Ability Index (Darey)
RESONANCE: A Special Ability that allows Darey to interfere with the Abilities of anyone he touches. He can use this to forcibly activate such Abilities, better control them, or supplement them with his energy. It, however, comes with excruciating pain to the Ability Users whom he is using it on. He has used this countless times on Tenny.
YEAR: 2161
LOCATION: Site F3, Examination Area, Orion Academy Outer Zone
"A-Are you sure?" The Supervisor hesitantly questioned. "If you are confused about anything... You can ask me, you know?"
Darey smiled as he replied the Supervisor he could not see "Thank you, but i understand perfectly. I choose to decline. I'll automatically be accepted into the Academy, but I'll be at the lowest level in the Beginner Stage."
"O-Ok then, If that is your decision, then the exam is forfeited. You may leave the Examination chamber." The Supervisor said, obviously surprised at Darey's demeanor.
The Supervisor, whose name was Larry Oswald, had been a member of the Orion staff for over 20 years now. He had also managed to climb to the ranks of Supervisor 5 years ago. Sure, he had seen a lot of Participants choose the easy way out by declining the conditions, but none were like the young man who just chose to do the same.
Those who Declined the conditions were mostly Participants who gave up halfway and tapped out. Some, after several moments of deliberation and analysis declined, without bothering to start the exams. Those were the cowards of the bunch, who knew nothing of the fate that awaited them.
Orion Academy seeks to train young Ability Users in the art of control and essentially combat, among other things. To avoid combat in an examination is a foolish move, since you'd encounter way more during your stay in Orion.
Larry, who had been in the system for several years, was one of the few Orion Students who were retained in Orion Academy as staffs. He understood the struggles of being a Beginner Stage student, since he was once one. He never managed to rise beyond Beginner stage, even till he finished his Tertiary Education.
His career path was set, and he was going to work in a run down SAD in a crime infested area. His life would be cut short within a decade... Or so he thought. Orion Academy scouted him, due to the unique and specific nature of his ability. As one of the few which Orion Academy recruited, he was able to live a life of luxury within the Academic Island, all due to his Ability's use.
Larry Oswald's Special Ability is called PERFECT DETECTIVE. He is able to instantly know certain information about any target he wishes. Unlike reading minds, he could not obtain specific information, but basic information such as height, habit, criminal records, intentions as well as level of power and skill. He also has premonitions and vibes concerning his targets.
He is also one of the few who ReAwakened, possessing an Advanced Ability. As long as the person hears his voice, they are unable to tell a lie to him. By combining these two Abilities, he has been able to uncover various things for Orion Academy, and is an invaluable asset to the institution.
When he saw the pictures and profiles of the new transfers, his attention was immediately directed to Darey and that was when he knew..."This is no Ordinary kid."
He specifically applied to be Darey's supervisor and even by watching Darey's behavior, he could notice a different vibe around him. His Ability was, however, not being specific on the unease he was feeling, and so he had decided to obtain more information by watching Darey's fight... But, Darey forfeited?
He asked him a question, knowing Darey would have to answer truthfully, and he did. That was when it dawned on Larry, Darey knew what was doing... He knew about the entire system of Orion, maybe even more than he, the supervisor, currently does. There was no doubt in Larry's mind.
Darey could easily achieve the Ultimate Objective, he was that strong. Strong enough to interfere with the accuracy of his Special Ability. Larry shook on his seat as he observed Darey leave. His curiosity had been peaked, and he wouldn't stop now. He would uncover the truth about Darey!
"That kid... Is not human..." He laughed to himself as he trembled on his seat.
A FEW HOURS LATER
LOCATION: General Hall, Examination Area, Orion Academy Outer Zone.
Darey was seated one of the numerous chairs, arranged in rows of fours, in the hall. Since he had finished his examination sooner than normal, he had more free time than necessary, and so he had to wait patiently for Kyron and Tenny to finish their exams.
Everything was going as planned, at least from his end, he was not sure about Kyron and Tenny. If there was any problem, it would be his Supervisor. He had a feeling the man would resurface eventually, however, he wasn't a major concern at the moment, and if he was... He would just meet the same end as a certain someone who didn't know his place.
