Altered Cosmos

Chapter 18; New Life

Mr Jerry wasn’t kidding with the whole ‘training hurting as hell’ talk from the first class.

Ever since that day, Levi along with the rest of the S class were put through several training scenarios and lectures ranging from simple drals to complicated Web holons.

And they weren’t just taught by Jerry, they were other pro trons who handled completely separate aspects of Tron training. 

An example is the Stealth training class in a large spacious gym which is handled by a strict pro tron with a strong muscular build.

“Wrong.” He shouted out as he smacks a student’s gut with a baton and the guy hunches over as the man explains.

“A tron has thermal and night vision along with the Photron probe. If you’re unable to perfect your stealth form, then you won’t be able to completely hide all these signatures.” 

He said with hands behind his back as he moves to other students. He then stops and cracks a little smile at Levi who was standing completely still and calm with eyes closed.

The man uses his bionic eye and stares at Levi but his heat signature, heart beat and energy level were completely suppressed.

He then looks over at other students like Vivian and Veronica who both were able to completely conceal their signatures although they were on a four-limb beast stances.

“Lots of potential here.” He mumbled to himself as he goes over to the others.

Another example was a combat class where several stages were set for small bouts between students without using their gears.

Levi easily weaves past his opponent’s strikes and suddenly ducks down, sweeping his opponent’s legs before twisting his body and sending his foot into his opponent’s gut that sent him flying off the platform.

“The winner. Levi!” A young man in a training outfit said and Levi wipes the sweat from his head before almost tripping as a loud crash shakes the entire room.

He turns to another stage which was completely crushed with MJ rubbing her neck in embarrassment over the cracked rubble.

“Sorry!” She shouted out to her now unconscious opponent who was being escorted away by medics and the training officer walks over to her. 

The officer shakes his head at her with a sigh. “This is supposed to be a friendly activity.”

“Sorry. I get carried away sometimes.” She replied with an apologetic smile and Levi chuckles a little before walking off the stage.

And it wasn’t just tron-related training. There was also language training, use of technology, how to care for civilians and provide first-aid………

Anything that could help soften the blows of the Web on the last of mankind.

Levi also found out that the main reason the Web continues to persist is because the main frame or ‘mother box’ of the Web continues to elude them and unless it is destroyed, the Web will continue to live.

What the mother-box even looks like or how it works still remains unknown.

As more time flies by, not only do Levi become closer to his new friends, he also slowly became somewhat popular……which is mostly because he was the only Lightning tron in the entire college but his skills and rate of learning were impressive.

But what really stood out about him was his speed which makes him seem like a blurry figure with the blue-light streaking from his eyes even to the trons whose eyes are supposed to be able to process fast moving objects.

Although, Levi really didn’t seem to care or even notice since he spends most of his time either in his room or the library when not eating or in class. 

It’s another day and Levi steps into the front entrance of the library.

“Evening, Mrs Tasha.” He said as he walked over to the receptionist who also happened to be the school librarian and despite the fact, she had a certain presence around her, she wasn’t a tron. 

She was a typical Black-American with large curly black hair and an obese physique. She smiles and adjusts her glasses as Levi stops in front of the table.

“Levi-honey. How you doing?”

“I’m good. How’re the kids?”

She groans and rolls her eyes dramatically. “Still a pain.” She chuckled and puts down the novel she was reading to rub her temples.

“5 kids in a little house is seriously not good for my head. I love ‘em but mama needs some peace and quiet once a while…actually, every day.” Levi lets out a little laugh and Mrs Tasha glances at Levi’s bag. “What are you reading today?”

Levi smiles as he adjusts his bag. “I found a book on the different categories of trons. I’m trying to find out more on Lightning trons.”

Tasha smiles at him before speaking. “Alright, baby. Have fun.” Levi nods as she picks up her book. “And don’t let me see you making any ruckus in here.”

“I won’t.” Levi chuckled as he walks away while Mrs Tasha goes back to her romance novel.

Levi picks his usual seat at the extreme end of the large modern library just beside the window. He drops his bag on the rectangular table and pulls out the book on trons.

