Aniela watched him blankly as Gilbert picked up his fallen scarf, releasing an uneven and hollow laugh.
"Heh. Heh….. Hehehe. I guess Anastasia was right," His voice filled with resignation. Turning on his heel, he made his way toward the exit. "Goodnight, Doctor Aniela." Aniela exhaled softly, stepping forward to block Gilbert's path with measured grace.
"Wait. Just wait." Her voice was steady and firm but not unkind. "This isn't just for me. It may very well benefit you as well." There was no plea in her tone, just quiet certainty. Gilbert, despite himself, hesitated not because he wanted to, but her poise struck him as someone confident in their words.
Aniela's movements were deliberate as she stepped away with unwavering composure. She settled into her chair with ease and motioned toward the chair across from her, "Sit."Her words were firm.
Gilbert remained standing for a moment, his jaw tight and posture rigid.
"What do you mean?" His voice still carrying traces of disappointment.
Aniela exhaled, resting her hands lightly on her desk.
"I mean exactly what I said." She met his gaze unwavering. "You may not see it now, but you are a very special boy. Especially your circuit."
"My circuits?" Gilbert heart skipped a beat as he did his best to feign ignorance.
"Well for starters you have two of them," She said to him patiently. Gilbert remained silent, the tension lingering between them.
"That is impossible! common knowledge that it is only possible to have one circuit." Gilbert said trying his best to feign surprise and ignorance.
"So sit, Gilbert," Aniela said again, quieter this time. "And Listen." Her expression softening ever so lightly. Taking a seat across from her he stared at her eyes
"Okay I'll listen but only because we went on a date." Gilbert said, crossing her legs Aniela pulled up an image of a human anatomy highlighting the circuit.
"Do you know why we separate knights into five main lineages or how we do it?" Aniela began
"Uhmm, because our circuits evolve along a outline based of the first ever knight of our lineage." Gilbert replied not know the significance of the question
"That is correct but also incomplete." She replied as Gilbert frowned is confusion deepening
"How so?" He asked
Leaning back into her seat, Aniela folded her hands over her lap before continuing. "While the lineages are based off the circuits of the first knights, the real foundation lies in the mutation of the spinal cord."
Gilbert's brows furrowed. "The spinal cord?"
Aniela placed her hands on her lips motioning for him to be quiet. "Yes the spinal cord, that is where it all starts. From there, the nerves mutate uniquely from human to human. That's why, even within the main lineages, we've identified countless subcategories, like your squadmate William's Behemoth classification. If a spinal mutation goes far enough it becomes possible to create an entire new lineage"
Gilbert absorbed the explanation in silence.
"But that is not what is most important," Aniela added, her tone shifting slightly. "When a knight becomes a Dread Marine, their circuits undergo another transformation, and the radion energy within their system mutates as well."
She paused briefly as she thought before giving an example. "Take the Dragon lineage, for instance. Their evolved energy becomes vastly more destructive compared to others. When you were a knight the energy was like plain water but afterwards it like you added sugar or another ingredient. By studying the mutations of the circuits and the evolved radionenergy we develop new weapons, refine our power armors and create technologies that benefit society."
"Wait, wait, wait." Gilbert said stopping her rubbing his forehead as he tried to processed her words. "New technologies are actually made based of knights? And what does this have to do with me?"
Aniela motioned for him to slow down as, dealing with him calmly
"Yes, new technologies a lot of new technologies are derived from knights though not every single one."
She leaned back slightly, gauging his reaction before offering an example. "Take the annihilation space bomb. One of the Federation's most lethal weapons. It was designed by James Aeskrow , by studying the destructive properties of the the dragon lineages radion energy. That is also how we've managed to keep pace with the Stygians."
Gilbert stood up and started walking circles around the room before sitting back down and getting up again.
"So, because you think I have two circuits you want to study me?" Gilbert asked her with a straight face
"By analyzing your dual circuits, we may uncover methodologies to replicate or integrate such properties into other knights. Furthermore, if your secondary circuit proves to be an entirely distinct mutation we can form the foundation of an entirely new lineage. The technological advancements derived from its study could be ground breaking." Aniela replied with newfound fervor in her eyes as she spoke.
Gilbert remained silent, staring at the floor, his expression unreadable.
"So, if I'm so important, why don't you just report me to the Academy? Or whoever it is you serve?" Gilbert asked , still refusing to meet Aniela's gaze. Aniela's lips curved into a faint smile as she regained her elegant poise."The chance to study you, the opportunity to harness and optimize a novel circuit that could lead to revolutionary advancements in weaponry, armor enhancement, and even biochemical augmentations." She stepped forward, standing over him. " It could fundamentally reshape warfare in the Federation."
