Dale turned to the darkening skies as though he expected the heavens to open up and whisper to him what he should do.

His eyes flickered to the setting sun over the horizon and he let out a small smile.

’I could become a sort of security measure tester.’ His power seemed to affect technology, allowing him to test safes, fences, and locks. That would certainly fetch him a pretty buck.

Yet despite the idea, he was hesitant. Not necessarily because it was a bad idea — in fact, it was brilliant — but because it felt somewhat unfulfilling.

"The only thing that needs fulfillment is my pocket... it should be full of cash!" He yelled and rubbed his palms against his face.

He still couldn’t shake off a need to be more important.

’Get a grip! This is how people die!’

As he continued walking, a giant display screen on the side of a skyscraper lit up, blinding those who had been unfortunate enough to have been staring at it.

The light calmed, and a clean video was taken from what seemed like a helicopter.

A large figure the size of a small hill dashed through a forest. Its serpentine body was unmistakably the size of three grown whales placed together.

Despite just watching the video, Dale felt a chill run down his spine at the sight of the beast.

Beasts were unfortunately a rather common oddity in the modern world. Just like humans could get abilities from awakening pools, animals could become mighty beasts.

And unlike their human counterparts, animals found it a thousand times easier to find a pool. It was almost like they were innately drawn to them.

The snake raised its head and hissed loudly at the helicopter.

Dale frowned deeply. "Beasts are rather common, so why show this one in particular?"

As though to answer the question, the video went dark then lit up again. This time, with a man facing the camera.

He was clothed in a green army uniform. A scar ran across his face, marring his skin and splitting his right eyebrow.

"That video was taken yesterday a little towards the end of our country’s borders. Yet before we had gotten to said border, both the snake and our helicopter were attacked."

A wave of gasps passed through the other onlookers. This was clear as day. Someone had made a move against their country.

The man continued, "We believe that our Nation, Utra, is about to fall into a war it doesn’t want to be a part of. But alas, the best poison for a snake, is often its own venom." Then the screen went completely dark.

Dale spent a few minutes staring at nothing in particular. ’What?’

While he wouldn’t claim to be well-versed in war, it was common knowledge that a simple attack wouldn’t have been broadcast the way it was if something else wasn’t going on in the background.

The Utra nation must have tried to reason with the attackers — or demanded compensation — and it didn’t work out so well.

Just how much had the matter escalated without public knowledge for it to be announced that they might soon head to war?

’It seems as though my wish is about to come true.’

He had heard of some military personnel — at least amongst the richest people in the world. Not to mention the fame and respect one would get.

Dale sighed. "This seems very convenient... perhaps too convenient?"

He summoned AIDE and it whispered a section of his ability skills to him:

[Variable(Passive): You are an unforeseen number. Changing fates, directions, and spreading disarray]

An eyebrow raised slowly, ’What says disarray more than war?’ He frowned.

It seemed like his ability was already in effect. Sure, he might have been overestimating his skill to believe it could trigger an entire war just a few moments short of getting it but in the modern world, anything was possible.

"And I’m not sure if all of my current thoughts are as a result of [Variable]. It’s all so exhausting." He groaned.

Somehow, Dale found himself in front of a large building with the military insignia — a large bronze eagle — engraved into it.

"I can’t believe I’m doing this!" He sighed and walked in.

Behind the door, was a rather modern receptionist area with cool lights and a man seated behind a table.

"Hello and welcome. How may I be of service?" The man smiled from ear to ear, an absolute contrast with the woman working at the awakening pool.

’I suppose he has to make a good impression on people. The last thing he wants is to chase away possible conscripts for the military.’ That was a sure way to lose his job... possibly his life as well.

Dale smiled nervously, "Good day, I am here to sign up for uh— the military."

His smile grew impossibly wider. "GREAT!! HAHA!" He reached under the table and pulled out a tablet.

He handed it over to Dale who took it slowly.

The tablet displayed a basic form which required basic details about himself... including his age.

"Uhh... I’m 17." Dale smiled nervously but the man just tilted his head.

"No problem. Just fill out the form."

Dale complied and filled it out before handing the tablet back over to him.

The receptionist tapped away at the screen for a few minutes. He smiled at him afterwards, "Are you ready to leave now or will you require a few days to say your goodbyes to loved ones?"

Hearing the question, Dale almost scoffed. The only people who would miss him were those he owed money to.

But rather than say his mind, he just shook his head. "No, none of that. I’m ready."

The receptionist nodded. "Right."

He handed Dale a watch which he took and placed on his wrist.

"Goodbye." The receptionist remarked and he vanished in a single breath.