After leaving Astron to train on his own, Dakota made her way to the Anchor's office once again. She needed his approval for the next phase of Astron's training—the use of the Chamber.
The Chamber was a place designed to push Awakened to their absolute limits, a place where the extreme conditions and rigorous simulations tested every aspect of their abilities.
Dakota entered the office, her expression resolute. "Sir Steelclad, I need your permission for Astron to use the Chamber."
The Anchor looked up from his desk, his brows furrowing. "The Chamber? That's not something to be taken lightly, Dakota. You know the risks involved."
"I understand the risks," Dakota replied, her voice steady. "But I believe this will greatly increase his prowess and push him to get better faster. He has the potential, and the Chamber will help him unlock it."
Steelclad studied her for a moment, his eyes thoughtful. After a pause, a smile slowly formed on his lips. "You're really invested in this one, aren't you?"
"He's special," Dakota said simply. "And he needs this opportunity." She said while looking resolute. "Just like me, the organization is the same, is it not? The amount of resources that was given to him is already too much, so I want to make it worth it."
Steelclad nodded, his smile widening. "Very well. You have my consent."
Dakota allowed herself a small smile of relief and gratitude. "Thank you."
As she turned to leave the room, she heard Steelclad's voice behind her, tinged with something. "Dakota. When did you become like this?"
She stopped and turned back to face him, her expression thoughtful. "Like what?"
But as the words left her mouth, she suddenly saw his eyes turn black. Countless different pupils swirled within them, like serpents writhing in a pit.
Dakota felt a wave of intimidation wash over her, a sensation unlike anything she had ever experienced. Her skin burned as if set on fire, and an overwhelming sensation of insects crawling under her flesh made her shiver uncontrollably. Pain surged through her being, sharp and intense as if her very soul was being torn apart.
Steelclad's voice cut through the haze of agony, cold and authoritative. "You think of Astron as a mere tool, a means to fulfill what Elias failed to achieve. Your ambition blinds you, Dakota."
She tried to speak, but the pain was too intense. Every breath felt like a struggle, every moment an eternity of suffering.
"You request something that requires immense willpower," Steelclad continued, his gaze piercing into her soul. "With the amount of training the boy is already undergoing, this could easily backfire. You have no idea the depths of pain he would endure. The pain you're feeling now is but a fraction of what he would face."
Dakota's knees buckled under the weight of his words and the unbearable sensation, but she forced herself to remain standing. The intensity of Steelclad's power was overwhelming, a stark reminder of his true capabilities.
"Do not let your greed blind you," Steelclad scolded. "Everything in this world has a limit. That kid, Astron, is not just a vessel for your ambitions. He is a person with his own strengths and weaknesses."
With a final, searing glance, Steelclad's eyes returned to normal, and the excruciating sensations vanished as quickly as they had come. Dakota gasped for breath, the lingering echoes of pain making her limbs tremble.
Steelclad's voice softened slightly, but his words were no less stern. "Remember that, Dakota. Do not push him beyond his limits, or you will lose him. Train him, guide him, but never forget his humanity."
Dakota nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes, sir. I understand."
She left the office, her mind reeling from the encounter. Steelclad's warning echoed in her thoughts, a stark reminder of the fine line she walked between ambition and responsibility.
On the other hand, after she left, the Steelclad looked thoughtful in his seat. He looked into the small hologram of the young man with purple eyes training.
"Never make him forget his humanity, or else this place will be in ruins."
Remembering "His" words, he could not help but shake his head.
'What is it that even "He" is afraid of? Even making "The One" afraid. Just who are you, young man?'
He could not help but be curious about the whole thing surrounding him, yet he remained seated.
'The time will tell.'
********
'What was I thinking?'
Dakota thought as she reflected on her past actions and how she had behaved. She realized how immature she was. While she indeed thought that she would need to push his limits to make him stronger, was this the right way?
What had she just said? Was that really a good thing? What if she were to push him from herself? Could she really call herself his master, then?
She knew she needed to tread carefully to balance her drive to push Astron to his full potential with the understanding of his limits.
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