak peek.” They have a room like that in WITCH? Why would Kara want to meet me in this dead room, to keep her techniques concealed?

Booker stopped at a yellow tapped door. “Inside is another door. You’ll go through another after that to get to the Boss. The doors are designed to shut automatically and lock, so keep it in mind. Usually, there’s a tenant that has the ability to open the doors in the control room, but Kara usually dismisses them.”

Helena nodded and reached up to press the open button on the panel. The door slid open and she entered. As she reached the other side, the door closed and she took her first glimpse of the room interior.

A mass of electro-generators were spaced all around a deep dark cavern below. It looks like from this point on the rooms are suspended and it’s impossible for me to make heads or tails of my environment with electroreception. It’s like lights flashing at me from every angle, blinding me.

Walking past the next door, she found a hallway with different colored stone and metal running its length. As she passed, the stones closed behind her, sealing her exit. They must have used every material known to man, trying to make this a secure room. Are there sensors in the walls that can tell when a human is coming? How do they know to open up again?

Entering through the third door, she found a simple wood table with wooden chairs surrounding it. Kara was sitting in the furthest chair from the door, a broad smile on her face as Helena entered.

She was wearing a new outfit. A long blue downy u-cut sleeveless shirt that loosely hung to her hips, under the shirt showed the edges of a white tank top, sea foam green skorts ending at her upper thighs, and seafoam green open heels enclosed her feet.

Opening her arms wide, Kara said. “Welcome to the room of headaches.” Helena started to feel a migraine forming at the back of her skull. “I anticipate you’re starting to feel it,” Kara said with a grimace. “Our brain tries to read the magnetic fields naturally and with all the mess, it’s like turning around until you collapse in confusion.”

Helena nodded stiffly and walking over to the table, taking a seat.

“Do you have any questions for me, Vixy?” Vixy? I guess she’s adopted a pet name for me. I do want to know why she lost control. However, it seems like a touchy subject, but I might as well ask now. “Why did you lose control in that torture room?”

Kara’s light and cheery attitude flipped instantly. Her brown eyes narrowed as they reflected on some deep thoughts and her face sank into a brooding frown. “You certainly do aim with a point.” Her voice was like hardened steel as she studied Helena. It really must have been a traumatic experience for her.

“I’m sure you’ve deduced a rough depiction of what might have happened and I won’t go into an explanation. On that point, I’ll warn you about something you’ve recently experienced.” What could that be, the torture?

“As espers, we use subliminal calculations to mitigate Focus consumption. It’s an excellent way to conserve energy if you are weak in Focus Capacity. Yet, there’s also power and danger in emotion, namely the basics.” Power in emotion?

“Anyways, that’s not what I wanted to talk about. Now, where should I begin?” Kara thoughtfully hummed, her demeanor shifting back to its playful manner. “Oh—I know. How about we start with my room, what did you think?” Power in emotion, how is that possible for us, beings of intellect? I’ll have to explore it further if she brings it up in the future.

Helena thought for a moment before answering. “I found almost everything had an algorithmic formula to it and from what I could determine, all were on Electro Master techniques.”

“Almost,” Kara repeated with a short huff. “You seem to be further behind in ability calculation than I first imagined—which is still interesting with your feats in the second test. However, you may actually require a few hints for this upcoming contest.”

Helena repressed a frown. I don’t like being told I’m incapable in ability, but Kara knows better than me.

“What have you done in the past to exercise your ability?” Kara pushed. She’s inquiring about my past to get a further understanding of my current ability level or some deeper purpose? Either way, I need whatever guidance Kara can provide.

“Usually I trained in electroreception with Drake. Examining how many insects are in my field, determining specific things he wants information on, and mapping my environment without vision.”

“You call your brother by his first name, instead of identifying him simply as your brother?” Kara said with a tilt to her mouth. Helena didn’t answer as she pulled a few strands of hair from her vision. Why does she care and what does it matter?

Sighing, Kara began playing with her brown hair. “Only close observatory electroreception then. What about distance, how far can you sense these fields?”

“Five meters at best,” Helena replied.

Kara burst out laughing. “Funny! But really, how far?”

Helena furrowed her brow. “Five meters.”

