Chapter 17 Part 7: Ability Control

Exploring the unknown was exhilarating.

I strode down the hallway, my steps full of purpose.

The long corridor seemed to stretch endlessly.

It wasn’t just because I was small.

There were no windows, no way to see the outside.

This hallway must be just a tiny part of a much larger building.

“Jeff, is this really necessary?”

Shine asked, rubbing her forehead.

She still seemed hungover.

“Of course!” This was crucial. My friends, my limited social circle, were probably worried.

I just needed to send a quick message.

“This isn’t it,” I said, reaching the end of the hallway.

Or rather, a dead end. Closed doors lined the walls, the air around them cold and stale. Unused rooms.

The darkened hallway and the faint smell of dust made me hesitate. I turned back. Where could I find a computer?

I spotted a man walking down the hallway and tugged on his pants leg.

“Excuse me.”

He turned, a look of surprise on his face, but his gaze went over my head. Annoyed, I tugged on his pants again.

“Down here.”

“Oh…” His expression changed. He seemed flustered by the sight of a child. Shine and I were the only children here.

“What is it?”

“I’m looking for a computer.”

“There are some in the room past the smoking area, next to the lounge.”

Really? That close? My limited child’s-eye view must have missed it. I let go of his pants and bowed my head.

“Thank you.”

“My, aren’t you polite?” he said, his voice coming from somewhere above me.

The praise didn’t feel sincere.

I turned and headed towards the cafeteria.

I didn’t know where the lounge was, but I knew there was a smoking area next to the cafeteria.

The large open space in front of it must be the lounge.

I felt a surge of pride, like I’d solved a complex mystery, and wanted to tell Shine.

I covered my mouth with my hands, catching Shine’s questioning gaze.

What was I doing, acting like a child?

“Let’s go, Shine.” I grabbed her hand and strode confidently down the hallway.

People still stared, their gazes following us wherever we went.

Was walking that fascinating?

I glared at them, but they just waved back.

I waved back, reluctantly.

We reached the lounge area.

People were relaxing on plush sofas. What were they all doing here?

What kind of organization was this? It seemed too big for a simple terrorist group.

There had to be a wealthy backer, someone with serious influence.

If that was true, I shouldn’t go to the police, even after I escaped.

Someone powerful enough to fund this operation would have connections everywhere, even in the police force.

We walked past the smoking area. A hidden passage, concealed by a large potted plant, opened up beside it. The man hadn’t lied. We turned the corner.

A long, dimly lit hallway. The sound of many voices. Open doorways. Rows of computers.

I ran towards the nearest open room, Amy’s slippers slapping loudly against the floor.

“Is this the computer?” Shine asked.

“Yes.” I nodded and sat down at an empty workstation, pulling over a spare chair. “Sit here.” There didn’t seem to be a fee.

Shine sat down. The chair was a bit big, but comfortable.

I took off the slippers and settled in, raising the chair to compensate for the high desk. Shine stared at the computer, her eyes wide with wonder.

The computer booted up, revealing a familiar desktop: messaging apps and games.

I opened a messenger app and started typing my ID and password, then realized the problem.

I didn’t have my phone. The app required two-factor authentication. I remembered my phone, smashed on the lab floor.

“Oh…” I froze.

“Jeff?” Shine looked at me, concerned.

“It’s okay.” If I couldn’t use the messenger, I could play games. But that also required my phone. I could log in without it at home and in the lab, but not here.

I sighed, running a hand down my face. Then I saw it: an old, almost forgotten icon in the corner of the screen.

A white cloud. CloudTalk. A messaging app that didn’t require a phone.

Was it still running? I clicked on it.

The familiar interface appeared. I typed my ID and password.

It worked. The familiar notification sound. A short list of contacts.

“Oh…” The last messages were from years ago.

I hadn’t used it in a long time. I started typing a message to my friends: Hi. I’m back.

Then I deleted it. Too awkward.

[H] I sent the single letter. I didn’t know if they still used CloudTalk, but it was my only option.

Minutes passed. No response.

“Jeff, are those other people?” Shine pointed at the profile pictures of my contacts.

Embarrassing pictures. Anime characters. Someone’s toes. I quickly minimized the window.

“No.”

Shine frowned, dissatisfied with my answer. She glared at me. I ignored her and opened YouTube. The recommendations were all unfamiliar.

“Jeff, how long are we staying here?” Shine was getting bored.

I checked CloudTalk. Still no response. They usually replied instantly. They must not be using CloudTalk anymore.

“Hmm…” The buzzing in my head intensified. I sighed and shut down the computer. The screen went dark, reflecting our faces.

Shine tugged on my arm, her lower lip jutting out. “Let’s go.”

I’d have to try again later. I nodded and slid off the chair. Shine was smiling now.

I made a mental note to sneak out while she was asleep. I let her lead me back to our room. I wanted to explore more, but she clearly wanted to go back. I trudged along behind her.

Back in the room, we did nothing in particular. Just watched TV. That was our routine now.

I lay on the bed, watching cartoons. When my show was over, Shine took the remote. We took turns, watching TV until our small bodies grew tired.

I started dozing off during a boring news report. I was getting hungry. When was dinner? I rolled over on the bed and let sleep claim me.

The news anchor’s voice droned on about an attack on a lab in District 5.

Maybe Amy would be back tonight. She must have clearance to access District 5.

But why would someone with such high-level access join a terrorist organization?

My thoughts drifted. The buzzing intensified. I blinked, my vision blurry.

Shine? A blurry figure leaned over me. Shouldn’t she be watching the news? She smiled, stroking my forehead. Why was she smiling?

It was a cute smile. I smiled back.

Her eyes widened. Surprised I was still awake. But that was it. I drifted off to sleep.