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.
MAXINE I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess lifting like a veil. But instead of the sterile white room, I found myself standing in a dense forest. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.Confusion gave way to panic as I heard the distant hum of hoverbikes and the shout of Synod Agents. "Target acquired! Maxine Wilson, surrender!"My heart racing, I took off in a sprint, dodging low-hanging branches and leaping over roots. The agents closed in, their boots pounding the earth behind me."Stop, Maxine! You're under arrest!"I darted between trees, desperate to escape. Bullets whizzed past my ears, sending shivers down my spine.Suddenly, a chasm yawned before me – a deep, wide, and dark hole. My instincts screamed warning, but the agents were closing in.I hesitated, toes teetering on the edge. Fear wrestled with desperation.The agents were too close.I jumped.The world dropped away, and I plummeted into darkness. My stomach lurched, and
MAXINE I stepped out of the sleek, silver elevator and onto the sprawling campus of Eldridge University. The cityscape of New Eden stretched out before me, a tapestry of towering skyscrapers and holographic advertisements. As an NX-ZERO, I'd grown accustomed to the hum of advanced technology that permeated every aspect of life here while not being able to add anything new or have a major impact on whatever life we have built here after the great explosion.Eldridge University's main building, the Aurora Tower, shimmered with a lattice-like facade that seemed to shift and adapt to the changing light. I joined the flow of students streaming into the building, our footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors.My first class of the day was Cognitive Psychology. I slipped into the lecture hall, a circular room with holographic projectors and neural interface ports. The professor's voice greeted me, her words displayed on the augmented reality contact lenses I wore."Good morning, clas
NIKLAUS I stood alongside my mother, McKenna, leader of Vortex, in the heart of our underground headquarters. The soft hum of holographic displays and whispers of fellow rebels filled the air as she stood in front of the few hundreds we have been able to rescue and the ones who have been here with us."Friends, we gather at a critical juncture," McKenna began, surveying the room. "New Eden's descent into tyranny accelerates under Arlo's rule."As leader of Phoenix-5, Vortex's governing body, McKenna's words carried weight. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I saw a mix of concern and determination."Synod's agents roam unchecked, hunting down NX-5's, our kind" she continued. "Arlo's propaganda machine fuels fear and hatred. Our sources indicate a new, top-secret facility is under construction.""What's its purpose?" Zara, a skilled hacker, asked.McKenna's expression darkened. "We suspect it's designed to harness NX-5 energy. Arlo wants to exploit these individuals for his own gain."I c
HENRYWe just finished a mission where we lost an incel, Ian Satur whom was of great use to Synod we never really knew what happened underground and we could only hope to get promoted to know what it was. This time seemed different though, our supervisor had ordered a call for my team and I and it was odd, we never got two jobs in one night. I stood at attention, flanked by my team of Synod Agents, as our superior, Commander Pierce, briefed us on our next mission."Agents, we've received a report of a 21-year-old female exhibiting NX-5 characteristics," Commander Pierce announced, her eyes scanning the room.I felt a thrill of adrenaline, ready to take on the challenge."That's impossible," I thought to myself. "NX-5s manifest before 18."Commander Pierce continued, "Eyesphere surveillance captured her anomalies. Your mission is to apprehend and contain."She handed me a tablet with the target's file as the captain of my team. My heart sank as I saw the image.Max.My sister.I felt
MCKENNA The door slides open as a fellow Phoenix-5 member walked in with case file folders in his hand. He carefully places them on the desk as he opens it with a holographic display of a young female springing out from the file illuminating the room in blue. I stared at the classified report on my desk, trying to figure out what her situation was."NX-5 Sighting: Unknown Female, Late Teens, Exhibiting Advanced Abilities," Reginald said as he went to take a seat turning to the remaining 4 of us. NX-5s, individuals with extraordinary powers, were born with their abilities. They manifested before age 18, never after.This report defied everything we knew."Are you certain she just exhibited powers?" Gabriella, another member asked."Nope, judging from the photo, she doesn't even know what is happening to her, she looks scared, and all over the place. I am certain she is just showing," Reginald replied, adjusting his seat."McKenna do you have any idea why? I mean this is impossible,"
MAXINE We arrived at Shane's safe house, a sleek, high-tech haven. Exhaustion, fear, terror and some other feelings I couldn't figure out claimed me. As I step into the safe house, I'm immediately enveloped in a sense of security and tranquility. The exterior of the building is nondescript, but once inside, I'm surrounded by cutting-edge technology and innovative design. The first thing I notice is the advanced biometric scanner that verifies his identity and grants us access to the facility. The scanner uses a combination of facial recognition, fingerprint analysis, and retinal scanning to ensure that only authorized personnel can enter. Once we cleared, the doors slide open, revealing a spacious, minimalist interior. The walls are adorned with holographic displays that provide real-time updates on the surrounding environment, including surveillance feeds, weather reports, and threat assessments. The air is crisp and clean, thanks to the advanced air filtration system, which c
