Formalities

“Why don’t you rest, young man? You’ve been through a lot. Oh, by the way—what’s your name?” the doctor asked, pulling two chairs out from beneath the equipment and settling beside Ariel. The armored man followed, sitting without a word.

Ariel hesitated. He glanced at Ilya, still unconscious. Then answered softly, “My name is Ariel. And I’ll stay with Ilya until she wakes up.”

The doctor gave a gentle nod, then gestured to the other doctor in the room. “Give us the room. And shut the door.”

The click of the door sounded final.

Now, only four people remained: Ariel, the doctor, the silent armored figure, and Ilya—still resting peacefully.

Then something strange happened.

The doctor reached into thin air.

His hand closed around nothing—and yet, something appeared in his palm. A small object shimmered into existence, as if plucked from another dimension.

Then… silence fell.

Not just silence, but stillness. Like the air had thickened. Like the room had been severed from the rest of the world.

“So,” the doctor said softly, “Ariel, is it? You can call me Dr. Walter. And this here…”

He tilted his head toward the armored man, who remained still.

A moment passed.

Then, finally, the man turned to Ariel—his gaze sharp and steady, as if he were scanning the very structure of his soul.

“Ariel, right?” he asked despite knowing.

Ariel nodded.

“It’s good to meet you,” the man said, calm and practiced. “I’m captain of the third squad in the evacuation forces. A Blessed.”

His voice was smooth and composed, but it carried weight—like steel wrapped in velvet.

“I know this isn’t the best time,” he continued. “We planned to wait until you recovered… but since you refuse to rest, would you mind helping us complete a few formalities?”

Ariel blinked. “Formalities?”

The man tilted his head. “Ah. My bad. I guess you still don’t know.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“You’ve awakened.”

Ariel’s eyes widened. Something churned inside—panic, confusion—and then memory surged in.

Flashes of blood. Screams.

His own voice, echoing in his head.

His fury.

His fists clenched. But he forced himself to calm down, knowing there were people here.

“I did hear something,” he admitted. “Right before I blacked out. But I didn’t know what I heard.”

Dr. Walter exchanged a glance with the armored man, whose expression sharpened with interest.

“Tell me something, Ariel,” the man said. “How were you able to use Dormant energy… without turning into a monster?”

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Ariel blinked. “What do you mean?”

“You know that no one can use Dormant power before they awaken, right?” the man asked.

“Why not?” Ariel asked.

He answered without pause.

“Because the human body—and more importantly, the soul—isn’t strong enough. Dormant power is too heavy. Too corrupt. Using it before awakening drives people mad.”

“Mad?”

“They lose control,” Dr. Walter added. “They become… something else.”

Ariel frowned. “Then why didn’t I?”

“That’s exactly what we’re trying to figure out,” the man said, voice low and serious. “You broke rules we didn’t even know could be broken.”

He leaned back slightly, armored fingers tapping against the metal armrest.

“Would you mind telling us,” he said, “how you managed to rip an entire horde of monsters to pieces—even a Phase Four Forsaken Abomination—without awakening properly?”

Ariel frowned. “How do you know I was the one who killed the monsters?”

“Oh, that’s thanks to the heir of the Golden Vow Clan,” Marik replied, arms folded. “They were the reinforcements the government sent.”

He exhaled slowly, leaning against the wall. “Although… they were late. But apparently, they arrived moments before your clash. They saw everything—how you tore through the horde. In under ten seconds.”

Ariel’s expression faltered. “They… saw me?”

“They were stunned,” Marik continued. “Didn’t even get the chance to act. You wiped out the monsters before anyone could react. After that, the Golden Vow took control of the situation and brought everyone back here, to the fortified capital.”

He tilted his head slightly. “Also, Arenya—the heir herself—requested to meet you. Maybe because she witnessed your power firsthand.”

Ariel’s voice softened. “Please thank her on my behalf, sir.”

“I will. But you still haven’t answered my question.” Marik’s eyes narrowed. “How exactly did you kill them all?”

Ariel didn’t flinch. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “All I remember is… the monsters tried to hurt Ilya.”

He paused, jaw clenched. “And then I got angry. So I killed them.”

Marik blinked. “…Right. That simple, huh?”

He chuckled once, low and skeptical. “You’re a peculiar one, you know that?”

Then, his tone shifted—business-like. “Before I go, there are two things I need to tell you. One: an overview of your powers, since you clearly don’t understand them. And two: the government’s recruitment offer.”

He glanced at Walter, then sighed. “I’m pressed for time, so Walter will explain your powers in detail. As for the government offer…”

Marik straightened and looked Ariel in the eye. “The truth is, we don’t know what exactly you are. But we do know you’re powerful. And right now, we need power.”

He continued, voice low. “We can guarantee your sister’s safety. Put her on the priority list, move her to the central continent, keep her in academy hostels until you return.”

Ariel’s eyes widened slightly, and Marik pressed on.

“The government will ensure her protection—even if something happens to you.”

His voice turned firm. “We’ll provide you with resources, training, support, and a high-paying salary. You’ll be helping with evacuations and containment operations, and once the current crisis is over, you’re free to walk away.”

He let that hang In the air.

“But,” Marik added with a wry smile, “between us, I doubt you’ll even need us.”

“What do you mean?” Ariel asked.

“Let’s just say… if the Golden Vow knows your name now, the other Great Clans won’t be far behind. And when the clans want someone—they get them.”

He raised a hand preemptively. “Not saying Arenya will sell you out. I believe she won’t. But other clan members were there too. Word spreads.”

Marik glanced at Ilya, then back to Ariel.

“Anyway, you don’t have to answer now. Rest. Think. And take care of that sister of yours.”

He turned to leave, then gave a final nod.

“I wish you both a swift recovery. Excuse me.”

Ariel stood and bowed slightly. “Thank you, sir.”

Marik nodded once more, then turned to Walter. “He’s all yours now.”

With that, he exited.

Now, only three remained in the room: Ariel, Walter, and unconscious Ilya.

Walter chuckled softly. “You can relax now, young man. That guy always makes everyone feel like they’re on trial.”

Ariel exhaled, tension finally fading from his shoulders. He was quiet for a moment, then looked at Walter.

“Doctor… what are my powers? I really don’t know anything about this stuff.”

Walter blinked. “What? Didn’t they teach you this in school?”

“I dropped out when I was nine,” Ariel said. “Family stuff.”

Walter paused, then softened. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

He reached over and patted Ariel on the head.

“Don’t worry. I’ll explain from scratch.”

He smiled warmly. “But first, let’s introduce ourselves properly, yeah?”

Walter sat up straighter, his tone light. “You already know my name. I work for the government. I’m a Rank 2 Blessed, just like Marik—but my ability focuses more on healing.”

He leaned back with a nostalgic grin. “Back in the day, Marik and I were partners on more missions than I can count.”

Ariel blinked. “You’re a Blessed too?”

“Of course,” Walter replied. “But don’t worry, I won’t be ripping monsters in half anytime soon. I specialize in putting people back together—not taking them apart.”

He folded his arms. “Now then. Let’s talk about you…”