Dr Xavier Jekyll wasted no time in leading her away from the laboratory. Accompanied by two of the silver-armoured guards, he gestured for her to follow him.

  “I’m sorry for the presence of guards. I believe this is unnecessary, yet we have to make do with it, as it has been made a mandatory requirement with how volatile some of my test subjects have been in the past.” Dr Xavier said with a good-natured smile.

  Now that is an understatement. You have a history of creating murderous monstrosities. Stormflash might be a malicious jerk, but he was correct about Dr Xavier having a record of producing experiments that went out of control.

  Giving Dr Xavier a nod to indicate her understanding, he smiled as she continued to follow him, soon reaching a grey corridor.

  During that time, Ayna began to consider her situation more deeply. She knew from her senses that this was indeed her new reality; every last detail was far too vivid and realistic, well beyond the current technological advancements on Earth.

  Though what exactly am I now? The backstory of this place appears identical to the game, although Ayna felt that this reality could not be the game itself, since, as a developer of the game, she knew there was no version of the events that occurred before her. Did my soul transmigrate into a universe that shared an exact resemblance to the game?

  It meant she was likely unique, and she could expect a version of ‘Intergalactic Glory’ but without the involvement of players.

  I am in serious trouble. Without the players, there is no way the natives of this universe can deal with what is to come.

  She sighed. I suppose I will have to make the best of my situation and take this slowly—there's no point in thinking about future events that are well beyond the current version of me.

  The essential thing was to survive. Although she had no idea how the player interface had transmigrated alongside her, it meant she now possessed a unique advantage over the natives. Despite this being a good sign, she had to remember a key difference between being a player and her current situation: this was her new reality, meaning if she died, there was likely no such thing as a respawn.

  Though staying positive, the Esper Power Ability Absorption was a growth-type power that allowed her to assimilate more and more Esper Abilities; the stronger in rank she grew.

  And from the looks of it, unlike Subject Zero, Dr Xavier Jekyll seemed to be accurate about removing the side effects. It held no indication of possessing the drawbacks Subject Zero had.

  ‘All I needed was time.’ She thought.

  Dr Xavier seemed to notice her troubling thoughts as he said, “I suppose we should give you a name, shouldn’t we?”

  “Huh?” She responded, taken by surprise.

  “Having a name is one of the privileges of humanity. It is a fundamental anchor of our identity, and an important one. You may have been born in unique circumstances, but that does not take away your right to have one.” Dr Xavier said wisely.

  Ayna almost instinctively voiced out her own name before she realised something.

  He is seriously dangerous.

  From the moment she had transmigrated, Dr Xavier Jekyll had offered a calm, measured and amiable attitude. He spoke so casually that it almost lulled Ayna into a sense of complacency.

  Outwardly, Stormflash seemed the most dangerous threat present, yet in actuality, Dr Xavier was the most sinister and menacing Metahuman in this facility.

  Even the escort accompanying him was a ploy to make her instinctively view him as weak and helpless. Dr Xavier did not need guards when he was the most powerful individual in the Helixas Corporation.

  “May I take some time before I decide what name I would like to have? I feel like the decision is too important to make too hastily.” Ayna replied, providing a slight smile to show her appreciation.

  Dr Xavier showed a flash of consideration in his features before he said, “That is perfectly acceptable. Please let me know when you have made a decision. For now, how about I call you One? To signify that you are the first subject I am delighted with.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She retorted cordially.

  Inwardly, she would find a way to come up with the suggestion of the name Ayna later, without coming across as suspicious.

  Though, admittedly, he is rather cunning. Dr Xavier is operating on the assumption that I am an experimental test subject with a developing consciousness that is forming my identity based on the information he is providing. The body she was inhabiting, though not quite a clean slate, was close to one.

  Although she was not entirely sure what he was planning, she could tell, based on his past actions, that he likely did not have good intentions.

  Either way, it was not like she could do much about it, for now.

  Though she could lament the unluckiness of her situation, she felt indignant at being transmigrated straight into grave danger from the get-go, but she could only deal with what was in front of her.

  They continued to traverse the research facility, following the path of the seemingly endless grey corridor. Eventually, after a period, Dr Xavier paused, indicating for her to make a right turn.

  His calm, measured voice sounded out as he said, “Shortly, we will be entering the Enclave. An exclusive part of the facility with the more fashionable quarters, perfectly suitable for someone such as yourself.”

  ‘You mean a walled-off, luxurious cage where you can secure your prized test subject better?’ She inwardly thought.

  The Enclave was well-guarded, its entrance featuring multiple guards running security checks.

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  A scanner was monitoring those who entered, with imposing mounted turrets on the ceiling capable of firing high-calibre rounds.

  Multiple advanced cameras scanned the surroundings.

  A massive, sleek reinforced door stood between them and the Enclave. The colour scheme remained almost entirely grey apart from vibrant white neon lights that lit up the polished grey metal.

  Dr Xavier approached the guards confidently as he demanded, “Register her now. I want her to be keyed to my ID.”

  Despite his commanding tone, the guard did what he asked immediately, seeming to scan her with a device before nodding at Dr Xavier as he indicated for them to make their way into the Enclave.

  They paused before the massive reinforced doors, before the scanner on the wall analysed her as a fluorescent red light met her eye, shortly after a robotic voice sounded, “Identity confirmed. Welcome back, Dr Xavier Jekyll.”

  “Thanks, Lamia.” Dr Xavier said, though noticing her puzzled expression, continued as he explained, “That is this research facility's advanced artificial intelligence. She has eyes and ears absolutely everywhere; you can rest assured of your safety here with her around. I trust her explicitly.”

  Ayna nodded appreciatively, though inwardly she was cursing. It would mean they would have her under constant surveillance; no wonder Dr Xavier Jekyll was so assured, he had no fear she would ever escape.

