Measuring of Fear

"Hmm, so they just kidnapped you? You're not suspicious of this?"

"No."

Wryn scratched his chin, "I didn't think they'd be the kind to do that."

In an effort to get to know his roommate better Wryn had asked Naran on how he got here. However upon hearing the ridiculous story doubts surfaced in his mind.

In less than twenty-four hours Naran was in a battle with a soon-to-be Desire, kidnapped by Orin, interrogated, only to join them?

Weren't things progressing too fast?

He made a mental note to keep an eye on his roommate, he felt like something was off.

Despite these thoughts he never voiced them. Instead he continued to silently play the video game. He opted for a 2v2 brawl game, hoping to showcase his skills. However Naran was completely terrible at the game.

He could be considered average at the very best. He was incapable of combining attacks without being told how to do it. He was awful at making predictions, and to top it off he only used basic attacks!

However there was a unique 'flaw' in his style. A lack of hesitation. He did whatever without a single thought. Because of this he even managed to win a few rounds.

Although the win to loss ration was terrible. Wryn still had to win the battles himself, even if he failed to succeed sometimes.

A knock on the door was heard and Wryn got up, "Win for me!"

Wryn opened the door and Dale stood outside with his trademark smile, "I'm here for Naran."

Wryn nodded, "I'll get him."

Wryn walked over to see Naran staring at a VICTORY screen. Surprised that Naran was able to win a 1v2 he found himself temporarily at a loss for words.

Naran looked over, "I won."

"You did…"

Wryn suddenly remembered, "Dale is waiting for you at the door. You should go see him."

Naran placed the control on the TV stand and walked to the door. Dale greeted with a smile, "Hi Naran! Ready to test your Fear's strength?"

Naran only nodded.

"Alright let's go to the Gym."

The two walked the short distance as Dale began to explain, "Ryan is our genius inventor. He made this 'Fear measuring machine' to test rookie's strength. For some reason he doesn't improve it despite us asking several times. Instead he always chooses to do tedious repairs…"

Dale shook his head, as if releasing the thought, "Regardless we will be able to get a general idea of your base strength. Which will help us in forming squads."

The two entered the Gym. Yun was standing next to an oddly shaped device. The device looked like a black punching bag, however through one side countless tubes and wires flowed out of it and into a computer.

Dale walked over to the computer, "Yun already did the test, so it's just you. Go ahead and hit the bag with your Fear whenever you're ready."

Naran walked up to the punching bag. Just as he was about to punch it Dale suddenly interrupted, "A-Ah, without the Fear Enhancer please!"

Naran took off the fingerless gloves. He then delivered a swift punch to the bag, making it shake a little.

Dale examined the computer and nodded, "Interesting… very interesting."

He then shut off the machine, "Alright that's all for today. Dinner will be in fifteen minutes, so grab some food and do whatever for the rest of today."

Yun asked, "We aren't doing anything else?"

"It's quite a bit for Naran's first day. So I'm calling quits early. You're free to continue training if you want however."

Dale smiled as he headed off, his pace making it seem like he was in a hurry.

Yun stared at Naran, "…So what's your Fear?"

"Don't know."

"You don't know what you fear?"

"Yes."

Yun crossed her arms and tapped her foot, "Hmm. You gonna train?"

"Don't know how."

"Then go, I want to train in peace."

Naran nodded and promptly left much to Yun's satisfaction.

Stepping outside he watched as people moved towards the food hall. He was hungry and Dale had said to grab some food, so he followed the crowd into the building.

Inside looked like a cafeteria, mostly because it was. A pleasant smell obvious upon entering. People began to sit at the abundant seats, all patiently waiting for the food to be ready.

Naran walked towards the origin of the smell, his body craved whatever it was.

There was an opening in the wall, a metal counter placed in it. It was obviously to place food, perhaps even serve it.

Naran walked up to it and looked inside. There he saw a group of chefs working diligently at preparing food. A muscular man spotted Naran and walked over.

Not only did he look like a successful body builder, there wasn't a single hair visible on his skin. The smooth skin anyone into fashion would kill for was glistening from the sweat.

A muscular man walked to the counter, "No disturbing the cooks before- Oh you're a new face… you's a rookie?"

"Yes."

"Hmmm, stay there."

The man walked off and came bag with a small bowl, barely a mouthful of liquid held in it. He held it up to Naran, "Taste it, tell me what you's think. Honest."

Naran carefully sipped the liquid and his body immediately rejected it. A foul taste spread across his tongue. Still, he forcefully drank it.

The muscular man had an expectant look on his face, "Well?"

"It was bad."

A grin spread across his face, "It is! I like you's, you's honest unlike some other cowards here. Since you's a rookie I'll let you's off this time. Remember this, I do not tolerate any distractions before the food is ready. You's will regret it the time you's do."

Naran nodded.

The man flicked his hand, "Now shoo! It will be done in eight minutes."

Naran returned to the seating area. As he did a voice called out, "Rookie! Come on over here!"

Naran turned his head towards the direction the voice came from. A guy dressed in casual wear, with a hat worn backwards on his head, was waving Naran over.

Naran went over to the table. The guy held out a hand, "The name's Jorm, what's yours?"

Naran remembered Wryn's words and shook Jorm's hand, "Naran."

"Well Naran, it seems like you got on the good side of Ralph. Not many rookies are willing to displease the guy, after all he is built like the hulk."

Jorm chuckled at his own joke, "Come and take a seat. Let me introduce everyone here…"