Chapter 95
Nicole Hernandez stood at the precipice of her dreams. She was a slender figure 90 pounds of determination and intellect, standing five feet nine with long, flowing dark hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night. Her warm olive complexion glowed under the fluorescent lights of the Knights Association Development Team headquarters. Behind her glasses, keen hazel eyes sparkled with ambition as she meticulously adjusted schematics for her latest creation.
The air hummed around her, charged with anticipation as engineers and technocrats rushed about their tasks.
They were preparing for an upcoming demonstration a chance to showcase Nicole's groundbreaking training devices that could revolutionize military simulations.
But there was an unspoken tension in the room; despite her unparalleled ability to manipulate raw materials into formidable machines, Nicole knew all too well that her innovations were tethered by invisible chains.
"Nicole!" called out Marcus Chen, head of R&D at one of the secret Knight Association droid development facilities and an old mentor who had seen promise in her from day one. He approached with a furrowed brow and urgency in his stride. "We need to discuss your energy source."
Nicole turned away from the holographic display she'd been adjusting—the droid's sleek form hovering in mid-air and met his gaze.
"I know it's unconventional."
She replied softly but firmly.
"But I've pushed every boundary I can think of within our current parameters."
Marcus sighed heavily; he had been through this discussion countless times before.
"You realize that without access to mana stone battery cells or a sustainable alternative power source, we can't deploy these droids? The military won't even consider them."
She clenched her fists slightly at this familiar refrain but kept her voice steady.
"The potential is there! My prototypes could redefine warfare simulations! With just one connection to a mana line."
"But they require a direct feed," Marcus interrupted gently yet firmly, his tone laced with concern for both their ambitions and safety protocols dictated by government regulations.
Nicole concluded quietly, "...and those are controlled by people who fear what they don't understand."
Mana stones were relics infused with untapped energy from ancient ley lines—mystical currents running beneath Earth's surface like veins coursing life through flesh, and only a select few could harness such power without succumbing to its lethal backlash. For most scientists, including Marcus himself, it remained an enigmatic riddle wrapped in cautionary tales.
As if sensing their conversation had reached its climax, Nicole felt something stir deep within a mix of frustration and resolve ignited inside her chest like a fire-catching wind.
"I'll find another way," she declared suddenly. "I will prove my designs can operate independently without reliance on mana stones."
Marcus studied her intently; he saw not just ambition but also desperation masked behind layers of confidence a potent cocktail that could either lead to glory or ruin.
Days turned into weeks as Nicole dove deeper into research while working late nights illuminated only by dim screens showing arcane formulas interlaced with engineering blueprints a fusion between science fiction and raw creativity guiding each stroke on digital canvases until dawn kissed away shadows lurking over stacks of papers littering every surface around her workspace.
Then came the revelation: what if she could create synthetic mana? A way to mimic its properties using advanced nanotechnology? It would be risky—but innovation always demanded courage born from desperation!
With newfound purpose fueling each decision made alongside sleepless nights experimenting feverishly under humming machinery's watchful glow—she crafted intricate devices designed specifically for generating artificial mana signatures capable enough for powering droids autonomously yet safely!
Finally confident enough after multiple successful tests showcasing promising results mirroring genuine stone outputs, it was time!
That fateful day arrived when Nicole stood center stage amidst rows upon rows filled by officials clad in crisp uniforms watching eagerly; murmurs rippled through crowds eager yet skeptical, awaiting proof behind concepts long theorized but never realized until now.
the culmination representing years spent battling doubts lingering thickly above heads weighed down heavy expectations layered deep over shoulders worn thin chasing elusive dreams stifled repeatedly by red tape bureaucracy enforced strictly against wild imaginations daring enough to challenge status quo surrounding them all alike!
Nicole came from being just a supervisor at a food processing factory, and as soon as she awakened her ability to forge materials into her true educational background of engineering and design, she quickly rose through the ranks within the knight association. The testing facility had significant change as soon as she introduced battle assessment droids into the picture these versions were more developed to truly mimic the creatures they were supposed to hang and kill.
