In the secluded observation room, Dr. Stevens and Miss Rami had a brief exchange while Ahiro continued his training on the other side of the glass. Dr. Stevens, his expression thoughtful, reached for the microphone's power switch, momentarily disconnecting the audio feed.
He turned to Miss Rami, curiosity etched on his features. "Miss Rami, may I ask where you found Ahiro?" His question hung in the air, an unexpected inquiry that seemed to catch her off guard.
Miss Rami blinked, her surprise evident. She hadn't anticipated such a question, especially in the context of their current situation. Nevertheless, she decided to answer honestly, her voice carrying the weight of recent events. "I found him at an orphanage. There was an incident involving a group of intruders with awakened abilities, and I was assigned to the case."
Dr. Stevens listened intently, his interest piqued. He leaned slightly against the counter, his white lab coat rustling softly. "An incident at an orphanage?" he mused. "I see. But it's unusual for someone of your rank to be involved in a case like this. Was there a specific reason you were assigned?"
Miss Rami chuckled, her laughter light but tinged with a hint of irony. "Well, Dr. Stevens, it's not every day that a low-level case like this one involves a group of awakened individuals with potentially dangerous abilities. I guess you could say it caught the attention of some higher-ups. Besides, I thought it would be an interesting change of pace."
Dr. Stevens nodded in understanding, his gaze thoughtful. "Indeed, it does seem like an extraordinary situation." He paused for a moment, considering his next words carefully. "Miss Rami, I have to say, you seem quite invested in Ahiro's case. Is there a particular reason for that?"
Miss Rami regarded him for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and compassion. "You could say I see potential in him, Dr. Stevens. Potential to not only understand his own abilities but to make a difference in this world. He's already shown incredible courage and resourcefulness."
Dr. Stevens raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her response. "So, you believe he has the potential to achieve a higher rank?"
She smiled, her expression genuine. "I believe he has the potential to be a remarkable awakener. But ultimately, that's for him to decide. My role is to guide him and provide support where needed."
With their conversation reaching a natural conclusion, Miss Rami turned her attention back to the room where Ahiro was training. She had faith in his abilities and was eager to see how he would progress in the coming days.
Dr. Stevens, too, found himself intrigued by Ahiro's case. As a scientist and researcher in the field of awakened abilities, he was always eager to witness the growth and development of awakeners. He made a mental note to carefully observe Ahiro's progress.
With a nod, Miss Rami bid Dr. Stevens farewell. "Thank you for your assistance, Doctor. Please keep me informed about Ahiro's progress and the determination of his rank. I'll be eagerly awaiting the results."
Dr. Stevens returned the nod, his expression was professional yet friendly. "Of course, Miss Rami. I'll ensure you receive regular updates. Take care, and I look forward to our next meeting."
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In the controlled environment of the training room, hours had passed, and Ahiro still struggled to manifest his barrier. Fatigue weighed heavily on him, both physically and emotionally. He had hoped to demonstrate his awakened ability, but it seemed as though the barrier he had briefly conjured in the orphanage was elusive and beyond his reach now.
With a heavy heart, Ahiro sank to the floor, his frustration and disappointment evident in the slump of his shoulders. He felt defeated, questioning why he couldn't perform as he had in that critical moment during the intrusion.
Dr. Stevens, observing from a distance, let out a weary sigh. He had expected Ahiro to at least succeed in the initial step of manifestation. Manifestation was often one of the early criteria taken into account when assessing an awakener's potential. The duration of time it took for an individual to achieve manifestation from the moment of awakening could provide valuable insights into their capabilities.
As he watched Ahiro's struggle, Dr. Stevens considered the implications. In many cases, individuals became more attuned to and aware of their awakened powers as time passed. Even though Ahiro had not consciously attempted to awaken his power since the incident, it had been over a week since that event. And the reason for Ahiro's visit to the specialized center immediately after his discharge was to gauge his potential.
However, the extended duration of Ahiro's struggle was disheartening. Dr. Stevens knew that there was only so much time he could allocate to this evaluation.
Dr. Stevens, despite his initial disappointment, knew that there were more factors at play. Awakened progress was closely linked to thier emotional state, and rushing the process could do more harm than good. Besides, Miss Rami's specific interest in Ahiro's case weighed heavily on his decision.
After observing Ahiro's struggle, Dr. Stevens decided to offer him a break. He instructed Ahiro to take some time to eat and rest.
"We'll continue after your break, Ahiro," Dr. Stevens assured him. "Remember, this process can be taxing, and it's perfectly normal to face challenges. Take your time, and when you're ready, we'll try again."
With those words of encouragement, Dr. Stevens left the room, leaving Ahiro to gather his thoughts and regain his strength.
After the break, Ahiro found himself facing a different doctor. Dr. Stevens had been called away for other duties, a fact that Ahiro understood and accepted without protest. He entered the room, determined to give it his all, just as he had been doing since the start of his testing.
Inside the room, Ahiro's emotions were a tumultuous sea. Frustration, determination, and a lingering sense of inadequacy swirled within him. He desperately wanted to manifest his ability, to prove to himself and others that he could control it. But something seemed to be blocking him, an invisible barrier he couldn't breach.
The young doctor assigned to him was an assistant to Professor Stevens. He was used to cases like Ahiro's, individuals who struggled to awaken their abilities. While he may have lost some of his initial enthusiasm for these cases, he remained diligent in his duties. He closely monitored the subtle changes in the various readings displayed on the screens and sensors scattered throughout the room.
As Ahiro continued to make earnest attempts, the young doctor provided guidance and advice. He had experience dealing with individuals who had low potential, and he did his best to help Ahiro overcome the obstacles he faced.
Hours passed, with both Ahiro and the young doctor dedicated to the task at hand. Despite their combined efforts, however, Ahiro remained unable to manifest his ability. The young doctor sighed, a tinge of disappointment evident in his expression. He reached for his tablet and opened a document labeled "Progress Log."
In the designated column for Day 6, he entered a succinct and disheartening report: "No progress."