"Really? Can you tell me?"
"I told you before, didn't I? Your power capacity is not normal for a new Cosmic Servant. That's why your power is sealed so it doesn't burden your existence. Even though it's sealed, your power is still equivalent to a Solar System Guardian's," it said.
"And one more thing, you are human. Your 'power' recognizes your body's structure and its limits, and tries to adapt so your body doesn't explode from the immense force, hence the 'Sealing' occurs. Because in essence, humans are mortal. Their body structure is nothing more than a system of organs, vital organs, bones, muscles, tissues, blood vessels, and lymphatics."
The Cube continued explaining in a flat tone, as if reading a manual.
"Your human body is currently too fragile to contain that abnormal power. That is the reason why your power is automatically sealed to prevent your body from being destroyed by excessive pressure. But that is useless if you use your power too frequently. Even though 'Extra Sight' is a basic ability, how it works isn't that easy to process. This ability forces your body to channel energy to your nervous system and brain in an unnatural way, causing your body to react like it's in shock. And in previous days, you've used other abilities too often. You need to rest, to calm the turbulence of that power."
I nodded slowly, digesting its explanation. "So... I have to be careful when using my power?"
"Exactly. If you push yourself, the consequences could be fatal. The limit of a Cosmic Servant is not in their power, because the true power of a Cosmic Servant is immeasurable. But because it is immeasurable and unknown; it is bound by a rule—the rank of the Cosmic Servant.
Even so, their power remains extraordinary. And its limits are beginning to be understood; the limit for a Cosmic Servant is their own body. Many Cosmic Servants wish to undergo a Change or Evolution of their bodies to maximize its use. Because energy that exceeds the body's limits can burn internal organs or even explode your cells from within."
"...That sounds terrifying."
Ah, so that's it! No wonder Ressmond's body looked like that—apparently, his body had undergone many evolutions, considering he had reached the rank of Dimension Guardian.
"Yes, because that is a fatal weakness for Cosmic Servants originating from the human race. But don't worry, as long as you're not reckless, you'll be fine. And if someday you manage to rank up to Solar System Guardian, your body will evolve naturally, allowing you to use the power of a Solar System Guardian fully."
I sighed. "So, what about the 'Extra Sight' earlier? Can I not use it?"
"You can, but not for long. Try again, but this time don't push yourself. Use it for only a few seconds."
I closed my eyes once more, trying to feel the energy flow within my body. This time, I didn't try to map the entire corridor—only focused on a distance of a few meters ahead.
Bzzzt!
For a moment, it was like a vague image formed in my head—a simple map of the corridor I was in. I saw blurry outlines of walls, doors, and...
"There's an arrow on the floor?" I opened my eyes, confused.
The Cube rotated slowly. "Oh, that? That's a secret directional system installed by The Umbra. But it can only be seen with infrared sensors or—"
"—or Extra Sight," I cut in, feeling a bit stupid. "So all this time there were clues on the floor, but I couldn't see them because I didn't have the tool?"
"Yes, and stupidly, you didn't realize that when you first used Extra Sight."
"...Then why didn't you say so from the start?!"
"You didn't ask." The Cube retreated back into its secret pocket.
Bastard.
Fortunately, my patience held back my desire to throw this 'metal' against the wall.
•
•
•
[Now]
The lift opened with a soft hiss, and I stepped out into The Umbra's central control room. Giant holographic screens filled the walls, displaying maps of Silver City, intelligence documents, and even 'government troop movement traces'. Several members were busy discussing in a corner, while Draven and Lissa were standing in front of the central desk.
Lissa turned upon hearing my footsteps. "Ah, Nova. Right on time."
"You called me 50 minutes ago," I retorted flatly.
"Yes, but according to our predictions, you would be lost for 2 hours," Draven said with a hint of sarcasm. "So this is already fast."
I frowned. Did they intentionally not help me?
Lissa ignored my expression and held up an "identity card."
"Take this."
