CHAPTER THREE 

         

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, class. Today we'll explore the implications of neural networking on human cognition."

As she lectured, 3D models of brain structures rotated before us, illustrating the complex interactions between neurons and synapses. I engaged my neural implant, allowing the lecture to stream directly into my mind. Information flowed seamlessly, enhancing my understanding.

Professor Lee discussed the latest breakthroughs in cognitive enhancement, achieved through symbiotic relationships between human minds and artificial intelligence. I listened intently, fascinated by the potential applications.

The lecture concluded with a thought-provoking question: "Can we truly consider ourselves human if our thoughts are augmented by machines?"

As the class dispersed, I gathered my belongings and joined the flow of students heading to the cafeteria. The aroma of exotic cuisine wafted through the air, enticing me to grab lunch.

I merged with the bustling crowd, exchanging smiles and greetings with acquaintances. My friends, Rachel and Mike, spotted me and waved, their faces lighting up with excitement.

"Hey, Max! You won't believe what's happening tonight," Rachel called out, already hinting at the party.

We took a sit in the cafeteria, surrounded by the familiar hum of conversation and clinking utensils. As an NX-ZERO, I'd blended in with my NX-ZERO peers at Eldridge University. My unique designation no longer felt like a burden; I'd learned to embrace my differences.

Unlike other genes we were to continue our lives and live normally but others had their own designated schools where they are taught to control their powers.

At a mere 21, I'd found a sense of normalcy, living my life like a normal regular person.

"So would you be coming?" Rachel exclaimed, plopping down beside me "You have to come, it would be such a shame to miss it, besides we would be finishing college soon and we can't keep up with our boring lives anymore."

Mike leaned in, a spark in his eye. "Party at Sigma Chi. Everyone's going."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Everyone?"

"Pretty much," Mike said with a chuckle. "Even Elliott promised to make an appearance."

Rachel nudged me. "You in?"

I hesitated for a moment, weighing the risks. But I'd worked hard to build a life here, free from my disappointment. Why not celebrate?

"Count me in," I said, smiling.

Rachel squealed, and Mike high-fived me. We spent the rest of lunch discussing party details and joking around.

For a moment, I forgot about being an NX-ZERO, the only one of my kind from my family. I was just Max, a college student eager to let loose with friends.

As we parted ways after lunch, I felt a thrill of anticipation. Tonight, I'd leave my worries behind and simply enjoy the freedom of being myself.

***

I stood in front of my closet, scanning the rows of clothes for the perfect outfit. My phone buzzed with texts from Rachel and Mike, counting down the minutes until the party.

"Max, where do you think you're going?" Mom's voice suddenly echoed from the hallway.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "The Sigma Chi party, Mom. I told you about it."

She stepped into my room, arms crossed. "I don't remember giving you permission."

I shrugged, selecting a sleek black dress. "Dad said it was fine."

"Did you ask him, or did you just assume?"

I hesitated, avoiding her gaze. "It's not a big deal, Mom. I'm 21. I can make my own decisions."

Her expression turned skeptical. "You know why we're cautious, Max. You don't have any way to protect yourself if there are any..........encounters with an NX-5"

I stiffened, feeling a familiar surge of frustration. "I'm human, Mom. Just like everyone else. I deserve to live my life how I want."

She sighed, her eyes softening. "I just want to protect you."

"I know, Mom. But I need some freedom. Please."

She studied me for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But be careful, and check in with me tonight."

Relief washed over me. "I will, Mom. Thanks."

As I finished getting ready, Mom's concerns lingered in my mind. But I pushed them aside, focusing on the excitement ahead.

***

NIKLAUS

I crouched beside my team, our black tactical gear blending into the shadows edged at different corners waiting for our target to run into our direction. Masks concealed our faces, protecting our identities from our nose downwards. We were the ghosts of the resistance.

"Target in sight," Jax whispered through the Commlink he wore on his ears which connected all of us together, nodding toward the fleeing figure.

The NX-5, a young man, Ian, darted down the alley, pursued by Synod Agents. Their rifles fired energy pulses, illuminating the darkening sky.

"Wait for it," I murmured, eyes locked on the chaos.

Ian's powers surged, sending trash cans and debris flying toward the agents. They stumbled, momentarily distracted.

"Now," I hissed, springing into action.

My team followed, our movements synchronized. We revved our bikes, gravity-defying wheels humming as we soared into the fray.

"Take point, Pen!" I shouted.

Jax's bike surged forward, his masked face set in a fierce grin with Pen hanging on tight behind him. He expertly wove between the alley's tight spaces, Synod agents scrambling to keep up.

Lena and Eric flanked me, our trio forming a protective shield around Ian.

"Incoming!" Lena warned, her pistol firing precision shots at agents closing in.

Eric leaned off his bike, dodging energy pulses as he returned fire with his own rifle.

I focused on navigating the narrow alley, expertly avoiding obstacles.

"Jax, clear the path!" I yelled.

Jax's bike jumped a dumpster, landing with a smooth thud. He dispatched two agents with swift kicks. I swerved halting in front of Ian

"Get on!" I shouted to him.

He clung to me, terrified.

"Hold on!" I reassured.

Lena took a hit.

"Jax, cover Eric!" I ordered.

Jax swooped in, shielding Lena as she regained control while sitting behind Eric. 

Synod agents closed in, their leader, Henry, his eyes locked on me.

"You're not taking him!" Henry snarled.

Our bikes converged, a high-stakes game of chicken.

Pen took Henry down with a precise shot, aimed to at least not get him killed.

We burst out of the alley, leaving Synod's agents in our dust.

The city's neon lights blurred as we sped toward Vortex's safehouse.

"Welcome to freedom," I said to the NX-5.

His eyes sparkled with gratitude.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Our bikes disappeared into the night, leaving Synod's agents in our dust.