Suddenly, Tenny and Kyron came through the door to the hall excitedly. They shared their experiences as they entered the room, or more accurately, Tenny did most of the talking while Kyron just listened.
"I'm glad to see you had a good time." Darey said, rising from his seat and making his presence known to his companions.
"Whoah, Darey, I didn't see you there. How long have you been seated there?" Tenny said, a bit startled by Darey's sudden voice.
"A few hours" Darey shrugged.
"A few wha...? And here I thought I finished early." Tenny said in surprise.
"As expected of you, truly amazing. Knowing your greatness, you must be in the Final Stage Placing." Kyron said in admiration.
Darey smiled knowingly. He looked at the two of them as he asked "What about you two? What objectives did you complete?"
"Advanced." Tenny stated proudly.
"Intermediate" Kyron stated flatly, a little disappointed.
"Good, you followed the plan." Darey replied.
"What about you?" Tenny said. "You never told us what part you would aim for."
"Beginner stage." Darey answered plainly.
"Eh?" Both Tenny and Kyron replied in unison.
"Yeah, and the lowest level at that." Darey added.
"I don't believe this... WHY?" Tenny asked, genuinely confused, and a little agitated.
"Why else? For the Plan!" Darey answered Tenny.
"Plan? What part of the plan will being a Beginner benefit? You were the one who told us how disadvantageous it is to be a Beginner, and you go ahead to become one?" Tenny asked, his frustration rising at a rapid rate.
"You'll see..." Darey answered calmly. "I understand that you might all be confused as to why i specifically gave instructions to aim at a particular stage. I'll satiate your curiosity."
"The truth is that while we may have secured a position in Orion, it'll be difficult to follow through with the plan if we don't have a wide range of access. This means that we must spread out to various Placings in order to gain access to multiple choices for potential allies." Darey stated.
"I understand that, but... Why does it have to be you who is in the Beginner stage." Tenny complained.
"For four major reasons." Darey replied.
"Firstly, it is more difficult to notice and distinguish potential among the Beginner Stage trash, If you don't have a keen eye and a certain degree of observation, you'll miss countless gold mines." Darey stated, he saw Kyron move uncomfortably and decided to address it.
"It's true that Kyron's abilities make him the most worthy candidate when considering this, as his levels of observation are definitely higher than even mine." Darey said.
"Then why isn't he...?" Tenny protested.
"Because he doesn't qualify for the other reasons." Darey bluntly stated. Tenny calmed down upon hearing this, and Darey continued speaking.
"The second reason is the treatment given to the Beginners and the bias. None of the both of you possess enough patience and levelheadedness, talk less of control of your abilities, to tolerate any of them. I possess enough maturity and discernment to judge the situation and act accordingly. Plus i have certain Abilities that allow me to deal with pests, that you two can't measure up to." Darey stated, and the two boys demeanor changed, and they began to see reason.
"The third reason is progression. It will be suspicious if all three of us make it to a top stage, especially with the Abilities we imputed into the Special Ability Index." Darey said. "My Ability is COMPLETE INVESTIGATION, which makes me generally disadvantaged in combat, and Kyron's registered Ability is TRUE SIGHT, which mostly deals with enhanced vision and perception. It'll be a great shock if we simultaneously made it to Advanced stage, or above along with you, whose Abilities warp space." Darey added.
"That's true... And since you both supposedly have no combat skill or experience, you can't be seen overachieving." Tenny reasoned.
"Exactly!" Darey said. "Kyron's enhanced fighting can be waved off because of his build and charisma, however, the same can't be said about me." Darey concluded.
"And what's the final reason?" Kyron asked.
"It'll be fun!" Darey said with a smile on his face.
"What?!" Tenny reacted, taken aback by Darey's response.
"It will be nice starting from scratch and making it to the top... Using nothing more than COMPLETE INVESTIGATION, won't it? I can't wait to begin!" Darey said, a wide grin on his face, as Tenny and Kyron nervously smiled in agreement.
"In any case, we'll soon be processed and then we'll be heading to the interiors... And when we get there... The real ACTION begins!" Darey smiled.
TO BE CONTINUED...