Chapter 31: I know everything
The Monarch carefully sat down in the chair between the Director and Zero.
His surprise was hard to hide, for the situation was unusual, even for him. He gathered all of his aura, trying to assess the young man who sat before him. However, every attempt to look Zero in the eyes caused an instinctive fear. Despite his rank and power, the monarch could not bring himself to do so.
A silence enveloped the room that lasted for about ten minutes. During this time, the monarch and the director were releasing their aura, trying to assess the possible risks. Their combat instincts were working at full speed, for no one could predict what this mysterious young man would do. They knew that if the situation got out of control, they would have no chance of surviving. All they could hope to do was to save at least send a signal for help. Meanwhile, the teachers, sensing the tension that was emanating from the principal's office, decided to act. They canceled all classes and sent the students to the dormitories.
Suddenly, Zero broke the silence.
- Well, let's get acquainted, - he said calmly, while activating the barrier that isolated the room.
The monarch and the principal felt the space around them change. The barrier was so powerful that it let nothing through: no sound or energy. It was equal to the barrier of the university, and perhaps even surpassed it. Sensing this, both men became even more wary. The headmaster involuntarily clenched the armrests of his chair, and the monarch tensed, preparing for possible conflict.
Monarch tried to say something, but his body wouldn't listen.
His fighting instincts were screaming, 'Don't speak without permission !'
Zero, noticing this, calmly continued:
- You don't need to introduce yourself. I know you. But you don't know about me. Let me remind you, I am Zero. And I've gathered you here to obtain phantom status as soon as possible.
The monarch felt that he could speak now, and gathering all his will, he finally spoke:
- Who are you, Zero ? Why have we never heard of you ? You are very strong, but why should we believe you ?
The director also decided to speak his mind:
- I agree with the monarch. You don't even have a nano-bracelet. Where are you from, and why did you decide to show up just now?
Zero faintly smiled, and then replied, seemingly not serious at all:
- I'm strong ? - he laughed briefly - I am the strongest.
With a glance at the monarch, Zero added:
- The monarch has already gotten information about me from SON, hasn't he ? Information about me and my family. Therefore, you know who I am and where I come from. Inform the director.
Monarch shuddered. How did Zero know about SON's internal messages ?
However, he decided to honor the request.
- It's true, - he began, turning to the Director, - According to our records, Zero and his mother were homeless. In time, they returned to the city. Until then, Zero had not shown any activity: in or out of the city.
The monarch hesitated for a moment, but continued:
- Information also indicates that Zero spent most of his time at home with his mother. He doesn't own neons, and he can't even, for neon awakening in Earth conditions is only possible up to the age of five. After that, the chances are almost nil.
The Director listened to the monarch carefully, but his face remained serious. Zero barely smiled again, as if this information was funny to him. His gaze full of absolute confidence made both men feel helpless. The Director and the Monarch exchanged brief glances, trying to figure out if they should add anything, but Zero decided to continue.
- Yes, everything you said is mostly true, - Zero began calmly, but his words carried a strong emotional charge. - I really didn't own neons...
His gaze stopped on the monarch. There was a hint in that look that he knew more than others could imagine.
- And yes, SON Command, - he continued, emphasizing those words, - I was indeed involved with Project 'Megalodon'. I was the one who destroyed the high-level mutants during the neon storm.
His words sounded so clear that the monarch involuntarily clenched his fists. He realized that SON was watching their conversation, because Zero said it directly, as if he was addressing not only the monarch, but also an invisible listener.
- As you have already realized, I am the strongest, - Zero continued with a slight smile that conveyed no arrogance, it was the language of facts.
Zero took his gaze away from the monarch and shifted it to the headmaster.
- And yes, I am aware of the fact that you, Director, are in fact one of SON's undercover captains. I know about the sale of our galaxy, about the unknown war that awaits us. I know about every hidden document, every plan, every plot.
His words stunned both of them. The Monarch and the Director exchanged confused looks, but said nothing.