Kara’s leaned back in her chair, dropping her hair to stare at the wall with pursed lips. “You’ve concentrated too hard on consolidated reception, which is limited unless combined with … other aspects.”

“How far can you sense?” Helena asked interest piqued.

Kara grinned and winked. “I can’t give you my exact parameters, can I, but I can say it’s more than ten times yours, while still being very safe.”

Helena felt a shiver run up her spine. She can sense at least fifty meters. That’s a long distance.

“Tell me everything you can do with your ability,” Kara ordered while pressing her feet against the table’s centerpiece to balance her chair on two legs.

Hesitantly, Helena complied. “I can manipulate computer equipment faster than can be input by hand.”

Kara’s lips twitched with a smile. “Abstract for a young Electro Master and quite intricate, which means you have the brain, anything else?”

“Besides that … I can produce an electrical shock and I’ve recently discovered how to use electro-stimulation to heighten my physical aptitude. Lastly, I can reduce and extend my static field to perform magnetic functions.” Helena said, now feeling underachieved.

Kara hummed for a moment and put her hands behind her head while flipping her hair out. Her eyes wash over Helena before saying. “Quit sitting so properly, I do it enough in public."  Helena tried to ease her muscles and sit more comfortably. “You call that loosing up?” Kara smirked. Her face lit up. “What did you think about the dimples?”

“I think … they look cute.” Helena awkwardly shifted in her chair.

“I know, right!” Kara exclaimed. “I had my group’s Biokinetic personally go over your every fiber with perfection—or maybe I should say imperfection!” She giggled. “She’s brilliantly talented, my Biokinetic. Although, she can be a bit of a nuisance … and she always calls me names.” Kara huffed with a pout.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Clearing her throat, Helena asked. “Was there a purpose behind the change?”

Kara hummed thoughtfully. “Well … I originally did it because I thought you’d look super cute, but then I realized that you were a Noble and Eizea would be after you in a heartbeat if she found out.”

Helena uneasily said. “I don’t think that worked.”

Kara brought her left hand up to her mouth and lightly bit down on her thumbnail before saying. “Why not, did someone from her cheerleading club recognize you?” Cheerleading club, is that Kara’s nickname for Eizea’s group or their real handle?

“No—I ran into Head Rephenald and he recognized my mannerisms.”

“Shoot!” Kara exclaimed as her chair slammed back to its four legs and a frown lit her lips. Kara let the silence continue as she brooded on something but soon perked up. Anticipation washed over her features and she bounced at the edge of her chair. “Oh! Smile for me!” Helena tried smiling but knew it came out inelegantly. “Adorable!” Kara exclaimed. Her demeanor changed back to present a more serious position. “Anyways, what could you connect with in my old room?”

“The only paintings I could properly identify and link with my own ability was the first two on the violet wall.”

Kara closed her eyes. “Electro-stimulation and...” she paused for a moment. Opening her eyes narrowly, she leaned in. “What did you identify in the painting on reception, specifically?” Helena frowned but decided to confess her ploy. Kara grinned before she could respond. “I see. You were trying to get me to tell you its purpose. A clever little trap you set there. However, that painting’s a bit more complicated than I’d expect you to understand; as of now anyways and wouldn’t suggest trying it, not as you are.”

Helena’s stomach tightened. Kara read my heartbeats in a very advanced way just now, but how? With all these randomized fields, I’m getting a headache trying not to discern my environment. Although, she is considered the most powerful Elector Master, so I shouldn’t be too surprised. Kara’s room must hold powerful techniques she developed, I could learn a lot.

Kara shook her head with a sigh. “There’s a lot of things you don’t seem to know about Electro Masters … for being one, Vixy.”

Helena let a hum resound in her throat before answering. “Are you going to teach me then?”

Kara’s grin was still in place as she began to replicate Helena’s hum. Stopping she said. “I’m a very busy person, Vixy. I have an entire Faction to run and counter a multitude of subtle attacks by more than just the Primes.”

Helena folded her arms and cocked her head. Then why did Kara want to meet me in this room?

Wonderingly, Kara asked. “Is tilting your head when you’re perplexed a habit?”

Helena’s eyes widened and she straightened her neck. She caught on so quickly, but Kara herself seems to have a lot of gestures. No … maybe some of them are ploys to fool people, but I have noticed she’s quite antsy.

