(Before their discharge from the hospital, the four young men were ushered into the private office of Dr. Elias Grant for a comprehensive debriefing, the room a sanctuary of clinical precision amid the sterile corridors—beige walls lined with framed diplomas, a cluttered desk piled high with patient files, anatomical models, and glowing computer screens displaying MRI scans and bloodwork graphs. Dr. Grant, a seasoned veteran in his late 60s, sat poised behind the desk: balding pate fringed with thinning gray hair, keen brown eyes magnified by half-moon glasses, clad in standard-issue blue scrubs beneath a starched white coat embroidered with his credentials. As Renji, Damien, Soren, and Jiwon settled into the padded chairs arranged in a semi-circle opposite him—postures relaxed yet alert after weeks of recovery—he cleared his throat with authoritative gravitas, steepling his fingers.)
"Thank you, gentlemen, for taking the time to meet with me," (he commenced, his voice a measured baritone honed by decades of patient consultations.) "As you're all aware, our team provided care following your... injuries upon arrival. Notably, Mr. Kurose and Mr. Fuller showed healing rates that defied conventional medical expectations while Mr. Valenhardt and Mr. Han progressed at more standard paces."
(Renji and Damien exchanged a fleeting glance, their eyes locking in shared intrigue, before Damien leaned forward, elbows on knees, clearing his throat with a gravelly rumble.) "What exactly do you mean he and I healed faster than normal?"
(Dr. Grant met Damien's gaze steadily, adjusting his glasses with a nudge of his index finger before clearing his throat once more.) "That's the reason of our discussion today. During the repair of your organs we encountered anomalies: two black organs embedded side by side, precisely replacing your adrenal glands on top of your kidneys."
(A weighted pause descended, the air thick with anticipation, as the doctor retrieved a manila folder from his desk's center, flipping it open to reveal annotated diagrams, histological slides, and lab readouts illuminated under desk lamp glow.) "These structures were abnormal and attempts to remove them triggered near death before we left them alone. Suprising diagnostics unveiled a astonishing physiology unique to you two."
"Your glands release adrenaline at concentrations that bewilder our staff," (he expounded, pivoting his attention fluidly between Renji and Damien as Jiwon and Soren absorbed every focus with silent focus.) "During the stitching, a surgeon's scalpel slipped and your blood spilt even more. Your glands responded instantaneously, releasing a new set of adrenaline."
"Now should I go into more detail or?" (The doctor raised an eyebrow and Damien immediately nodded.) "We would like that."
"Very well," (Dr. Grant affirmed, reclining slightly, gesturing to projected scans on his monitor.) "Your heart rate increased to levels that we would consider unhealthy at a rate of 450 beats per minute. At first we thought we were going to lose you but we noticed something interesting, your heart seemed fine even though it pumped at that much. We allowed you two to rest and extracted some blood to run tests on."
"We found that during that high heart rate state, your epinephrine levels were similar to that of an active horse, at first that looked dangerous but we also saw that your body was capable of handling that. We then looked at your heart, we cut it up a bit and it looked normal, we then used a microscopic instrument and what we saw was interesting."
(Dr. Grant cleared his throat.) "Surprisingly at a microscopic level, your heart has evolved to a level where you can hit those high rates without a problem. While we were astonished by the results we looked at your new adrenal glands and surprisingly because of them you heal faster as well."
"So since with your high amount of adrenaline we are suspecting that your body is more accustomed to more physical activities but you burn up faster and need larger amounts of rest and food from what we suspect. I'm guessing you two have been feeling more hungry recently?"
(Renji slowly nodded, as the doctor continued.) "That's good, now with further studying of your body. We saw that your body is actually surprisingly accustomed to your body at such a microscopic level that we are astonished. So basically you two can be considered the strongest humans when you adrenal glands are activated."
"Is that all?" (Soren interjected.)
"Actually not at all, when we were fixing you up. We also found out that your new set of adrenal glands are a set of two extra smaller hearts in each of you both. So meaning that you have a body that is quite an interesting biological weapon." (The doctor's eyes glinted with restrained excitement before professionalism returned.) "You have three hearts, lungs that at a microscopic level are accustomed to levels of rapid breathing. Healing so quick that you can be considered near immortal and some other aspects of your physical properties that we don't know."
"So we would recommend that you come in for weekly check ups to learn more about your bodies, eat above five thousand calories a day and sleep for about twelve to fifteen hours a day."
(Damien and Renji just stared, expressions unreadable but eyes narrowed in thought. Soren slowly stood up first.) "Well thank you, we will make sure to bring them with time."