- I'm as human as you are, - Zero added calmly, but his voice sounded like he was speaking from the perspective of someone who was already out of the ordinary. - And that's why I need to become a phantom as soon as possible. I want to help humanity because I know what awaits us. I know everything.
His last words hung in the air like a sentence.
- Any questions ? - he threw, looking at each of his listeners.
There were questions, too many, but.... There were no answers.
The monarch and the director were silent, unable to find the words. They were stunned not only by the fact that Zero knew of their secrets, but also by how calmly he said it. Secret information that was only available to the highest levels of SON was now being voiced aloud by someone who not long ago was officially considered an ordinary person sitting at home.
Zero rose slowly, his movements casual.
- I be back in twenty-four hours, - he said as he headed for the exit, - and I be waiting for your response.
His voice sounded confident, as if it wasn't a suggestion and he already knew their answer.
- Thank you for your attention, - he added.
The door closed behind him and the room was left filled with an oppressive feeling.
The monarch and the headmaster sat in their seats as if they were restrained by some invisible force. They didn't even look at each other, each immersed in their own thoughts. They knew that the next 24 hours would be crucial.
The atmosphere in the SON headquarters was tense.
The walls of the massive room, covered with technological displays, displayed a flood of information: a video of the conversation with Zero, an analysis of his words and speculation about his potential. On the center screen hovered a static picture of Zero at the moment he smiled and declared, 'I know everything'.
Gathered around the large round table were the highest ranks of the SON - generals, captains, strategists and analysts. Each of them was one of the most experienced representatives of humanity, all of S+ rank. However, even they looked confused.
- This is impossible... How can he know ? - broke the silence as one of the analysts looked over Zero's data.
- He's dangerous... - voiced the opinion of many, one of the generals clutching his chair.
- Dangerous ? That's an understatement. We're dealing with a creature that exceeds all of our parameters. Did you hear what the monarch said ? Its power exceeds SSS rank We don't even have the analysis methods to evaluate it fully, - another general intervened, excitement in his voice.
The monarch's words truly resounded in everyone's heads like thunder. The man who didn't even have neons before was now displaying a power that no one could explain.
The monarch came on the line and immediately said:
- His presence makes anyone obey their fear instincts. His aura is so powerful that even our best defenses couldn't contain him. He didn't attack, but we all felt it: if he did, there would be no chance of survival for anyone.
- He could be our ally, - one of the strategists spoke up, - With the upcoming war he already knows about, we need someone who can be the force that can change the course of events.
- But how can we trust someone we can't control ? If he sides with the enemy, we'll be destroyed before we can recover, - another general argued.
- Are you saying we can stop him if we decide to ? - replied sarcastically the monarch, who was also present through the holographic link. - He is already superior to anything we have seen. Our task is to make him an ally, not an enemy.
- I agree, - supported the university director, who was also in the meeting, "He wants to become a phantom, and I see this as not only his desire to help humanity, but also a way to establish trust. We can't afford to lose him.
After hours of discussion and heated arguments, the decision was made. Despite their fear of Zero, most of the council recognized that his help could be crucial in a future war.
- We authorize it. Zero will pass all examinations within three days. If he can successfully complete the process, he will be granted Phantom status.
- And how can we guarantee his loyalty ? - one of the generals asked.
- Loyalty ? - answered the monarch through the hologram, - We can only hope he stays on our side. But know this: if we decide to act against him, it will be our last mistake.
The old man with lettuce colored eyes looked at everyone present.
- So, are we all in agreement ?
After a short silence, one by one, everyone nodded approvingly.
- Director, you have three days to prepare everything for Zero. And remember: this could be the most important decision in the history of SON.
The Director only replied briefly:
- Complying.
[Dictionary Zero]
Changing Ranks - After the neon storm and the launch of the full version of Phantomancy, the decision was made to detail the rank system to more accurately gauge the power level of the Phantoms. Each rank is now divided into three subcategories: low (denoted by one letter (e.g., A)); medium (denoted by two letters (e.g., AA)): high (denoted by three letters (e.g., AAAAA)). This system allows for better categorization of phantom capabilities and provides a more accurate approach to determining the level of threat or contribution in combat and strategic situations.