Thoughts.

I struggled to escape the confines of my mind, but it was to no avail. The more I wriggled the more the chains that bound me tightened. It was just like that legendary scientific law of mechanics; "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction".

The law stands true in all tests… even in a world of possibilities like Archon, such a law could still hold its ground.

That brings me to wonder what state I'm currently in; is the voice owner trying to possess my body? No! I don't think that's the scenario.

He was babbling about me becoming a "Ruler" of some sort, claiming it was the only way for me. How laughable, does he think I'll just believe whatever an unknown individual says?

Concentrate, Stiles. You can't let him succeed, no matter the course… I kept on struggling to escape my confines until I felt a wave of cool air hit my face. My tensed muscles eased as a sense of comfort washed over me.

"Stiles?!"

I heard my name being called frantically. The voice was muddled, but I could still feel the hint of care and fright—it was like struggling to call a loved one from the other side.

"A-alexia?!" I stuttered, using my will to break through the bounds.

"You scared me for a moment, there," Alexia uttered, heaving a sigh of relief.

I can't still wrap my finger around how she grew so attached to me in a short while—same for me, in a sense. After all, I was having second thoughts in my quest for death.

"What did you see?" Miss Renita interrupted our sensational play, her eyes glittering as she scrutinized me.

Come on Miss, you are making me uncomfortable… also… you could have been a nice lady by letting us bond a little! I lampooned.

"Nothing," I replied.

How can I tell her about my situation, trusting an old lady would be foolish. I can't keep being narrow-minded on my path, anymore.

"The machine displayed an odd reaction as you phased into it. There is no way you wouldn't feel a thing, right?"

Her tone was riddled with doubt at my reply. She believed I knew or felt something and didn't want to share… not like she is wrong.

"Miss Renita, I don't recall anything," I explained. "It was just like a dream with ethereal particles changing forms—like a circle!"

Yes! How could I not have thought of this? The way the particles changed form without any of their essence getting lost represents a law in science; "energy can not be created nor destroyed".

Recalling this fact, I felt like banging my head against the wall. There is no need to feel down, I'm sure she already knows this, so I didn't expose any secrets.

I didn't want to say anything that could draw unwanted attention right now. I am strong, though I can't tell how I'll fare against Middle Rankers or Higher Rankers.

Since I don't plan on dying for now, my best cause of action would be to act normal.

"Miss Renita, the test result… how was it?" I questioned, aiming to close the other tab.

Simultaneously, I looked at Alexia, hoping she could give me heads-up on the situation.

"Apart from the strange phenomenon, everything went well," Miss Renita replied, hinting at something.

Come on, old lady. Can you not let it go…?

"The test result seems to be against you becoming a physicist. It strictly says, 'This individual can only become a leader.'" Miss Renita quoted.

What?! Heh, what was I expecting? If the voice talked about me becoming a 'Ruler', then what should I expect of the result?

I felt a sudden urge to get behind this matter. I can't have every clue about my origin pointing to becoming a 'Ruler'.

"What of my race?" I inquired, bringing up the main reason I had decided to take this test.

"It clearly indicates you are human, nothing less, nothing more." Miss Renita waved the pen in hand, before lunging it on the paper card.

"So, are you going to become a ruler?

If yes, I'll order the machine to record it.

If no, I'll cancel the request for a Profession."

I could notice Alexia's anxiety from the corner of my eyes. It became more intense as time passed, drawing my other senses to notice.

Seems that state still exists—I can feel, see, and taste the intense emotions of the people around me. Maybe there were some sort of conditions.

"Is it possible to wait a little while? I need time to think." I said in a rush, sounding depressed.

I must play the part of a confused child. I don't plan on making a rash decision. I'll look more into the situation before making a choice. Yes!

"Alright, I can suspend the request for a while, so anytime you come to a decision, you can return. Though, the system might terminate the request if you take too long."

Miss Renita warned, her bony fingers highlighting the severity behind every second wasted.

"Anyway, if the system should terminate the request, you might still apply for another one." Miss Renita added.

I understood her point; she was trying to tell me not to make a decision out of haste and take my time. But sorry ma'am, I don't plan on entering that machine for now; I don't plan on feeling like a toy of some unknown entity any time soon.

"Thanks, Miss Renita~"

"Shoo, I don't like associating with figures from lores." She waved her hand at me in a childish manner.

"Thanks for your advice, Teacher." Alexia offered sincere gratitude, her voice riddled with respect for Miss Renita.

"Stiles, let's return… you still have things to do." Alexia turned to me as she uttered those words.

So soon, I wish I could deny her words, but Alexia is in no way an easy person to deal with.

"At times I wonder if our roles are not reversed."

"It's the duty of a caretaker to handle things properly."

"Really. So ordering me around is 'handling things properly'?"

"Yes. If not for me, you won't do the things you ought to do."

Tch, how infuriating…

Stiles followed the path they used to enter in reverse. While exiting the domain, he could not help but ponder on the events that occurred during the past few days. The answer to his questions truly lies in becoming a 'Ruler'. Or was this some trap set to make him do their bidding?

I'll have to figure things out for myself. Though I cannot forget my main purpose; to die… heh heh.