Xander's morning began like any other. The loud chime of his alarm nudged him awake, and the early rays of sunshine peeped through his window.
He stretched, reaching for the ceiling and groaned slightly as he felt the weight of the previous day's events. After freshening up, he ambled into his small kitchen, the aroma of the coffee he freshly brewed inviting him in.
He popped a couple of toaster strudels into the toaster and watched as they crisped up. The sizzling sounds harmonized with the bubbling of his coffee pot, and the sound of the tv, offering him a familiar comfort.
As he savored his strudels, his gaze fell upon a photo of him and his sister. The framed memory invoked both nostalgia and determination. He quickly cleaned up, grabbed his backpack, and ventured out for the day.
The street outside was abuzz with the early morning crowd. A few blocks away, Xander approached a sleek, modern-looking vehicle marked with the Nano Genics logo - the private bullet bus.
Its doors opened smoothly, revealing a luxurious interior. Some interns were already seated, murmuring amongst themselves, their excitement palpable.
Xander greeted them with a broad smile, "Hey, everyone! Ready for Knoxville?"
The group responded with a chorus of agreement. As they exchanged introductions and brief histories, the bullet bus roared to life. The initial thrust pressed them back into their seats.
The world outside became a blur, punctuated by a faint sonic boom as the bus broke the sound barrier. The sensation was exhilarating. Excited chatter filled the bus as the interns shared their awe.
Only 30 minutes later, the bus glided to a halt in front of the massive Knoxville research facility. The building was awe-inspiring: tall, made of shiny metallic materials, with bold architecture that spoke of advanced technology and design.
Upon entry, Xander and his fellow interns were escorted to individual rooms. Each was spacious, equipped with the latest amenities and some peculiar gadgets, likely for research. Large windows offered sweeping views of the facility grounds.
Xander and all the other interns found a letter in their room inviting them to a group orientation. And at the scheduled time, they all made their way to the main research facility auditorium.
Walking through a vast hall adorned with holographic displays and various research achievements, they congregated for the orientation.
Whispers filled the air as Dr. Davoe, a tall, bald, brown-skinned man with an imposing stature, took the stage. His tailored black suit accentuated his well-built physique, revealing hints of his explorer days.
"Isn't that Dr. Davoe? I heard he was a Rank C explorer back in his days," one intern whispered to Xander.
"Really? That's intriguing," Xander mused.
Dr. Davoe's deep voice boomed, "Welcome to the Knoxville facility! Here, you'll witness groundbreaking research in nano-technology, quantum computing, synthetic biology, and even research into alternate realities found within the Nexus."
The interns listened intently, scribbling notes and occasionally exchanging excited glances. After the briefing, a young woman named Eva, with vibrant blue hair and sharp features, was introduced as their tour guide.
As they walked, Eva explained the intricacies of each department. They observed researchers manipulating nano-bots, witnessed incredible simulations in quantum computing labs, and were even shown a chamber where artificial Nexus portals were being researched and studied.
The final stop was the most anticipated: the aptitude measuring area. The large chamber housed a state-of-the-art machine, gleaming under the overhead lights.
"This," Eva began, "is where one's aptitude as an explorer is determined. Ranks range from F to C, and then we have the rare Beta, and even rarer, the Alpha and then the rarest of them all, Sigma."
She scanned the crowd for a moment and then proceeded.
"As far as we know, there are currently only 13 people in the entire world with a Sigma level aptitude. Alpha level aptitude is less rare, however still nothing to scoff at with a 1in every 30 million people ratio.
Beta level aptitude is a lot less rarer, however still quite impressive with a 1in 3 million ratio."
She continued, "For today, as a special treat, all of you can have your aptitudes measured on this brand-new device."
The room was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, as all the interns, including Xander, contemplated the significance of the upcoming tests.
After Eva's unveiling of the machine, a line formed quickly, with interns eager to determine their fates. Whispers filled the air, some nervous, others filled with unabated anticipation.
Alan, a tall intern with blonde hair, stepped off the platform, The grid-like screen on the machine glowing with a 'Beta!''. A murmur swept across the room. "Did you see that?" "He's a Beta!" Alan was suddenly surrounded by a group of fellow interns, their admiration evident.
Xander felt the weight of expectancy and nervousness as his turn approached. Taking a deep breath, he placed his palms on the orb. It glowed, albeit faintly. A muted 'E' flashed before him. The display showed he was on the lower end of the E spectrum…
"Almost an F huh?" Xander disappointedly thought to himself as he remembered something he once heard someone say.
"In a world where one's worth is measured by one's talent, the talentless are destined to be left in the shadows," Xander mused, echoing the sentiments of the now silent room….
Dejected, Xander made his way back through the crowd to his room.
"Was I really expecting myself to be someone special? Ma always said I was… and I guess I internalized it too much, for me to be this disappointed over something out of my control….
But before he could get further into his thoughts, a call rang out. The hospital's caller ID flashed. He answered, Expecting good news about his sister to heal his dejected ego.
However… The bad news hit him hard. Kristella, his only pillar of strength, was in critical condition.
Xander immediately dropped everything and rushed to the station with reckless abandon. Bumping into crowds on the way there, fearing the worst, with only a single thought in his mind.
While waiting at the subway, he wore a blank expression, sitting like a statue, staring at the railway impatiently waiting for the earliest bullet bus to arrive.
A flood of memories crashed over him: Kristella, playing with him when they were children, guiding him through the difficulties of life, being the parental figure they so deeply missed. "Why is life so cruel?" Xander thought, "Just when a sliver of hope shines, darkness looms yet again."
A pang of helplessness engulfed him, thinking of their mother, succumbing to the same condition.
The curse of not properly integrating with nexonian particles, the body rejecting the life-giving mana, weakening and decaying over time.
He found himself aboard the bullet bus, lost in thought. This cruel affliction, the very reason he chose his field, to find a solution, to give people like his sister hope.
Upon getting off the bullet bus and rushing into the hospital, a doctor approached.
"Xander, your sister's situation is dire. There was a sudden flare-up. We're doing everything we can," the doctor solemnly informed him.
Desperate for support, Xander called Mika. "Mika, it's bad... really bad," Xander's voice quivered, explaining the dire situation.
Time felt stretched, and moments later, Mika arrived, face etched with worry. From the other end of the hallway, the doctor approached, his expression grave. Xander felt trapped between hope and despair.
Both Mika and the doctor approached Xander, each from opposite ends of the hallway.
"I'm so sorry, Xander," the doctor whispered, eyes downcast. "Kristella... she's gone..."