Sofia stormed into John's executive office, not bothering to knock. He glanced up from his computer with an expression of mild surprise.

"Ah Sofia, I didn't realize we had a meeting scheduled. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Sofia crossed her arms. "I think you know exactly why I'm here, John. The disastrous portal expedition? The one where I was the sole civilian survivor?"

John raised an eyebrow. "Yes, a terrible tragedy. I'm told you performed admirably, though."

"Admirably? My whole team was slaughtered!" Sofia shot back. "And now I have these powers I don't understand or want!"

Golden light flared around her fists briefly before she got it back under control. John's eyes glinted at the display.

"Yes, your awakened abilities are an unexpected bonus," he mused. "With the proper guidance, you could become quite an asset to the company."

Sofia stared at him in disbelief. "Is that why you sent me on that mission? Hoping the portal would trigger latent powers you could exploit?"

John spread his hands innocently. "Now Sofia, let's not get ahead of ourselves with wild theories."

"Don't patronize me!" she snapped. "The expedition was recklessly planned, and you knew it. You wanted test subjects."

Sighing, John leaned back in his chair. "I had hoped you might understand the necessity of risks, for the greater advancement of humanity."

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"This isn't advancement, it's atrocity," Sofia said coldly. "I'm reporting your criminally unethical practices to the board."

John's expression hardened. "That would be unwise. Your word alone will not suffice."

He stood slowly. "I'd suggest focusing your efforts instead on honing those new abilities. In time, you'll see I'm right."

Sofia resisted the urge to blast him with golden fire. She turned on her heel and departed without another word. The board would hear of this, and she refused to become a pawn in John's schemes.

If he wanted a war, then so be it. She would bring his twisted ambitions crashing down, no matter the cost.

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John kept his expression neutral as the board members scrutinized him from across the glossy conference table. He knew Sofia had likely warned them about his methods, but he was prepared to smooth things over.

"Let's address the elephant in the room," John began, infusing his voice with reason. "I know there are concerns around our portal programs awakening latent powers in personnel."

Mr. Chan, the Chairman, frowned. "Concerns is putting it mildly, John. Playing games with human abilities is ethically dubious at best."

John spread his hands diplomatically. "Of course, I don't mean to trivialize this. But consider the benefits of cultivating these talents responsibly. Our company could be at the vanguard."

"Vanguard of what, exactly?" Mrs. Dubois asked sharply. "You speak of great ambitions but in vague generalities."

John nodded. "Fair critique. Let me be more specific." He activated the wall screen, bringing up his presentation.

"The newly formed Portal Security Agency will soon move to restrict portal access to those with useful abilities. I believe proactively awakening powers puts this company in a prime position for ongoing portal involvement."

Mr. Chan looked thoughtful but still skeptical. "That seems like quite a gamble based on speculation around regulatory policies."

"The signs are there if you follow the political winds," John countered smoothly. "Better to be ahead of the curve. These awakened individuals represent a tremendous investment."

The board members exchanged uncertain glances. John suppressed a smile. He could tell his grand vision was tempting, despite their ethical reservations. The profits stood to be astronomical.

"This is a complex issue requiring further analysis," Mr. Chan said finally. "But your points are duly noted, John. We will be monitoring closely."

John nodded deferentially. "I welcome any oversight you deem necessary. At day's end, we all want what's best for this company's future."

The meeting adjourned, and John gathered his materials. The board was not fully convinced yet, but he had planted the seeds. Power and influence waited on the horizon, if he played his cards right. Sofia's defiant eyes flashed in his mind. A minor setback - he would bring her around or remove her if necessary.

The portal awakening experiments would continue. Nothing would deter John from claiming the power and prosperity he deserved as his vision took shape.