The midday sun filtered softly through the towering glass roof of the Energy Testing Pavilion, scattering rays that shimmered like molten gold across the polished marble floor. Beyond the wide entrance, a faint hum of magic filled the air, pulsing gently with restrained power.
Angela Harrison stood quietly at the threshold, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. The sunlight caught her emerald eyes, revealing a flicker of unease beneath their glow. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, her movements graceful yet cautious.
Inside the testing booth stood Rio, his sky-blue hair falling loosely beneath a black hoodie. His suit gleamed faintly, its silky texture woven with threads of circuitry that pulsed like living veins. His mechanical eyes flickered as they scanned her, glowing softly like twin lenses of light.
"Name?" he asked, his voice calm and steady, though edged with curiosity.
"Angela Harrison," she replied politely, her tone controlled but wary.
Rio's brows knitted together slightly. "You don't look human," he said, tilting his head in quiet intrigue.
Angela narrowed her eyes, her voice firm but teasing. "You don't either, sir." She crossed her arms, studying him closely. This energy… it feels familiar, almost like I've met him before.
Rio smiled faintly. "Fair point. I'm not," he admitted. "I came here looking for my sister. She's supposed to live somewhere on this continent. But I was told my father was killed. I can't remember much anymore. Everything feels like fragments of someone else's memories."
Angela's expression softened. "That must be hard. Do you want to..."
"It's alright," he interrupted gently. "Let's focus on your test."
Angela nodded and placed her hand upon the crystal orb before her. The device began to hum, glowing faintly beneath her touch. Then, a radiant burst of light filled the booth gold and green intertwining like vines spiraling toward the ceiling. The orb pulsed with a low, resonant thrum before flaring in a vibrant cascade of color.
Rio's eyes widened in shock as the readings spiked across the screen. "A Dryaid?" he whispered. "Like me?" His voice dropped to a breath. "No… not just that. Her energy signature is… pure nature. Healing, defense, weapon-forging from the roots of life itself."
Angela's aura shimmered gently around her, calm and serene, carrying the quiet strength of a healer. Tiny petals blossomed at her feet before fading, as if nature itself had bowed in respect.
"You are something else," Rio murmured in awe. He took a slender metallic band and fastened it softly around her wrist. "This limiter will stabilize your energy during the exam. You'll be fine ...just write with confidence."
Angela looked up, surprised by the warmth in his voice. "Thank you, Rio," she said softly. Should I talk to Johnson after this? the thought lingered in her heart as she turned to leave. Her white and green attire fluttered lightly behind her, like leaves stirred by a gentle breeze.
Rio's eyes followed her until she disappeared through the glass doors. His breath caught.
That aura… that hair… it's her.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
"She's… my sister," he whispered, the realization crashing over him like a tidal wave.
From a distance, Jerry stood observing the exchange, hands in his pockets, a faint smirk on his face. "So he finally met his sister," he muttered. "This will be interesting."
"Um, Master Raymond Junior!" George's voice broke through the hum of the pavilion. "Your turn for the test."
Jerry sighed dramatically. "George, how many times do I have to tell you? My name is Jerry. Stop calling me Junior." He dragged his feet toward the orb. "Let's just get this over with. I hope it doesn't explode again."
George chuckled. "Relax. That was last time. This orb has been upgraded to handle energy levels up to SSS plus Beta .... the highest recorded in the world. You'll be fine."
Students nearby whispered among themselves as Jerry prepared for his turn.
"What happened last time?" one of them asked nervously.
Henry, standing at the back, spoke in a hushed tone, his face serious. "Jerry isn't exactly… normal. He's beyond what we classify as Beta human. The last time he tried this, the energy reader shattered. No one's been able to break that scale before."
"Do you think it'll happen again?" the student whispered.
"I doubt it," another said confidently. "This one was imported from outside the continent. It can even measure god-class Beta levels."
Henry crossed his arms. "I don't know. Johnson's energy just overloaded an orb too, remember?"
"Yes, but this new one can handle more than that," the student replied smugly.
Before the conversation could continue, a sharp voice rang out from the courtyard.
"Henry!"
Everyone turned as Joyce appeared near the testing line, her presence commanding instant attention. She flicked her wrist, and Henry vanished from the crowd, reappearing right in front of her. He gave a sheepish grin as she sighed in exasperation.
"What exactly were you rambling about back there?" Joyce asked, adjusting the scanner in her hand. The orb at its base pulsed in response, faint trails of light curling upward like smoke.
Henry swallowed nervously. "Just… science talk."
Joyce smirked. "Sure. Let's get you tested, genius."