A grin spread across Kara’s face. “You’re raw and fairly untrained. Your brother didn’t exactly know how to train an Electro Master I presume, but that makes my task easier.”

“So you will train me?” Helena asked, furrowing her brow.

“I wonder, Vixy?” Kara said with an impish grin.

Helena only had moments to identify a strong magnetic field being thrown at her. This was different from the ones bouncing around them. This was polarized and very strong. Helena felt her body lift off the chair and slam against the opposite wall. Air escaped her lungs as she struck, coughing, she tried regaining her breath. She couldn’t move a finger, even her breath was hard to draw. Kara’s using an electromagnetic field to press against my static field? She’s pinning me against the wall with my own natural field!

Reducing her field to its minimum, she found Kara increasing her own. Even at my weakest, she’s still being able to pin me. Flipping the polarity, she braced herself to be pulled toward Kara. However, she didn’t even feel a twitch. Kara flipped her own polarity at the exact moment I had? Is that even possible?

“What will you do now, little Vixy?” Kara’s tinkling laughter lingered around the room as she leaned against the table, her hands resting under her chin.

Helena glanced down. This isn’t a game to Kara. She’s testing my ingenuity. Meeting Kara’s eyes, she concentrated. I can’t strengthen my field or I’ll be smashed. If I flip my polarity then she’ll flip hers. Then I’ll have to try and interrupt it with another electromagnetic field. Electricity traced itself around Helena’s frame as she generated the strongest electromagnetic field she could and tried to push against Kara’s. She couldn’t even feel a millimeter of slack.

“I’ll win every time in force, Vixy. Better think of something quick, it’ll only grow stronger.” Kara advised.

Helena felt her body being increasingly pressed against the wall and air being involuntarily released from her lungs. She’s right. If I don’t come up with something … I don’t know what’ll happen? Her field will eventually crush me against the wall or my field might be ripped from my body. I don’t know what that will do, but I’d rather not find out.

A thought struck her. All magnetic fields have a frequency. If I find that frequency, I might be able to counter it without applying as much strength as Kara. Assembling the calculations, she tried mapping out the fields’ frequency, but with all the interference it was impossible. Of course! All the frequencies I need are around me. I just need to direct them. Concentrating, she began pulling every field she could control and directed them at Kara’s field.

Kara smiled. “Took you long enough.” Helena dropped to the ground and barely managed to catch herself. Breathing deeply, she wobbled on her feet and slowly eased her heart rate. “Good, well. That was a quick lesson, but honestly, I don’t have time to train you right now. So instead, you can rely on my room to instruct you.”

“Your room?” Helena repeated, sniffing back liquid in her nose. “I don’t have a room?”

Kara winked. “I’m giving you my old room. Everything you need to pass the contest and more is on the floor. If you master everything on the carpet, you’d jump up to a level forty, easily. However, levels on the CAFÉ chart only get harder to achieve, so be prepared.”

Helena frowned. “How am I supposed to learn from the things in your room? I don’t know how to apply the algorithms.”

Kara sighed and pursed her lips. She looked slightly annoyed, but the expression quickly vanished. “You aren’t completely wrong, so I’ll give you a small demonstration of a very important skill for us Electro Masters. Work back the algorithm and then the process of determining how to narrow down its applications. Watch closely!” Kara instructed.

Helena tried her best to filter out the string of randomized fields to concentrate on Kara. Electricity gathered around her body and a string of energy shot out toward the side wall. Kara gracefully leaped off the ground and quickly rolled in the air from a vertical position to a horizontal, while shooting to the wall, where she stood.

Her hair hung straight with her back as if gravity had shifted directions, she seemed to have no problem whatsoever at keeping her body horizontally positioned on the wall. Crossing her arms, she said. “You see? We can polarize ferrous objects to attract our field. Thus allowing us to climb up walls, well … that are made of ferrous material, eventually, you can scale cliffs with only minor iron deposits.”

She winced as if remembering some early memory. “However, watch out for loose sections and be mindful of your surroundings … to what you can leap to … speaking from past experience, it can be a painful encounter.”

“I see,” Helena whispered while analyzing the fields Kara was creating. Electricity sparked around Kara’s feet as she moved, reaffirming her grip. “Am I strong enough to accomplish something like that? I don’t think I can hold my own weight with my field.” Helena said doubtfully.

