Chapter 7: A New Path

"You're... not part of the Black Market? Then what was this all about?!" Phin demands, his voice wobbly with uncertainty.

Since the incident with the corrupted Seed, his life has been nothing but questions sewn together into a jumbled picture. For someone so devoted to the data-driven certainty of science, this inability to know is the greatest torment of all.

'Allow me to explain our situation to him, Vesk,' the well-dressed man politely interposes. 'Greetings, Phin. My name is Umbriel Arpharos III. It is true that the Black Market knows of your hidden ability, and they are willing to go to extreme lengths to secure it.'

'But... near the commercial district, last morning -' Phin quakes.

'Yes, we have known of their ploys for months - in fact, that bloody scene with the parasite was a planned-out ruse. They planned to intercept you on your way back, but we were able to subdue your would-be kidnappers.' 

'What about Vesk, he's one of them! Everyone has heard of that cursed name!'

'Ah, yes. The Black Market still only believes that Tarnin Vesk, their premier agent, was able to evade our initial forces but succumbed to the police,' Umbriel explains.

'Your cognitive abilities are exceptionally weak,' Vesk adds, smiling smugly. 'Think about it - how could the police have arrived so quickly, and in such a 'timely' manner? Plus, one of those dumbass newbies referred to me by my name... while I still had the mask on!'

'But... you literally broke my glasses and nearly fractured my limbs!' Phin cries.

'Look, I had to make the trail convincing for any Black Market stragglers...' he pauses, silently grinning. 'I also tend to get lost in character sometimes - my whole job's literally built upon deceit.'

Phin, suppressing the primal urge to curl up in a ball and cry, simply stands quietly. 'So... what now?' he asks meekly, staring off blankly.

Umbriel beams, showcasing a face sculpted by years of high-end Seed augmentation. 'Well, I'm very glad about your enthusiasm. Come inside - let us discuss the intricacies somewhere more comfortable.'

***

'I'm going to be shipped off to where??' Phin erupts, evidently distraught.

'You're employing a negative connotation...' sighs Umbriel. 'The Botanist Developmental Facility is completely different from this prison; our staff will accommodate your every need.'

'What about my Appraisal shop?'

'It seems you still haven't realized the true magnitude of our situation. Your shop was ransacked - the Black Market came not long after our police left, and they trashed the place. That's how much they want your power - and unless you cooperate, you'll remain an easy target.'

No... my family's old stuff - and my books- Phin panics. Deep within him, a surge of resentment towards the Black Market criminals bubbles to the surface. They took everything from me... I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for their stupid plans.

A nagging voice in his head tells him that the Regals are just as wrongful in their twisted god complexes, and that they are on the other side of the same coin. But in the fray of emotions, Phin only has one goal. I'll defeat those terrorists - who have desecrated the art of Seed exchange!

'Alright. Not that I have any other choice, but... I'll do it.' 

***

The helicopter's sleek blades beat the air, blowing away stray debris on the prison roof. As Phin climbs into the Regal aircraft, the sonorous hum of its rotor fills his ears. In the distance, he can see the sprawling cyber-gothic metropolis - and even further away, the colossal shadows of the Fortress's walls jut into the sky. 

'Ready for liftoff,' Umbriel cues the pilot. A high-ranking Regal agent, he was assigned to escort Phin to the Botanist Developmental Facility, or as it's widely known, 'The Arboretum'. Vesk was to resume his stint as a prisoner to avoid suspicion until due time, at which he will return to the Black Market by a staged breakout. Phin's disappearance would be covered up under the claim that he was sent to solitary confinement for attempting to murder Vesk.

Why are the Regals so kind to me? Phin remembers the many altercations between commoners and elites. Has my 'power' elevated my status by this much?

As the helicopter lifts off the ground, more and more questions swarm Phin's conscience while the sharp wind lashes against his face. With a final metallic click, the helicopter's doors slide shut, leaving only the low thrum of the engine to fill the cabin.

'There's no need to trouble yourself about what lies ahead,' Umbriel speaks up, sensing Phin's anxiety. 'Your commoner worries will all be gone - the life of a Regal awaits you.'

But I had no worries... I may not be as privileged as you, but I enjoyed my honest lifestyle, Phin wants to say. But he stays silent, head tilted to the window. Outside, wispy white clouds float by, a stark contrast to the angular gray expanse beneath.

'What will I do every day? Can I at least bring some books over from my shop?' Phin finally asks, breaking a prolonged period of silence.

'Better than that,' replies Umbriel. 'As part of your aptitude training, you will have access to the Regal Library, the finest curation of scholarly texts in the world.'

'That's fine, I suppose...'

The helicopter suddenly dips sharply, startling Phin, who frantically clings onto his seat. 'Apologies - unexpected Haze,' the pilot announces, steadying the aircraft.

Haze... Phin recalls his studies. The Haze refers to an invisible gas with highly destructive capabilities. Its deadliness comes from the fact that it's not a literal 'gas' but a mobile cluster of microscopic Florae that disintegrate matter on contact.

Formally known as Aetheromyces disgregans, Haze inhabits higher altitudes and is the primary reason why no aerial expedition beyond the Fortress's walls have been attempted. The airspace above the Fortress is considerably less Haze-infested than beyond the walls, which contributed to its permanent human settlement.

Phin smiles as he mentally recites data about the Haze - such mental workouts are soothing to him. Genetic Seed analysis... if I truly have this ability, then I'll be able to research deeper than ever before! He feels a strange urge - a want to join the Regal initiative, to break free of the limitations imposed by regular civilian life.

He sighs. Who am I...?