Secret World of Occultists-Chapter 15: Observation Chamber

"Occult... affairs?" Luke muttered in a daze.

John nodded in response. He gazed at the area right above the youth's head and stated, "Just like you said, Mr. Mercer. His spirit energy is strong for someone who hasn't even fully awakened."

Edmund stroked his beard, his gaze drawn to the same place John's was. "Well now, I wonder if this is something all Occultists share when they awaken the old way."

John shook his head. "The old records say spirit energy levels varied among Occultists even back in the day."

"Huh? Old way?" Luke was totally confused by their conversation, and he couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what is this old way?"

"No need to concern yourself with that for now," said the Director flatly. "Follow me."

He turned around and walked toward the observation chamber. It was circular in shape and was built with reinforced concrete and brass.

A small portion consisted of thick glass through which one could see the inside of the chamber. There was nothing inside, except for a chair with straps around the armrest and the front legs.

As everyone gathered by the chamber, they all subconsciously looked at Luke.

The person in question, on the other hand, glanced at the chair inside the chamber in frightening realization.

A foreboding feeling welled up inside his heart, and from his reflection on the glass he could see that his face was full of panic.

"W-What is that chair for?" He asked nervously. "What are you all planning to do to me?"

Emily, Henry, and Edmund remained silent, their expressions solemn. They all looked towards John Kensington to begin explaining.

"You guys!" Luke called out anxiously. "What is happening? Why is that chair inside there? Don't tell me..."

He was afraid to even speak the words.

Did I make a mistake coming here?! What are they planning to do to me?!

He couldn't help but begin to think about all sorts of ominous possibilities, his heart sinking deeper with every second.

"How much did Henry tell you about the First Trial?" John asked, his voice calm yet steady.

Luke looked John in the eyes, not answering his question. Instead, he asked a question of his own, "Sir, I... Am I in trouble? Can you please explain what is happening?"

John's tone softened. "Son, you are not in any kind of trouble." He then pointed at the chair and continued, "And that is not what you think it is."

"Then what is it?"

"Those are safety measures that we must take," said the old man, gesturing at the chair as well as the whole chamber.

"Why?!" Luke couldn't help but blurt out. "I'm just... a normal kid, okay? Then what is that doing over there?"

Seeing the blue-eyed youth on the verge of what could possibly be a mental breakdown, Henry decided to take matters into his own hands.

He stepped forward and gently placed his hand on Luke's shoulder. "Abel, you chose to put your trust in me, and I promised to guide you. Do you remember?"

Luke looked at him with complicated emotions. After a long time, he nodded.

"Good." Henry nodded. "Then trust me when I tell you that we mean you no harm. And that thing there"—he pointed at the chair—"it's not for your sake. It is for ours."

"What... What is that supposed to mean?" Luke asked, utterly confused.

"Becoming an Occultist allows you to wield supernatural abilities, things ordinary folks can't even begin to grasp," said John Kensington. "But it is not without risks. Everything has a price."

Luke turned to look at the old man. His expression turned grave and he asked, "What risks?"

"I will be honest with you, son," John replied solemnly. "Once you enter the Spirit Crucible, there is the possibility that you may die."

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"What?" Luke's heart was instantly gripped by terror.

"Yes." John nodded. "Knowing that, are you still willing to risk it?"

Luke turned silent, his head gradually lowered.

Am I willing to risk dying? What a stupid question! Of course, I'm fucking not!

I've already died once! I don't wanna die again... I don't wanna die...

His eyes turned teary as he thought about his previous life, I didn't even get to live a proper life. It was so short...

By sheer miracle I got a second chance at life...

So why? Why would I risk dying... I don't wanna die!

"Abel?" John softly called out to him.

"I don't have an option, do I?" Luke asked, his head still hung low.

"I'm afraid not."

"I see..." Luke murmured.

Tears threatened to fall, but he quickly wiped them away with the sleeve of his coat. No one present judged him for it.