He connects his interface to his ears and opened to a bookmarked location to continue his research.

Levi was disappointed that most information on Lightning trons were extremely vague and limited but he was able to learn more about other trons.

Like how most Transmutrons are capable of shooting out raw photron energy projectiles due to their extreme ability to manipulate and control their energy flow compared to other trons, which is what enables them to form weapons and objects. 

As Levi continue to read on, a tingling sensation resonates in his head, causing him to turn around. He looks around the room but there was nothing behind him, only more tables, computers and bookcases…… 

“Not again.” He sighed with a hand on his head and a worried look on his face because at that moment…

He sensed an eerie presence which appeared to have called out to him but there was no one around, at least not within some metres to him. 

And this wasn’t the only time this has happened.

For weeks, Levi had been experiencing these sudden sensations most of the time when he goes to the library but after some time, this sensation appeared outside the library.

But instead of the presence calling out to him, Levi would sleep and most times when he dreams, the dream sequence would eventually change into an eerie environment with a bright but blurry red light that felt like it was staring at him.

After that, Levi wakes up with his energy flow distorted.

Seeing it as a side-effect of the method Peter used to help him use his powers, Levi goes to the college clinic to get himself checked up but he was always found to be completely healthy, which troubled Levi even more.

Nevertheless, he learned to push past that feeling and focus on his work………

It's been exactly 3 months and a week since Levi started his training in the Tron College and the class settles down when Jerry walks into the room with his usual serious/fun expression as he stands before the class. He clears his throat and adjusts his glasses before speaking.

“Afternoon class. Before we start today’s lecture, I’ll like to inform you that the faction has given us permission to allocate all of you into tron squads to begin your on-field mission training.”

The class murmurs in excitement and Levi cracks a small smirk at the thought of it.

“As you should already know, each squad will consist of four students led by an experienced pro tron agent.”

Levi creases his brow as he processes Jerry’s words. <Four in each squad. Making five squads in total in the class.>

Jerry taps on his band and projects five numbers ranging from 1-5 in roman numerical.

“Each of the five teams are ranked with a number. This is because the Faction grades each team based on their assumed teamwork and combination of abilities.”

“So does this mean that some teams will be assigned harder missions than others?” Jake asked and Jerry shakes his head before answering.

“As I said. It’s just an ‘assumption’. The board just accessed each of your abilities and paired you all together based on ‘those’ qualities.”

Jerry places a hand in his pocket and shrugs. “It’s only after seeing your team in action and comments from your squad captains that they will be more careful with assigning missions.”

The environment tenses slightly and Jerry taps on his interface. “With that said, these are the teams…”

The projected screen suddenly rearranges the numbers, this time revealing the names of trons in the squads. The entire class silences and suspense fills the air as students search for their names. 

Levi’s eyes start from the bottom rank to the highest and his eyes widen when he sees his name……in the Squad I. Felix suddenly smacks Levi’s arm with a grin on his face. “Nice one, bro.”

Levi lets out a tired laugh and turns back to the screen to know his teammates which included his first friend in the class.

“Looks like we’re in this together.” MJ whispered to him with a laugh and Levi nods just as Jerry speaks again.

“So these are the squads. If your teammates are people you normally interact with then that’s good. If not, you better get to know each other because you’re all meeting your squad captain later this afternoon.”

Murmurs spread through the class and after some seconds, Jerry claps once, getting everyone’s attention and closing the projected screen. “Save it for after the class. Now let’s continue from our last interaction……”

2 hours later, Levi puts his books into his backpack with his mind completely lost in thought when Felix taps his arm.

“Hello?” Levi wakes up from his thoughts and lets out an embarrassed sigh. “Relax man. You’re on Squad I because you’re tough. No need to get worked up about it.”

Levi rubs his neck and smiles. “Yeah.” He zips up his bag and speaks as he stands up. “So what squad are you in?”

Felix smiles as he follows Levi towards the door. “Squad II.”