MAXINE I felt a surge of fear as I was dragged away from Shane, the Synod Agents' grip on my arms like a vice. I struggled against them, but they were too strong. As I was led deeper into the Synod underground facility, I caught glimpses of the horrors that lay within. The air was thick with the scent of disinfectant and something else... something acrid and burning. We passed by rooms filled with rows of beds, each one occupied by an NX-5 like me. Some were strapped down, their bodies contorted in agony as they underwent painful tests. Others lay motionless, their eyes vacant and unresponsive. I heard the muffled screams and cries for help coming from behind closed doors. My heart racing, I struggled against the agents holding me, but they were too strong. We eventually arrived at a door with a small window. The agent holding me gestured for me to look inside. I hesitated, but my curiosity got the better of me. I peered through the window, and my blood ran cold. Inside the room
ARLO I sat behind my desk, sipping my coffee as I reviewed the day's schedule. It was a lovely day indeed, a rare day when everything went according to my plan. My secretary, Juliet, knocked on the door, interrupting my thoughts of pure triumph. "Sir, Henry Wilson and Shane Parrish have arrived," she said. I nodded, setting my coffee down. "Send them in." A moment later, the two agents walked into my office, their expressions guarded with Henry's of strength and ambition and Shane of skeptics. "Ah, gentlemen," I said, standing up to greet them, offering a handshake and taking Parrish unaware. "Thank you for bringing Max in. I know it can't have been easy. She has been a person of personal value to both of you who grew up with her, one as a sister and the other as a friend." Henry and Shane exchanged a glance, their faces unreadable. "I want to assure you that what we're doing here is for the greater good," I continued. "And I think you two have the potential to be a part of some
ALICE I stood alongside River, watching as Cora's daughter, Elle played in the park below us. She was a sweet girl, with a contagious laugh and a mop of curly brown hair. River and I had been keeping an eye on her for weeks now, making sure she was safe and happy. It was a big responsibility, but we were both committed to making sure she was protected. As we watched, the little girl climbed to the top of the jungle gym and slid down, squealing with delight. River and I exchanged a smile, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Just then, River turned to me and asked, "Hey, have you heard from Max lately?" I thought for a moment before responding. Max had been through a lot in the past few months, and she was still dealing with the aftermath of everything that had happened. "She's doing okay, I think," I said finally. "She's still processing everything, but she's getting there. She's been spending a lot of time with Klaus, and that seems to be helping her." River nodde
NIKLAUS I arrived at the scene, my heart racing with anticipation. But as I entered the room, I was met with a sight that made my blood run cold. My mother's body lay on the ground, her eyes frozen in a permanent stare.I felt a wave of grief wash over me, but I pushed it aside. I had to focus on the task at hand. Henry was nowhere to be seen, but I knew he was safe. He had fled the scene, and I couldn't blame him.But my attention was focused on Arlo. He was standing in the corner, his eyes wide with fear. He knew he was beaten, and he knew he was at my mercy.I walked towards him, my powers coursing through my veins. I could feel the energy building up inside me, and I knew I could take Arlo down with a single touch.But I didn't want to do that. I didn't want to stain my hands with Arlo's blood. I wanted him to suffer, but I wanted him to suffer in a different way.I stopped in front of Arlo, my eyes locked on his. "You're a coward, Arlo," I spat. "You're a coward who uses others
MCKENNA I walked into the rooftop, my eyes adjusting slowly to the faint light. Arlo was sitting in a chair, a smug look on his face while Henry was tied up by the side, beaten to a pulp and barely alive."Welcome, McKenna," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I've been waiting for you. You see, I've been playing a little game with all of you. A game of cat and mouse, where I've been pulling the strings all along."He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. "You see, the Nexus Point project was just not a cover, it was a way to distract everyone from my real plan. And my real plan was to create a new world order, with me at the helm."I felt a surge of anger and disgust, but I kept my cool, listening intently to Arlo's words."The citizens of this city have been so foolish," he continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "They've been so blind to what's been going on right under their noses. They think they're free, but they're not. They're just pawns in my g
