54 Lauren

Observing Lauren's hopeful expression, Max broke into a warm smile and inquired, "Did your father ever mention my unique profession as a mercenary?"

"A mercenary?" Lauren echoed, her curiosity piqued.

Max leaned in, his tone filled with intrigue. "Do you want to hire me, Lauren?"

Lauren, "Well, I don't have much saved up; my pocket money is meager."

"Think Lauren," Max encouraged.

After a moment of contemplation, Lauren suggested, "What if I provide you with information? My father, the district attorney handling Mutant cases, has access to numerous sources. As a mercenary, you must value information, right? I can be your informant, but in return, promise to assist my family if we're ever in danger!"

"Providing information?" Max mused, finding the proposal intriguing. Lauren's father indeed held a wealth of valuable information, accessible through Lauren's casual conversations. Moreover, Lauren herself, with her unique abilities, added a fascinating layer to the offer.

"If the information proves valuable, I can make that promise," Max assured.

Sharing his contact details with Lauren, Max added, "When practicing your abilities, focus and concentrate. If this spot isn't suitable, find somewhere safer."

"I will," Lauren affirmed, determination shining in her eyes.

"By the way, how old are you?" Max inquired curiously.

"I'm sixteen this year," Lauren responded.

"Sixteen? No wonder you've honed your abilities so well!" Max expressed surprise, initially assuming her to be younger. Realizing she was sixteen hinted at an imminent awakening. "Come on, time's ticking for you."

"Can you teach me?"

Max started to explain, "Not right now, I'm..." but before he could finish, Lauren excitedly grabbed his arm. "Will you teach me? Your skills are unmatched, and I can't find anyone else to guide me."

Observing the enthusiastic Lauren, Max couldn't help but chuckle. "You're quite enthusiastic," he remarked.

Lauren, responded with a shy smile, opting to let her actions speak louder than words.

"Follow me," Max said, a mysterious door materializing beside him as if summoned by magic.

Eagerly, Lauren agreed, her curiosity piqued. Grabbing her schoolbag, she followed Max through the enchanted doorway, stepping into a space that defied the laws of the ordinary world.

The moment they entered, Lauren found herself in awe of the magical surroundings. Max effortlessly navigated through streets, passing through buildings and people with an ease that left her wide-eyed. She realized that Max possessed a unique ability, and it became apparent why he remained unfazed by the prospect of capture – in moments of danger, he held the advantage.

"Your ability is incredible. Can I practice mine here?" Lauren asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Describing her own ability to manipulate air molecules and create a force field, Lauren revealed her eagerness to explore its full potential. Although her ability was still in its early stages, granting her the ability to sense air molecules, it lacked practical application. Yet, in this extraordinary space, she sensed possibilities.

Frowning, Lauren expressed her struggle, "I can sense the air, but I can't manipulate it here. The space is so peculiar. I can feel the presence of energy, but I can't control it at all."

"Energy?" Max pondered, intrigued by the unexpected aspect of Lauren's ability. While he hadn't sensed any energy in this different space, her unique insight intrigued him. Perhaps, there was more to discover about abilities and their development.

"My space is unique. You might want to practice outside first. It's nice and secluded here. No one should find us," Max suggested, leading Lauren to an abandoned factory. With patience, he guided her through the process of practicing her ability, sharing instructions based on his own experiences during ability development.

"Start by focusing on manipulating energy, bringing the air together," Max advised, watching Lauren intently. As she concentrated, opening an arch to enter a different space and attempting to sense the energy, Max questioned her periodically, seeking her insights during the induction. The abandoned factory echoed with the soft whispers of the air, a silent witness to the unfolding exploration of unique abilities.

Unbeknownst to them, time slipped away as Lauren immersed herself in the training session. The rhythmic sound of her punches echoed in the empty gym, accompanied by the occasional shuffle of her feet. Lost in the flow, she was startled when her phone abruptly interrupted the tranquil atmosphere.

Glancing at the screen, Lauren noticed her mother's name flashing. Curiosity mixed with concern, she answered, only to be met with her mother's worried inquiry about her delayed return home. It was then that Lauren, engrossed in her activities, realized how swiftly the day had transitioned into night.

Startled by the realization, she turned to Max, who had been silently observing her workout. "It's late. I have to go home," she announced, a sense of urgency in her voice.

Max nodded understandingly. "Go ahead. I won't see you off," he replied, his gaze fixed on her. "Give me a call if you have any updates."

"Goodbye!"

With a wave, Lauren headed towards the exit. However, a moment of hesitation gripped her, prompting her to tiptoe back to Max.

"And thank you!"

Max watched as Lauren departed. A faint smile played on his lips as he turned away, entering a different space, perhaps lost in his own thoughts.

Deciding to unwind, Max strolled through a few bars, the neon lights casting a colorful glow on the streets. However, none of the establishments seemed appealing to him. Before leaving the area, he discreetly discarded the tracker, ensuring a peaceful and uneventful journey back home.

....

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