In the combat area with grid-like patterned walls, a figure clad in white armor jumped into a group of menacing mechanical combat dolls. It was Christopher, now fully covered in bone armor, who was raring to go.

The metallic figures sprang to life and launched a barrage of blows at Christopher, but his bone armor effortlessly absorbed each strike.

Christopher punched out in retaliation, exchanging blows with his attackers. The sound of bone against metal reverberated through the training area as Christopher unleashed a flurry of strikes, sending blasts of white powder and shards of bones flying through the air as his spiked fist smashed into their metallic bodies.

He began to effortlessly dodge the strikes of the combat dolls with the fluidity of a master martial artist. He was beginning to become acclimated to their movements as he continued to pummel them with his spiky bone-covered fists. Metallic bodies began to fall with a large dent in the center of their chest or missing a head.

The examiner could only stare in shock as Christopher dominated the fight with ease, his bone armor providing him with an impenetrable shield. It was clear that the young boy was talented at combat in addition to his amazing Psionic ability. He adapted to the movements of the combat dummies so quickly that it belied his youth. It was like he had been training since he was in the womb.

Kristine couldn't help but feel jealous as she watched her brother turn the combat dolls into scrap metal. She enjoyed fighting and was just as skilled in combat as he was, but they had made the decision for her to possess the mesmerizing gaze and Christopher to possess the bone armor.

She knew that they had to keep their "Devil and Angel System" and the fact that they both possessed multiple powers a secret but she didn't like it. She forced a smile and began to clap, congratulating her brother on his exceptional performance.

**

As the last of the combat dolls fell, Christopher stood victorious, his white bone armor shining in the fluorescent light overhead.

"Your combat skills are at a B-rank level," the examiner stated, impressed with Christopher's performance. "You should receive your official ranking within a week."

Christopher and Kristine exchanged a look of satisfaction. They knew that being registered as Psions would bring them countless benefits in this new world.

"Thank you for evaluating us," Kristine said, giving the examiner a polite nod.

The examiner returned the nod, his eyes filled with respect and guilt. These two children were truly remarkable. He couldn't help but feel guilty for his part in the trap set up for their father, General Garrett.

As the twins followed the examiner out of the room, Christopher quickly got dressed. Their father, Garrett, beamed with pride as he saw his children exit and ran to meet them.

"How did it go?" he asked eagerly. The twins returned a thumbs up.

"Good," Garrett said, gesturing for them to head out. "Remember, being a Psion isn't just about having cool powers. It's about using those powers to protect others and improve the world. You have a responsibility to use your abilities wisely."

“Whatever you say, Uncle Ben,” Christopher replied, rolling his eyes.

Garrett caught the reference. He had taken the twins to watch the Spider-Man in theaters four years ago in 2070 after they pestered him incessantly. It was a reboot of a popular franchise from before the Icarus calamity. He ignored his son's rudeness, eager to take his children home and give them a well-deserved break from all the testing.

There was also a nagging feeling in his stomach that made him slightly uncomfortable. It was like his instincts was telling him to leave. But just as they were about to leave, the examiner stopped them.

“Hold on!” he exclaimed, slightly out of breath. “Do you know if your kids would like to personalize their Psion bracelets?”

Garrett blinked in astonishment. “That’s an option?” he asked, looking down at his drab gray bracelet.

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“Yes, it’s a new option we are providing to registered Psions,” the examiner affirmed.

“Alright then.” Garrett glanced at the twins. “I have the whole day off anyway.” He hoped spending more time together would bring him closer to his children.

The examiner led them to a room where they could customize their Psion indicator bracelets, and Kristine and Christopher's eyes lit up with excitement. They eagerly chose different colors and designs, behaving like kids in a candy store.

Garrett's sharp eyes scanned the area, and they landed on a boy surrounded by two burly bodyguards. The boy was customizing his bracelet and looked indecisive.

He walked up to the examiner, his tone firm. "I reserved the entire place for this hour. What's the meaning of this?"

The examiner lowered his voice. "There was a mix-up in the scheduling, and we had to make an exception. That boy is Richard Brink's son."

Garrett's eyebrows shot up. Richard “The Healer” Brink was a renowned healing Psion with unparalleled abilities on the east coast. Most humans resided on the coast due to the Psi Beasts lurking in deeper regions.

Despite his moniker, Richard's powers were not limited to healing. He possessed the rare ability to manipulate time, allowing him to rewind any living being's body for up to three hours. Humans, fish, plants – it was a remarkable talent, bordering on the realm of time itself. However, it could not bring back the dead.

Garrett's eyes narrowed as he watched the boy and his bodyguards before returning his attention to his children.

The examiner smiled as he saw the twins excitedly customizing their bracelets. However, as he watched them, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that was starting to weigh on him. He knew that leaking information about Garrett's visit would put them in the midst of the attack.

As the twins continued to tweak their bracelets, the examiner excused himself and stepped into an empty room. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his heart racing with fear and his fingers shaking.

"Hello?" a voice answered on the other end of the line.

"It's done," the examiner said, his voice shaking. "They're here."

"Good," the voice replied. "We'll take it from here."

The examiner hung up the phone and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew that he had crossed a dangerous line, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of relief that the situation was out of his hands now.

Meanwhile, the twins were still in the room, laughing and chatting as they finished customizing their bracelets. They had no idea what was about to happen.

Kristine noticed a young boy with expensive clothes approaching her. He was about 10 years old, dressed in expensive clothes, slicked back hair, and fidgeting nervously. He introduced himself as Timothy Brink and glanced at Kristine's father, Garrett, before quickly looking away. Behind Timothy stood a stern, bald-headed man who seemed impatient and was likely the boy’s bodyguard.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice quivering. "Do you think this looks good?" He pointed to the black and gold bracelet on the screen, the most expensive option available.

Kristine looked up, seeing the sadness in the boy's eyes. "Of course, it does," she said, smiling warmly. "I like the black and gold combination. It's classic and timeless."

The boy, whose name was Timothy Brink, relaxed a little, his body language changing as he let out a sigh. "Thanks," he said as he continued to customize his bracelet. "I needed a second opinion, but my bodyguard doesn't care much for aesthetics."

"Is that your dad?" Timothy asked Kristine out of nowhere, his eyes looking at Garrett.

“Yep,” Kristine replied, wondering why this boy kept looking at her father. “Do you recognize him or something?”

"No," Timothy said, a hint of envy in his voice. "I just wish my dad had come with me as your dad did. He must be a really good dad to be here with you guys. I wish my dad was like that."

Kristine felt awkward, knowing that her father Garrett, while not a terrible parent, was far from perfect. The inattention, his workaholic nature, and how he almost turned her brain dead a few days ago. But she offered him a reassuring smile.

She saw the fear and uncertainty in Timothy's eyes, and she knew she needed to do something to comfort him. Gently placing a hand on his shoulder, she looked into his eyes. "Don't worry, Timothy," she said softly. "I'm sure your dad cares about you. After all, he made sure you have a bodyguard with you."

"Thanks, um... I didn't catch your name," Timothy, blushing slightly but now calmer than before.

"Oh, it's Kristine, Kristine Williams," Kristine replied, her warm smile lighting up her face and showing off her white, pristine teeth.

"Thanks, Kristine," Timothy said, his shy smile as endearing as any ten-year-olds could be.

+450 Love Points from Timothy Brink

A notification from the system popped up in Kristine's vision but she didn't get the chance to read it. The once-peaceful atmosphere was had been abruptly shattered by the alarming sound of gunfire outside.