The levels at which these machines were used were now more challenging and realistic, providing a more accurate assessment of the knights' combat skills. As a result, the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the training program improved significantly, leading to a higher success rate among the knights in real-life battles.
Nicole was the one who pushed this. Many regestering knights saw that the assessment test was now harder, unlike before, when nearly 70 percent passed the license exam , but when Mr. Thomas agreed to what Marcus Chen mentioned about what Nicole Herandez's logical reason was valid, only a few with real combat related abilities passed, making sure that those who truly can hunt and kill the enemy can move forward.
Hector Hernandez, Nicole's father, was a truck driver who briefly regained his ability to read minds. He wanted to obtain a knight license, but Nicole forbade him from doing so because she knew that he might endanger his life. She, her older sister, her father, and her 10-year-old nephew are the only members of her family left.
Especially considering what her older sister had to deal with when her only son got into an accident and nearly died in a random monster attack two months ago, the young boy already died, but miraculously, after 2 seconds, young Anthony Hernandez came back to life. The moment Nicole awakened her ability, she immediately applied at the Knight Association droid development facilities, luckily working under her mentor.
The droid department was nearing a breakthrough; they were just waiting for the first fully functioning mana battery. This was going to be the first mana cell with enough power to run an entire house for a month in formal use, but for a droid as big as a human, it can function and operate for two hours, which was a significant advancement in the field of technology. Nicole was determined to be a part of this groundbreaking achievement and contribute her skills to the project. With her mentor's guidance, she was confident that they would succeed in creating the most powerful mana battery to date.
When her phone rang...
"Nicole, when are you coming home?"
"Hello Anita, what's wrong?"
" I really don't know what to do; you Nephew is acting weird these past few days."
"His teacher recently called and told me Anthony has not been attending his class."
"He never talks to me anymore since last night, and I saw he has a would on his neck."
" I don't know if it was recent or old; I didn't notice."
"Anita don't worry all young men go through these changes; remember when I was the same age?"
"But, anyway, I will go home as soon as we are done here; don't worry too much."
"Maybe we should sit down and have a talk with him, just to see if everything is okay." "It's important to address any concerns before they escalate."
"By the way, Anita , how's your father condition?"
"His still under the weather. Father never got sick; do you think this is connected to the miracle that my little Anthony experienced last month?"
"It's hard to say for sure, but it's always good to keep an eye on things and seek medical advice if needed."
"Anyway, I'll hope later, ok, just don't worry too much, ok, I need to go now."
" Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Bye!"
As soon as Anita placed her cell phone down at the coffee table that was in front of her while she was sitting facing their television , a creeping feeling came to her attention as somebody was watching her and listening to their conversation. This feeling of dread and paranoia lingered with her as she tried to shake it off. She stood up and went back into their kitchen to prepare for her son's breakfast. When she saw Anthony standing at the kitchen archway with a creepy smile on his face, Anita was about to say something when Anthony spoke first.
"For reasons unknown , you just ruin a perfect morning," he said with a chuckle, making Anita's skin crawl even more. She forced a smile and replied, "I guess I just have that effect on people."
"Hmm… your no longer calling me son!" Anita's heart sank as she realized the implications of Anthony's words. She knew their relationship had taken a dark turn, and she was unsure how to navigate the situation moving forward.
"What do you mean, son?"
"Anyway, you better get, really, its almost time for school." Anita's mind raced as she tried to decipher Anthony's cryptic statement. She knew she had to tread carefully around him from now on, unsure of what his true intentions were. "I'll see you later," she said quietly, feeling a sense of unease settle in her stomach.
" I smell something different today."
Anita couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as she left Anthony's presence, wondering what he meant by his mysterious comment.
"Oh! It might be the toast you are smeling, son; I was making breakfast," Anita replied with a forced smile, trying to hide her growing concern. She quickly made her way out of the room, eager to distance herself from Anthony's unsettling behavior.
"Nah. Its not that, MOTHER!"
" I SMELL FEAR YOU!"
Anita froze in her tracks, her heart pounding with fear at Anthony's words. She couldn't ignore the chill that ran down her spine as she realized he could sense something she was desperately trying to hide.
