– So, what do you think of the kid? – Tyx asked, shifting his gaze between everyone present.
– He’s certainly scared and doesn’t seem to control his emotions very well. – the Amazon said, clasping her hands with a worried look.
– That’s a problem, and it makes me question again: why did you put him in a dormitory instead of a cell? – Conrad inquired, sitting back in his chair with his hands clasped on the table, hiding his mouth.
– The kid deserves a good sleep; it’s enough of treating him like a lab rat. – Tyx replied seriously, addressing Conrad. – He’s being monitored by the cameras; that’s already enough.
– Are you going to stop stalling and get straight to the point? Or are you going to sit here wasting time all day? – Titan said, pursing his lips and crossing his arms. – Just tell us what you know about the kid.
Tyx took a deep breath and pulled out a black rectangular object with a glowing circle at the end that emitted intense white light. As the circle began to spin, a laser projected, reflecting off the central glass and creating a bluish hologram that floated in the air, pulsing softly as if it were alive. It displayed the image of Black again.
– The curiosity of this case is that Black was not exactly classified as a Biologically Enhanced Human by Division Zero.
– Tyx said, looking towards Titan.
– They might be wrong; he could just be a mutated individual, like the Visionary – Titan replied, opposing Tyx and keeping his arms crossed with a serious expression.
– Generally, mutants display physical characteristics that are decisive for the utilization of their abilities. – the Visionary responded while accessing a screen, moving his fingers quickly.
– And you, big head? I don’t see any physical characteristic in you besides that enormous forehead of yours. – Titan retorted, leaning back in his chair to get a better look at the Visionary.
– That’s the point. My head might be slightly larger than average, but in my mutation, only my brain was affected. – the Visionary replied, not losing focus on what he was doing. – Which does not apply to Black. If he has strength and endurance beyond human capacity, his body should demonstrate that through mutation.
Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
– I know that; you don’t need to explain every detail, you nerd. – Titan said, shaking his head and looking away.
– It doesn’t seem like you retain such knowledge; you overlooked something essential about Black. – the Visionary asserted, quickly shutting off the screen as if his fingers were moving on their own. – His eyes were yellow.
– You’re right! He must be using the Absolute Apex, so he has to be an BEH. – the Amazon said, nodding her head in agreement towards the Visionary.
– That’s where the problem lies: mutants cannot reach the Absolute Apex because, unlike the awakened, the mutation has already affected their DNA in an irreversible way. – the Visionary explained, adjusting his glasses that reflected the light, obscuring the view of his eyes. – That’s why they don’t have a stigma and cannot be on the Power Variation Index, as per Khalarran's method; much less reach the Absolute Apex.
– So, what is he? A new type of mutant? Or a very different awakened? – Titan asked, shrugging his shoulders.
– I don’t know, but I believe he is neither. – the Visionary replied, resting his chin on his clenched fist. – After all, no containment method was effective; they only managed to capture him through brute force and heavy machinery.
– They used ISV and the ACF? Damn it, no wonder he’s so agitated– Titan said, lowering his gaze and pressing his lips together. – Those sons of bitches from Division Zero! Fuck!
Titan stood up from his chair, shaking his head and running his hand through his hair. The Amazon took a deep breath and bowed her head upon hearing this.
– It was necessary; they needed to know what they were dealing with. However, since the young man’s skin was very tough, they had to use... less conventional methods. – the Visionary said, staring off into space as if focused on something else. – In any case, the Intravenous Suppressive Vaccine and the Ability Compression Formula were unable to suppress Black’s abilities.
– Goddamit! How can you be so calm knowing what they did to him!? – Titan exclaimed, turning and glaring at the Visionary.
– Someone here has to think objectively, considering the results instead of getting carried away by emotions... – the Visionary replied, also glaring back at Titan.
– Enough! – Conrad interjected, looking at both of them, who fell silent. – We are losing focus! And you, Tyx, are you just going to stay quiet!?
– I like to hear other people's opinions, but very well, let me explain how I see this – Tyx said, leaning back in his chair and looking at the hologram. – From what I could analyze, the young man is indeed not an BHE, whether mutant or awakened.
Tyx stood up and began to walk around the room until he reached the front of the Defenders' table, leaving the device displaying Black’s image on it.
– I was investigating old cases to see if anything resembled this one. And something came to mind... – Tyx continued as he returned to his upright posture and adjusted his hat. – What do you know about Idealer Kämpfer?
Tyx's question echoed through the hall, and then silence enveloped the place once more.