“Looks like we’re in the same squad.” Felix stops and sees Hana by the door with the usual shy look in her eyes.

“I guess so. It’ll just be like old times.” Felix said with an enthusiastic thumb-up and Hana nods with Levi chuckling slightly in the background.

Felix drops his hand and momentarily locks eyes with Hana causing her to blush and look away which made Levi wonder.

Because for months, he has been seeing signs of Hana acting weirdly around Felix even though they were childhood friends.

<She’s definitely crushing on him.> Levi thought to himself, then glances at Felix who had already moved forward to greet another friend with Hana glancing at him a few times.

<And………he’s definitely dense.> Levi lets out a disappointed sigh and shakes his head.

“Yo Levi. What’s the hold up?” Felix said outside the door with Hana beside him.

<It’s like watching a sad-soap opera.> Levi thought as he followed them out the door and headed towards their usual café hangout spot with his mind still lingering to his new team……

About 2 and a half hours go by and it was time for the students to meet their squad captains.

Each squad was assigned a different meeting point so Levi says his goodbyes to Felix and Hana, quickly changes out of his uniform before walking over to his meeting point.

Levi then stops and looks up at the entrance of one of the training grounds in the campus.

“Hey.” He turns around sees MJ walking towards him with a smile on her face. After a short greeting, they both walked into the forest-themed training ground.

As they walked down the paved pathway, MJ speaks up. “You excited to meet our squad captain?”

Levi shrugs with a smile on his face. “I guess so.” He suddenly laughs when a thought comes to his head. “What of the chances we’ll have your dad as our squad captain?”

MJ lets out a laugh and folds her arms. “No chance. The Faction tried to get my dad to become a captain but he said it wasn’t his style. He’s currently on a mission now anyway, so that’s not happening.”

“Good because I don’t want him picking favourites.” MJ punches his shoulder and Levi laughs as she rolls her eyes just as they reached a small outpost where the last two members of Team I were already waiting.

“Hey Veronica.” Levi said with a little wave and Veronica waves back at him with a small smile.

He then looks over at Jake leaning against the wall and they give each other subtle nods before Levi joins MJ on the bench outside the outpost.

10…30…40… Almost an hour goes by and there was still no sign of their squad leader.

Levi steps out of the bathroom in the outpost and glances at the guard completely asleep in the outpost office before returning to the others just as Jake finally speaks up.

“It’s almost been an hour. Where is this so called captain of ours?” He said with a frustrated expression and Veronica speaks up from her supine position on the bench. 

“Cool it, Jake.” Jake turns to Veronica with a brow raised. “We were told to wait here until our captain arrives so we’ll wait.”

Jake steps forward and stares at Veronica directly in her face but she remains calm with closed eyes. “Unlike you, some people have actual work to do than standing around here and doing nothing.”

She opens her beast-like grey eyes and sighs. “An order’s an order. If you can’t handle that then you’re already making a bad impression.”

Jake sighs heavily with a pinch to the bridge of his nose when MJ approaches them. “Come on guys. I know we’re all tired but let’s wait a little longer.”

“Yeah.” Levi said as he stopped metres from them. “Maybe our captain’s late because he just got back from a mission and has to report it or something……Mr Jerry did say they were experienced agents. Meaning they could be very busy.”

Jake locks eyes with Levi for a moment before sighing as he walks towards the bathroom.

But before he could take another step, a sudden chill went up Levi’s spine and he turns around……just as an arm swings over his shoulder and Levi makes out a smile in the corner of his eyes.

“You’re right about that, kid.” Everyone suddenly turns to the direction of the female voice and shocked expressions registered on all of their faces as they see a lady with an arm over Levi. “I’m a busy woman.” 

Levi freezes in fear because he didn’t sense her approach him from behind until just before she threw an arm over him. “Where did you come from?”

The lady laughs as she releases Levi and places both hands on her hips. “Now ‘that’ would be telling.” Veronica and Jake’s eyes tensed with MJ completely dazed as they stared at her while Levi takes a moment to notice her features. 