- Name: Nova Arlen
- Age: 18 years old
- Place of Birth: Sylvania Village, Exsoma State
- Status: Citizen of Exsoma State.
- Occupation: None.
- Special Notes: Orphan, no immediate family, but has an adoptive father.
I took the card with my hand. "Sylvania Village?" I frowned. "I've never been there."
"That's intentional," Lissa answered. "That village was destroyed in the civil war 5 years ago. There are no witnesses who can question your past."
...Clever.
"Additionally," she continued, "we've also given you a digital identity." She pressed a button on her tablet, and a hologram appeared—a digital ID card with my photo (my new, younger face) and an access code.
"This will help you get through government checks. But remember, don't get into major trouble. This identity can last as long as you don't draw unnecessary attention."
I nodded. "I understand."
Draven smiled. "Congratulations, Nova. You are now officially one of us."
But something had been bothering me since earlier.
"This... is there something wrong?" I pointed to the ID card towards him—pointing to the special notes section: Orphan, no immediate family, but has an adoptive father.
Lissa smiled thinly. "Ah, that. Take a look at your surname."
"Surname?" My eyes glanced at the name listed. "Arlen? Whose surname is this?"
The blonde woman chuckled. "Of course, it's the surname of 'that man'." Lissa pointed towards Draven.
I stared at Draven with wide eyes.
"Adoptive father?" My voice was almost choked.
Behind the mask, Draven grinned widely and chewed his gum casually. "Surprise, kid."
Lissa laughed softly at my expression. "Franken Arlen—his real name. He's one of the founders of The Umbra and has long used Draven as an alias. But for your identity, we needed a strong family name. And who better than the 'father' of one of our executives?"
I fell silent. The unbelievable thing was, First: Draven is one of the founders of The Umbra. And Second:
"So... you decided this without telling me?"
"You need a 'family' to avoid suspicion," Draven said, suddenly serious. "An orphan with no relatives is too conspicuous. But an orphan adopted by a former soldier? That makes sense."
The Cube suddenly chimed in, its voice from the dimensional pocket echoing in my mind, "Logically, this is a sound decision. If anyone checks your background, they will find Franken's digital footprint as an honorable citizen—a former soldier who lost his family in the war and adopted a street kid."
I sighed. They had thought of everything.
"Fine," I finally relented. "But don't expect me to call you 'Dad' someday."
Draven laughed. "Relax, I don't want a troublesome kid like you either."
Lissa shook her head at our behavior, then she spoke seriously, "Can you two focus for now?"
"Sure...," I answered.
"Good."
Lissa looked at Draven. "Draven, from now on, you will be Nova's guide to help him properly master his power."
The man replied, "Alright. Leave it to me! I'll train him 'gently'!" he said, though I doubted that.
Something confused me. If Draven is an executive, why can Lissa so freely call Draven by his alias? Not using "Sir", "Mr.", or something similar?
Or... is she the same as Draven? An executive? But even so, from what I know, executives usually work behind the scenes, controlling their pieces. But Lissa? Just a researcher.
Perhaps there's a deeper relationship between them? This made me curious. But I was even more curious about Draven's rank when he was still a military soldier; it's likely he wasn't just an ordinary ex-soldier. Because, if he were an honorable citizen as a soldier retired after the war, then his name should be common knowledge among the public. However, in all my life, the name "Franken Arlen" had never been mentioned by anyone. Which led me to one conclusion; data, information, and history about him are classified by the military or the government.
Damn. Why does the more I think about it, the deeper it gets? I'm not getting into a death circle, am I?
For now, I can only hope that I don't make a single mistake.
I let out a low sigh. Then immediately smiled resignedly. "Alright. I'll do it."
I walked, wanting to leave this place. But stopped upon hearing a news report that caught my attention.
My body turned towards the hologram, which had switched to a news broadcast about an accident—the headline: Second Son of the Arius Family, Aurel Von Arius, Found Dead in a Traffic Accident.
...