A black car cruised through Manhattan with Kristine and her twin brother Christopher seated in the back. Their father, Garrett, and the driver, Mr. Daniels, alert as ever, were in the front. Christopher was busy chatting with their father, but Kristine couldn't take her eyes off the stunning cityscape outside the car windows. Even though she had been reincarnated into this world 14 years ago, the sight never grew old. She looked out in wonder as the car drew closer to the Psion testing facility, taking in the sight of the city.

The morning sun illuminated the towering skyscrapers, their pristine surfaces glinting like diamonds in the light. Kristine marveled at the architecture, which surpassed anything she had seen in her previous life. The white, reflective spires seemed to reach for the heavens, standing as a testament to humanity's progress and resilience after the calamity.

New York City was a far cry from the desolate landscape left in the wake of the catastrophic asteroid Icarus. She had seen the pictures her brother showed her. The calamity and the endless winter that followed had reduced everything to rubble. But now, the once-ravaged wasteland had been transformed into a thriving metropolis, teeming with energy and life. It was like night and day.

Suddenly, Christopher leaned forward in his seat and asked their father, Garrett, a daring question. "Hey, Dad," Christopher said, "Is it true that you used to be a playboy in this city when you were younger?"

The driver, Mr. Daniels, who had always seen Garrett as a no-nonsense army captain during his army days, perked his ears at the question. His cap wiggled as his additional set of bestial ears twitched underneath, revealing his interest in the conversation. He had heard rumors about Garrett's past, but had never believed them.

Kristine's curiosity had also piqued, causing her to turn away from the stunning cityscape. The anger she once felt towards her father had dissipated, and she found herself genuinely interested in learning more about him. What could have possibly turned the rumored playboy into the stern, paranoid man he was now?

After Christopher asked his question, the limousine fell silent, and everyone waited with bated breath for Garrett's answer.

Garrett's response was blunt as he looked at the curious faces of his children in the back seat. The car swerved slightly as Mr. Daniels tried to keep his attention on the road, eager to listen too.

"You two are not old enough to hear such things," he said firmly. In his eyes, his children were still kids.

"Dad, we're already 14," Christopher protested.

Kristine, who had recently put aside her resentment toward her father, added, "Yeah, we're not kids anymore."

Garrett sighed heavily with reluctance. He didn't want to endanger his family's safety by getting Mr. Daniels distracted. "Alright, but don't tell your mother," he warned.

The twins leaned in eagerly, their eyes wide with anticipation. "So it's true?" Kristine asked.

Garrett hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Yes, it's true. I had such a reputation back when I was younger," he admitted, glancing out at the bustling metropolis outside the window.

Both Christopher and Kristine were taken aback. "Really!?" they exclaimed in unison. "Tell us more."

Garrett's eyes held a wistful glint as he shared his past with his children. "Back in the day, I used to be a regular in the city's nightlife," he said. "I'd do all kinds of crazy stuff."

"Like what?" Christopher asked out of curiosity.

"Drinking, gambling, you name it, Garrett replied. "I was quite the wild one back then."

"Seriously?" Christopher's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Why would you do that, Dad?"

Garrett's ears turned slightly red as he explained further, "It's because of my Psionic power. I am an empath. I feel emotions, and when I touch someone who feels pleasure, the sensation is indescribable. Whether it's drugs, alcohol, or...you know," he trailed off, not wanting to go into further detail in front of his children.

The twins' faces turned crimson as they listened to their father's candidness.

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"But why did you change? Was it for mom?" Christopher asked hesitantly, sensing that they might be venturing into "too much information" territory.

"Yes, that changed when I met your mother. And she was different. She didn't just make me feel pleasure. She made me feel love, happiness, and joy. She was like a pure spring, with no negativity at all. I never knew someone like that could exist. And that's when I promised to keep her from the harsh reality of the world. But looking back, I'm not sure I succeeded." Garrett's expression turned regretful.

The car fell into a comfortable silence as Garrett ended his story.

Kristine couldn't help but feel grateful to be able to hear her father's story. She had always felt a distance between them, but now she felt like she understood him a little better.

"I'm glad you gave it up for mom," she said with a smile. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be here with you right now."

Garrett smiled and patted Kristine on the head, ruffling her hair. He was grateful that their relationship seemed to be mended as his daughter comforted him.

Kristine pouted and fixed her hair as the car pulled to a stop. They had arrived at the testing center.

"This is it," Garrett announced, opening the car door and stepping out onto the pavement. The testing center loomed over in the distance, and he couldn't help but suddenly feel a sense of foreboding

As he stepped out of the car, his children trailed behind him, all dressed in their best attire. Christopher donned a sharp black vest paired with a crisp white shirt, his blonde hair neatly parted to the side. Kristine, on the other hand, wore a pristine white recital dress that cascaded down to her ankles, her blonde straight hair hanging down her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Garrett was decked out in his white military suit, reserved for special occasions. His brown hair streaked with grey was neatly combed to one side. His jacket was adorned with various medals and ribbons, signifying his rank and accomplishments.

Mr. Daniels, their driver, remained in the car, parked and waiting patiently for their return.

Together, the family made their way toward the testing center. When they reached the building, Christopher and Kristen looked at the white concrete building with an open mouths. Multiple turrets loomed on its sides, their barrels trained downwards, not yet activated.

Garrett feel reassured by their presence, but the unease in his gut remained.

As they stepped through the doors, the guards immediately snapped to attention and saluted Garrett. He responded with a nod, "At ease."

The trio approached the examiner's counter, the man with thinning hair and a skeptical expression eyed them suspiciously. He looked up from his clipboard and sized up the three with suspicion. He knew General Garrett and his children would be here, but he never expected how stunning their looks were.

The examiner couldn't help but be entranced by Kristine's sparkling golden eyes, the long straight hair falling around her delicate features and the stunning white recital dress that accentuated her petite figure. Similarly, Christopher's blonde hair was immaculately combed to the side, highlighting his sharp features and bright golden eyes, which seemed to twinkle in the light. The examiner had seen many children of Psions visiting the center, but these two were exceptional.

However, the examiner also had seen this before. Power and influence could not get anyone registered as a Psion. He had witnessed parents with political and social backgrounds trying to pull such stunts in the past. They would try to get their non-Psion children registered as Psions by any means necessary. But the examiner was not one to be fooled.

"General," he said, "I must inform you that I have been warned that some people try to register their non-Psion children as Psions to gain some sort of advantage. I do not appreciate you trying to deceive us."

Garrett bristled at the accusation. "I am not here to deceive you, sir," he said. "My children are Psions, and I have brought them here to register as such."

The examiner raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "And what powers might those be, General? The ability to charm people with their looks?" he said sarcastically.

Garrett's frown deepened. He could feel his temper rising. "No, they are not here to charm anyone. They have legitimate Psionic abilities", he said firmly.

He understood the examiner's skepticism. He had heard stories of people trying to fake their way into Psion registration by using their looks or some other natural talent, like music or singing. The benefits of being a Psion were too good to resist. The number of frauds attempting to cheat the system was on the rise, and the testing center had become increasingly strict with their screening process. However, he couldn't understand why this examiner was being so disrespectful.

The examiner crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Well, General, you'll have to forgive my skepticism."

Garrett felt his patience wearing thin, but he kept his composure. "I suggest you take us to the testing area so that we may prove their abilities to you," he said.

"Very well, follow me," the examiner said, leading them down a hallway with an air of impatience.