She was barely taller than Levi with ivory-coloured skin tone and long straight blonde hair styled into a straight bob as low as her chin. She also a voluptuous yet muscular physique and seemed to be in her late 20’s.

She wore deep purple combat boots with long black pants with a matching black jacket which was unzipped, revealing her white shirt beneath.

But what made her look extremely intimidating was her eye-patch on her right-eye where a long dried-up slash mark was still seen, leaving only one eye to reveal her violet-iris.

She looks between all of them with a lollipop stick protruding from her mouth.

“Um…” She turns to Levi with a sudden scary look as he speaks. “Are you our squad captain?”

She suddenly steps toward him with her one good eye staring into his. Levi stares at her in confusion as she creases her brow…as if trying to process something before reaching out to him with a hand.

The cold expression in her coloured eye causes Levi to freeze in shock as her hand gets closer……before suddenly letting out a laugh and ruffling his hair.

“That’s right, kid.” Levi breaks away from her grasp and she turns over to the others. “I’m your squad captain. My name is Nina. Code name: Agent Target. A pleasure.”

Everyone except Levi seemed to react when she mentioned her codename. “Hold up. ‘The’ Agent Target?” MJ asked with a shocked expression.

Nina chuckled once she fixed her eye on MJ. “Mary-Jane. I haven’t seen you since you were just a baby.”

MJ nods with a nervous smile as she speaks. “My dad told me stories about you. But it’s awesome to finally meet you, aunty Nina.”

“Just call me Nina and I hope I live up to Pete’s descriptions.” Nina said with a laugh while MJ smiles.

“Pete? As in Agent Steel? He’s your father?” Jake asked and MJ nods. “Huh… That does explain your monstrous strength…” MJ and Nina share a cheeky smile. 

Levi inches closer to Veronica as they continue to converse. “Who is she?”

Veronica folds her arms as she answers. “S class; Agent Target. Just like MJ’s dad, she’s one of the best pro tron agents in the entire Index association. She was a member of the main tron task force against the Web.”

“A tron rumoured with the skill to always to get her target once she’s locked on them.” Jake added with a concerned expression as Nina smiles proudly to herself, twirling the lollipop in her mouth. 

“Well informed, Jake. You too, Veronica.”

“You know our names?” Levi asked and she glanced at him with a smile on her lips.

“I’m supposed to lead you, aren’t I? I know everything about you, Levi. All of you.” She turns back to the others and smiles at them. “Though. It still can’t hurt to see for myself.”

Nina suddenly turns to the outpost and walks into the it, leaving the team in confusion. 

She reappears a minute later and stops in front of them with a smile on her face. “We’re going to have a little test.”

She holds up three blue-white tags with the Index logo imprinted on them. “We’ll split into three teams. One from each team must wear a tag and your goal is to capture the other two tags. Once a team has all three tags or I see the battle’s already decided, we’ll stop. Got it?”

Everyone nods and Nina walks over to Veronica. “Veronica. You’re with Levi.” Veronica nods as she collects a tag and Levi gives her a look while Nina hands the other tag to Jake. “You’re with MJ.” 

“So you’re on your own?” Levi asked as she attaches the tag to her jacket and the others do the same but Jake and Levi glance at Veronica who places it just above where her tail comes from.

“Yeah. You know, a little handicap for you guys.” Nina chuckled.

“That’s barely a handicap.” Jake sighs while MJ nods in agreement and Nina lets out a laugh as she turns to the guard watching them from the out post office.

He flashes her a thumb-up and Nina nods as she turns back to them. “Alright. Each team will enter the field at a 3-minute interval. The buzzer sound will signal the start of the game. Are we ready?”

Everyone nod in understanding and Nina turns to Levi and Veronica. “Team A. You first.” Levi and Veronica nod before both walking into the forest, the image of the outpost fading into the trees as they moved deep in the forest. 

After almost 7 minutes, Levi and Veronica stopped by a forest clearing with Levi searching from the trees.

“Don’t see them.” He mumbled as he swung down beside Veronica who just removed her tag and hands it to Levi. “But she gave ‘you’ the tag. Why are you giving it to me?”

