"ALL AWAKENERS PROCEED TO DISTRICT C!! ALL AWAKENERS PROCEED TO DISTRICT C!!"
The announcement kept repeating that my ears buzzing like I had tinnitus. But I cussed as I ran out of the training facility. Why are they sending all awakeners? It has only been a few weeks after their official training. If monsters like the ones in the red door poured in, I doubt everyone could put up a fight.
Vice Mayor Aina headed to the headquarters, while from the distance, I saw Kyle shouting and commanding the awakeners.
The situation isn't yet cleared. They shouldn't be sending these people without any explanation. I know what matters the most right now is to rescue the people in District C, but without planning and strategy, won't it be like sending a paper boat against the current in a raging river?
The ship will fail.
I stopped, turned in the direction where the R&D was, and bolted.
Everyone was in a panic. Dr. Molly dashed to me as soon as she saw me, "Sir Atlas! What are you doing here?! All awakeners are needed to the district!"
I shouted back, "Without proper explanation?! I know a door has appeared, but sending all the awakeners in the area is a stupid move! Those people haven't yet controlled their powers! They could kill civilians if they lost control or they could be killed instead!
"Take back the order and send a team to investigate! Find out the kinds of monsters that appeared, then plan and strategize! If you'll send us—
"How about the lives in District C getting attacked by those monsters? All the awakeners are gathered here!"
Dr. Eugene interrupted and shouted back at me. I understand his point. In the case of disasters, the priority is to rescue citizens, but that doesn't mean the rescuers would just go and jump in danger without planning ahead!
I was about to retort and prove my point but someone shouted that cut me off.
"Dr. Eugene! Check the findings of the aerial observations of District C, something is strange!"
Dr. Eugene and Dr. Molly rushed inside the main laboratory. I followed without a second thought. The huge screen on the wall showed the door that appeared in District C. However, it wasn't floating above the land; it was built on the ground like a normal door.
The surveillance camera moved and showed the back. It was empty and wasn't obstructed. It didn't have any ominous aura surrounding it as well, which is somewhat confusing.
Dr. Eugene, "Any changes in the surrounding area?"
Another staff answered, "The temperature in the area remains the same. We aren't picking any excessive radiation surrounding the door either, and it hasn't moved since it appeared. The atmospheric monitoring lab detected changes in its conditions after the Red Door appeared, and when it opened, the components within a mile radius decreased greatly.
"However, nothing is happening in this door, doctor," the staff looked up to Dr. Eugene and added, "Some pedestrian saw it just appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the street. But if no one witnessed, then it might have been difficult to believe that it was something like that red door. One might think it was just a prank."
That might be, but it'd still be hard to believe someone could put a door thrice their size and leave it standing without any support. It was fortunate that the street it appeared from was a minor one.
I leaned and stared at the small monitor on the far side of the huge screen and mumbled, "Or not."
Dr. Molly came to me and stared at the same monitor, and then her eyes widened, "Zoom in monitor G-12 immediately!"
The monitor zoomed in; it was focused on the lower part of the door, which had an intricate design of lotus flowers all over its façade. On the biggest flower carved on the right door leaf hung a small key; its size is normal, unlike the huge door.
"Is that a key?"
I glanced at the doctor, and said calmly, "I think it'd be best to send some researchers to investigate it. It hasn't opened yet, and we're unsure when it will be. The administration might have sent rescuers to evacuate the citizens. If you send someone, a few awakeners will accompany them."
Dr. Eugene nodded without a word. He whirled around and called on the headquarters. I heard him explain the situation.
Then, a few minutes later, another announcement on the speakers was aired.
I excused myself to Dr. Molly who looked at me awkwardly. She might have realized how they looked at awakeners unconsciously. Like we were some saving tools they can use anytime. I understand that having powers comes with responsibility, and we're receiving privileges and special treatment for our own improvement.
But hurling us to danger as they see fit doesn't quite sit right on me. I blew some strands of hair covering my eyes away to let out some steam. Then, I headed to the meeting room where all instructors were called.
"We're going to form a group to send in District C to aid the investigation and barricade the area. The evacuation had already begun. We will help with that too."
Vice Mayor Aina firmly declared. I once wondered where was the mayor of Osca. I learned he was dead, so the vice mayor was taking charge. It was a good thing that she was capable.
The vice mayor continued, "Each of us we'll be picking five awakeners from each group. Dr. Eugene, how many researchers are you going to send?"
Dr. Eugene who sat opposite me and kept glaring at me the whole time answered after glancing at the vice mayor, "I'll be sending five as well. That'll be enough."
Then, he turned his head towards me again. Dude, if you have something to say, spill it. His prickling gaze is starting to annoy me.
Vice Mayor Aina stood, "Let's meet at the building entrance in thirty minutes."
I went back to the training room. I was surprised to see that they continued training by themselves. The four top students were even teaching groups. However, when I walked in, they all turned their heads at me and excitedly bombarded me with questions.
They were like ducks rushing in a puddle after being caged for a long time, and I'm that f*cking puddle.
I raised my hand and they all stopped yapping, "Only five will have to come with me to the district. The rest will continue on their training."
Their shoulders drooped. Look at them being so excited about fighting. They lost regard for their lives and thought they could contribute a big change if they rushed into battle just because they learned how to play.
This arrogance came from that power. As the doctor said, the awakener's core is messing with an awakener's emotions and personality. If they let the core consume them, then they were no different from those monsters who used their powers without reason and morals.
I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed, I've been on edge, since earlier. I guess the trauma of the first door appearance hasn't gotten over me yet.
"Ethan Fray, Felix Arnolds, Edgar Silvestre, Lovi Chen, and…"
Right. The vice mayor is in charge of the psychic department. I have to pick another one. I scanned each awakener, but since I was too focused on teaching the five, I didn't get to properly see their progress and abilities.
Ethan raised his hand and firmly suggested, "If Vice Mayor Aina isn't included, can I recommend another one, Sir Atlas?"
"Go ahead."
Ethan turned his head toward a girl on the far side. He pointed at her and said, "Lavander Eins. She can control nature within a specific range."
The woman who was mentioned looks timid and polite. She bowed her head at me and walked to the front after I gestured for her to.
Ethan followed and backed her up, "I already taught her the things you teach us, sir. I can guarantee you that she will be of use."
I grimaced at his words, "I'm not sending you there to be of use. Right now, the door hasn't opened yet, but if in case it did, and you know you're powerless, stop charging with a stupid belief that you can defeat all the monsters that'll come out. Retreat, if necessary, and save yourselves first. Understood?"
Lavender nodded her head politely. She looked younger than a college student. I patter her head out of habit, which makes her flinched. But a timid smile showed on her face.
[Ting!]
So, she's a supporting character too.
"The rest of you continue practicing. If something happens to us, the future of the awakener's organization will be left on your shoulders. The five of you, prepare yourselves and meet me at the entrance building in thirty."
"Yes, sir!"
I turned around and left. I hope nothing bad happens.