Newfound Potential

Near Ellipses Point, a massive technological bell rung. The vibration reverberated throughout the entirety of Cardinal Nexus HQ, and into the ground, where it echoed across the expanse of districts all along the country. This was the mid-toned beep that only sounded at exactly 9:00 am, when the sky's sun was a brilliant yellow. This beep was what awoke the members of Squad Zero in their dorms.

Finishing up their separate morning routines, excluding breakfast for those who were being tested, they all waited in the living room for Minister Harrison's security team to come retrieve them.

Finally, the buzzer to their hub rung and Jasper answered the door.

"We're here to guide you to the laboratory for your testings today," the security man said.

"Understood."

"Before we go though, we'll take attendance of those who were instructed to come. Jasper Garrison?"

"Right in front of you."

"Axel Garrison?"

"Right over here," he leaned from the couch, waving.

"Wardell August?"

"Here."

"Suto Meeres?"

"Yes sir."

"And Zika Tress?"

She raised her hand in the far back.

"Great. We'll take you all down to the laboratory now. Also, Hugo Hethens and Jarrett Smith?"

The two took attention.

"Word from Minister Harrison; use the spare time to rest, or continue to prepare for Squad Zero's future operations."

Hugo and Jarrett nodded. "Got it."

"Now then, the rest of you follow us."

The group of security formed an outline around the group of five, led by the head security member at the front. Through a series of hallways and various elevators, they eventually reached a long narrow corridor that led to a bleak door. Next to it was a panel for a handprint scan, and lenses for an iris scan. The head security member placed his palm on the panel while simultaneously looking through the security lenses, having both scanned at the same time.

"Access granted," an automated voice spoke. Following this, the bleak door slid open, revealing an area that consisted of blue-tinted halls leading to various lab areas that could be seen through glass windows.

"You'll be tested in here," he showed the way. Opening a door, he waved the five into the section. There, they were greeted by a female scientist. Both her skin, and her coat were a bright pale white.

"Welcome to my lab. Feel free to get comfortable with the setting."

They all looked around. Many tools and tubes of sorts could be observed around the room.

"Damn…" Axel muttered. The place had an intimidating nature.

"We'll be setting each of you up with different inductions based on your capabilities, and to induce certain capabilities we wish to achieve with your bodies. I hope you all consent to this."

"We've signed the contracts. We have." Jasper confirmed.

"That's great to hear. And you've all followed the instructions in fasting before today's testings, correct?"

"Yes. We have not ate nor drank anything since our previous meal yesterday."

"Good, good. Then everything's set. We'll get all of you started."

Each individual was brought to different areas of the lab. Some pertained to speed, others pertained to strength, another pertained to durability, and another pertained to mental capacity. For numerous hours, each of the five were injected with specific serums and bound by powerful rays. Each one testing their newfound capabilities in test-zones after receiving their inductions. This would inevitably last until night time, leaving the five to be exhausted after a full day of experiments with no time to fulfill their hunger.

At last, their time in the lab was finished, and the revitalized members of Squad Zero were brought back to their hub to rest and feast.

"So? How did it go!?" Jarrett excitedly asked.

Hugo rolled his eyes. "He's been waiting all day for you guys, you know."

Everyone looked so exhausted they couldn't even bring themselves to speak. All but Jasper, who replied, "It went pretty well. There were no unnecessary complications with any of us. It was a smooth process for each induction, excluding the pain I'd say."

"See? I told you! I knew it'd be painful," Jarret said.

"But at the cost of pain, I'd say we all received tremendous power, and increased potential. I now feel more than ready to face the Sins…" Jasper clenched his hands. Suddenly, he dropped his fork, grabbing his head in the process.

"—Urgh!" His head throbbed.

"Jasper? What's wrong?" Hugo asked.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. They messed with my brain a bit during the testings today and they said there would be a bit of withdrawal. I just need to sleep it off, that's all."

Hugo drew a bit of concern on his face. Jasper noticed this.

"What did I say about being worried about me? You can't. That's not your job, it's mine. Don't worry about me Hugo. If you wanna worry or look after anyone, it should be anyone else here but me, got it?"

Hugo faintly nodded.

After they finished eating, the team took the rest of the night off to rest. The next day would start the second week of their trainings together as a team, but now with the new and improved capabilities of the members who were experimented with.

It was now two weeks before their official reveal to the public as Squad Zero.