Chapter 22: Offer

The next morning Arthur's footsteps echoed softly down the metallic corridor as he followed the soldier assigned to escort him to the lab. 

The stark lighting and smooth surfaces of Solace Prime's interior added an air of clinical efficiency. He could feel a sense of anticipation building within him. The previous day had been grueling, filled with tests that pushed his physical limits, but today's examination held a new level of gravity.

The soldier stopped outside a set of sleek double doors, gesturing for Arthur to enter. "The scientist inside will guide you through the process," he said curtly before retreating down the hall.

Arthur took a deep breath and stepped inside. The lab was immaculate, its walls lined with glowing panels and equipment he couldn't begin to identify. 

At the center stood a single figure, a woman in a white coat, her focus fixed on a holographic display. She turned as Arthur approached, her piercing green eyes meeting his. Her dark hair was tied in a neat bun, and her expression was one of calm professionalism.

"Arthur, I presume?" she said, her voice smooth and measured. "I'm Dr. Elara Vynn. I'll be conducting the compatibility tests today."

Arthur nodded, taking in her demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Dr. Vynn. What exactly does this test involve?"

Elara gestured toward a chair in the center of the room, surrounded by an array of devices. "We'll begin with a detailed genetic analysis to determine if your DNA can handle the strain of the ECHO serum. I'll also need to assess your pain tolerance and ensure there are no existing enhancements that might conflict with the serum's effects. Please, take a seat."

Arthur complied, settling into the chair as mechanical arms adjusted around him. "Pain tolerance? Sounds fun," he said dryly.

Elara offered a faint smile. "It's a necessary step. The process of becoming an ECHO is excruciating. Only those with a natural resilience to pain can endure it without breaking."

Arthur leaned back, his mind racing. "So, what happens if I'm not compatible?"

"Then we explore other avenues," Elara said, tapping a console to activate the diagnostic systems. "Now, hold still."

To become an ECHO one needs to be free from any enhancement that is available in the market that the general populace use. In today's day and age almost everyone had access to enhancement serums of different grades. 

And all the soldiers of UFE are given enhancements upon joining, which lets them have superhuman strength of up-to 150 Tons and can run 100 meters within 1.5 seconds. 

Though these serums cannot compare to the one given to ECHOs, as first of all it is very difficult to produce and not everyone can bear the pain during the process of enhancement, so generally ECHOs are trained from when they are kids.

A gentle hum filled the air as a cylindrical scanner descended over Arthur. Pulses of light moved across his body, mapping every detail of his biology. Elara monitored the readings, her expression inscrutable.

"Your genetic structure is… fascinating," she remarked after a moment. "There's no trace of the standard enhancements used by the general populace, which is remarkable in itself. Because your bone density, muscle density is off the charts, which should not be possible without any enhancements."

"And the durability of your skin is off the charts which should be not humanly possible, you are a miracle of nature"

Arthur's brow furrowed. "Is that a good thing?"

"Good?.. It's amazing!," Elara said, her fingers dancing across the console. "It means your body might be able to handle the ECHO serum's transformative effects easily. Let's proceed to the next phase."

She pressed a button, and a slender needle extended from one of the mechanical arms. Arthur instinctively tensed.

"Relax," Elara said, her tone reassuring. "This will draw a small sample of your bone marrow for further analysis. You'll feel a brief sting. Though the needle is made with one of the strongest metal alloys in the known galaxy, to be able to pierce your skin, muscles and bones "

"Why do you have a needle made that strong?" Arthur was bewildered.

"Who knows, we need to be prepared with everything," Elara said nonchalantly.

Arthur was a bit afraid that she would figure out his ability. But after thinking for a while, and remembering how he died last time in the meteor crash he hoped she couldn't.

He believed that during the explosion, due to the heat generated, every single strand of his DNA must have been destroyed, but he still somehow revived and came out stronger. From this, he figured out that there were some supernatural reasons behind his powers.

Even if she learned about his ability, they would, at most, capture him and experiment on him. He could slowly accumulate strength, and within a few years, he believed he would be strong enough to shrug off anything they threw at him.

Arthur gritted his teeth as the needle pierced his skin and burrowed into the bone. The pain was sharp but manageable. He exhaled slowly as the machine withdrew.

"That wasn't so bad," he muttered.

Elara raised an eyebrow. "That's the easy part. Now for the pain tolerance test."

Arthur gave a humorless chuckle. "Great. Let's get it over with."

Elara activated another device, this one resembling a sleek wristband. She secured it around Arthur's forearm and stepped back. "This will deliver controlled levels of neural stimulation, simulating different degrees of pain. It's crucial that you endure as much as possible without losing consciousness."

