Chapter 11 : Dark Forge

Inside one of the interrogation rooms, two individuals occupied the space. The first was a woman, adorned in the pristine white of a lab coat, her short auburn hair framing her face. Opposite her sat a young boy with pail skin and dark, unruly hair.

"We meet again, Dr. Donovan," Kai greeted, his voice calm, and a smile gracing his lips

Yet, Dr. Donovan remained silent, her gaze fixed on the boy seated before her. Something was wrong . This person who now sat across from her was unlike the individual she had encountered earlier.

His calmness, the way he spoke, his behavioral patterns, they were all different

Especially his appearance because of the nature of her job, she was accustomed to meet meeting incredibly beautiful awakened. In fact all the awakened were very good looking people, The boy in front of her wasn't the most outstanding in terms of appearance. But yet, for some reason she couldn't look away

There was just something about him that just demanded attention

" What happened after you disappeared?"

After snapping out of her trance, she posed a question

"I definitely can't tell them about Azrael " kai thought

After the strict warnings he was given, Kai  was racking his brain on how he would outsmart the woman who could supposedly who couldn't be lied to

Kai chose his words carefully, allowing him to neither reveal the truth about Azrael nor lie outright.

"Well, Dr. Donovan, when I disappeared, I found myself in a place I couldn't recognize. It was like a completely different world, and I had no idea how I got there. I was disoriented and lost, trying to make sense of my surroundings.  it felt like I was in some sort of dream, and I couldn't grasp the details clearly."

He didn't mention Azrael or any specifics, providing a vague yet truthful response that kept the truth concealed.

"Was the shadow with you? "

Dr donovan asked

" Yes, yes It was "

Fearing any risky follow up question, Kai continued

" It didn't speak much, It kept saying things that I could barely understand. Among the many things it said. the most important one was that it claimed responsibility for my inability to my powers."

"Something about me not being... Worthy"

For the first time, Dr donovan's expression changed, visible shock was on her face

" What happened then? "

Dr. Donovan listened with growing intrigue, her scientific curiosity piqued by the mysterious nature of Kai's encounter. The concept of a Curse rejecting its user was indeed a unique phenomenon. Besides every word he said was the truth

"It changed it's mind I guess"

" I am a very convincing person "

Kai said with a sly smile

Dr. Donovan, ever the inquisitive scientist, probed further. "Is that how you got that thing on your head?"

As she questioned him, Kai's gaze shifted upward, focusing on the magnificent black crown hovering above him. It radiated an ominous aura. He attempted to touch it, but his hand simply passed through as if it were intangible.

" I think it suits me. What do you think, Dr. Donovan?" Kai inquired, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Without directly responding to his comment, Dr. Donovan proceeded with her questions. "Do you know what it does?"

Kai's expression shifted, and he turned to face a large glass mirror, aware that he was being watched from the other side. He couldn't see through the mirror, but he knew it concealed someone on the other end.

"Why don't I just show you?" he proposed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Behind the glass, several observers monitored the proceedings, and among them was the White Lion, the Director of the Order.

Director Jacobs pushed a small button and spoke , "Proceed to the training ground."

*******

The training ground was a vast, open area located within the secure confines of the Order's headquarters. Enclosed by towering concrete walls, it provided a controlled environment for training and assessing the abilities of the Gifted and the Cursed.

At the center of the training ground was a large, circular arena with a smooth, polished surface that seemed to shimmer under the sunlight. The arena's surface was marked with various geometric patterns and symbols that were used to assist in the testing and demonstration of abilities

The perimeter of the training ground was equipped with various facilities and structures to cater to different training needs. This included observation platforms for observers and trainers, medical stations for emergencies, and a control room with advanced monitoring equipment to analyze data in real-time.

Kai, standing at the center of the training ground, surveyed the impressive facilities around him. The sprawling arena and the variety of training tools available certainly left a strong impression.

He muttered to himself, "This place never ceases to amaze me."

The voice of Director Jacobs, relayed through a nearby speaker, caught Kai's attention. "We will deploy some training dummies for you to practice with. Their level has been set to something an awakened like yourself can easily handle. But don't underestimate them. Just tell us when you're ready."

Kai nodded in acknowledgment and took a deep breath, ready to demonstrate his newfound abilities.

Kai, standing in the training ground, lightly tapped the screen on his watch. This wasn't an ordinary timepiece; it was a sophisticated device intricately linked to his body and mind. The moment it adorned his wrist, it seamlessly synced with him, becoming an extension of himself.

In his pursuit to gain trust, the information displayed on the watch was accessible to only him, and, of course, the director. This level of exclusivity made it the next best thing to ensuring secrecy and security.

====status=====

Name : Malakai Blackwell

Potential rank : Fallen

Current rank : Awakened

Strength : 10

Speed : 10

Stamina : 10

Intelligence : 10

Charm : 15

Curse energy level : 10,000

Curse : Dark Forge

Curse description :

In a realm shrouded in eternal darkness, where light dares not intrude, the blacksmith forges weapons of war. This place takes the form of a majestic crown, a somber tribute to its former master, the Fallen King. It awaits the next Dark Forger to wield its powers.

Dark forge armory :

The shadow blade:

The Fallen King bestows upon you an ancient blade, a relic with the power to cut what cannot be cut. No matter the size or strength of your target, this blade can through it However, It can also access once you have named it.

Flaw : The haunting

The soul of a legendary being has been wandering the earth for centuries refusing to pass on. He suddenly binds himself to you, but is this powerful entity friend or foe?

Seeing all this information for the first time Kai stagger slightly, he was completely overwhelmed

"That's .... That's a lot to take in"

The word "Fallen" hung over him, poised to change his life forever. As he absorbed the revelation that he was the most powerful of all the cursed, Kai couldn't help but feel a surge of triumphant laughter. His relentless pursuit of power had finally borne fruit.

"Good things really do come to those who wait," he mused, savoring the newfound strength coursing through his veins.

Yet, amid his elation, a haunting truth began to gnaw at him. Azrael's revelations about his own heartlessness, the orphans, and the jealousy he harbored made him confront the monster within. It was then that Kai resolved to ensure the orphans would live on through him, every last one of them.

And then randomly he remembered watching the dark knight rises with Jeremy, the little boy with glasses in the orphanage, the little boy always had a soft spot for misunderstood villains, And his favorite was the main antagonist of that particular movie

And with that a sudden thought flashed through Kai's mind

"I guess that could work"

Kai said with a smile

"I am ready, Director," Kai announced, his newfound determination etching across his

And almost immediately mechanical humanoid figures were released onto the training ground and their sights were all set on Kai, dashing forward at full speed

They had malicious intent towards the young boy

However, Kai stated calm, he slowly outstretched his arm and with his eyes glowing Red, he uttered the words

"Come forth..... Bane"