"Lucas, your thesis got approved!" I heard my friend Ralph say in an excited voice.
Did it make me happy? you bet!
Finally, I can prove to the world that my ten years of research were NOT a waste of time, especially to my dear father.
I adjusted my aura-cufflinks, watching the energy flicker as my nerves spiked. Checked my reflection in the mirror once more. The navy blue tuxedo went well with my light brown hair and golden eyes. I pushed my hair back with some gel.
"It's time, young master!" I heard my secretary say.
"I'm nervous," Ralph muttered, running a hand through his hair and sitting beside me in the car.
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" I asked him, eyebrows raised.
"Lucas, imagine becoming an Ultra-Elite, that too overshining THAT Viktor Voltaries!" he said, pushing his thick black hair back.
"You should stop doing that, you will go bald!" I said, tapping his hand.
"Gimme a break! I am nervous for both of us!" he said exasperatedly.
"I don't understand why I am being pushed into this! And how are you so confident I will win, when I didn't do anything to deserve that!" I argued, letting my frustration out.
"I was living in a laboratory doing my research when my brother lost his life in the war! How can I just take his place!" I continued, burying my face in my hands.
"It's okay, Luke, relax, we will work things out!" he said, trying to sound confident for my sake, giving a firm pat on my shoulder.
The car pulled up in front of the secretariat building. I opened the car door to walk out as the cameras flashed, aura-amplifiers pushed to my face with questions like:
'What do you think are your chances against Viktor Voltaries?'
'What contributions do you think put you ahead of Viktor?'
'What do you think about Viktor's legendary victory against Aurelian De la Bellegarde?'
I hid my face and walked past the horde of reporters.
"Viktor this, Viktor that, I am sick of hearing that name!" I said with a huff.
"Let's get this over with, it's time," Ralph said, pulling me along.
We walked for a while, reaching a thick oak door. I opened it to see a room filled with Elites, wearing expensive clothes and 'I can't be bothered' looks. I went to my seat, next to the devil himself. Ah, the joy!
At least he is not here yet!
And just like that, the door flung open, making everyone stand up. I flipped my head fixed to my seat, to see him walk in, his silver hair neatly pushed back, icy blue eyes hidden behind his shades, dragging his feet like he was here for a lecture, busily playing some game on his phone.
Ah, I hate him!
He walked, still engrossed, without acknowledging anyone. He was followed by a tall guy with tanned skin, wearing matching shades, and a girl with curly black hair with purple highlights.
"Viktor!" the tall guy next to him nudged.
He flinched, quickly composing himself with a charming smile, and took his glasses off to give the crowd a wave.
He gave his phone to that girl, putting his hands in his pockets, walked closer, stopping before me.
Ralph nudged me into standing up. I gave him a bored stare and offered him a handshake.
He shook my hand, pulling me closer to whisper.
"Do well," and pulled away with a friendly smile.
I gave him a questioning look, and he completely ignored me and sat down, slouching in his seat.
The doors opened again, and the jury entered. The room fell quiet. We stood.
The governor walked to the podium, putting his glasses on and arranging the papers in the stand, and began talking,
"I, Roman St. Clair, Governor of Aethera, hereby announce the next Ultra-Elite, as voted by the council..."
BANG.
The chandelier shattered.
Smoke everywhere. Chaos.
Masked figures dropped from the ceiling.
The crowd went crazy, putting up shields and blocking the attack path. Purple aura emanated like a flash, and zaps of purple flooded the hall.
I heard footsteps, guards came in with aura blasters, and started vacating the room while surrounding the intruders.
"Lucas! Come to your senses!" Ralph shouted, shaking me.
Viktor rolled his eyes. "Starting without us? Rude."
He launched a barrage of ice spears towards the masked men like it was nothing.
WAIT! Who are they? Viktor looked too calm. Suspiciously calm
Did he know? Is that why he was so unbothered?
I needed answers. But Viktor was wiping out the evidence.
"Fire Arts: Fire Serpent!"
The purple-streak girl summoned a dragon of flames, torched a masked squad, then fist-bumped Viktor like this was just Tuesday.
I leaned into Ralph. "Distract his team. I'm grabbing one of them."
"Wind Arts: Eternal Whirlwind!" Ralph yelled, throwing a tornado towards Viktor.
I bolted after a masked guy with a scar across his eye.
He ran, hurling electric zaps behind him.
Good thing I had an artifact that absorbed low-level shocks.
I chased him up multiple flights of stairs. Is it me, or is he leading me to the roof purposely?
We ended up on the rooftop.
The streets were wild. Civilians panicking. Security everywhere.
He turned, ready to fight.
I summoned vines. Thick. Fast. Aggressive.
His lightning fizzled out.
I stepped forward. Answers! Finally!
ZZZTTTTTTT
Then...
Something sliced through the air behind me.
Fast.
Before I could react, it hit me straight through the chest.
Lungs froze. Everything went still.
And then...
I fell.
Another flash. This one felt... wrong.Or right. I couldn't tell anymore.Then everything stilled, too still.