As they continued down the hall, Shawn was at a loss for words. He had known Arthur for at least a year, and not once did anything about a relationship come up. He thought they would've talked about it at least once, especially seeing as a well known person like Maria was involved.
"So wait, how come you never mentioned this to me?"
Arthur shrugged:
Just didn't seem too important. We're always busy, another war is always right around the corner. Besides it shouldn't be that hard to believe, right."
"I mean, I guess not. But still, I feel like it would've come up at least once."
He had to admit though, it really wasn't too hard to believe. Maria was a well known scientists because of her achievements, and Arthur was a top ranking soldier, even more so now because of recent events. Both were well regarded individuals, reaching for the same goal. It would only be a matter of time before they crossed paths, and possibly worked side by side.
"So why the hesitation then, you said she was, then changed it to she is your fiancée?."
By this time the other three were listening as well. The two were just as curious while Maria remained quiet, and continued forward.
"Well..., that's because we were supposed to get married a month ago."
Shawn's eyes widened as he realized what that meant.
"We were to get married the week after the outbreak happened, but of course when it happened, I went under and she became busy as the only expert on the situation. So by the time I awoke, she was waist deep in work... alone.
I tried to come here many times, but there was just so much to do. And when I realized I missed our wedding day.... I.... couldn't forgive myself for letting her down. I know it wasn't my fault but still.... I can't help but feel partially responsible..."
Before he could say anything else, Maria interrupted:
"Alright, looks like we're here."
Infront of them stood a single metallic, imputing a code, the door slid upwards presenting a large white room. The walls of the room were reinforced with strong materials, and was later on improved upon using someone's ability.
The room was completely empty, aside from two people sitting on the floor in the middle of it. The two looked up as the door opened, their eyes lingered on the people entering for a moment before turning away.
The doctor led Shawn and Laura towards the far end of the room, once there she place her hand to the wall. Moments later the wall opened up revealing another metallic door, they were led inside and up a flight of stairs. Once they reached the top, they entered another room with a view of the training area below.
Before following them in Maria turned towards Arthur:
"We're going to test your reflexes, healing capabilities and combat skill all at the same time. Medics and healers are on stand-by, so feel free to go all out."
He nodded then turned towards the two in the room.
"These two are new here, so I hadn't had the chance to evaluate their capabilities yet. I hope you don't mind, I'll have them watch first. Then I'll have them join in."
He studied the two for a moment. They both wore flexible bodysuits, that fit their bodies perfectly. The body suits were durable and made to resist quite a bit of damage as well as extreme weather. On their faces they wore black masks on the bottom of their faces, with small containers of oxygen on the sides. The masks were built to help regulate their breathing, and teach them breath control during harsh situations.
One of them had long hair, that was braided into a ponytail, while the other had shorter hair with the sides cut.
He watched as they rose to their feet, and walked towards a corner of the room. The one with the longer hair seemed to be lost in thought as he sat with his back against the wall. The other sat down beside him, resting his arms on his knees, he looked Athur in the eyes with a bit of annoyance written on his face.
"Keep in mind, I was told that they would be joining your squad after they're done here. So try not to go too easy on them."
After that she walked away, and headed through the door and up the stairs. Arthur was given some time to put on the same suit and mask as the other two then made his way to the center of the room.
Moments later, the door to the entrance opened and two more people walked in. The man and woman both wore the same outfits, their eyes were glowing as they made their way towards the center of the room. Their auras vibrated throughout the room as they stood face to face with him.
In the corner of the room, the short haired man's eyes began to glow a deep dark color, a dark smokey aura slowly began to seep from his body. There was a wild smile under his mask, the presence of the two ignited the excitement in him. But the man beside him grabbed onto his arm, his eyes glowing purple as they looked into his own. The man shook his head at him, as his own aura slowly began to match his own. He huffed as he yanked his arm away, and sat back against the wall.
In the middle of the room Arthur paid the other two no mind as he looked past them watching the two men. A smirk appeared on his face, as he placed the mask over it.
As they stood motionless, Maria's voice rang out from around the room:
"The two infront of you are both of the legendary rank, they will be attacking at the same time. Although they are both in the first stage, they are both quite strong compared to others. So whenever you're ready, you may begin."
Looking down at his watch, his current data was shown, including his current class.
Arthur Jade
Class: Lesser Angel (stage 2)
Ability: Reaper
Rank: Transcendent
He smirk to himself:
'Like fighting two Deans, should be fun.'
The first one to move was the man, his glowing eyes gave off sparks as his hand became covered in electricity. He pushed off the ground with so much force causing a burnt mark to be left on the floor. In an instant he was right behind Arthur. His leg became encased in electricity as it swung out aiming for his neck.
Arthur, effortlessly ducked under the kick. Using his lowered stance to his advantage, he dug his foot into the ground and pushed off heading for the woman. Encasing his hand in aura he swung, aiming for her gut.
Before the hit could land, the man was already infront of him. The man grabbed his wrist, stopping the attack, but he was quickly dragged down with immense force. The attack was a feint, Arthur knew the man would be fast enough to protect the woman. As soon as his wrist was grabbed he twisted his hand grabbing him, using all of his strength he pulled the man down towards him. With the added momentum and the pull, he planted his knee into the chest of the man. A lound crack was heard as the attack landed, letting go of his hand as it connected, the man was sent crashing into the wall.
Without stopping, Arthur planted his foot and swung the other back aiming for her head. The woman raised her hands to block. After making contact, she quickly grabbed onto his leg. She gripped his leg hard, then sent her aura throughout his body. Tremors were let out inside his body, blood began to seep out of his eyes and ears as his organs were violently shaken.
Using all of her strength, she swung his body to the side of the room. Like a blinding flash of light, the man zipped past her. He jumped into the air, and landed a knee right to the face of Arthur. He was sent spiraling through the air, landing on the otherside of the room.
He layed there, facing towards the ceiling. His ears were ringing, and blood was spilling out from his broken nose.
'I was wrong, this is not like Dean. But now comes the good part.'
As he slowly rose to his feet, his eyes began to glow white. A dark aura began to emerge from his body.