Chapter 10: The Awakening world
935 Words
The news broke before noon.
At first, it was just whispers—strange reports, unexplained behaviors, sudden “awakenings” happening across cities. But within hours, every screen in the school lit up with the same emergency broadcast.
Students froze. Teachers stopped mid-lecture.
James stared at the screen as the reporter spoke, her voice trembling despite her attempt at professionalism.
“Authorities have confirmed a global phenomenon… A large percentage of the population is developing secondary biological classifications—identified as Alpha, Beta, and Omega…”
Gasps filled the classroom.
James’s grip tightened on his desk.
“It’s not just me…” he whispered.
The broadcast continued.
“…even more concerning is the emergence of a new, previously unknown category. Researchers are calling them Enigmas—individuals who exhibit abilities beyond standard classifications. Strength, heightened senses… and in some cases, phenomena that cannot yet be scientifically explained.”
James felt a chill crawl down his spine.
Max.
His mind immediately went to him.
Because if Alphas were powerful… then how powerful will Max be ?
The testing facility was cold, too clean—like it was designed to erase anything human.
Mrs. Shelton smiled as he entered.
“Max,” she said smoothly. “We’ve been waiting.”
Max’s eyes flicked around the room. Cameras. Sensors. Reinforced glass.
“Am I a guest,” he asked, “or a subject?”
Mr. Shelton chuckled. “That depends on your cooperation.”
Max didn’t sit.
“I’ll stand.”
Something in the room shifted—but no one addressed it.
“You couldn’t change me so now what do you want from me”max asked.
“The world is evolving we just want to know what you are”Mrs Shelton replied.
Please am not falling for that I know you guys aren’t my parents am your nephew and you took control of the company till am old enough and am more than ready to take back my fathers legacy aunt and uncle so why do this,why
“Tie him up”she ordered.
Vitals. Blood samples. Neural scans.
Then came the questions.
“Tell us what you are,” Mrs. Shelton said.
Max met her gaze.
“I don’t know.”
“Okay will find out soon enough”she said smiling “sedate him” she added.
Guards moved in.
Max’s breathing became uneven.
“Stop moving,” he said quickly.
The moment the words left his mouth—
Everything froze.
The alarms cut out.
The guards stopped mid-step.
Even the flickering lights… stabilized.
Dead silent.
Mrs. Shelton whispered, almost in awe:
“He doesn’t just affect objects…”
Mr. Shelton finished, eyes gleaming:
“He can determine outcomes.”
Max’s gaze swept across the lab, his mind struggling to keep up with what had just happened.
For a moment, everything felt distant—like the world had tilted slightly off its axis.
Then instinct took over.
Before anyone could react, he moved.
The guards who had been frozen moments ago were just beginning to regain control, but Max was faster. He slipped past them, grabbing one by the collar and knocking him off balance just enough to pull away his uniform. In one swift motion, Max freed himself, leaving the guard disoriented on the floor as he dressed.
Within seconds, he was out.
By the time Max got into his car, his hands were still shaking—but his mind was sharp.
He drove straight to Shelton Corporation’s headquarters.
Only when he was miles away did the pressure finally lift.
Back in the facility, the stillness broke.
The guards stumbled, alarms resumed, and Mr. and Mrs. Shelton inhaled sharply—as if they had just been released from something invisible.
The emergency shareholders’ meeting was called within the hour.
Executives filled the room, murmurs spreading as Max walked in—calm, composed, but carrying something none of them could ignore.
Authority.
Not given.
Not borrowed.
Claimed.
He took his seat at the head of the table without asking.
“I’ll make this simple,” Max said.
The room quieted.
“I currently hold forty-five percent of this company.”
A few heads turned. Some already knew—but hearing it said out loud changed everything.
“My shares. My father’s fifteen percent. My mother’s ten.”
Silence deepened.
“That makes me the largest stakeholder in this room.”
His uncle leaned back in his chair, unfazed on the surface.
“Ownership doesn’t equal leadership,” he said smoothly. “You’re still a university student, Max. No experience. This isn’t a classroom—it’s a corporation.”
A few shareholders nodded.
His aunt added, “We need stability, not… experimentation.”
Max didn’t react immediately.
He just watched them.
Measured them.
Then leaned forward slightly.
“Alright,” he said.
That single word made the room tense.
“I’ll make you a deal.”
“If I can increase the company’s performance by five percent above its current growth—within a fixed period…”
He let the words settle.
“I become chairman.”
A ripple went through the room.
His uncle’s eyes narrowed.
“And if you fail?” he asked.
Max held his gaze.
“Then I walk away.”
The room stilled.
“I give up all my shares.”
Then he added “but if you lose you give up your six percent shares combined uncle and aunt”
Across the table, uncertainty spread.
Because something about Max had changed.
And even if they couldn’t explain it— it was clear he was ready for a fight.
- Writer
