Demurc turned to the next page of the file, revealing the information of the second contained Bearer.
[CLASSIFIED – BEARER PROFILE]
File No. 00-2A
Name: Cynthia Forres
Codename:
Age: 26
Sex: Female
Height: 170 cm (5'7")
Weight: 56 kg
Classification: Undefined
Status: Contained
Description:
Subject possesses waist-length black hair and blue eyes. Maintains a calm and composed demeanor. Physically appears in good health and displays no visible corruption.
Ability:
Unknown. No prior records or documentation regarding the subject's abilities. Even after voluntarily turning herself in, the subject has repeatedly refused to demonstrate or reveal any signs of activation. Continuous observation has yielded no spontaneous manifestations to date.
Capture Record:
Subject voluntarily turned herself in to NEUS headquarters without resistance. No signs of hostility or mental instability were observed during surrender. Psychological evaluation remains inconclusive due to her refusal to cooperate beyond minimal questioning.
Demurc lingered on Cynthia's profile a bit longer. Her abilities remained undefined, and that alone made her dangerous. He sighed and closed the files just as a knock sounded from outside.
"Warden, Doctor Adelan is requesting permission to conduct an examination on Subject 05-1A," a soldier reported from beyond the door.
Doctor Adelan Kalsen, a researcher renowned for his groundbreaking results, was considered the best in his field. Following the Oddity incident, he assumed the position of Head Researcher at NEUS, leading a team of the most capable scientists to study every aspect of the Oddity, Bearers, Devils, and their powers.
"Alright, you may go," Demurc ordered.
In NEUS, only the Warden had the authority to move a contained Bearer in or out of their cell. Researchers and medical personnel required his explicit permission for any form of examination or testing. But before a subject could be released for observation, strict procedures had to be followed, signing clearances and confirming security escorts before reaching the Warden's signature.
With nothing else to do, Demurc decided to rest for the night.
Two days earlier.
The day was quiet inside the headquarters. During his short break, Demurc sat alone in the mess hall, eating his lunch and reviewing reports on his tablet.
The door burst open, and a soldier hurried in, panting slightly. "Warden, A report just came in, a Bearer has turned herself in. She's currently being escorted and will arrive here shortly." The soldier reported.
Demurc slowly set his fork down and looked up, his expression calm and unreadable. "Alright. Bring her to the interrogation room once they arrive. Good work, you may go."
"Yes, sir!" the soldier replied with a salute before hurrying out.
Demurc simply picked up his fork again and continued eating his meal.
A few hours later, Demurc was making his rounds when a soldier approached and saluted. "Sir, the Bearer has been secured in the interrogation room."
"I see," Demurc replied, his tone steady. He turned and began walking toward the room, his steps unhurried.
Inside the interrogation room, the atmosphere was controlled and cold. The walls were lined with monitors displaying streams of biometric data. A long desk sat against one side, cluttered with control panels, audio feeds, and communication lines, manned by a few silent personnel.
On the far wall stood a large one-way glass panel, transparent only from Demurc's side. Beyond it, in the brightly lit chamber, sat a young woman with long black hair, wearing glasses and a white jacket. Her wrists were cuffed to the table, four cameras positioned in each corner of the room, watching her every move.
"Did you get anything from her?" Demurc asked one of the personnel inside the observation room.
"No, sir. She refused to answer any questions and remained silent throughout the entire session," the officer replied.
"She turned herself in after an attempted murder involving the use of her abilities," the officer continued, glancing at his report. "We dispatched a team to investigate and confirmed her statement. Traces of unnatural residue were found at the scene. We believe she's a newly awakened Bearer, the incident may have been accidental on her part, but regardless, a life was nearly lost."
"What about her abilities?" Demurc asked.
"Well…" the officer hesitated. "The victim was a member of her family and has refused to cooperate as a witness. The subject claims she didn't remember anything."
"I see." Demurc paused, his gaze lingering on the one-way glass.
'So it stems from guilt,' he thought. 'Her abilities must've triggered by accident, hurting her family, and the guilt drove her to surrender herself.'
"Do we have a name?" Demurc asked, eyes fixed on the girl.
"Yes, sir. The subject identified herself as Cynthia Forres," the personnel replied. "No previous record, no affiliations. Background check came up clean."
Demurc's gaze lingered on the glass for a moment. "Cynthia Forres… I see."
"Open the door." Demurc said.
He ordered one of the soldiers to unlock the door leading to the girl's side. He intended to speak with her directly.
Despite the risk, no one objected. Everyone in the room knew of his capabilities, and that if anyone could handle a Bearer, it was the Warden himself.
Demurc could have spoken through the mic, but he chose not to. Instead, he wanted to face her directly, not as the Warden, but as someone on the same level.
As Demurc entered the room, the heavy door shut behind him with a soft hiss. His footsteps echoed lightly against the sterile floor as he approached the girl. Without a word, he reached for the cuffs and released the lock with a sharp click.
The girl slowly raised her hands, flexing her wrists as the weight of the restraints fell away. A faint red mark lingered on her skin, her expression had a slight trace of anxiety.
Demurc used humanization as leverage, by stepping into the same room, uncuffing her and then speaking at eye level, Demurc breaks the expected power dynamic. Most detainees expect fear, coldness, or hostility, instead, he shows trust and respect.
"Hello, Cynthia Forres." Demurc's tone carried no threat. "I am Demurc Viole." Across from him, the girl raised her eyes briefly, her expression slightly worried.