Leonard: "Over the course of many years, humans have evolved in terms of technology and eventually became reliant on it. However, we aren't fully aware of the disadvantage this poses until we can't rely on it."
Four men, clad in black tactical gear, positioned themselves at the school's corners. The air was heavy with anticipation. With a synchronized flick of their wrists, they flipped switches, cutting off the school's power.
Man 2 spoke into his comms device, his voice low and urgent.
Man 2: "Faraday dome initiated."
The school's lights flickered, then died. The hum of machinery ceased, replaced by an eerie silence.
Carbonyl's voice crackled through the comms device.
Carbonyl: "Okay, get ready to move."
Micro intervened, his tone measured.
Micro: "Hold your positions and await further orders."
Man 2 responded.
Man 2: Roger.
Carbonyl's frustration grew.
Carbonyl: "What do you think you're doing? You'll give them time to recuperate, thus giving them time to strike back."
Micro remained calm.
Micro: "Relax. Without the tech support team, they won't be able to determine what's going on. Plus, do you really expect us to fight the staff and the police?"
Carbonyl's eyes narrowed.
Carbonyl: "Police?"
Just then, police sirens pierced the air. Cars and SUVs screeched to a halt, surrounding the school. Leonard's mom, Lucy, stepped out of the lead vehicle.
Lucy: "Spread out! Make sure no one comes in or goes out of that building!"
Troops responded, their boots pounding the pavement.
Troops: "Yes, ma'am!"
Chaos erupted outside, while inside, panic spread as the B-class test was underway. The power suddenly cut, leaving everyone confused.
Ezekiel: "What's the meaning of this?"
The darkness was oppressive, the air thick with fear.
As Ezekiel stepped outside his class, he saw the unrest unfolding. Students rushed past, their faces illuminated only by the faint glow of emergency lights.
Mrs. Michaels: "Everyone, please stay calm and remain in your classes!"
Frederick: "Technical support team! Come with me!"
Mr. Jones: "Why hasn't the backup generator kicked in yet?"
Ezekiel watched, then someone appeared beside him.
Scott: "Oh my. This is a bit troublesome, don't you think?"
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow.
Ezekiel: "You don't seem too bothered about what's happening."
Scott chuckled.
Scott: "Did you expect me to be panicking?"
Ezekiel's expression shifted from curiosity to unease.
Ezekiel: "Hmph, good point. [smile turns into a creepy glare] This is unexpected. I wonder what results we could have in store from this."
Meanwhile, in the Tesseract, Class A1 collected potassium rocks. The air was thick with dust, the smell of minerals hanging heavy.
Suddenly, the mine reverted to its original state.
Ash: "What the hell?"
Nick: "Did we fail?"
Sam: "{No, we weren't given a time limit for that test, so why...}"
The class heard the commotion outside, and Leonard's face displayed worry and confusion. Ben and Charlotte burst in, out of breath.
Sam: "What's going on?"
Charlotte: "The school's power suddenly cut off."
The class exchanged shocked glances.
Sam: "{That shouldn't even be possible. I studied this place; it doesn't make sense for the main and backup generator to collapse at the same time.}"
Charlotte urged.
Charlotte: "We have to move!"
Ash asked.
Ash: "To where?"
Charlotte replied.
Charlotte: "Principal Smith's office."
Outside, the police held trespassers at bay. Carbonyl and Micro kept distance with 13 troops, while 6 others distracted the cops.
Amidst the chaos, Lucy maintained composure, staying in the rear and keeping watch. The flashing police lights cast eerie shadows on her face.
However, one of Carbonyl and Micro's henchmen grew irritable.
Woman (Flora): "I'm getting tired of this. These guys are too slow; send me forward instead. I can make it inside in no time."
Micro intervened.
Micro: "Stand down, Flora. No need to be hasty; we must remain patient and wait for an opening."
Flora disobeyed.
Flora: You want an opening?
Flora dashed off, leaping into the police's line of sight. Her footsteps echoed in the shadows.
Carbonyl cursed.
Carbonyl: "That damn girl just exposed our location!"
Flora landed, capitalizing on her question.
Flora: "Well, here's your opening."
To be continued