Testing Phase

Romeo, alongside the other new students, were instantly teleported into the Training Centre. The stench of anxiety and nervousness coupled with the sound of the rapid beating of most students' hearts filled the atmosphere.

Unlike other students, Romeo simply observe the Training Centre calmly while scrutinising his new colleagues simultaneously.

Since this is the first time having contact with those outside the slums, Romeo is eager to socialize but he withdrew himself. He is yet to know about his soon to be colleagues so he shifted his attention back to the Training Center.

The Training Centre is a dome shaped structure which contains modular and customisable spaces for various training areas, simulation zones which provides immersive and interactive environments for realistic training and obstacle courses.

Romeo could now understand why the Academy is likened unto the military academies he heard often.

Besides the strictness attached to the adherence of rules and regulations of the Academy, it still boast of an infrastructure that encourages small unit tactics, teamwork training, strategic leadership and decision making training, all of which are skills to relate with others and oneself.

However, at this moment, Romeo wasn't provided the luxury of time to stare at the architectural marvel and technological excellence of the Center.

The sound of chattering and the occasional sound of complaints and regrets from other students also died down as a male figure appeared before the group of students.

"Welcome." The figure began with a tone that is neither too cold nor too warm but the dangerous vibes given off by him yells the traits that lies in his personality.

"As most of you were informed, the purpose for the testing phase is to determine, to what extent, the capabilities of the unique innate abilities you possess." The figure said with his gaze narrowed as he took the demeanour of a captain assessing new recruits.

With his muscular arms hidden behind his back coupled with the movements of his tall and broad physique which made him appear bulky, the figure spoke with unwavering authority while maintaining an air of a trained and dignified military personnel.

The name tag on the chest of the sleek, aerodynamic military suit he is claded in says just two words; Officer Dane.

Officer Dane observed a brief moment of silence as he looks into the faces of the students before him. Seeing that their attention are focus solely on him, he proceeds with what he was saying.

"Now, take note that the testing phase you are about to pass through would determine the fate of the Carnal Gene you possess which would undoubtedly reflect the kind of future that awaits you." Officer Dane said with all seriousness as he gave the students an insight on the next phase while narrowing his pair of onyx black eyes.

The grim tone with which he use to speak further caused the nervousness of the students to soar. They understood clearly the importance of the situation and knows that their lives as well as their future solely depends on their performance during the testing phase.

Living in an era where the strong are esteemed and the weak are ridiculed, everyone and anyone is all about the manners with which they would use empower themselves which made competition high.

For a group of students whose future are tied to the category they would fall into after the testing phase, there is nothing more they desire than to be among those who would be counted as the strong, or simply the survivors.

Only with this outcome could they ensure the comfort of their future and establish conveniency in their survival.

*Ding: Romeo, at this point, I would advise you not to be too agitated as I can guarantee that you would to well during the testing phase.*

Upon hearing the familiar voice of his Carnal Consciousness, Romeo was momentarily taken aback. He was used to the constant underlying mockery and ridicules in the words of his consciousness that it shocked him greatly to have his consciousness support him wholeheartedly.

Subconsciously, a wide smile blooms on the face of Romeo. 'I never knew you thought so highly of me. It is good to see this encouraging side of you.' Romeo said inwardly owing to the presence of people.

*Ding: My thoughts of you are the same with the thoughts you have for yourself. Also, you must be joking. I don't think highly of you, I only said so because I am certain you would not fail. After all, a mere testing phase of the Academy is not up to the testing phase that life has made you passed through.*

The blooming wide smile on Romeo's face instantly stiffened. He doesn't know whether to be happy or sad. His consciousness made it clear that it thinks the same as him and Romeo had always thought highly of himself.

Yet, the next instant, his consciousness contradicted it's words and his thoughts with words that are barely reassuring. Romeo felt that there is no way he can really understand the way his consciousness thinks.

"So you should know, there are three highlights of the testing phase. The first highlight is the test of intelligence which would judge the level of mental conditioning a student possess." Officer Dane started explaining as he led the students away from the centre of the Training Center.

"The second highlight is the test for strength and speed which would judge the level of physical conditioning of the student. The third highlight is the test for your carnal ability which would judge the level of innate carnal prowess a student have gained." Officer Dane stated. "For you to be successful in the third highligt, it is necessary for you to know how you Carnal Shifting works abd use it to your advantage."

"You should know that this tests are simultaneous and would occur at the same time. At this point, I would wish everyone of you the best of luck." Officer Dane said while stopping at some point and suddenly disappears leaving behind a group of confused and disheveled students.

They all had the same thought, however, crossing their minds. Since it was suppose to be a testing phase, isn't Officer Dane meant to evaluate their performance or perhaps, invigilate them?

Also, he made mention of the testing phase and it highlights yet he said nothing about the kind of tests neither did he provide any significant instructions.

The Officer had suddenly disappeared without talking about this crucial phase of their lives leaving them scared and confused at the same time.

They were all still wallowing in their thoughts when the whirring sound of a machine suddenly filled the atmosphere, immediately snapping them out of their reverie.

Jerking their heads towards the source of the sound, the students came across a machine that generates spatial portals. They had barely have time to figure out what was happening when a gigantic portal opened up, sucking all of them in like a black hole devouring anything that nears it paths.

Meanwhile, Officer Dane appeared in another room within the confines of the Training Center. In this room are four AI officials operating various machines and computers with a large holographic screen displayed before them.

Officer Dane, still maintaining the pose of a dignified soldier, stood with his arms behind his back while gazing at the information being displayed on the screen.

The screen displays the vitality of students in their mental and physical condition after they were teleported. Clearly, the screen is meant to evaluate the performance of each students besides reporting their vital signs.

"Can I get a visual on the students?" Officer Dane asks the AI official next to him who typed away on the computer before it.

Several minutes passed and no reply came as the AI hands consistently and vigorously typed away in the computer.

"What is the matter?" Officer Dane asks with narrowed gaze fixated on the AI official who responded in a neutral robotic tone.

"Sir, it seems like there is a problem with the teleportation of the students to the simulation zone. According to the data I am seeing here, I can't say for sure where the students have been teleported to."

"In order words, you are saying that we have lost the students?" Officer Dane asks with his voice taking an edge. "Do everything you must to bring them back." He ordered before fixating his gsze back on the large holographic screen.

Seeing the green indication which implies that the students are fine, Officer Dane visibly relax a little as he realise that they are not in any kind of danger, at least for now.