ARLOI waited patiently and yet all I got was one bad news to another from everyone, Cora let Alice go because of how unprepared she was for an attack and Henry just killed his own father out of his foolishness leaving Vortex still a step ahead of us yet again.I stood in front of Henry and Cora, my eyes blazing with anger and disappointment. "You fools," I spat, my voice venomous. "You've let your emotions cloud your judgment, and now you've lost everything."Henry and Cora exchanged a nervous glance, and I could see the fear lurking behind their eyes. They knew they had messed up, and they knew I was not happy."You were supposed to keep Alice captive at least, Cora," I growled, my eyes narrowing at her. "You were supposed to use her as leverage to get what we want. But instead, you let her escape. And you, Henry, you were supposed to take care of Max, but instead, you let her get the better of you."Henry's face reddened with anger, but I cut him off before he could speak. "No, Hen
MAXINE I walked into the room, my mind racing with thoughts of Henry and our father. McKenna and Klaus looked up at me, concern etched on their faces. "What is it, Max?" McKenna asked, her voice soft. I took a deep breath, trying to process everything that had happened. "Henry's taken my father hostage, by father not Arlo, definitely not him," I said, my voice firm. "He wants me to meet him at the location he just sent to me." Klaus's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "We'll go with you," he said, his voice low. "We'll get your father back, and we'll take care of Henry once and for all." But I shook my head, my mind made up. "No, I have to go alone," I said, my voice firm. "Henry's unpredictable, and if he sees any of you, he'll hurt my father. I have to go alone, and try to reason with him." McKenna's eyes were filled with concern, but she nodded slowly. "Okay, Max. But be careful. We'll be waiting for you, and if anything goes wrong, we'll be there in an instant." I
HENRY I stood outside my father's house, my heart racing with anticipation. I had been planning this moment for a long time, and I was determined to see it through. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I had to be strong, had to be resolute. I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me. I walked into the house, my eyes scanning the familiar rooms. My father was sitting in his favorite armchair, a look of surprise on his face as he saw me. "Henry," he said, his voice cautious. "What are you doing here?" I took a deep breath, my words tumbling out in a rush. "Father, I'm sorry....For the neglect all this while, but there's something important I need to tell you." My father's expression softened, a look of surprise and gratitude on his face. "Henry, I... I forgive you. I love you, son." I felt a pang of guilt, knowing what I was about to do. But I pushed it aside, focusing on my goal. "Thank you, Father," I said, my voice firm. "But I'm afraid I'm not h
ALICE After the heads up from River the entirety of Vortex was in chaos. While River led the other few set of Vortex resistant out to the new hideout, I and some others were still left trying to clear up everything else. Suddenly a loud bang, followed by the breaking in of Synod agents accompanied by Arlo himself. I cowered in the corner, my eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before me. Arlo had arrived, flanked by Cora and a team of Synod agents. They were destroying everything, tearing apart the Vortex hideout that had been my home for so long. As I watched, Arlo's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each face before moving on. And then, his eyes met mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other. I expected him to react, to show some sign of recognition or emotion. But instead, he just kept looking at me, his expression blank. It was as if he didn't even see me. I felt a surge of confusion and fear. Why was he ignoring me? Unless I was not useful to him. But befo
SHANEI watched Max from across the room, my eyes narrowed with concern. She had been acting strange lately, spending more and more time with Synod and Arlo. I didn't trust them, and I didn't trust Max's judgment when it came to them.As I approached her, Max turned to me with a bright smile. But I could see the tension in her eyes, the way she seemed to be hiding something."Hey, Shane," she said, her voice light. "What's up?"I hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject. "Max, I've been noticing that you've been spending a lot of time with Synod lately. I'm worried about you."Max's smile faltered for a moment, but then she laughed. "Shane, I'm fine. I'm just trying to help them with their research. That's all. If I don't sell it I'll seem suspicious."I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Research is fine, selling out your perfect role is fine but Max, I know you're not telling me the full truth. What's going on?"Max's expression changed, her eyes flashing with a mixture of sadness
MAXINE I stood in front of Arlo, my eyes locked on his. We were in a secure location, one that I had chosen specifically for this meeting. "Arlo, I've been thinking," I said, my voice firm. "I'm willing to provide you with everything you want. The Nexus Point project, the research, the technology... it's all yours." Arlo's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "What do you want in return, Max?" I smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "I want Henry. I want him brought to justice for what he's done. And I want you to make sure that he pays for his crimes by my hand." Arlo's expression changed, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "You're willing to give me everything I want, just to get revenge on Henry?" I nodded, my eyes never leaving his. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm willing to do. I want Henry to pay for what he's done, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen." Arlo's smile was slow and calculating. "I think we can come to an agreement, Max. I'll give