She tilted her head slightly. "Reporting you gets me nothing. They'd lock you away in some facility, out of my reach. Here, I study you myself."
Finally, Gilbert lifted his head, meeting her gaze.
"And what about forming your own legion?" he asked, noticing she had conveniently left that part out.
Aniela scoffed, giving him a pointed look. "I'm not a combatant. Why would I need my own legion?" She folded her arms. "Besides, do you have any idea how difficult it is to form a new division, much less an entire legion? The resources required, the political maneuvering, it's nearly impossible without substantial backing from various interest groups. Even with the right foundation, it wouldn't be feasible without considerable support."
Her eyes gleamed with calculated ambition. "But I can promise you this, if my research leads to breakthroughs, I can use my family's pharmaceutical company to sponsor the formation of your own special battalion. Along with…. other benefits that come with it."
She took her seat once more, crossing her legs.
Gilbert exhaled, considering her words. "So, what do you want me to do?"
"Given how busy you'll be, I've requested to be apart of the White Horn Company's medic unit. During your off hours, and whenever duty allows, we'll conduct experiments to learn more about your hidden circuit." She paused. "Once you become a Dread Marine, we'll study your radion as well."
Aniela laced her fingers together, "I take the scientific achievement, and you use the findings to strengthen your standing within the Federation. We split the monetary rewards when applicable."
"And what if fail," Gilbert asked calmly as thoughts raced through his mind.
"If I fail, I won't tell a soul about you I promise. But I doubt I will" Aniela replied. Her gaze sharpened. "So… Gilbert, do we have a deal?"
Gilbert leaned back slightly. "And what if I decline?"
"Then I report you," Aniela replied without hesitation, her expression unreadable. "I take the meager rewards they offer me, and at the very least, I use them to further my research."
Gilbert stared at her, realizing she was completely serious.
He sighed. "Alright, Doctor Aniela. We have a deal."
Standing, he gathered his blazer over his arm.
"Wait, where are you going?" Aniela asked, grabbing his arm. "I btought you here to begin testing.""Doctor Aniela, I am not in the mood to be your guinea pig." Gilbert replied coolly.
"But we have a deal, an agreement to experiment on you!" she insisted, stepping into his path.
Gilbert smirked. "No, you tricked me into coming here. There was no deal. But if you must insist the date was an incentive and this was just negotiations. I signed the contract, but that doesn't mean work starts today."
Stepping past her, he made his way towards the door once more.
Suddenly, Aniela rushed towards him placing her hands around his neck then kissed him. Gilbert froze in surprise. Slowly, instinctively, he placed his hands on her waist, clumsily returning the kiss. She parted from him, as Gilbert stood there froze.
Aniela's expression remained serene and unwavering.
"Proof that it was a good date or as you call it incentive," she stated simply, before turning and disappearing into her office.
Gilbert stood there for several seconds is hand on his lips before walking away his steps lighter than before. Stepping out into cool night air he looked back towards the door of the building.
As he walked back to his barracks, the cool night air did little to steady his thoughts. He replayed the day's events, every exchange dissected in his mind. By all measures, the date had been a failure—negotiation disguised as sentiment, leverage exchanged instead of affection. And yet… his pulse betrayed him. The lingering sensation of Aniela's lips, the soft trace of her floral scent—unshakable, undeniable. He exhaled, shaking his head, willing the memory to fade. It didn't.
Coming to his senses he stepped onto a floating platform and hurried back. The barracks were dark when he stepped inside, too dark. Then, with a sharp flick, the lights flashed on.
Kean, Anastasia, and Adam sat waiting, their expressions unreadable, save for the knowing gleam in Kean's eyes.
Kean was the first to move, striding over and pulling Gilbert inside, clamping his hands onto his shoulders before shutting the door.
"So, young man," Kean said, dragging him toward the sofa. "How was your date?"
Gilbert groaned. "Don't you guys have anything better to do?"
He tried to stand, but Kean shoved him back down, bouncing slightly as he perched on the armrest.
"Come on, Gilbert. We're dying to know."
Gilbert sighed. "I'm tired. I don't want to talk about it."
Anastasia smiled, resting her chin on her palm. "Sounds like it was interesting."
"Even you Ana, really? We went to the Rooftop Terrace," Gilbert muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Had dinner. Went for a walk. There. Happy?"
Kean grinned, rocking back in satisfaction, while Anastasia exchanged a knowing glance with Adam.
Adam smirked. "That's all you're giving us?"
Gilbert closed his eyes. I should have stayed outside longer.