03
"Mason? You need any help?", The personal assistant and manager of Director and inheritor of Orbis Industires, Kage, stood outside the very same conference room upon Mason's call.
"What is this?", Mason took out his phone and showed his phone to the manager.
"That's a notice issued by the research oversight committee", The manager said.
"I know that, I can read it.", Mason said.
"Then why are you asking me if you already know?", Kage tilted his head in confusion.
"What's the reason for issue of this notice?", Mason asked.
"It's mentioned in the notice, you said you have read it"
"Are you playing with me right now?" Mason asked.
"I would never", Kage replied.
"Is there an illegal dealing that by anychance is happening in the state right now?", Mason asked.
"You're right", Kage replied.
"That's what I wanted to know", Mason said.
"Oh-I apologize.", Kage said.
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[NOTICE ON OMICRON PROTOTYPE RESEARCH AND VARIANTS]
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Subject: The Nature and Implications of the Omicron Prototype
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The Omicron Prototype represents a significant advancement in the field of awakening technology, developed through extensive research into the biochemical mechanisms of human energy cores. Initially, eight distinct drug variants were synthesized, each designed to facilitate the forced awakening of latent human abilities. However, an unprecedented incident occurred ten years ago, leading to a catastrophic explosion that resulted in the loss of critical data and research findings related to the Omicron series.
Following the explosion, it was discovered that the Omicron Prototype's specific algorithm succeeded in awakening a normal human being. This event has profound implications, as it suggests the existence of a viable method for unlocking latent potential within the human population. However, the details of the prototype's formulation, along with the comprehensive research that supported its development, were irretrievably lost.
The Omicron Prototype and its variants are regarded as highly controversial and are classified as extreme taboos within the awakened community. The use of any variant that fails to successfully awaken a normal subject presents significant risks, which include:
» Explosive Reactions: Non-viable variants have been observed to cause severe explosive reactions upon administration, posing grave dangers to both users and bystanders.
» Monstrous Transformations: In instances where the drug fails to awaken the subject, there is a risk of transformation into incomprehensible entities that may lack the capacity for independent survival. These beings often exhibit predatory behavior, subsisting on the life force of others.
Given the potential hazards associated with the Omicron Prototype and its variants, we strongly advise against any unauthorized experimentation or distribution. The existence of these drugs poses not only a risk to individual safety but also to the stability of the awakened community as a whole. Further research into the ethical implications and safety protocols surrounding the Omicron series is imperative to prevent further incidents.
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[For any inquiries or further discussion on this matter, please contact the Research Oversight Committee.]
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+++
"Finally, the rain stopped," Meloni said, looking out the gallery window.
"It's quite late right now. I'll walk you home," I said.
"Ahan~ My parents are probably gonna be home in the next hour too," she replied, stretching her oversized T-shirt down.
"What about your clothes? They're not dry yet. Maybe you should wear the frock; it should have dried by now since it wasn't that wet," I suggested.
"Hm… you're right. Walking around like this is quite—" she paused.
"Suggestive?" I added, and she looked at me with wide eyes.
"Yeah, you can say that," she replied, blushing.
"I'll be back after changing," she said and went upstairs.
Meanwhile, I put on my sport shoes, a jogger, a white zipper, and a black cap. Since the weather was really good right now, I might as well go for a run.
"Yup~ Ready!" she said, wearing the school frock and the hentai T. A really odd clothing choice—might just be the worst fashion if aesthetics mattered.
"My shoes and socks are still wet, though," she said.
"Just wear those slippers, no worries," I replied.
"Thanks a lot"
I closed the main door and walked outside with her as a mild, cold breeze hit us. She took out her earbuds, popped one into her ear, and handed the other to me.
Most of the time, she listens to phonk, dubstep, and trap, not my usual taste, but I didn't mind. I don't think metal and complete classical together are a good taste either.
We walked for a few minutes, with her vibing to trap music and trying to keep up with the rap. Trying, of course, but she couldn't quite nail the speed, and some of her words didn't even make sense.
But something felt off. I glanced at the lined-up SUVs along the footpath. For a while now, I hadn't heard the sound of any vehicle passing by or any people around us. It was 8 p.m., dark but not normally this silent, especially in a sector close to the market.
There wasn't a single person in sight. I took out the earbud and rubbed my ear, trying to shake off the eerie quiet.
Ahead, one of the SUV doors opened, and a man stepped out. He wore a black jacket, his neck and half his face covered in tattoos, with a burned left eye and a black cap.
He just stood there, looking at me as I walked beside Meloni. I tapped her shoulder, signaling to cross the road—I didn't want any contact with this guy.
"Sh~Sh~OY!", He called out looking at me.
"Where're you going? Stop right there kiddo", he said as I paused, noticing that he'd somehow closed the distance of four cars without making a sound, now standing directly in front of us.
By now, Meloni had realized something was off, and I instinctively stepped forward to shield her.
"How'd you get here?" he asked.
"Odd question. We're just walking by. Is the road ahead blocked?" I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
"No, not the road," he sneered, bringing his face close to mine. "I mean, here. How'd you get here?"
His shadow stretched ominously behind him, growing larger as the surrounding light stood disturbingly still.
"We were just passing by. Please, don't mind us," I said, slipping out my phone. I needed to be ready for an emergency call, just in case.
But as I looked down, I noticed there was no signal. Worse, my screen was flickering, almost glitching.
"So you're telling me that you ordinary humans just strolled through a reality veil, just like that?" he sneered, his smirk darkening as his eyes flickered with murderous intent.
"Does he read a lot of superhero comics or something?" Meloni whispered, leaning close to my ear.
"Not quite the case, my lady," I murmured back, keeping my eyes on him.
"Now that I look at it, you'll be quite useful-", he said staring at her body. A distraction. His hand reached towards my neck while I moved towards my right.
Hand was like a sharp knife, knails that stiff, and speed along with extreme precision. It could have peirced though my chords easily.
"Run", I held her hand tight and started running back.
"What the?" she shouted. Looking at the same man, now in front of us again.
"Woah~Woah~Wait here!",
"Are you actually clueless, or are you messing with me?" he growled, as every light around us shattered, plunging the street into darkness.
Only the moonlight filtered through, casting enough glow to make out our surroundings.
"Meloni," I said, scooping her up in my arms.
"What? Wait—"
"Stay quiet from now on," I cut her off, gripping her tightly.
"Running?" The man tilted his head, amused. He's either a psychopath or we've seriously stepped into something we shouldn't have.
He vanished from sight again, and just as his hand reached for my neck, I activated my core. Blue flames ignited around my eyes, and the dark energy within my core crept into my soul and body, loosening the restraints on my flame.
This time, it was my turn.
"I knew it!" he shouted from the street below, craning his neck to look up at me. I was now on top of the building across from where we had been standing.
"There's no way a non-awakened could pass through a reality veil," he muttered, eyes searching for me.
He isn't alone. Besides him, I sensed fourteen cores inside the villa ahead. Surrounding it all was a thin, glass-like energy shield, encasing about a five-hundred-meter radius in a dome.
My top priority, though, is Meloni's safety. A confrontation isn't an option right now.
"Y-Your eyes—" Meloni stammered, clutching the front of my zipper, her eyes wide.
"Don't worry. You're safe with me."
She nodded and, with a shaky breath, closed her eyes. Her trust was all the permission I needed.