  Confirming their identities, the massive reinforced doors to Enclave opened.

  Moving forward, they quickly entered the Enclave as the massive reinforced doors behind them resealed with a powerful clunk.

  “Welcome to the Enclave. I will bring you to your accommodation; unfortunately, you won’t stay there long. You will get changed, then I will run some tests. The first will be assessing your learning capabilities for combat training. Any questions?” Dr Xavier said unconcernedly. Of course, he would; he knew she was in no place to refuse.

  Ayna did not display her inner thoughts as she mimicked a face of confusion as she said, “Combat training?”

  Dr Xavier chuckled as he replied, “It is mainly to keep specific individuals satisfied. I prefer to focus more on your Esper Ability; the integration of the solution was a success, thus it should be awakened. Yet, we will focus on that for later; for now, you will put on this suit and begin some basic training drills.”

  Ayna nodded as she proceeded to follow Dr Xavier as they continued through the halls of Enclave.

  The decor in this specialised area of the research faculty differed; the colour scheme was grey with mixtures of black in geometric patterns. The walls and floors retained that streamlined, seamless appearance, though the materials were clearly of a superior grade, utilising glossy metal that resembled stainless steel.

  Guards constantly patrolled the grounds of the Enclave, and Ayna observed a multitude of advanced automaton soldiers, likely controlled by the artificial intelligence known as Lamia. The automaton soldiers were an intimidating sight. Over seven feet tall, they resembled a giant, heavily armoured humanoid, with a compact, armoured cube for a head. They had a large, eerie, glowing, singular eye that held the coldness of a machine as it flashed over her.

  The place was a tightly guarded fortress that Ayna instinctively felt was designed purely for her.

  Eventually, they reached an area in the Enclave that Dr Xavier directed them towards.

  “These are the living quarters. Your room is there, enter. You will find a training suit waiting for you. Put it on, you may use the facilities afterwards, for now, get dressed.”

  Dr Xavier was becoming far more direct with her since she arrived in the Enclave section of the facility; it was clear he was more comfortable ordering her around here.

  Turning directly to the door he indicated, she walked up towards it. Finding a scanner by the door, she found it was automated, and the artificial intelligence once again made an appearance as it scanned her before confirming her identity.

  “Identify confirmed. Welcome, One.” Its cold, emotionless, robotic-sounding voice said.

  The door opened with smooth efficiency, briefly after the scan was completed.

  Ignoring the prickling feeling of being watched, she entered the living quarters that Dr Xavier had prepared for her.

  The room was relatively small and minimalist, yet it was lavish and of high quality. It was opulent with rich colour and gilded accents, differing wildly from the dull grey she had seen thus far. It had a large bed in the corner of the room, followed by some advanced holographic displays that currently showed a naturalistic view of a rainforest. It had an en-suite bathroom, well-equipped with all the necessary amenities.

  Ayna quickly found the training suit that Dr Xavier wanted her to wear. And despite wanting to explore her new living quarters further, she did not want to offend him unnecessarily just yet.

  Quickly wearing the suit, she had a quick look at her appearance in the bathroom mirror before she left.

  The body she had possessed had most of her memories wiped. Apart from some general knowledge, she had barely any recollection of the experimentation they were subjected to.

  She appeared to be in her early twenties and was astonishingly beautiful. With silver hair and eyes, she was exotic, whilst possessing smooth skin and an athletic hourglass figure.

  ‘This can’t be someone ordinary. She has the features that hint of a strong origin, silver hair is often hereditary for some powerful backgrounds.’ She thought, yet at that moment she heard the sound of a mechanical beep that interrupted her thoughts.

  I suppose Dr Xavier has become impatient—time to make a move.

  The training suit she wore was basic and plain, yet she had to admit that this body made it look good. Although she noticed the suit had significant padding, she was concerned about what it was intended to protect her from.

  Putting that to the back of her mind, she found Dr Xavier waiting for her outside the door. He had a fake smile on his face that began to wane from overuse.

  “Are you prepared, One?” Xavier asked, to which Ayna replied swiftly, "Yes."

  After that, as indicated, he brought her to a section of the Enclave that served as a training ground. There were a multitude of box-like sections, allowing for many private sessions such as this.

  The training ground was a simple field made up of sturdy protective materials. Ayna was surprised to see an irritated-looking figure waiting for them.

  Stormflash looked displeased as he saw them approach.

  “You are late.” He said venomously.

  “No patience as always. It has been minutes at most. I was showing her living quarters.” Dr Xavier responded with a friendly smile.

  Despite this, Stormflash's scowl only deepened as he said, “I hope you know I will take out this frustration on her.”

  “I know, and that is why you will be the one to train her. Test Subjects can’t be coddled; they must be pushed to the limit.” Dr Xavier replied.

  “So be it. You. Stand in front of me. We will undergo daily combat and shooting practice, understood? Even Metahumans require this. Once we run out of Energy, we become powerless, so sharpening such skills is essential.” Stormflash said moodily.

  Anya could only follow his instructions as she stood before him.

  Wondering what he wanted to do now, Stormflash abruptly threw a punch at her without warning, and she hurriedly dodged, just about evading.

  Cocking his eyebrow in a flash of surprise, that glance changed to a smirk as his speed suddenly underwent a significant change, and despite doing her best to move out of the way, she was too slow, leading him to land a powerful strike on her chest.

  Ayna fell to the ground in a heap as she clutched her chest, coughing. She now understood the need for a training suit, despite the protection that caused severe pain.

  “Your physical attributes and evasion instincts are decent for a newbie F rank. Though you need a lot of work, and I plan to be thorough.” Stormflash said with a sinister look in his eye.

  Ayna gulped and knew it was going to be a long few hours.