**Doomsday Rebirth 374**
**The Wrong Kind of Attention**
After indulging in playful antics for a while, Caroline’s curiosity about her unique ability began to stir within her like a restless tide. She had always been fascinated by it, but now it felt like a siren call she couldn’t ignore. Yet, she reminded herself firmly not to let her excitement take the reins. There were responsibilities waiting for her, tasks that required her attention.
As she approached the group again, closing the distance to about ten feet, she reached out tentatively and gave a gentle pat on the shoulder of the soldier standing before her. To her astonishment, the illusion that had enveloped him morphed dramatically. The soldier transformed into a large black bear, reminiscent of the one she had once marveled at during a childhood visit to the zoo, its paw raised in a mock salute.
However, since the soldier was still clad in his uniform and her ability hinged on making skin contact, Caroline deftly slid her hand upward, her fingers grazing against the nape of his neck. The touch was so light, almost imperceptible, as if she had merely missed her intended target.
For a fleeting moment, the bear froze, its expression shifting to one of surprise at the unexpected contact.
At that precise moment, Caroline felt the familiar vibration of her Zero System on her wrist, a clear signal that she had successfully copied the ability. A thrill surged through her—so this is what the purple energy ability feels like! She had never managed to replicate anything of this nature before, and the exhilaration of discovery coursed through her veins.
But just as she was reveling in her internal celebration, the illusion dissipated in an instant. The soldier who had been conjuring it must have abruptly severed his connection.
Around her, the other soldiers blinked in bewilderment, their expressions returning to the mundane reality they had briefly escaped. “Ken, what’s the matter?” one of them inquired, a hint of confusion lacing his voice. “It’s still lunch break! Come on, let’s keep the fun going!”
Caroline’s hand remained awkwardly perched on Ken’s shoulder, creating an undeniably awkward moment.
She quickly withdrew her hand, giving his shoulder a light pat as she forced a smile. “You’ve got quite the ability there! But I think I’ll let you all get back to your games. I was just passing through.”
With a hasty farewell, Caroline turned to leave, eager to distance herself from the unexpected attention.
However, before she could take even a single step, Ken Robson suddenly lunged forward, seizing her hand with surprising urgency!
Caroline froze, her heart racing in her chest. “Uh, what are you doing?” she stammered, bewildered by his boldness.
His grip was firm, exuding a confidence that was all too characteristic of Francis’s soldiers—smooth and unflinching.
Ken’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he regarded her. “Ms. Sinclair! The Colonel told us that if you ever drop by—whether you want to touch us, shake our hands, or even, um… need us to take off our shirts for a direct touch—we’re supposed to cooperate fully! So, Ms. Sinclair, where would you like to start?”
Caroline stared at him, momentarily speechless. What exactly had Francis told these soldiers?
“Start with me! My ability is the best!” one soldier shouted, his voice brimming with eagerness.


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