Veronica smiles a little as she shoves the tag into his hands. “No. She said that ‘one’ of us has to wear the tag.” Levi holds back his retort when he realises she was right. “Besides…”

She trails off as she does a few stretches with the sound of some bones cracking. “I only wore it earlier to get their focus on me.”

As Levi puts on the tag, he realises why Veronica chose to place the tag on her back.

<They would think the tag is on her and because it’s supposed to be on her back, they won’t tell if she has it until they’re close enough.> He chuckles a little and turns to her as she stretches her legs. “That’s a dope plan.”

Veronica smiles as she glances at Levi while removing her sandals.

“You already figured it out, huh. You’re as smart as I thought.” She said as she stands up and places a hand on her hip with a calm look on her face. “I can see why my sis likes you.”

“Thanks.” Levi said with a hand on a tree as he looks through the thick vegetation. “So how do we attack?”

Veronica holds up her hand and Levi watches as a silver coloured aura forms around her fingers, causing them to stiffen and her nails protruded out into sharp claws.

“I’ll draw their attention and attack from up-front.” She looks at Levi with her pupils now more slit-like than normal. “You’ll surprise British boy from the back and snag the tag.”

Levi chuckles a little from her word play and folds his arms. “I like it.” Veronica gives a small smirk just as the loud buzzer sound was heard.

“Show time.” He mumbled just as he felt an incoming presence while Veronica suddenly goes down on four limbs and she sniffs the air.

“They’re coming.” She glances at Levi and who gives her a knowledgeable nod before leaping into the bushes.

From the vegetation, he watches as Veronica’s hair slowly changed, becoming a mix of red and silver.

Her limbs tensed with some veins popping out and her long claws sticking from her other hands and feet. She lets out a little growl with her now sharp teeth as two figures skidded to a stop in the clearing.

“What took you so long?” She said with a cocky smile and Jake stops with a suspicious eye on her.

“Where’s he?” He asked as he looks around for the white-haired figure but Veronica stands up with a little laugh.

Silver-coloured energy slowly seeped out of her body as she steps forward. “You should be more worried about yourself.” She said as she charges forward, with her palms opened on both sides as she speeds over to them.

MJ then charges forward with an energy charged punch at Veronica……who suddenly ducks to the side and pounces on Jake in a swift agile move…

But Jake’s energy level rises and a large metallic shield appears on his arm which screeches and sparks when Veronica’s claws come in contact with it.

She grunted as she lands on the ground just as MJ throws a punch at her which she weaves by before blocking as MJ suddenly kicks at her side, the force sending her sprawling.

In that split second as Veronica flies past Jake, he notices the tag was missing from her hip.

“You…” He suddenly tenses when he senses a presence appear behind him…… he then shifts a finger, instantly creating another iron shield behind him as an electrifying punch smashes into it, leaving a small dent.

“Damn it.” Levi muttered, electricity crackling around him as he jumps back.

Jake then spins, flinging both shields at him but Levi’s static shell makes the shields appear to be moving in slow-motion as he leaps through the gap between the two shields.

As he lands, the projectiles fly past him and thrashes through the trees behind him. 

“So that’s where it is.” Jake said as he turned to Levi with his eyes fixed on the tag on Levi’s belt just as he side-steps, letting Veronica’s claw fly past him.

She grits her teeth and twists her body mid-air before skidding across the ground to come to a halt beside Levi.

“Looks like that didn’t work.” Levi said with a hand on a knee as she sees MJ move to stand beside Jake, fists clenched.

“Unfortunately. New plan.” She turns to Levi with a determined stare. “I’ll handle her. You get the tag.” She whispered and Levi nods in agreement just as they jump apart to dodge another projectile but as Levi moves back, he notices that the circular projectile was attached a metal string.

Once he lands some metres back, he watches as the projectile suddenly flies back into Jake’s palm.

Veronica gives a sudden concern glare and scoffs. “Looks like Jake’s serious now.” She grumbled once she noticed the bright green glow in Jake’s eyes.