"But…?" Lyra tensed, her hands gripping the edge of the chair.
"His Psionic reading is off the chart," Karl said, showing the display to her.
Lyra leaned closer, eyes widening.
"It's reading the same as a Stage 8, even though he's still an Initiator," Karl continued, glancing at Kaios.
Kaios's brow furrowed. "Then… what's the problem, Doctor?" he asked, confusion clear in his voice.
Karl adjusted his glasses and explained carefully. "To understand that, you need to know why and how the Psionic Path was developed in the first place. Humans, unlike some other races, are not born with inherent powers. Races with innate abilities can manipulate Type-1 energies—Ether, Aura, spiritual energy, and so on—naturally. We don't have that."
He paused, then continued. "The highest-energy system we've historically used is a semi-Type-1 micro-nuclear fission reactor, stable and over ninety-five percent efficient. Even that isn't enough to compete with races wielding Type-1 energies. For instance, a Type-1 energy user with just thirty percent efficiency can take on a city like this. That led us to research and experiment with Psion, a Type-1 quantum energy we could manipulate with modifications. Psion is emitted when specific metals or objects resonate with each other, like an advanced nuclear fission. But unlike fission, there's no waste, no extra materials needed after the initial resonance."
Karl leaned back, letting the weight of the explanation settle. "We discovered something else: Psion is highly volatile. It mutates and adapts. When you undergo NMT and integrate it with external resonance, the Psion allows the body to develop specific abilities based on the resonance. That is the second step of awakening after NMT: using volatile Psion with external resonance to gain abilities."
He took a slow sip of water, then continued, his voice serious. "Here's the problem in your case. Because you already possess an unnatural amount of Psion in your body, you're generating self-resonance without needing any external influence."
Kaios processed this, blinking rapidly. "Then… how does that affect me?"
Karl nodded. "The effect can be sudden energy outbursts. Your body could soar beyond normal limits, but the bigger problem is… you could be crippled."
Lyra frowned. "How so?" she asked, worry lining her voice.
"You see," Karl said calmly, "to gain a specific ability, you normally need to mutate using an external resonance of your choice or a suggested one. But your high neutral Psionic resonance is slowly mutating you on its own, adapting to the nature of the energy around you. That can interfere with standard external resonance, making it difficult—or even dangerous—to acquire the ability safely."
"Is there a way to solve it?" Lyra asked, having hope in her eyes.
Karl hesitated, then said, "It's difficult. Kaios's situation is unique. There have been cases of people with higher-than-normal Psion due to neutral resonance, but not to this degree. I do, however, have a theory that might work."
Kaios's eyes lit up. "What is it, Doctor?" he asked eagerly.
"As you might have guessed," Karl explained, "mutation occurs when the external resonance exceeds your internal neutral resonance. The ER—external resonance—acts on the body, while your NR—neutral resonance—resists, slowly guiding the mutation. This is far safer than sudden mutation. So, theoretically, if you are exposed to a stronger ER than your NR, you may safely mutate."
Lyra's frown deepened. "Why do I sense a 'but'?" she asked cautiously.
Karl looked up. "Yes… but with the amount of Psion you have, the ER must be at least Peak or Mid Tier 7 to induce the mutation safely."
A long exhale filled the room. Karl turned toward Lyra.
Lyra smiled weakly. "So… it is possible for Kaios to gain abilities."
Karl nodded. "Well… if you're optimistic, yes. But if he receives that ER, Lyra, you'll be raising a monster. With his neutral resonance and Stage-8 compatibility, Kaios could become a force to reckon with." He shook his head, chuckling.
Lyra laughed softly. "That's alright. As long as he's my Kai, I can live with that."
She turned to Kaios. "Kai, change into your original outfit. We'll be departing shortly."
Kaios nodded and walked to the changing room. Meanwhile, Karl stretched. "Well, it's time for me to leave as well," he said to Lyra. "Once you manage this, give me a call. I'd like to see the result."
Lyra nodded. "Thank you for your time, Karl."
"You're welcome. Ah… and give Dante my greetings," Karl added before leaving.
With a soft click, the door closed behind him. Kaios emerged from the changing room, now in his original attire. Lyra followed, and together they left the NMT center, heading for their hovercar.
The sun now shone brightly above, warming the streets below. It was afternoon. They had arrived at the center at 8:30 a.m., and nearly four hours had passed in the operation theatre.
They settled into the hovercar. With a soft hum, it lifted and glided smoothly above the road.
Lyra glanced at her son, tension in her expression. "Don't worry, Kai. I'll talk to Dante. We'll find a way to solve this problem."
Kaios offered a small smile. "It's okay, Mom. I believe in you and Dad."
Yet inside, his mind raced. He replayed every detail—from the Garden of End to the knowledge revealed during his awakening. He had a faint idea why the problem had arisen and how he might solve it. He needed to return to the Garden of End to test his theory.
But for now, rest was his priority. His mind had been pushed to the limit, and he could no longer focus on solutions. Thinking of this, Kaios dozed in his seat. Lyra noticed and gently caressed his hair.
Soon, they arrived at their home—Villa would be the right word. As the hovercar drew closer, the grand structure came into view. The Villa blended ancient architectural elegance with futuristic technology. It was a symbol of authority and luxury, standing proudly in its serene surroundings.
The black hovercar passed through the grand gates and slowed before the entrance. Kaios stirred awake as they stopped, and both stepped out.
Lyra spoke gently, "Go freshen up, then come for lunch."
Kaios nodded and went to his room. Later, he ate lunch with his mother before retreating for a long-awaited sleep.
Ending the most hectic day of his life so far. Exhausted, yet a spark of understanding had begun to form in his mind—a seed for the challenges ahead.