CHAPTER ONE

              

MAXINE

I woke up to the soft glow of my bedroom's ambient lighting, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As I gaze around the room, I'm surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors . The walls, floor, and ceiling blend seamlessly into a continuous, curved surface, creating an immersive environment 

The walls, adorned with holographic displays that shift and change as I watch, showcasing vibrant patterns, news feeds, and personalized messages.The floor made of a gleaming, silver-gray material that seems almost liquid in its reflectivity. Subtle, color-shifting tiles create a mesmerizing mosaic, responding to my every step.

Above me, the ceiling dissolves into a stunning, high-definition sky simulation, complete with drifting clouds, shining stars, and a warm, golden light that mimics the sun's gentle touch. A holographic display flickers to life before me, responding to my voice and gestures. Soft, melodic chimes announce incoming messages and updates.

As I breathe in the room's sterile, crisp air, I feel enveloped by the fusion of technology and artistry. This space is my sanctuary, my playground, and my gateway to the wonders of our world.

Today was the day. The most important day of my life so far, or rather every 10 year old's life. I was finally going to find out my Neuroxine level. As young as 5 we were educated on the importance of your NX as it defined who we were and today was that day for me 

"Max, sweetie, wake up!" Mom's voice called out from the doorway.

I sat up, my feet dangling off the bed while rubbing the remaining shred of sleep from my eyes. My mom, Eleanor, walked in with Dad, Oscar, and my older brother, Henry, right behind her. They were all smiling, but I could sense a hint of seriousness beneath their cheerful faces. They were all NX-3, the mind manipulators and I just know I would be one too.

"Today's the day, kiddo," Dad said, sitting down beside me on the bed. "Are you ready?"

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. I had heard stories about the Neuroxine test, how it would determine my future, my abilities, and my place in our city's society. NX-1 to NX-4 were deemed productive and we're celebrated but an NX-5? 

"What if I am an NX-5?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mom sat down on the other side of me, taking my hand in hers.

"Max, it doesn't matter what level you get. What matters is that you're you, and we love you no matter what."

Henry, who was 14 and had already gone through the test, chimed in, 

"Yeah, Max, I got a 3, and I'm doing just fine. You'll be amazing, no matter what. Besides that is highly impossible"

Dad stood up, his eyes shining with encouragement. "Let's get going, kiddo. We don't want to be late for the assembly at headquarters."

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. I was ready.

As we walked to the Omicron headquarters, the city's towering skyscrapers seemed to loom over us, their sleek surfaces reflecting the morning light. The streets were filled with families, all heading to the same destination.

We joined the crowd streaming into the headquarters, a massive structure that seemed to hum with energy. Inside, the cavernous hall was filled with rows upon rows of seats, all filled with 10-year-olds like me with their parents.

My heart skipped a beat as we found our designated section. Mom gave me a reassuring hug. "We'll be right here, cheering you on."

Dad smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "You got this, Max."

Henry whispered, "Don't worry, sis. You're going to rock this."

I took another deep breath, feeling their love and support surround me. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As I looked around at the sea of faces, I wondered what the day would bring. What level would I get? What would my future hold?

The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. A holographic display flickered to life above the stage, displaying the Omicron logo.

A voice boomed through the speakers, "Welcome, young citizens, to the Neuroxine Assessment Ceremony. Today, you will discover your potential, your strengths, and your path forward."

My heart pounded in anticipation. This was it. My future was about to unfold.

The voice, low, friendly and patient spoke again through the speakers "I am Arlo, leader of New Eden." His voice followed as claps eluded in unison 

He gives a pause as it dies down before he continued "The Neuroxine has been a blessing to us as well as a curse. We all know the dangers of the NX-5. Before you take the Quantum Spectroscopy Exam I would like to give you a brief explanation about what will happen during and after your exam" 

The entire assembly was quiet as he begun "The NX-ZERO are people like me, the humans, born leaders, so do not feel bad if you do not have an NX-1. The NX-1 are the IT specialists who have helped create the New Eden we have today, using 100% of the brain at all times is indeed a major milestone. NX-2 are the Synod Agents you have around you, they have strength, resilience, agility, combat skills. NX-3 are the mind manipulators, they can change your reality with a snap of their fingers. NX-4 are the time manipulators and NX-5 are to become government property as they are a treat to our existence. We shall now begin the test" 

The Synod Medical Agents in their gowns all began moving to their various positions 

while Synod Agents, clad in crisp, black uniforms, patrolled the area. 

My family and I joined the throng of families lining up. A holographic display above the entrance flashed numbers, assigning each child a designation.

"Maxine Wilson, Number 427," the voice announced.

I took a deep breath, my heart racing. Mom gave me a reassuring hug, while Dad and Henry offered encouraging smiles.

"Time to go, kiddo," Dad said, his voice soft.

I nodded, taking my place in line. As I reached the front, a Synod Agent, her face impassive, handed me a hospital gown.

"Change into this, please," she instructed, her voice firm but polite.

I nodded, exchanging my clothes for the sterile gown. The fabric felt cool against my skin.

A gentle chime directed me to a waiting area filled with rows of comfortable, pod-like chairs. I settled into mine, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

Before long, a soft voice called out, "Maxine Wilson, Number 427, please proceed to Assessment Room 14."

I stood, smoothing my gown, and followed the agent's gesture. The door slid open, revealing a sterile, white room.

"Please, Maxine, lie down on the examination table," a soothing voice instructed.

I obeyed, feeling the cool surface beneath me. A gentle hum filled the air as a medical drone hovered above.

"Infusing QTS – Quantum Spectroscopy – into your hand," the voice announced.

A slight pinch, and then...

Everything went dark.

My eyelids grew heavy, shutting out the world. I felt myself drifting, weightless, into a realm beyond consciousness.

The last thought I remembered was: What will my Neuroxine level be?

And then, nothing.