Oliver & Dream

[Oliver's POV]

While I was training, I saw a new face today. Firstly, he was guided by a receptionist, so he didn't pay much attention to the people around him, only watching the surroundings, perhaps trying to memorise the layout of the building. After that though, he came back to the room I was in. Initially, I thought he was going to train, but I was surprised to se that he just stood there, watching the people around him with a scrutinizing gaze. Maybe he was gouging the people's strengths. After all, it was a normal thing to do so and I did the same when coming here.

Naturally, his eyes stopped at me, as I was displaying an unnatural speed. Of course, I did that on purpose. I wanted to stand out, as I didn't come here to train. I was strong enough. I was here to build acquaintances, to get capable people to help me on my journey. And by standing out, I provided a easy way to approach me, if you were capable enough to figure it out, that is. Until today, I didn't find anyone worthy of that title, and I didn't think anything of the newcomer. No, scratch that, I pitied him, as he couldn't even mask his intentions. After that, I stopped paying attention to him. Of course, from his perspective I was fully focused on training and didn't even notice him because I, unlike him, know to be discreet. Either way, I continued "training" as usual. At the end of the day, I was preparing to leave when I met with him again, at the entrance. He then looked at me and said:

"Hey, I saw a bit of your training today. Your speed was very impressive. If you don't mind me asking, what's your name? I'm William, by the way, nice to meet you!"

Damn, he figured it out. At least he's smart. I could use him in the future. But first, I have to figure out his intentions. Best way I can do this is appear as a simpleminded, good-natured person. He will then see me as easy prey and stop being cautious, letting me see his intentions much easier.

"Nice to meet you too! My name is Oliver. Thanks for the compliment. I am still lacking, though, as I am preparing to enter the Vanguard academy. And to do that, I have to get stronger, or I won't pass the admission test"

"Really? What a coincidence! I will participate in the admission test, too! I'm guessing you're 15, right?"

Damn, this is better than I anticipated. I will be able to use him in the academy. Now I really have to befriend him. He seems capable enough, at least for now. If he proves useless, or doesn't match my expectations, I will gradually distance from him, somehow. It's not really that hard. After all, I'm a master at stuff like that.

"That's right, I am aiming for the one in january. Hey, are you coming here tomorrow?"

"Sure thing, that's what I was about to ask you, too! If you want, we can train together until january. What do you say?"

There is a possibility that we share this thought process. He also seems he wants to befriend me. Better for me, I guess

"Absolutely, here's my contact information."

"Thanks. Hey, I enjoyed our conversation, but I have to leave now. Let's talk later, if you want. See you tomorrow!"

Nice way to end the conversation. It didn't seem awkward at all, and he kept the discussion open-ended, so if he wants to talk to me it won't seem akward or forced. This guy knows what he's doing, on the surface at least. Either way, I'm happy with today. I may have met the perfect helper. We'll see what happens in the future.

"Right, take care!"

[Michael's POV]

After the brief but productive conversation, I left the area and headed home. This guy, Oliver, seems humble, good-natured and easy to approach. He's main character material, to be honest. If this was a novel, he would surely be the protagonist. Anyways, this has been a very good day. I now have a way to get some strong powers, if I play my cards right.

Feeling very tired from today, I take a shower and go straight to bed. Although, before going to sleep, I send Oliver a message with the time I am going tommorow to train. I'm not bothered to wait for his answer. I'm too tired for that.

Immediately after closing my eyes, I fell asleep.

In a completely black room, a kid opened his eyes. He was young, looking like a 10-year old. The kid couldn't discern how the room looked, because it was too dark. I was watching everything, from the kid's perspective. It seemed like this a dream. Maybe those are my memories or something related to them?The door opened and a figure entered the room.

"Subject 0182, it's time for your dose. Do not resist. You know the consequences of doing so."

It was a man's voice, and it was chilly, with no emotion to it. It almost sounded robotic. The man took out a syringe with a black liquid in it and injected the kid with it.

I felt a sting in my arm. An unimaginable amount of pain immediately entered my body. If felt like it was being ripped apart, like needles were piercing my skin and organs. After that, I felt strength. I felt like I could do anything. My body felt as light as a feather. I couldn't really do anything though. I was only a spectator. I assumed that my senses were shared with the kid.

"Let's start now."

The man said, and immediately attacked me. His speed was simply outrageous. I couldn't even see his actions. Oliver was slow as a snail compared to him. However, the kid not only reacted to it, but countered him. The man wanted to punch the kid, and he tilted his head sideways, evading the punch. At the same time, the kid tried to hit the man's stomach with his knee, but the man easily parried it with his other hand. Instead of retracting the arm near the kid's head, he directed his elbow to the kid's face, but the kid evaded it once again. It seemes that the kid could not catch the man's hits, only evading them. So, the man was completely surpassing the kid's strength. How powerful can he be?

The kid tried to do a back kick to create distance, but the man caught it and pulled the kid close with unimaginable force. This time, the kid couldn't react to it and was punched to the face.

I opened my eyes, gasping for air. It was morning, and the dream ended. I had many questions, but I knew I didn't have enough information to answer them. I could only formulate theories, and they were all far-fetched.

So, I decided to stop thinking about it, hoping that in the future I will have similar dreams to get more information about my past and present. I couldn't stay idle anymore. I checked my phone, seeing that I have received a message. It was Oliver, and he was telling me that he agreed with the time I proposed. Looking at the clock, I realised that I had to leave very soon, If I wanted to be punctual.

I calmed my mind and got dressed. I had a very interesting day ahead of me. I was curios about Oliver, and what could he do. Excited, I left my house and went straight to the training center.