Nathaniel's Espionage: Dr. Calloway's Secrets

Chapter 32: The Chosen Weapons

Cedric, the leader of CHROME, stood before the gathered agents in the dimly lit training hall, his presence commanding as always. With the ancient weapons finally in their possession, the next step in the battle against Dr. Calloway and his web of corruption depended on choosing the right people to wield these relics. And today, it was time for Nathaniel and Rain to find their match.

"Listen closely," Cedric's voice boomed through the room, silencing the agents' chatter. "You don't pick the weapon. It picks you. If you try to force it, things can go bad—very bad. Like last week with Winzy's little... incident."

Winzy, the tall, muscular agent who looked like he belonged on a bodybuilding magazine cover, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Natasha, sitting next to him, smirked. "Yeah, nothing says a fun day like almost getting turned into a medieval knight mid-battle. Good times."

"That armor was ridiculous," Winzy muttered. "I couldn't even scratch my nose."

Vivian giggled from her spot across the room, swinging her legs like a kid in a candy store. "You looked like a metal burrito, Winzy! I mean, full body armor is cool and all, but no one mentioned you'd look like you came straight out of a Renaissance fair!" Her bubbly personality was always a source of humor, even in the tensest moments.

"Anyway," Cedric cleared his throat, pulling the room's focus back. "The ancient weapons call out to their wielders. Natasha, for example, has the Skotadi—an ancient cursed katana." Natasha pulled the sleek, black sword from its sheath, the blade glinting ominously under the dim lights. "It's not just a sword. It speaks to her. Guides her in combat."

Natasha gave a cool nod, the edge of her lips curling in a grin as if the blade was an extension of her very being. "Yeah, just your average, everyday katana with a dark mind of its own."

"And Winzy," Cedric continued, "wields Achanis. It's more than a sword. It transforms its wielder into a walking tank of armor. Almost unstoppable—if you can control it."

"Almost crushed myself when I activated it the first time," Winzy admitted with a sheepish smile.

Vivian chimed in again, twirling her beam gun in her hand. "And I've got 'Danger,' the coolest beam gun ever! Pew pew! You wouldn't believe the damage this baby can do. Like, last time, I took down a whole wall just trying to scare off a—"

"Alright, alright," Cedric cut her off, shaking his head but unable to hide the faintest smile. "We get it, Vivian."

Vivian beamed, clearly proud of her weapon's destructive power.

"Now it's Nathaniel and Rain's turn," Cedric said, turning toward them. The air shifted in the room, tension rising as Nathaniel and Rain stood before the table filled with ancient weapons and relics. Their destinies awaited them, but only the right item would choose them.

"Go on, Nathaniel," Cedric said. "You first."

Nathaniel stepped forward, his gaze scanning the various weapons and items before him. His eyes landed on a crown-shaped artifact made of polished black metal—its surface shimmering like liquid night. The 'King.'

He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing the cold surface before picking it up. As he placed it on his head, for a brief second, everything felt right. The power, the authority—he could feel it humming in his veins.

But that moment of connection vanished just as quickly. A sharp, searing pain shot through Nathaniel's skull. His vision blurred, his knees buckled, and he gripped the sides of his head as if it were about to split open.

"Get it off him!" Cedric shouted.

Natasha leapt forward, yanking the crown from Nathaniel's head with a single swift motion. The pain immediately subsided, leaving Nathaniel gasping for breath, his body trembling.

"That... was unpleasant," Nathaniel said, trying to shake off the dizziness.

Vivian jumped up from her seat, clapping. "Awww, too bad, Nate! I thought you were gonna be King for a second there! But you know what they say—crowns are heavy, and clearly, your head's not ready for that responsibility!"

Nathaniel shot her a dry look. "Thanks for the encouragement, Viv."

Cedric let out a small sigh of relief. "It's alright, Nathaniel. The crown wasn't meant for you. Take some rest before you try again. Sometimes, the right weapon takes time to reveal itself."

Nathaniel nodded, stepping back from the table. The headache still lingered, but he wasn't about to let it keep him down. He glanced over at Rain, who stood ready to make her choice.

Rain walked up to the table, her eyes scanning the relics. Among the swords, daggers, and shields, a small object caught her attention. A pair of delicate earrings, each adorned with a pearl-like stone glowing faintly in the dim light. 'Sakura.'

Cedric noticed her eyes locking onto the earrings. "Ah, Sakura," he said, his voice soft with reverence. "Those earrings are said to hold the power of a sea dragon's pearl. Whoever wears them can control fluids—water, blood, anything that flows. It's a dangerous power, but in the right hands..."

Rain picked them up gently, feeling a strange warmth radiating from the pearls. Without hesitation, she put the earrings on. A faint, cool breeze seemed to wrap around her as if the air itself was responding to her presence. A calm, controlled power hummed beneath her skin.

Vivian, of course, couldn't resist. "Ooooh, look at you, Rain! Water-bender vibes! You could totally be the next big thing in hydration! Or, you know, take down armies with a blood wave."

Rain raised an eyebrow, giving her a sidelong glance. "Not sure that's how I plan to use it, Viv. But thanks."

"You're welcome!" Vivian grinned.

Cedric stepped forward, nodding his approval. "It seems Sakura has chosen you, Rain. With time, you'll learn to control its full potential. But remember—it's not just about power. It's about balance."

Rain's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'll do my best."

As the agents began to disperse, Cedric gave Nathaniel a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Rest up, Nathaniel. The right weapon will find you soon."

Nathaniel nodded, watching as Rain tested her newfound power, sending small ripples through a bottle of water. He couldn't help but smile, despite the headache still throbbing in his skull. At least one of them had found their calling.

Vivian skipped over, joining them. "Hey, Nathaniel, you know what they say—when one crown doesn't fit, maybe you're destined for something cooler. Like, I don't know, a magic cape or laser boots or something!"

Nathaniel chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, Viv. Maybe."

As the team left the hall, the weight of their next mission hung in the air. But for now, Nathaniel and Rain walked side by side, knowing that they were one step closer to facing the battle ahead—together, and with powers they never dreamed possible.