Now at the tender age of 14, Ethan had ascended to the rank of a three-star Mage, surpassing even Casper by two stars. His prowess now rivaled that of a one-star Court Mage, a testament to his rapid mastery of Elaine's extensive knowledge. As he had now become her head assistant researcher, Ethan was a rising star within the clandestine organization known as Black Wind.
"Subjects 30, 27, 15, and 55 are showing promising signs of recovery from the mana vein replacement experiment," Ethan reported, his voice echoing through the lab where Elaine was engrossed in her elixir concoctions.
"Good. Once they've stabilized, assess whether the artificial mana veins have enhanced their abilities," Elaine instructed without looking up from her work. "And keep a close eye on the remaining subjects. The loss of eight experiments has forced me to reevaluate the others. We can't afford any setbacks."
Ethan nodded, absorbing her words before making his way to the courtyard of the underground facility. "13, I know you're here. Stop hiding and proceed to the yellow room for your mana vein assessment," he called out, his voice firm yet tinged with familiarity.
Mia's laughter broke the silence as she materialized above him, floating with an air of grace. "Jeez, Ethan, with that attitude, you'll never find a girlfriend," she teased, her smile bright against the backdrop of the illusionary garden she had crafted with her light magic.
"You should appreciate me more. I'm the only one around your age who's nice to you," she continued, her tone playful yet sincere.
Ethan couldn't help but let out a small pout. "Whatever. It's not like I need friends," he muttered, though the corners of his mouth betrayed a hint of a smile as he dispelled her illusion. "Your illusions are impressive, Mia. You just need to integrate them with your other elements for a touch of realism. They're really quite good," he complimented her as they exited the now barren room.
As they walked, Mia's curiosity bubbled to the surface. "Hey, I heard we're moving. Is it true? I hope it's to a place as grand as Sky City here in South Africa. It's so beautiful there," she mused.
Ethan's response was matter-of-fact. "Yes, we're relocating in three weeks. Most of the equipment is already packed. But Sky City is out of the question—it's swarming with Magic Federation agents."
In the yellow room, Ethan's device hummed as it scanned Mia's mana veins. "You're in good shape. It seems that all subjects beyond number 20 are experiencing gene rejection. Only the first 20 have fully integrated the elven and dwarven DNA," he concluded, his mind already racing with the implications. "It looks like I'll need to create 36 artificial mana veins for the others. It's clear they'll face rejection too."
Lost in thought, Ethan barely registered Mia's voice until she raised it. "Hey! Don't just ignore me," she exclaimed, pulling him back to the present with a mix of annoyance and concern etched on her face.
Ethan, now a formidable three-star Mage at just 14, had become the paragon of Black Wind's top ranks, his growth outshining even Casper's. His talents were finally blooming, a fact that didn't escape Mia's notice. "Yeah, by the way, these results show you've improved a lot lately. It's only a matter of time until you enter the ranks. You're finally showcasing that talent of yours, huh?" Ethan remarked, a hint of pride in his voice.
Mia responded with a laugh, her pride evident. "Hmm! It seems you're finally realizing my brilliance, ha ha ha," she boasted, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "I'll forgive you this time," she added magnanimously.
The winds of change were blowing for Black Wind, which had called Iron City home for two decades. Now, as the children reached their teens, they faced a future shaped by Victor's original plan—being sold to other organizations or individuals for profit. Their next destination was Auraravle, once known as Free State, where an auction for Subjects 33, 46, 19, and Jake would unfold under Victor's directive.
In the midst of their conversation, Elaine's telepathic message reached Ethan, pulling his attention away from Mia. "Ethan, get Joy ready. You two will depart separately from us. Remember, no mistakes," she instructed.
"Yes," Ethan replied, his expression shifting subtly—a change that Mia picked up on. "Do you think they'll sell me too?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Ethan remained silent, his thoughts heavy with the responsibility of the mission Elaine had entrusted to him—a mission known only to him and Elaine, not even to Joy herself. "It won't reach that point. We will succeed," he assured himself silently.
Mia, sensing the gravity of the moment, attempted to lighten the mood with a laugh. "Nevermind," she said, her laughter echoing in the space between them. Then, Ethan boldly proclaimed, "As your boyfriend, I will save you."
Ethan, his cheeks warming with a rare blush, could only nod. "I know," Mia whispered, pressing a quick kiss on his lips before darting ahead, leaving Ethan to watch her go, her words a balm to the unease that lingered in his heart.
The dawn of their mission had arrived, and with it, Ethan and Joy parted ways with Black Wind, mounting a compact air bike that hummed beneath them. Their destination was Pretoria, the heart of Frost Pharmaceuticals and the abode of the enigmatic Victor.
"We have a house to infiltrate, to retrieve certain... sensitive items," Ethan instructed, handing Joy a talisman that shimmered with Simple Runes written over it. "This will mask your appearance and mana signature as one of our fallen experiments."
Joy, her curiosity piqued, ventured a guess. "Incriminating data, perhaps? We must present it to Elaine before the auction in six weeks." Ethan's silence was his only reply as they journeyed on.
Upon arrival at a modest hotel, the clerk cast a knowing glance at the young pair. "Kids these days, so young, yet they've seen so much of life," he mused, his eyes lingering on Joy's distinctive features. "That girl, with her yellow eyes and dark skin... Must be a half-elf to have ears like that. Lucky guy," he muttered under his breath.
"We'll rest here for tonight," Ethan declared, ignoring Joy's playful jab about potential jealousy from a Mia. His focus remained unswayed, his mind already on the tasks ahead.
As the new day broke, they departed the hotel with the rising sun. "We'll start by learning our target's patterns—a week of surveillance," Ethan stated, his fingers deftly manipulating his armor to project a holographic image.
Joy gasped, recognizing the figures in the projection. "Isn't that... Victor and his daughter Sharon?" she whispered, but Ethan's hush was swift and firm.
"The others are irrelevant. You'll administer the poison to his wife using that potion. I have the ingredients you'll need," he said, his expression grave, his voice carrying the weight of their grim undertaking.
Joy's thoughts raced, piecing together Elaine's machinations. "So this is her plan... I knew she changed a year before Ethan arrived, but to this extent..." Despite the revelation, she found solace in the thought of their eventual escape.
As they donned the talismans, inscribed with simple runes, their forms shifted, disguising them as specters of Elaine's past experiments—a necessary guise for the dark deed that lay ahead.
Ethan is transported 100 years later to the future after a dimensional rift imploded right next to him, where he is found by Elaine the Leader of Black Wind an underground organisation conducting experiments on children. Ethan's exposure to a dense mana surge on the day of the rifts' arrival led Ethan to undergo a change into a new being.
Amidst this backdrop, we follow the journey of Ethan, as he ventures in this new world where magic exists and the technology is thriving.
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