New opportunity

The expression of Men in Black had softened a bit after they found out about his mother's identity.

"We'd heard that your mother went to the world outside and went missing 20 years back. Has she returned yet?" Jace asked.

Ayan shook his head in dismay. "No, she's been out of contact for the last 15 years."

"Your mother was the coldest and the most popular woman in the entire organization. Most strong guys went after her trying to court her, especially hoping her abilities would pass down to their children. But she ignored all of them. In fact, she cut off a guy's finger once because he wouldn't stop nagging her and even dared to touch her. After that, no one dared to mess with her," Kane chuckled.

"The only thing she cared about was improving herself and becoming stronger. But she was always on the lookout for Tejas, though. She'd challenge him every chance she got, but his abilities—being geared towards the light—seemed tailor-made to counter her shadow abilities. He beat her every single time. People thought maybe they'd end up together, but Tejas? He was even more of an enigma. He had barely spoken any words with other and was silent unless absolutely necessary. So, you can imagine how curious we all were about the man who actually managed to win her over."

Kane then leaned in. "Can you tell us about your father?"

Ayan's face darkened. "I don't even know who my father is," he said, his voice carrying a trace of bitterness.

Both Kane and Jace sighed in unison.

Kane spoke in a disappointed tone. "If you had awakened the abilities like her, there was a high chance for you to pass the examination. But without such abilities, it's just too difficult."

His tone turned inquisitive again. "So, why were the mafia after you?"

Ayan recounted his ordeal—the mafia's interest in his bloodline and his daring escape.

Jace whistled and praised him. "You've got guts, kid. Escaping a mafia stronghold by holding their leader's daughter hostage? Surviving Black Hound Tang's chase? That sounds like something straight out of a story."

"Thank goodness, you didn't give in to the temptation. Otherwise, if they had extracted the bloodline power out of you, it would be a disaster. Just imagining having to face the assassins with the shadow abilities gives a chill up my spine."

"They wouldn't have let you leave this easily if they clearly knew about the bloodline you carried. It's better if you don't speak about your lineage carelessly from now on," he warned.

Kane spoke cautiously, "There might still be a chance for you to awaken your bloodline."

Ayan's heart skipped a beat. "How?" he asked looking at Kane expectantly.

"The organization is testing a new intensive six-month training program designed to help with bloodline awakenings. They're looking for people with unawakened bloodlines to try this. If the higher-ups confirm your lineage, you might be allowed to join," Kane explained. "But be warned—it's highly dangerous. It's still in the testing phase and you'll be one of the first ones to go through it so anything's possible."

Ayan said with a determined tone. "I'm willing to go through it if it helps me awaken my bloodline."

Kane nodded. "Alright, I'll help you apply for it but whether you're allowed or not depends upon the higher-ups."

Then, as if remembering something, Ayan asked, "How does the organization—or even the mafia—make their people stronger?"

Jace and Kane exchanged a look before Kane replied, "It looks like you got a bit of confidential information. We don't know what methods the mafia uses but there are methods with which one can cultivate their inner energies becoming stronger with time. But you need a special environment, resources, and methods for it. Only a few official rangers who passed the examination have access to it. That's why the ranger's exam is such a powerful draw—people with monstrous talent dedicate years of their lives just for a shot at it."

"The 6-month intensive program will probably start within a few months. In the meanwhile, it's dangerous for you to stay outside—the mafia might be on the lookout for you." Jace warned. "It's better if you stay with us during this time."

Jace then added with a serious look, "If you have other family members or something that the mafia can use against you, make sure they're safe—it's better to be safe than sorry."

Ayan quickly tried to contact his uncle. Fortunately, this time he got through, and they connected online. He started by asking about their well-being, hiding the urgency in his voice.

"Uncle, I've learned that my mother was part of this secret organization, and I've decided to join it too—for now," Ayan said in a soft, steady tone, carefully weaving a story.

He told a half-truth: that he had gotten tangled in a conflict between the mafia and the organization, though he left out key details. He urged his uncle to change their location and take precautions.

His uncle, Samuel, took it all calmly.

"Don't worry about us. We'll relocate and switch identities. I'd been planning to take Tsering on a trip anyway. But you—being caught in a mess between the mafia and the organization—stay sharp and be more careful," he said, his voice calm but concerned.

Ayan hesitated for a moment, thinking about his grandparents and their attacker's identity, but decided not to talk about them just yet.

Before ending the call, his uncle added, "And if possible, try to get more information on your mother and father. There are still things we don't know."

They chatted briefly about small things before ending the call.

-----

The next day, Kane came to meet Ayan with important news about the six-month training program. "The higher-ups have agreed to let you participate in the intensive program."

He took out a file of papers and handed it to Ayan. "Here's the agreement you need to sign for the participation. Take your time and go through it carefully before signing," he said leaving the decision at his discretion.

Ayan read the contract agreement carefully and frowned his brows.

The terms were vague and unsettling. The document only briefly mentioned the scope and purpose of the experiment, but made sure to highlight the withdrawal clauses and the potential risks—physical, psychological, and emotional. The part that stood out most was a clear disclaimer: the organization would not be held responsible for death due to unknown causes.

The rest of the contract was meticulously detailed about confidentiality, medical support, monetary compensation, emergency procedures, legal considerations and other miscellaneous details like any other standard contract.