Axel sat in the Machine Caliber's cockpit, his eyes fixed on the data scrolling across the HUD. The identities of the three boys were confirmed: Andrew Detmer, Matt Garetty, and Steve Montgomery. The realization sent a chill through him.
Chronicle universe.
That meant the crystal inside the cave was the very anomaly that would soon grant them telekinetic powers. And if things played out the way he remembered from the movie, this power would lead to devastation.
Axel clenched his fists. He couldn't afford to let history repeat itself.
"CHM-002, hack into their phones. Send out an earthquake warning—make it urgent."
"Affirmative. Sending high-priority geoseismic alert to all three devices."
Within seconds, the boys' phones buzzed simultaneously, displaying an emergency evacuation order. He watched through the Machine Caliber's external sensors as Andrew, Matt, and Steve read the message, exchanged worried glances, and bolted back toward their camp.
Axel let out a breath of relief. They were safe. At least, for now.
With the area clear, he turned his attention to the cave.
The Machine Caliber hovered just outside the entrance, its optical camouflage active to prevent any detection from satellites or passing aircraft. Axel disengaged from the cockpit, stepping into the night air. He activated his environmental scanner and proceeded into the cave.
The walls were rough and jagged, the tunnel itself no more than 20 meters deep. But even before he reached the end, he could feel it—a pulsating force emanating from within. The crystal.
Axel's heartbeat quickened as he rounded the final bend.
There it was.
A large, glowing crystalline structure embedded into the rocky surface. Its deep blue hue pulsed rhythmically, sending waves of unidentifiable energy into the surrounding air.
Axel took a cautious step forward, his visor analyzing the radiation levels. He had no idea whether touching it would grant him abilities, kill him, or do something far worse.
"CHM-002, activate defensive measures. Record all data from the crystal and monitor my vital signs."
"Acknowledged. System monitoring engaged."
Axel exhaled sharply. This was it.
He reached out.
The instant his fingers made contact, a surge of heat exploded through his body.
It started as a dull warmth but quickly turned into something unbearable—a searing pain that tore through his nerves like white-hot fire. His muscles tensed, his vision blurred, and an unimaginable force gripped his very being.
Axel screamed.
Astrais' emergency protocols kicked in, and before his body could completely shut down, the Machine Caliber's auto-retrieval system activated.
Everything went dark.
When Axel opened his eyes, he was no longer in the cave.
He was inside Astrais' medical chamber.
His body felt different. Lighter. Stronger. Familiar, yet unfamiliar.
A soft chime rang out, and CHM-002's voice filled the room.
"Pilot consciousness restored. System diagnostics complete. Displaying results."
Axel blinked as a holographic status report projected in front of him.
Age: 15 (Previously 20)
Physical Strength: Enhanced (Muscle density increased by 2x)
Endurance: Improved
Neurological Activity: Heightened
Telekinetic Ability: Unstable - Requires Further Testing
His heart pounded. He had reversed in age—his body had literally rewound five years, yet he was stronger than he had ever been. His muscles felt denser, and his reaction time seemed sharper.
But what caught his attention the most was the last note.
Telekinetic Ability: Unstable.
Axel slowly raised his hand, focusing on a nearby metal panel.
The moment he thought about moving it, the panel shuddered slightly.
His eyes widened. It worked.
The crystal had changed him.
And now, he had a new challenge ahead—mastering his new abilities before they mastered him.