(The other three rose and exited the doctor's office, walking the bright hospital hallways lined with beeping monitors and curious patients. They passed by other patients who looked onto them—men stared in admiration, jealousy, or both; women starstruck, whispers trailing. The previous world had shifted them further: skin radiating like inner suns, almost flawless angelic perfection in human form. They glided through the lobby and out into the warm sunlight.)
"Well that was interesting, so you guys are alien's now?" (Jiwon muttered as he looked over towards the two, with a playful glint in his eyes.)
"Could be, I don't know. Let's just go home." (Damien intoned impassively as he began to walk, the other three following in silence before they reached their apartment complex.)
"Shit, we were gone for two months. No one could have made a payment." (Jiwon immediately said. Soren narrowed his eyes and walked inside to the reception desk.) "Excuse me, I have a question about of one the rooms."
(The receptionist startled at Soren's voice, her gaze meeting his piercing gray eyes, breath quickening.) "Y-yes, w-what can-" (She cleared her throat, professionalism kicking in.) "What can I do for you?"
"Room 3 on the third floor, has there been any missed payments?"
(She typed quickly, glancing up.) "Not as of recent, the only time there was a missed payment was two years ago."
"HUH?!" (Jiwon intoned with raised eyebrows, having followed inside.)
(The woman's gaze fell onto Jiwon and she cleared her throat.) "There were four tenants before but they-"
"It's fine." (Renji muttered as he raised up a hand to stop her from continuing.) "Let's just leave."
(Soren and Jiwon looked skeptical before turning away, followed by Renji and Damien.) "Now where should we go?" (Soren asked Renji, as they walked down the sidewalk, cars passed by.)
"I have a family in Miami, we can g-"
(The other three stopped and stared at Renji like he'd spoken gibberish.) "What?" (Renji asked as he glanced over his shoulders and continued walking.)
"You have fa-" (Damien started before Renji cut him off.) "Just follow me."
(They walked the busy streets, Renji leading to a sleek high-rise building with glass facades and uniformed doormen. Inside the marble lobby, he cleared his throat at the receptionist.) "Excuse me, do Mr. and Mrs. Kurose still live here?"
(The receptionist studied Renji before responding.) "They currently live here. Why do you ask? Are you their child by any chance?"
(Renji nodded and the receptionist picked up the phone, conversed briefly, then hung up.) "They will be here."
(Less than ten minutes later, the elevator dinged. Out stepped a stern Asian man with yellow eyes and white hair, alongside a blonde woman with blue eyes. She rushed forward immediately.) "MY BABY!"
(Renji narrowed his eyes almost annoyed but accepted the hug without much resistance.) "Hi mom." (The man approached, staring deep into Renji's eyes.) "What is it you need?"
"My friends and I are homeless."
"That's unfortunate."
"Very unfortunate."
(They stared silently as the woman kept hugging Renji.)
"Do you want me to buy you the new empty condo upstairs from your mother's and I's condo?"
"I would like that."
"Alright give me a second." (Renji's father turned to the receptionist.) "You heard us, I would like to purchase the condo above mine."
(The receptionist stared shocked before typing with a face of shaky professionalism.) "Cash or credit?"
"Cash." (Renji's father spoke with a serene expression similar to that of Renji's.)
"Alright sir, I will inform the developer." (The receptionist said as he began to type, gaze now focused on the screen.)
(Renji's father met Renji's gaze, before studying the other three then sliding it back to Renji.) "Come with me and your mother, you and your homeless friends will sleep on the couch until you can move out into your new home."
(The elevator ride was silent, Renji's mother was hugging him nonstop while the three stared in shock at both the father and his supposed clone of a son. They entered a clean, expensively minimalist condo with floor-to-ceiling windows. Jiwon cleared his throat.) "Renji, what the hell is going on?"
(Renji had finally peeled his mother off who had moved down the hallway, away from sight.) "These are my lovely parents, Jin Kurose or my father in my words and Laura Kurose or my mother in my words." (He turned and headed down the hallway, the others following slowly.)
"So you are rich?" (Soren asked with an eyebrow raised.)
(Renji looked back smugly.) "The correct term is wealthy." (His expression faded as he sat on the white couch, relaxing. The others joined, sitting quietly while Renji's parents retreated to their room.)
(They slept on the couch for over two months, parents distant due to busy lives. One morning, Soren awoke to Renji and his father sitting in silence, Soren was shocked by the sudden sight first thing in the morning.)
"Has it been bought?" (Renji asked.)
"Yes." (Jin responded.)
"When can we move in?" (Renji asked.)
"Today." (Jin answered.)
"Good." (Renji nodded.)