"Pity I WAS HOPING TO INDULGE THIS BODY LONGER , BUT YOU RUIN IT NOW!"
" YOU ARE NOT MY SON!"
"Duh, what took you so long to notice it? Your son is already dead!"
Anita felt a cold shiver creep over her at Anthony's words, as if an invisible hand had gripped her heart with icy fingers. The kitchen, which had been filled with the comforting scents of toast and coffee just moments before, suddenly felt like a prison. She tried to process what he had just confessed.
"Your son is already dead." Those words echoed in her mind, heavy and distorted, like a grotesque melody that played over and over, drowning out the mundane sounds of breakfast preparation. She wanted to scream, to run, but her body felt frozen, caught in the web of her son's chilling revelation. Everything she thought she knew about him had just shattered, leaving only a fragmented reflection of the sweet little boy she once held in her arms.
Anticipating more from the emerging darkness of Anthony's character, Anita felt an overwhelming urge to protect herself. Somewhere deep inside, she clung to the memories of happy times—a birthday party filled with laughter, a family film night where he nestled against her with popcorn in hand. But those memories now felt tainted, like watching a beloved movie with a twisted ending. Was this really the same child she had nurtured, or had something sinister taken root in his soul, twisting him beyond recognition? She opened her mouth to deny his claims, to scream out the truth that he was indeed her son, but the words caught in her throat, trapped by fear and uncertainty.
"Pity I was hoping to indulge this body longer, but you ruin it now!" Anthony continued, his voice dripping with mockery. The remnants of her son's laughter felt grotesque, a sharp contrast to the venomous words spewing from his lips. As she stood there, a surge of maternal instinct clashed violently with a primal fear; she had to protect herself, yet she didn't want to lose her son again—not like this. She took a step back, her mind racing for a way to defuse the situation and connect with the boy she used to know. "What are you talking about, Anthony? This isn't you!"
But the response was a chilling silence, and Anita realized that the boy she once knew was nothing but a haunting echo in a body that now belonged to something else—something dark and insatiable. The walls of the kitchen closed in around her as dread coiled tightly in her stomach.
A sharp pain suddenly shot through her chest, causing her to gasp for air. Desperation filled her as she struggled to find a way to reach her phone. The red fluid gushing out of her chest was
Making her tremble in pain, the knife on her chest was a cruel answer that his son gave to her.,
Young Anthony was still smiling and was delighted to see his human mother bleed out. Anita was able to reach her phone and was able to dial for help, but the darkness was closing in around her as she fought to stay conscious. The sound of sirens in the distance offered a glimmer of hope as she clung to life, praying for help to arrive in time.
"Nobody is going to help you; it's all your fault.,"
"If you just keep quiet and let me enjoy the moment,"
Anthony's voice was cold and menacing.
"Oh well, I might as well kill that old man, who knew he would get sick when I entered this boy's body."
" I was hoping to get a better body. But I can find a suitable candidate,"
He muttered to himself as he contemplated his next move. With a sinister grin, Anthony began to plan his next victim, knowing that no one would suspect a thing.
"Such a waste killing you; you look so hot."
" I was playing to have some of my demons torture you to death , even if you are this dead boy mother."
"That would be amazing to watch.!"
He whispered to the dying woman before making his move. The thrill of taking a life was addicting, and Anthony couldn't wait to find his next target. He entered his grandfather's room and saw a disappointing scene.
"Hmm, his already dead; I guess the poison I put on this old man's food was enough to kill him."
" pathetic , such a weak body."
"Should I take another body? Being the only survivor will raise a lot of questions "
" But I like this innocent looking form!"
"The innocent façade makes the kill even more satisfying."
He thought to himself as he walked away from the scene, feeling invigorated by the rush of power. The darkness within him grew stronger with each life he took, driving him to seek out his next victim with a renewed sense of purpose.
"Anyway, I better get to school then." I can't let my grades slip because of this. Anthony quickly pushed the thoughts of his next kill to the back of his mind, focusing instead on his responsibilities as a student. As he walked towards school, he couldn't shake the thrill of the hunt that still lingered within him.