They had all been in his place at one point in time. They knew exactly what he was going through—the terror, the uncertainty, everything.

Luke glanced at his feet emotionally.

I can finally walk.

I don't want to die...

Not again!

He gritted his teeth and finally raised his head. He looked at the old man with reddened eyes and spoke from the bottom of his heart.

"Then I'll make sure death isn't an option!"

John Kensington looked at the unwavering resolve burning in the youth's eyes. His lips slowly formed a smile.

"Good lad."

He then looked at the rest of the people gathered and instructed, "All of you will remain outside. I will enter the chamber with him."

With that said, he guided Luke towards the entrance of the chamber.

"Abel!" Henry suddenly called out to him. "Best of luck to you."

Luke looked at him and forced a smile, "Thanks!"

John led the youth inside the chamber, then closed the door shut behind him. Furthermore, he activated several locking mechanisms.

"I thought we were going to the Spirit Crucible," Luke spoke with uncertainty.

"The Spirit Crucible is a metaphysical realm," John explained as he turned around and faced the youth. "This otherworldly dimension is only accessible when someone undergoes an advancement trial."

"So, like... I just disappear and arrive there?" At this point, Luke wasn't even shocked after witnessing so many bizarre things.

"Not quite," John corrected him. "Your physical body stays here. It is your spirit that goes to the Crucible."

"...I see." Luke nodded, not quite sure what else to say.

"Take a seat."

Luke looked at the chair that he'd only seen in asylums in movies. He hesitated for a moment before ultimately sitting down.

John retrieved his pocket watch from his coat and checked the time. "Just a few mins left until it is been exactly seven days since Edmund and Henry found you that night."

He began strapping Luke's hands and legs to the chair. "Like Henry mentioned, you are being strapped to this chair not for your sake, but for ours. It is a necessary precaution. Protocol demands it."

"Why?" Luke asked with unease. "Can't I just lie on a bed or something?"

John looked him in the eye and spoke solemnly, "Death is not the only risk you face in the Spirit Crucible. The worst outcome? Your body is unable to handle the transformation... and you end up twisted beyond recognition."

He let the words hang for a moment before continuing, "And when that happens... you become the kind of monster we are meant to destroy."

"A monster?!" Luke couldn't help but nervously gulp. "...And how do I prevent that?"

"Only the strongest and most determined make it through the trials unchanged," John stated. "That fire in your eyes... do not let it die out, son. No matter what!"

Luke felt a heavy weight press down on his heart. The sheer nervousness, the anxiety, he had never felt anything like this before. His life was on the line, after all.

For a moment, he couldn't help but question all his decisions that led him to this place.

Did I do the right thing coming here?

Can I trust these people?

Will I survive inside the Spirit Crucible?

What if I... NO!

Whatever it takes!

I refuse to die again! I fucking refuse!

"Each trial is unique to the individual, but they all share one thing - survival," John said gravely. "When you arrive at that place, you must determine what the trial's objective is and see it fulfilled. And let me be clear, if you die in there, you die here too!"

Luke didn't know how to even respond. His hands started to tremble in fear but he tightly clenched his fists. He took deep breaths to calm down his wildly beating heart, but it proved to be difficult.

"One last thing," the old man added. "Time works differently in the Crucible. You might live through days, months, even years inside while only a few moments pass here. When that happens, stay calm. Do not panic."

Luke nodded. Suddenly, his eyes started to feel heavy and exhaustion unlike anything he had ever felt before started to overwhelm him. There were so many things he wished to ask, but he had no time at all.

Something primal and mysterious reached out to him from the beyond, slowly taking hold of him.

"Sir... I, uh..." He struggled to remain awake. "It's... calling to me..."

John stepped back, gazing at Luke who was slowly losing consiousness. He exhaled a long and deep breath and softly muttered, "Good luck, son."

Those were the last words Luke heard before he closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he was no longer inside the observation chamber.