"Very good." (Jin nodded as well.)
(Silence stretched as now Jiwon and Damien were awake and just watching.)
"I also want an allowance." (Renji said.)
"Are you becoming a spoiled brat now?" (Jim asked.)
"I don't have a job." (Renji defended.)
"So a bum?" (Jim asked.)
"Correct." (Renji agreed.)
(More silence stretched across the room as Laura was watching, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed with a soft smile.)
"I'll give you the allowance." (Jin gave in.)
"How much?" (Renji asked.)
"Fifty thousand per month." (Jin answered.)
"Wonderful." (Renji nodded.)
"Wonderful indeed." (Jin nodded as well.)
(The other three watched the blank-faced father and son exchange in disbelief as Laura seemed to be enjoying this.)
"Get out of my home." (Jin said.)
"Why?" (Renji asked.)
"Why not?" (Jin asked back.)
"Fair." (Renji nodded.)
(Silence stretched even more as father and his son just stared at each other blankly.)
"Leave."
"Alright."
(Renji stood, motioning the others up. They headed towards the door as Laura waved.)
"Renji." (His father called.)
"Yes?"
"Don't die."
"Don't jinx me."
(The door closed. His father stared at the closed door and a slight smile tugged his thin lips.)
"Are you smiling?" (Laura asked, almost shocked. Smile still remaining.)
(He nodded as she sighed, shaking her head as she pushed off the wall and walked down the hallway.) "How does your son make you smile but not your own wife?"
(He ignored her, smile lingering.)
(The four rode the elevator up to the next floor, entering a vast, luxurious penthouse with panoramic views.) "Welcome to our penthouse or new home." (Renji said, his expression not changing in the slightest.)
"PENTHOUSE?!" (Damien and Jiwon exclaimed in wide-eyed shock while Soren raised an eyebrow, also shocked but it was less noticeable.) "But why?"
"Ask my father not me, that old man loves to spoil me. But I would prefer you don't ask him questions, just get into your rooms." (Renji responded as he watched Damien and Jiwon walk down the hallway.)
(Damien and Jiwon shrugged and explored, finding furnished rooms perfectly suited to their tastes. Damien and Jiwon stared at Renji who just watched and shrugged. They all claimed their rooms and slept with peace.)
{Insert all previous filler chapters}
(Damien and Renji sat on the couch watching sports, Damien in black shorts and black vest that clung to his body. His dreads cut off and his hair now loose curls that reached the bottom of his ears.)
(Renji sat besides Damien in a white tee and white shorts, his straight hair slightly messed up at chin-length and pushed back while also tucked behind his ears.) "Weren't we asked to go to the doctors?" (Damien said.)
"You want to be a guinea pig?" (Renji replied, gaze focused on the TV.)
"Nah." (Damien rolled his neck with a slight pop.)
(Soren entered in the room wearing a gray t-shirt and sweatpants, gaze focused on the TV before sitting besides Damien.) "Things have been peaceful."
(Jiwon walked in the room after Soren wearing a white graphic tee and gray sweatpants, sitting by Renji.) "We should get more snacks."
(He felt a glare and cleared his throat.) "You know, this reminds of me of when we got sucked into the portals. We were watching TV and suddenly we got sucked in."
(Damien and Soren nodded as Renji sighed deeply. Jiwon continued.) "But at least we are safe now."
(Silence fell as a whistle blew on TV—then the ground shook. Damien, Soren, and Renji looked at Jiwon with annoyed expressions. Jiwon just nodded as he stared the TV.) "Great game."
(Four white portals swirled open underneath them before sucking them in. They tumbled through a white and black dotted void before Renji and Damien's eyes ignited golden and crimson, Damien grabbing Jiwon and Renji grabbed Soren. Damien and Renji braced before they landed onto the ground and dust jumped up.)
"Damn, that was a huge drop," (Damien said as he let Jiwon down and Renji let Soren down as both their glowing eyes stopped fading.) "Now where are we?" (Renji asked.)
(Dust settled to reveal that they stood between two robed women in fighting stances, the air around them wavy and distorted.)
(The black-haired woman with narrowed black eyes cleared her throat as she stood up straight.) "May I know who you four are?"
(Damien smiled shakily.) "We are simply a bunch of men traveling the area."
(The red-haired woman with brown eyes frowned.) "You traveled into a collessuem?"
"Collo, what?" (Jiwon asked as Soren pointed to show that they were surrounded by robed spectators that sat above ground looking down at all six of them.)
"It was our mistake," (Damien muttered.) "We can just lea-"
"You are weird," (the red-haired woman said.) "How come your reisei is not activated?"
