Chapter 3: Astral Corrosion Sickness
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Not long after the phone was hung up, a medical team was dispatched to Lucian's position. Within the state of Polaris, the Strellia Medical Facility was known for its rapid service. Each of their medical staff possessed two distinct abilities, without those abilities the recruits were denied work.
As for the members of their staff, they possessed either something along the line of superspeed or anything that contributed to the convenience of travel. However, the leading ability need not be mentioned as it was the distinguished ability to heal. Yet, even then, such abilities came in different intensities.
On the other hand, Cyrus tried to cut through the palpable tension in the room by striking up a conversation with Lucian. However, it was harder than he expected.
"I think they'll be here shortly. Open the door for them downstairs," Cyrus muttered to Lucian. Since he hung up the phone, he was in a sort of daze. Only after Cyrus spoke to him did he return from it.
"Mm," Lucian nodded, before making his way towards the door. As he opened the latch, he felt a few streams of pressurized air rushing through small cracks in the door. This disturbance caused him to open the door and to his surprise, he beheld a spectacle.
Three people donned in form-fitted clothing, each showcasing numerous attachments at their waist, blitzed toward the residence at inhumane speed.
With the appearance of humans who were able to travel faster than vehicles, unless they were wealthy enough to afford the vastly upgraded transportation, most people settled for one of the more convenient choicespublic transportation or physical travel.
'These are those Abilities that I've heard rumors about. Superspeed... traveling faster than the human eye can track. Some are even being able to break the sound barrier,' Lucian thought to himself.
Shortly after he opened the door, the three awaited individuals arrived at the doorway. The lead member; a male with black scruffy hair looking to be no older than 25 glanced over towards Lucian.
"The name's Jacob. Do you mind pointing us in the direction of your siblings? It would be rude of us to just intrude."
In response to their request, Lucian gestured for them to follow him. As he led them back towards the rooms, he couldn't help but steal a few glances at them. At the same time, curiosity arose in his adolescent mind, "Are you guys... Guardians?"
"Haha no, unfortunately. If we were Guardians, do you think we would have accepted an offer to become part of a medical facility in our small state? We weren't lucky enough to be called by the monolith," Jacob replied.
Meanwhile, Lucian was shocked when he heard their words. According to how fast they were moving, he thought they were Guardians. However, it appeared that his assumptions were wrong as these guys were simply Awakened Humans.
"Ah, I see. Pardon my insensitive comment," Lucian muttered apologetically. When around Awakeneds, it was a known fact to refrain from showing the slightest signs of disrespect when you weren't one yourself. After awakening their powers, some of them awakened corresponding swelled egos to match.
Fortunately, Jacobs didn't seem to be one such character, "Well, it's not that much of a big deal, so I don't necessarily mind. I'm just a speed-type awakened, so my movement is the only this that has been improved " Jacob answered.
Although it was the dream of every Awakened to be called upon by the monolith, this was also a questioned he received quite often.
"Speed-type" Lucian parroted. As he examined Jacob's expression, he realized there wasn't the slightest bit of enthusiasm on his face. Usually, this type of reaction symbolized an Awakened's unhappiness with their abilities. But, Lucian wasn't aware of this.
"Then, you must be very fast," Lucian added.
In light of his childish demeanor, Jacob finally cracked a smile, "Mm, I get by. There are some faster and some slower. Anyway, let's tend to your siblings."
Once he brushed Lucian's questioning aside, he guided his other members within the room. The moment they entered, each of them frowned. Jacobs pointed forward, "Julia, scan their conditions and verify their state."
"Yes, sir," the lithe figure with pale blonde hair standing behind Jacob replied. She approached Silas and Daphne's bed before extending her hand. A faint ripple surfaced from her fingertips and oscillated around their body. The room fell quiet as they awaited the verdict.
Three seconds later, Julia withdrew her fingers. Her expression was grim as she turned towards Jacob and confirmed their worries.
"They have it, and I believe it might be progressing to Stage 2 already; this could only mean that they have contracted it for quite some time. For them to only show symptoms now, their body should be quite resilient."
"Noted, we move now," Jacob ordered before snapping his finger. The third individual with short white hair and bandages over his eyes stepped forth, "Rufus, carry them safely and continue to absorb any shock of travel. We'll keep them as comfortable as possible."
Without a word, Rufus moved forward before carefully resting the small children on his shoulders. The muscles in his body altered and changed position. He then shifted his body before kicking the air before the window.
Boom!
A sonic blast took place that blew the whole wall of the mansion off, leaving Lucian and Cyrus with incredulous expressions. The cost of this place, while diminished, was still noteworthy, but that wasn't what shocked them the most. It was the effortless movement of Rufus!
This stimulated their desire to awaken as well. If they could, they would receive an elevated status in this world, separating them from the unlucky ones who have yet to awaken or couldn't awaken at all. In the next moment, Rufus stormed through the makeshift exit and sped down the street.
In the meantime, Jacob turned towards Lucian, "Will the both of you be accompanying us? What about your parents?"
At the mention of their parents, both Cyrus and Lucian trembled and shook their heads. "Just us," Cyrus replied.
Immediately, Jacob hoisted them up under his arms before leaving the same way. As they zipped through the streets, they struggled to keep their eyes open. In fact, they had to reflexively close them to stop the wind pressure from causing severe discomfort.
The estimated speed they were currently traveling at was not far from Mach 1, which was Jacob's maximum speed. Though, because of the additional weight, he moved slower.
...
Several minutes later, Jacob came to an abrupt halt that failed to create a sonic boom but was still fast enough to rattle the boys' stomach. Before they could recover, each of them bent over releasing the lacking contents of their stomach.
On the other hand, the moment they arrived, a scientist with a clipboard and a fresh lab coat greeted them, "Are these the two new cases?"
"Yes, they have the Astral Corrosion Sickness. And it seems to have progressed to Stage II," Jacob revealed.
Jacob's revelation induced the doctor's shock, "Stage II?! Bring them in this instant. Furthermore, in regards to those other children, bring them as well." It was unknown just why the doctor was so surprised by this piece of information, but the look in his eyes was a testament to his excitement.
When they heard that their siblings would be admitted, they felt a weight lift off their shoulders. But, the doctor's next words felt like a nuclear bomb devastating their mind.