Chapter 1898: A Request
“Sharron here discovered a hidden record left by her great-grandfather,” the president began speaking. “It detailed his understanding of Aullazire in ways that were never publicly released. Using that knowledge, she was able to follow in his footsteps and go beyond his original understanding of Aullazire. With her newfound knowledge, she was able to create many unique items.”
“Everything you’ve seen today has been the work of this magnificent woman right here.”
Sharron gave a timid smile, not used to being the center of attention, especially among heroes this big.
The president turned toward her. “I’ll let you do the honors of unveiling your greatest achievement yet.”
Sharron walked to a table at the center of the room and picked up a syringe, not unlike the one they had seen in the other room. This one was filled with a blue solution as well, but this was closer to purple than actual blue like the other one.
“This,” Sharron said, holding it up, “forces an awakening in someone who hasn’t awakened yet.”
The room went silent.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then chaos erupted.
“What?” Bloodborn said, stepping forward. “You’re saying this can give powers to someone who doesn’t have them?”
“Can anyone use it?” Frostveil asked.
“Does it work on people who can’t be awakened?” someone else asked.
Questions flooded the room immediately, and the woman simply smiled, waiting for them all to calm down. Once the heroes quietened, she began speaking.
“I shall answer your questions one at a time. Yes, this is a solution that, when given to someone, awakens their ability,” Sharron explained. “We’ve only done some initial tests, but it does appear that it can be used on anyone who is not awakened.”
She placed the syringe back. “It is because of this discovery that we’re now starting to look into something else. Are only some of us born with our powers that then require awakening later? Or is everyone born with powers and happen to awaken them because of some circumstances? If our theories are true, very soon, everyone in this world will have a power they can call their own.”
That caused the room to go dead silent. It wasn’t until a few seconds later that Godhood finally spoke again.
“What happens when someone who is already awakened takes that solution?” he asked.
“It improves their powers temporarily,” Sharron said. “But it’s not that efficient at it. We made an improved version of this solution that works exactly for someone who is already awakened. I believe you came here from that room.”
Everyone nodded.
“How is that possible?” Frostveil demanded.
Sharron turned toward her. “My great-grandfather had figured out something long ago. In his research on Aullazire, he had noticed how connected it was to our powers and awakening. It is what gave him the knowledge to create the suppression field generators and the Extra-Ability Analyzer.”
“Aullazire, it appears, interacts with the latent genetic markers that allow for power manifestation,” Sharron explained. “Most people have these markers, but they remain dormant. This serum activates them, forcing the body to awaken a power.”
“What kind of power?” Lightspeed asked. “Can you choose?”
“It depends on the genetic markers,” Sharron said. “The serum doesn’t control what power manifests. It simply triggers the awakening. The resulting ability depends on the individual’s genetic makeup and natural affinity.”
“How long does it take?” Godhood asked.
“The awakening occurs within 24 hours of injection,” Sharron said. “The process can be painful for some, as we’re expediting the awakening process, but it’s not life-threatening.”
“How much have you tested it?” Ning asked.
Sharron nodded. “A bit. We’ve mostly tested volunteers who had no prior powers. The success rate is currently 87%. The remaining 13% experience no effect.”
“Of the 13%, we retried the same solution on them again, and this time over 50% awakened. So we believe the only thing one requires to awaken is the quantity of the solution. Some need less, some need more. But as long as they have enough of it, they will awaken.”
The heroes began talking over each other, their voices rising in excitement.
“This changes everything,” one of them said.
“Not necessarily for the good, though,” another said. “More bad guys will be on the street if this goes public.”
The president raised a hand, and the room quieted.
“This technology is still classified,” she said. “It will not be made public until we’ve determined the full scope of its implications. For now, you’ve been brought here to see what’s possible. To understand what the future holds.”
She looked at each of them in turn. “Your discretion is expected. The NDAs you signed are legally binding. Anyone who breaks that agreement will face severe consequences.”
The heroes nodded, though Ning could see the hunger in their eyes. They wanted this technology. They wanted to know more.
The president turned back to Sharron. “Thank you, Doctor. You’ve done exceptional work.”
Sharron inclined her head and stepped back.
The president addressed the group once more. “That is what you were brought here to see. Now that you have seen it all, I have a proposition for you all.”
The heroes gave curious looks, each one growing quiet to focus on what the president was trying to say.
“As you’ve heard throughout all our new creations, it is all powered by the magical crystal that we call Aullazire. Aullazire has always been a very rare substance that we barely manage to find.”
“However, half a year ago, a group of coal miners discovered a massive vein of Aullazire on the northern end of our country. I wish to ask you all for a favor in that regard. Would you all be willing to take turns helping safeguard the transport of Aullazire from the mine straight to this research center?”
The heroes didn’t answer immediately.
“If you do,” the president said, “you will have the opportunity to become the very first individuals to gain access to our creations. What do you think?”