"My fucking what?" (Damien muttered. Renji raised an eyebrow as he studied the distorted air around the women.) "It's probably their power system, It could be similar to Wi."
(The black-haired woman stared.) "And your attire plus everything about you, where are you from?"
(Soren spoke, interjecting.) "That's private information,"
(She looked towards the robed spectators especially at a robbed man on a throne like seat.) "Sir."
(The man nodded as his gaze slowly shifted between the four of them.) "We would like to ask that you inform us or we will take it that you are outsiders from another nation trying to attack us and we will be forced to use force to get our answers."
(Damien and Renji glanced at each other before Damien grinned wide.) "Was that meant to a threat?" (His glands surged, releasing his adrenaline into his body that accepted it and immediately his eyes flickered on like a light to a crimson blaze as his pupils dilated before concentrating into vertical slits.)
(Renji rolled his shoulders as his glands did the same and his eyes flickered on to a sharp golden gaze and his pupils dilated before contracting to vertical slits.) "Let's get on with it."
(Soren and Jiwon immediately moved towards the edge of the stage. Renji turned on his heel to face the red-haired woman while Damien faced the black-haired woman.)
(They stared at each other before both Renji and Damien bursted towards their opponents. Damien threw a punch and the woman raised her hand to redirect it aside, she immediately tried to pierce Damien with her hand but it slammed into his torso without damage as a wind gust blowed behind Damien. He spun on his head and she immediately dodged, Damien pulled his fist back and threw a punch.)
(On the other side, Renji and the red-haired woman traded blows that were easily directed by her or blocked by him in fluid fight choreography, almost similar in style but Renji was more aggressive causing more rapid strikes that were met with redirect counters, she turned on her heel with the tip of her sole meant to pierce into Renji's abdomen but it could barely nudge the skin.)
(Soren and Jiwon watched the fight as Soren then spoke.) "They seem to be equal footing but it's like—"
"They aren't," (they said in unison.)
"Why is that the case?" (Jiwon asked and Soren immediately responded.) "If Wi is like adrenaline than obviously it would increase the physical stats of a person to something so high. From what we know it is similar to that of a horse but the output is extremely strong due to their chemicals probably being of a different structure." (Soren narrowed his eyes as he continued.) "What would Reisei be?"
(The fights continued without a side seeming to be winning. Renji spun on his heel with his elbow out and he caught a glimpse of her eyes tracking his elbow smoothly before she ducked it.)
(Soren focused on Renji's fight and suddenly his perception sharpened and he leaned forward slightly.) "The women have to be able to see faster."
"See faster?" (Jiwon echoed.)
"Yes, their bodies seem to be trained for a movement to be able to react faster, they are not necessarily the fastest in a run or chase but their instincts match so much with their thoughts and trained body that they are able to move."
"How do y-?" (The epiphany hit as the world slowed for both of them. The air displaced around them as they got and sprinted towards the fights.)
(Renji leaped back panting with annoyance, before Soren ran past him and his fist smashed into the red-haired woman's jaw, she stumbled before regaining her footing.) "I understand it now, you see the world at a slower pace."
(Renji rolled neck.) "Elaborate."
(Soren's lips spread to a faint polite smile.) "I understand Resei, these women and I'm guessing these people see everything at a slower pace. They are your perfect counterparts, they can see your every move."
"That does not explain how she is able to react." (Renji stood besides him.) "Yes, that would indicate something deeper. Their bodies have better adaptability so meaning they have adapted to great opponents so meaning they tire opponents out to win."
"What a bitch." (Renji said annoyed. Soren chuckled lightly.) "A bitch indeed."
(Jiwon explained to Damien similarly and Damien's grin widened, Jiwon's lips took on a calm smile.)
(Their auras flared, Renji's was oppressive and scary while Soren's was calm and welcoming. Damien was similar to Renji's and Jiwon similar to Soren. The robed spectators rose to intervene.)
"Make," (Damien's crimson eyes flashed dangerously with a devious grin while Jiwon tilted his head slightly, smile that looked warm but was far from it.) "Our," (Renji's eyes flashed dangerously as well as his eyes narrowed, Soren's gaze studied the woman with a cold polite smile. A pause as the air around Damien grew hotter, the air around Renji grew charged. The air around Jiwon grew wavy, the air around Soren grew cold.) "Day."
(Dozens upon dozens jumped down from the spectators platform surrounding them, as the air grew distorted. The man still sat on his seat watching with detached calmness.)
(Did Soren and Jiwon awaken their abilities? If so find out, how powerful are they? Are all four of them going to be able take on so many people?)
(Find out in the next chapter....)