Cronos: The Orion Project

Chapter 8

One month later...

The first operation was over. The children were left with a feeling of accomplishment while Orion Industries' medical team, on the other hand, was beyond stressed. Their magic training began today and they would note every single detail that would manifest itself.

Once they had recovered, they were thrust straight into training. Desir, Orion's resident magical expert, had begun their instruction. She taught them the most basic of spells. She did not teach them anything beyond a basic offensive and defensive spell.

       She tapped her finger against her elbow, an impatient look creeped its way on to her face. "You may be but children, but I expect you all to do your very best. As of right now, I am witnessing nothing but disgraceful attempts!" She bellowed at them.

The training room they had been using for the past two weeks was turned into something that resembled a war zone. Small craters dotted every part of the room. They were all breathing heavily and their hands were shaking.

"M-Ma'am, can we....take a break?" Jackson panted.

"No! You are going to get this done right or I will make sure you all stay here for the next three weeks! So get back to it!" She brushed some of her blonde hair out of her eyes, sitting down near the entrance of the room.

Devon leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. His arms felt like someone had tried to pry them off while his hands were pulsing with a numbness he had never experienced before. He didn't know, nor care, how many times he had tried what was supposed to be a spell for beginners. The pain mixed with the numbing sensation made him want to pass out.

"Ma'am, my hands feel numb and my arms hurt." Devon complained.

"And? That is the consequence of unlocking your affinity at such an early age. Had you matured more, you would not be feeling anything. So suck it up and get back to it." She uncaringly said. The blank stare she gave him made him rush back to his training.

      Devon took a stance, his right foot forward with his left foot back. He extended his arms as far as he could without the mixture of pain and numbness making him cringe. "I call upon the spirits of this world, those who dwell within the skies, heed my call!" He yelled.

      Air quickly gathered around his hands like a miniature tornado. His hair whipped back at its sudden appearance, slightly blocking his eyes. He pulled his arms back before he pushed them forward, sending a thin wave of wind hurtling towards a wooden target on the other side of the room. It shattered into dozens of little splinters, scattering across the floor.

"My my, it seems that you can do it. Good work, boy." Desir said with apt interest. "Now, do it again on the the other four targets over there."

"But, ma'am I-"

"Ah ah, no back talk. Just do it exactly as you did now. I shall watch you and guide you once you are ready."

     Devon sighed as he took his stance again. His arms ached and he could not feel his hands anymore. Sweat trickled down his face as he was about to chant again. Desir stopped him, forcing him to lower his arms. "You do not need to stand like that. It does nothing for you but make you look like a fool. Stand up straight and only extend your right arm."

"But ma'am, I can't-"

"Silence! Do as you're told, child." She said, glaring at the target.

"Yes ma'am." He straightened his posture and raised his right arm. His hand pointed at the targets. His hand shook rapidly as he tried to control his ragged breathing. She grabbed a hold of his shoulders, rubbing them slightly.

"You control the very air around you, child. Calm and compose yourself. You shall see greater results by doing so." Devon took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. As he did, an odd feeling of relaxation flowed over him. His arms became less tense and he could feel his fingers once again.

"Good, very good! Keep a hold of that feeling. Let the wind whisk away your tension, your fear, your uncertainty. Now, witness what you have accomplished and show me what you can really do. Destroy them all." She said, pointing at the targets.

    Devon focused on nothing but the targets before him. All noise was filtered out and his surroundings disappeared from his sight. The only thing he felt was the air around him, swirling and flowing throughout the room. "I call upon the spirits of this world, those who dwell within the skies, heed my call!" 

     The small tornado morphed into a sphere as it encircled his hand. He flexed his fingers, sending five blades of air soaring at the targets, destroying each one after the other until none remained. He blinked a few times, gazing between his hand the splintered remains of the targets. "Very good child, remarkable even. You have done well. You may take a break now." Desir said.

"Y-yes ma'am." He said quietly. Rose walked over to him, grabbing his hand. "That was awesome Dev! How'd you do that?!" She asked excitedly. "I just listened to her and it just happened I guess."

"Thorne! Get back to it! This is no social event!" Desir bellowed. Rose jumped with an 'eep!', running back to her side of the room. Devon sat on the ground, leaning against the wall, breathing heavily. Doctor Seraph walked up to him, offering a bottled water to him. Devon thanked him and gulped it down in seconds.

"What was your first time wielding magic of this...caliber, like young one?" He asked. Devon looked at him, trying to gather his thoughts. He watched as his sister threw a fireball like a football at a target, setting it ablaze. "It was...exciting, and yet, kind of scary."

"Oh? Do tell." Seraph said, sitting next to him. Devon watched his friends as he continued.

"It was scary with how de...distruct....destruct...."

"Destructive?"

"Yeah, that. I didn't think I could do that to anything. Is that normal? Like, should we be that strong right now?" Devon asked, his eyes filled with fear and curiosity.

"Well, with the first operation, we forcibly unlocked your affinity at a much earlier age than what is natural. At the same time, we also modified them. We made them stronger, gave them the ability to store more magic, and amplified your natural abilities. So yes, this is normal for you all. However, if you were to encounter any other child outside this facility, you would be leagues above them." Seraph said, ruffling his hair a bit.

"So, this is normal?" Devon asked again. Seraph chuckled as he stood up. He watched the other children using their own magic to destroy the few remaining targets. "Yes, this is normal for you all. Now then, keep up the good work miss Warlock. I shall leave them in your care for the rest of the day." He said, walking out of the room."

"Of course Doctor. Alright children! Let us begin your defensive lessons now. Pay attention once more and you shall yield similar results." Desir said, pushing some of her long, golden locks out of her eyes.

     Devon stared at the door where Seraph walked out. Wondering just how strong he could become with the modifications he had been given. He held out his hand, summoning the air to his palm. "Thorne! Get over here! I shall not repeat myself!" Desir barked. He visible flinched at her sudden outburst as ran to the group.

"Y-Yes ma'am!"