Initiation

After Null understood the concept of the ranking system, Selene spoke softly, almost under her breath, saying, "Let's go." Without further explanation, she led him out of the area, taking him to a large building—one that looked familiar to Null. It was the same place she had first taken him when they sought someone's permission. As they entered, the people inside couldn't help but stare at Null, their gazes filled with curiosity and unease. Despite their attention, Null remained composed, his expression calm as he walked beside Selene.

They moved through the building in silence until they reached an elevator. Selene pressed the button, and the doors opened, revealing a sleek interior. They stepped inside, and as the doors closed, Null felt the subtle vibration of the elevator as it descended. It continued going down, deeper into the building than he had expected.

When the elevator finally stopped, the doors opened to reveal a vast underground floor. The area was busy, filled with researchers working at various stations. Alongside them, Awakeners stood guard, their presence commanding and watchful. Null noticed the tension in the air, as if something important was happening here that went beyond just research.

Selene walked through the floor with a purpose, and Null followed closely. The researchers barely acknowledged them, too focused on their work. The Awakeners, however, subtly tracked their movement, their gazes lingering on Null for just a second longer than usual.

At the far end of the floor, Selene led him to a room. Inside, it was mostly empty, except for a large capsule in the center. The capsule was big enough to fit a person, its design sleek and advanced, with a transparent dome over the top. Null's eyes focused on it, intrigued by its presence and purpose.

Null stood in front of the capsule, his gaze fixed on the sleek, transparent dome that gave it an almost otherworldly appearance. For a few moments, he simply stared at it, taking in the strange yet fascinating object before him. The capsule had a certain allure, but there was also an unsettling feeling to it, like something powerful and unknown was concealed within its machinery.

After a pause, Null turned to Selene, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Is that the capsule you were talking about?" he asked, his voice steady despite the rising questions in his mind.

Selene nodded, her expression calm as she stepped closer to the machine. "Yes," she replied. "As I've already told you, this is the Ascendrix."

Her voice held a certain weight when she spoke the name, as if the device carried far more importance than he had realized. She began explaining further, gesturing toward the capsule as she spoke. "The Ascendrix isn't just any machine. It's designed to unlock and push a person's potential beyond what even an Awakening can do. It's… complex, to say the least."

As Selene continued, the door to the room swung open, and a woman walked in. She was strikingly beautiful, with long flowing hair and an elegance to her movement that immediately drew Null's attention. But before Null could make sense of who she was, the woman's eyes lit up with excitement upon seeing Selene. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and threw her arms around her, hugging her tightly.

"Selene!" the woman exclaimed, her voice filled with a strange mix of joy and desperation. "Selene, Selene, Selene!" She repeated her name over and over, as though she were completely captivated by her presence.

Selene didn't push her away at first but allowed the woman to hold her for a few moments. The affection was clear, almost obsessive, and Null watched the scene in silence, unsure of how to react. After a few seconds, though, Selene gently pried the woman's arms away, her expression soft but firm as she separated herself.

"That's enough," Selene said quietly, her tone calm but authoritative. She glanced at Null, then back to the woman. "Let me introduce you."

The woman reluctantly stepped back, her eyes still lingering on Selene as if she couldn't bear to look away. "This is Iris," Selene said, turning to Null. "She'll be the one taking care of you while you're inside the Ascendrix."

Null's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of confusion crossing his face. "Is that really necessary?" he asked, his tone neutral but laced with skepticism.

Selene met his gaze, her expression serious. "Yes," she said firmly. "No one knows how long the process could take once you're inside. It could be hours, days, maybe longer. Your physical body needs to be maintained while your mind and soul are… elsewhere."

Iris stepped forward again, her gaze now on Null, her smile warm yet strangely intense. "Don't worry," she said softly. "I'll make sure nothing happens to you while you're in there."

Null didn't say anything for a moment, considering her words. He wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation, but something in Selene's eyes reassured him. This was part of the process—part of what he needed to do.

"Alright," he said finally, giving a small nod of understanding. He turned his attention back to the Ascendrix, knowing that whatever came next, it would be beyond anything he had ever experienced.

Iris smiled at Null before stepping closer, her tone becoming more professional. "Before we begin the process, Null, I need to ask you a few questions, and you must answer truthfully."

Null simply nodded, understanding this was part of the procedure. Iris pulled out a small device and began her questioning.

"Your name?" she asked.

"Null," he replied without hesitation.

Iris glanced at him and asked again, "Your surname?"

"I don't have one," Null answered plainly.

Iris paused, visibly confused. Almost everyone had a surname, even orphans. After World War 3, the rules had changed, and surnames were tied to clans that had formed in the aftermath. The fact that Null had no affiliation to any clan made her wonder how he had survived in the upper world, where clan alliances were essential.

She pondered this briefly but moved on, asking him a series of other questions. Null answered them all calmly, and soon, the process was complete. Iris seemed satisfied, though her curiosity about his background lingered.

After completing the questions, Iris gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied with the answers. "Alright then," she said, her tone shifting back to a more businesslike demeanor. "Let's get started."

She gestured toward the Ascendrix, its sleek and futuristic design now feeling more imposing as the reality of what was about to happen sank in. "Sit here," Iris instructed, her voice calm yet precise, as she motioned toward the capsule's interior.

Null approached the Ascendrix, the transparent dome now open and inviting. He climbed in and seated himself. To his surprise, the seat inside was far more comfortable than he had anticipated. The material seemed to mold to his body, offering support in a way that made him feel oddly at ease. It was almost as if the machine had been designed not just for function, but also for comfort.

As Null settled into the seat, Iris began working around the device, her fingers moving quickly across a control panel. She was focused, her movements deliberate as she adjusted various settings. Null watched her for a moment before his gaze shifted back to the inside of the capsule. He could feel his heartbeat begin to quicken, not from fear, but from the uncertainty of what was about to happen.

"Be ready now," Iris said softly, her voice breaking the silence.

Null took a deep breath and nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure what he was preparing for. His mind was filled with questions, but he knew this was something he needed to go through. Without another word, he closed his eyes, surrendering himself to the process.

A low hum filled the room as Iris activated the Ascendrix. The sound was steady and rhythmic, vibrating through the capsule. Null could feel a subtle shift in the air around him, as if the machine was coming to life. His muscles tensed for a moment, but he forced himself to relax, letting go of the lingering uncertainty.

The device's hum grew louder, and Null could sense a strange energy beginning to stir within the capsule. He had no idea what was going to happen next, but he was ready for whatever came.

And with that, the Ascendrix was fully powered on, its systems now engaged.