Chapter 12: Friendly match duel part 2 (the report)
Professor Elwes sat in her dimly lit office, surrounded by holographic displays and various research equipment. She was deeply engrossed in her work, analyzing the data from Benzamin's DNA test and replication. Her eyes widened as she discovered something extraordinary.
"It can't be," she whispered to herself. "Forced evolution? But that's impossible... or at least, it should be right?"
She leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with the implications. She had to share her findings with Headmaster Nightshade.
Just then, the door to her office slid open, and Headmaster Nightshade walked in. "Professor Elwes, I see you're working late again. And if I may ask,What's the latest on your research?"
Professor Elwes gestured for him to take a seat. "Headmaster you came just at the right time i was about to look for you, I've made a groundbreaking discovery. Benzamin's DNA test and replication reveal that he's undergoing forced evolution."
Headmaster Nightshade's expression turned serious. "Forced evolution? What do you mean i don't understand?"
Professor Elwes leaned forward, her eyes locked on the headmaster. "It means that Benzamin's body is being altered at a cellular level, accelerating his evolution at an unprecedented rate. His bones are transforming, becoming stronger and more resilient. And it's not just physical – his DNA is changing, adapting to his new change and on a molecular level at that, this is groundbreaking"
Headmaster Nightshade's eyes widened. "That's incredible. But what are the implications?"
Professor Elwes's expression turned grave. "The implications are enormous, Headmaster. If Benzamin's forced evolution continues, he may become something entirely new – something that's not quite human."
Headmaster Nightshade's face turned pale. "We can't let that happen. We have to find a way to stop it."
Professor Elwes shook her head. "I'm afraid it's too late for that, Headmaster. The process has already begun. We can only monitor it and try to understand what's happening to him."
"It seems the forced evolution is maybe related to his... I just don't understand how it led to this," Professor Elwes said, frustration etched on her face. "But one thing I discovered is that his body is constantly breaking down and regenerating at an impossible speed."
Headmaster Nightshade's eyes narrowed. "Is that why you say he's going through forced evolution?"
Professor Elwes nodded. "Yes, exactly. His body is rewriting its own genetic code, adapting to his environment at an incredible rate. It's as if his body is trying to keep up with his Talent's exponential growth."
Headmaster Nightshade's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. And what are the benefits of this forced evolution, if it's successful?"
Professor Elwes's eyes sparkled with excitement. "If Benzamin can complete his evolution, he could potentially become the most powerful being on the planet. His body would be capable of adapting to any environment, healing from any wound, and accessing abilities that are beyond human comprehension."
Headmaster Nightshade's eyes widened. "That's incredible. But what about the risks? What if he loses control or becomes unstable?"
Professor Elwes's expression turned grave. "Those are very real risks, Headmaster. If Benzamin's evolution goes awry, he could become a danger to himself and others. We need to monitor him closely and be prepared for any eventuality."
Headmaster Nightshade nodded, his eyes locked on Professor Elwes. "I agree. We'll work together to ensure Benzamin's safety and success. But we must also be prepared for the possibility that he may become something more than human."
Headmaster Nightshade's eyes narrowed. "And what about the implications of Benzamin's evolution on a larger scale? Could it be connected to the Celestials' return?"
Professor Elwes's expression turned thoughtful. "I've been considering that possibility, Headmaster. The Celestials' appearances have always been preceded by significant events or discoveries. And Benzamin's evolution is certainly a game-changer."
Headmaster Nightshade's eyes locked on Professor Elwes. "You think the Celestials' return is imminent?"
Professor Elwes nodded. "I do, Headmaster. The ancient prophecies speak of a third appearance, one that will bring about great change and upheaval. And with Benzamin's evolution, I believe we may be on the cusp of something momentous."
Headmaster Nightshade's expression turned grave. "We need to be prepared for any eventuality. If the Celestials do return, we must be ready to face the consequences."
Professor Elwes nodded in agreement. "I'll continue to monitor Benzamin's evolution and gather more data. But we must also consider the larger implications of his transformation. We may be facing a future that's beyond our wildest imagination."
Headmaster Nightshade's eyes seemed to bore into the distance, as if contemplating the very fabric of reality. "The Celestials' return... it's a prospect both exhilarating and terrifying. We must be prepared to face whatever lies ahead."
Here is the conclusion of the conversation:
Headmaster Nightshade stood up, his expression thoughtful. "Well, Professor Elwes, I think we've covered enough ground for now. But I must say, I'm intrigued by the possibilities of Benzamin's evolution."
Professor Elwes nodded, gathering her notes. "As am I, Headmaster. I'll continue to monitor his progress and provide updates as necessary."
Headmaster Nightshade smiled. "Excellent. Now, I believe you could use a break from your research. Benzamin's match against Terra is about to begin. Why don't you join me in the arena and use this as an opportunity to observe Benzamin in a more... relaxed setting?"
Professor Elwes's eyes lit up with interest. "That's a wonderful idea, Headmaster. I could use a break, and observing Benzamin in a match will certainly provide valuable insights."
Headmaster Nightshade nodded. "Excellent. The match is set to begin in half an hour. Shall we?"
Professor Elwes smiled, gathering her things. "I'm looking forward to it, Headmaster. Let's go."
Back at the Tenebrous continent
The mysterious figure emerged from the swirling vortex of the Tenebrous Continent's treacherous terrain, their long coat billowing behind them. As they stepped into the safe zone, the air seemed to shimmer and stabilize, revealing a futuristic outpost.
The figure approached a sleek, silver console, where a holographic display flickered to life. A soft, melodic voice greeted them.
"Welcome, traveler. Please identify yourself and state your business."
The figure reached into their coat and produced a small, metallic card. They inserted it into a slot on the console, and the holographic display flashed with new information.
"Hunter ID: Eclipse-12," the melodic voice announced. "Clearance level: Omega-3. Requesting transport to Continent Earth, Capital City Novaria."
The figure nodded, their face still hidden beneath their hood. They reached up and pulled a mask from their coat pocket. The mask was a sleek, black device with a silver trim, adorned with intricate, circuit-like patterns. It covered their face, leaving only their eyes visible.
The console beeped, and a hatch on the far side of the outpost slid open, revealing a sleek, high-tech aircraft.
"Hunter Eclipse-12, your transport is ready," the melodic voice announced.
The figure nodded, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity behind their mask. They strode towards the aircraft, their long coat billowing behind them like a dark cloud.