Anomaly

Leo followed the lanky assistant deeper into the Genetic Assessment Room, his footsteps echoing against the polished floors.

The testing room was pristine and sterile, just as he expected it to be, with an array of advanced scanning equipment embedded into the walls.

At the center stood a large, high-tech diagnostic pod, lined with glowing circuits, its transparent frame pulsing with soft blue light.

"Stand here," the assistant instructed, adjusting his glasses while tapping away on his data slate.

Leo complied, stepping onto a circular pad in front of the machine.

"You'll need to be plugged into the system first," the assistant continued, opening a compartment on the side of the pod and retrieving several thin bio-sensors, each lined with intricate runic etchings.

He moved methodically, attaching the sensors to Leo's temples, wrists, and chest, as the machine began humming with activation.