"No problem," Arthur said, flexing his fingers.

Elara offered a small nod before initiating the device. A mild tingling sensation spread through Arthur's arm, quickly escalating to a burning ache. He clenched his jaw, refusing to show weakness.

"This is Level 1," Elara informed him. "We'll increase the intensity gradually."

By Level 3, Arthur's breathing had quickened, and sweat beaded on his forehead. The pain was relentless, searing through his nerves like fire. Yet, he held on, his resolve unshaken.

"Impressive," Elara said, her voice tinged with genuine admiration. "Most candidates struggle to reach this point."

"Glad to be… an overachiever," Arthur ground out.

At Level 5, his vision blurred, and his body trembled under the strain. He bit down on his lip hard enough to draw blood but refused to give in. Finally, Elara deactivated the device.

"That's enough," she said, her tone firm. "You've proven your resilience."

Arthur slumped in the chair, his chest heaving. "That… was… fun," he said between breaths.

Elara smiled faintly. "You did exceptionally well. Let's finalize the analysis."

As Arthur rested, the lab's systems processed the data. After what felt like an eternity, Elara approached him with a tablet in hand.

"The results are conclusive, I have already sent the data to the Admiral" she said. "Your compatibility with the ECHO serum is extraordinarily high. In fact, it's the highest we've ever recorded, so if you want and the Admiral gives to go signal, you will become a huge asset to UFE"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

Elara nodded. "It means you're not only capable of surviving the serum but potentially thriving with its enhancements. This makes you an ideal candidate for Project-ECHO."

Arthur leaned back, processing her words. Before he could respond, a soldier entered the lab and saluted. "The Admiral requests your presence in his office."

..

Arthur found himself standing before Admiral Tiber Kane once more. The office was imposing, its walls adorned with maps of distant star systems and artifacts from countless campaigns. The Admiral's piercing gaze met Arthur's as he gestured for him to sit.

"Arthur," Tiber began, "Dr. Vynn's report confirms what we suspected. You are uniquely suited for Project-ECHO. But before we proceed, I'll give you a choice."

Arthur leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."

Tiber clasped his hands on the desk. "You can choose to live as a normal citizen. We'll create an identity for you, provide resources, and help you settle on a colonized planet of your choice. You'll be free to live your life as you see fit."

Arthur's expression remained neutral as Tiber continued. "Or you join Project-ECHO. This path will be arduous, filled with challenges and dangers. But you'll gain access to advanced technologies, unparalleled training, and resources beyond your imagination. Most importantly, we'll dedicate ourselves to helping you find your way home."

Arthur's mind raced. The first option was tempting in its simplicity, a chance to escape the chaos and start fresh. But the second option, it offered purpose, growth, and the opportunity to uncover the truth about his predicament.

"I need a moment," he said finally.

Tiber nodded, his expression understanding. "Take your time. But know this, we will respect your decision"

Arthur's inner struggle was palpable. He thought of his old life, the monotony and routine that had defined it. Here was a chance to break free, to embrace something extraordinary. The decision was clear.

He met Tiber's gaze with newfound determination. "I'll join Project-ECHO."

The Admiral's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Welcome aboard, Arthur. Your training begins immediately. You'll undergo rigorous preparation in combat, tactics, technology, and more. Only when you're ready will you receive the serum." 

The admiral was sure that Arthur would accept to become an ECHO as, until now his psyche evaluation all point it to him accepting the second option. 

Arthur nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I won't let you down."

…

That night, Arthur returned to his quarters, his mind ablaze with thoughts about the path ahead. He activated the advanced interface in his room, delving into the vast database of knowledge available to him.

He started with physics, immersing himself in theories that expanded his understanding of the universe. The equations and concepts that once seemed insurmountable now clicked into place effortlessly. He realized his cognitive abilities had evolved alongside his physical strength.

"Eidetic memory," he mused aloud. "And my IQ… it's like I've unlocked a part of my brain I never knew existed." he can remember everything he had learned from his previous life, even those he thought he forgot.

Now he is able to solve all those problems he thought he was unable to previously and all the new physics and maths problems he thought were difficult before.

Arthur's enthusiasm grew as he explored subjects ranging from advanced mathematics to molecular biology. He devoured information, his mind processing and retaining every detail with ease.

"This is incredible," he thought. "I've not just adapted physically, I've undergone a complete evolution."

As the hours passed, Arthur lost himself in the pursuit of knowledge, his resolve solidifying with each new discovery. He was no longer the man he had been. He was something more, and he was ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.

***

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