Mole

The hum of the void stone filled the chamber, its bright glow bathing the room in soft light. Noah stood in the center of the platform, his expression calm, betraying none of the turmoil swirling in his mind. Above him, the crystalline structure shimmered faintly, alive with energy yet offering no sensation—no warmth, no pressure, not even the faintest tingle.

"Hold your position, Eclipse," the lead technician instructed curtly, his attention locked on the tablet in his hands. The other technician at the console glanced nervously at Commander Albright, who stood rigid at the edge of the room, arms crossed and jaw tight.

Noah remained still, his body relaxed but his thoughts racing. He couldn't shake the bitterness from being dragged here under suspicion of concealing his abilities—a crime treated as betrayal of the highest order in the military. Albright had ordered his arrest and subsequent retest personally, citing "irregularities" from a month ago.