Evolving Infinitely From An E-Class Hero-Chapter 38: Under Evaluation

"Good evening, Reno Renly. This is Dr Holtz from the ISA Hero Evaluation Division..."

"Mr. Holtz..." I blurted out completely cutting him off.

The cold plastic of the phone felt heavier than usual against my ear as I poised my attention.

My Mom shocked from my actions.

"Mr. Holtz, I would not appreciate it you calling me from my home line and not my private line... Do you not have my private number?" I asked bluntly.

"Ohhh Yes I do... Apologies Mr Reno..." He replied nervously.

There was a pause on my end, my mind racing with anticipation.

"How can I help you? Mr. Holtz"

"Mr. Reno Renly, I was wandering if you’d be available to meet. There are things about your credentials I’d like to discuss in person... "

The ISA wants to talk... I knew this was bound to happen after the Gravehowl incident, I just didn’t think it’ll be this soon.

I didn’t want to talk to them, at the same time I Do want to. It’s my inquisitiveness.

"Sure. When and where?"

"This evening, let’s keep it casual and under the wraps. I hoped you’d appreciate that. There’s a Cafe just south of Sector D, Tilly’s Heaven?"

"Yeah, I think that should work".

"Thank you... "

Click.

I hung up the call before he could continue speaking, I had gotten what I wanted. I was going to have a meeting with an ISA official.

Evening rolled around rather slowly as the weight of anticipation hiped on me like a bag of cement.

I arrived at Tilly’s Haven fifteen minutes early to scope the place out and pick the best table and seats so as to get an advantage incase the ISA decided to apprehend me with brute force.

I don’t know, I think I was being cautious.

The place had a retro feel to it, brick walls, indie music, and that burnt coffee scent you either loved or hated.

I picked the seat near the back, where no one could hear too much of anything and it was also close to the window so I could have a nice escape route also.

There was the idea of them sniping me out from the window, but I found no reason they would do that.

Dr. Holtz arrived precisely on time, immediately he entered, my system immediately pulled out information on him that was available on the Internet.

He looked fail, like he hadn’t slept in weeks. His grey hair was messily combed back, his lab coat was still hung on his arm with his worn over, rumpled formal shirt.

He offered a shot nod as he sat. "Glad you could make it Mr. Reno Renly"

"A Hero shouldn’t ignore calls from the ISA higher ups, sir" I said trying to sound smug. My voice cracked slightly.

"Fair point, young one" he tapped something on his wristband.

"Let’s skip the formalities, Reno. I’ve reviewed all the data we have on you"

I tensed. "Okay".

"So, you were there during the Gravehowl incident. You were masked in the footage we captured in front of an ISA lab. But the reports from B-Class Heroes Thunderlash and Ice Blast confirms your identity ".

I gave him the most casual shrug I could manage.

"You’re registered as an E-Class Hero under the name Skateboard Man, but your output couldn’t possibly align with the feats of such class"

I shrugged again, "I guess I was lucky... "

He leaned forward as squinted his gaze at me. "Don’t be coy, I’ve seen heroes bluff before. But you... Something happened, our best guess is a second enlightenment event..."

The words felt like needles.

Intentional.

"I can’t talk about that," I replied firmly.

He stared at me for a long moment before sighing and leaning back into his chair.

"I figured you’d say that. But let me remind you, withholding such information from the ISA is not only reckless, it could be dangerous."

I raised a quirky eyebrow at him. Dangerous, me?

"I’m not a threat."

"No. But we don’t know that yet... Do we?"

Before I could respond, a gust of wind blew open the cafe door.

The cafe was empty except for it employees which I suspected were ISA agents pretending.

Standing there at the door was President Viola herself.

"Am I interrupting something?" She asked, a slight smirk played on her lips as she readjusted herself in he seat.

Dr. Holtz performed a slight bow of his head. "Madam President."

Viola’s crimson coat flared as she strode over. "Relax Holtz, I’m off duty today..." She said before turning towards me. "E-Class wonder not, huh?"

I stiffened. "Ma’am."

A second later, another pair of familiar figures appeared behind her. Thunderlash in his flashy, blue colored armour and Ice Blast but she didn’t look all iced up and white as snow. She looked normal,wearing a casual T-shirt and jeans.

"Hey ’Bionic’" Thunderlash blurted out with a slight ’salute’.

Dr. Holtz tapped his screen to gain everyone’s attention.

"They’re hear for contingency reasons..."

"Listen, Reno. You’ve had a lot of documented sightings of your freakish abilities which are not in correspondence to anything around E-Class. That leap only occurs during a second enlightenment event. If you confirm it with us we can begin recalibrating your class designation."

"Wait, are you saying..." I asked slowly.

"Yes. I’m recommending you attend the next reassessment day event."

I blinked.

"As a Hero registered under the ISA you are required to undergo reassessment at our say so... "

"But that’s less than a month away... "

Viola leaned closer. "We’ll keep your attendance quiet if that’s what you want."

I stayed silent.

"It’s the only way to determine your threat levels and know if you’re still a suitable fit for your license. If you don’t attend, we’d revoke your license and you’d be a real Rogue metahuman this time around"

I still stayed silent.

Holtz folded his arms. "So? Will you come?"

I didn’t answer immediately. I stared at the cup of tea in front of me. The soft steam reminded me of fog... Like the kind Gravehowl summoned.

Finally, I looked up.

"I’ll think about it."