Kara put her hands behind her head as she walked up the wall and across the ceiling. She stared down at Helena thoughtfully. “If you don’t think your field’s strong enough, use it more often.”

“Come again?” Helena asked, cocking her head.

Kara hummed lightly while taping her lower lip with her index finger. “I don’t think you’re grasping the implications of this little trick.” A trick, meaning there’s some kind of hidden aspect I’m not getting...

An exasperated sigh left Kara’s mouth as Helena unconsciously cocked her head. “You seem to catch onto minute details quickly, but skip past the broader image!” Electricity expelled from around her body to the ground and she tucked into a ball. Flipping once to right herself, she smoothly landed on one foot and regained her proper position to gravity.

She muttered. “And I’m being so obvious about it.” Straightening her clothing, she said. “Using electromagnetism against ferrous materials, you can ease your physical effort. If I’m not mistaken that’s one of the major issues with your capture. Use it to give an extra spring to your step. Eventually, like me, you can move at mind-bending speeds with three degrees of freedom.”

Helena’s eyes widened with understanding. Why didn’t I think about it in that light? This is why Booker has a hard time keeping up with Kara. She doesn’t even exert her muscles. She uses her field to walk faster.

Kara giggled, but her mouth slowly turned into a frown. “Don’t think you can just pick this up either, you’ll have to work on it and figure out some more tricks. Also, your current Focus restrictions will be a bit of a problem later on. I think you’ll understand at some point in the future. In fact, I think I’ve said too much, more than I planned.” Helena stayed silent as she passively went over the field strength, frequency, and variations Kara had used.

Continuing, Kara said. “After all, you have two days to decide whether to join my side or one of the other Primes. Make your decision wisely, little Vixy.” Kara said as she walked toward the door. “I accelerated your progression. So I’ll give you a few pointers to catch you up, but don’t expect any more hints on ability until you’ve joined me.”

Helena watched Kara leave with a troubled expression. Until I join … not if. Kara expects me to enlist under her group. Then again, it’s my best bet at getting stronger. She’s already given me extremely valuable information on more advanced techniques as an Electro Master.

She noticed there was a note on Kara’s chair with a small pill bottle. Did Kara leave it? I didn’t even notice. Walking over to the bottle and examined it, she didn’t find a description. Does she expect me to take these? Picking up the note she read:

Heya, little Vixy!! Your lord and savior Kara speaking!

I knooow you must be mentally exhausted from these annoying fields (but you really should recognize the trick to keep them from messing with you … you need so much work), so I left a little gift.

These will take the edge off your tiny headache, while not messing with the important stuff. *wink wink*

Aaanyways, I left an HCID in your room for updates and a little schedule for you. FOLLOW IT!!

*ahem*

I know some of the steps may seem a bit … eccentric—no, maybe challenging—no, not that … hmm. I know!! It may seem a bit babyish for you, but I believe you can manage!

It also has a list of my little gang. Don’t feel like a stranger (it also has my own little tidbits with each name) in reading over them.

<.< … >.> It could be valuable information to the enemy!! Make sure to keep it safe (I trust you little Vixy!)

BTW! Oh! Oh!! Kisses from the Boss!! No!! I mean your Lord and Savior KARA THE MAGNIFICENT!!

Helena grinned lightly. She really is eccentric in her letters; maybe it’s a way to express herself. Picking up the bottle, she opened it and examined the thin purple tablets inside. Do I trust Kara enough to take them? She closed the lid to the bottle. They may be perfectly fine, but no. Kara’s trying to recruit me into her Faction, of course, she’ll try and be helpful, but that only goes so far. I’ll use Kara for what I can and then leave WITCH. So far, I seem to be making great progress.

Putting the paper and pills in her pocket, she moved to the door. Pulling on it, she found it locked. Sighing, she remembered Booker’s earlier comment. The door will lock behind me. How did Kara get through so quickly, familiarity with the circuitry?

Frowning, Helena probed the door and found the reroute harder than the previous doors. Did Kara do something to it? It’s still manageable; maybe it’s harder due to my headache? It took several minutes to get past all three doors, but eventually, she left that annoying area behind her and headed for Kara’s old room, now hers.