Chapter 1: Beneath the Surface
"It truly is nothing, Professor," Kaeden said, regaining his composure.
"It is my duty to know when a student is in a critical condition," the professor replied. "So tell me—what is the problem?"
Kaeden sighed inwardly, carefully weighing his options. Telling the professor the truth was never on the table. He was convinced the only reason the professor paid him any attention was because of the incident—the one no one believed him about.
Kaeden was a student considered unremarkable except for his intellect. It was baffling how someone like him had survived the explosion that had supposedly vaporized the entire lab and several nearby buildings. Fortunately, there had been no casualties, only because Kaeden had conducted his experiment during an excursion to a Nethorian world. He had claimed he was too ill to attend and had informed the class representative beforehand. Because of this, he'd been excluded from the trip, and with the labs empty, he was able to sneak in and carry out his experiment.
But the survival of a student with no ether resonance? That raised questions. He was sure the scans taken of him after the event had been forwarded to the administration. They were likely still watching him, waiting. So, yes—he had to tread very, very carefully.
One wrong step, and it was over.
"I think it's just stress, sir. I haven't had much time to rest since the incident," he said. Several students frowned and looked at him again. Many influential students were aware of the incident, which the academy had worked hard to cover up while still investigating what could've caused such destruction. Those unaware simply stared—some in curiosity, others in disdain. Why was the professor giving this nobody so much attention? If he was unwell and refused to say what was wrong, then let him die in silence. That was the academy's way—the weak bowed to the strong, and the strong bowed to the cunning.
"That doesn't explain why you're this pale," the professor said, leaning forward.
Instinctively, Kaeden leaned back. He was certain the professor was baiting him into a confession that would eventually damn him. But he wasn't stupid.
Never had been.
"I can assure you, sir—it's nothing unnatural. Just a temporary spike in my NPN levels," he replied, now more in control of his body. Whatever was happening hadn't stopped, but he refused to show weakness under the professor's probing stare. His body responded to his will.
"But NPN levels don't manifest in such superficial ways. I believe you know what's wrong with you. Let me give you some advice: a problem shared is a problem half solved."
No reason to be scared? He'd sooner drink poison than believe that line of garbage. The worst thing he could do now was give them what they wanted.
"I have no idea what you're insinuating, sir. There's nothing wrong with me. Perhaps the skin change is due to an allergic reaction to a cream I recently started using," he said shamelessly, ignoring the bewildered stares from even Liam, and the surprise on the faces of girls who couldn't believe Kaeden—the nerd—was suddenly self-conscious about his appearance.
But really, who was he trying to impress?
"Hmm... head to the infirmary after this. Get some scans done. Bring the results to my office," the professor said, turning away. He returned to the elevated platform and resumed his lecture.
"Now, as we all must know, the ether chamber is directly connected to the ether core located just below the left ventricle and adjacent to the—"
Kaeden tuned out. Even on a normal day, he might have listened, but there was no need. He had already covered most of the syllabus during his extended hours in the library. Unlike students with ether resonance who needed to hone their combat skills, Kaeden had no such resonance. Instead, he'd focused entirely on academic excellence to stay afloat—though the lack of combat ability had severely hindered his overall growth.
"They're getting more suspicious... damn it," he thought. He considered altering the scan results, but dismissed the idea. The professor might just retrieve the original files from the infirmary anyway.
He sighed.
His eyes flicked downward, and he caught the class rep staring at him.
"Tsk, I forgot," he muttered, cursing himself for the trouble he'd brought on by faking illness that day.
...
"Dismissed," the professor finally announced.
A chorus of relieved sighs followed. Today's lesson on ether intricacies had pushed many to the brink of sleep.
"The infirmary," Kaeden thought bitterly as he stood.
"Yo, bro! How about the cafeteria?" Liam said, slinging an arm around Kaeden's neck.
Kaeden flinched.
"Nah... I'll pass."
"Huh? Alright. My treat," Liam offered, but then paused. "Still no?"
"Thanks, but no thanks. I've got to get to the infirmary," Kaeden said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. It wasn't just any bag—it had special properties that made it feel weightless despite being stuffed with books.
"Oh, that!" Liam smacked his forehead. "Seems the professor's taken a liking to you," he grinned.
Kaeden rolled his eyes. "Well, unlike you, I'm not into dudes. Gross."
He walked away. Liam's smile faltered for a second as realization dawned. He glanced around and saw several girls shooting him reproachful looks.
"DAMN YOU, YOU WEIRD ASS! I DON'T SWING THAT WAY!" Liam yelled.
Kaeden didn't look back.
"Mr. Kaeden."
A smooth, sharp voice made his stomach drop.
"Miss Natasha," he said, turning with a composed smile. Inside, he was sweating bullets. He had tricked her—one of the top-ranking students—by faking his illness and lab results. She'd been punished once the truth came out.
What scared him most was knowing how dangerous, petty, and volatile high-rankers could be.
"I believe you have something to say?" she asked, clearly irritated.
Blue hair. Striking almond eyes. An attractive figure that rivaled the top girls in class.
"I... am not going to say sorry."
Wow.
Even he was surprised. He just didn't want to cower anymore. But normally, that resolve would've vanished under pressure.
So what was different today?
"Wait... tch... it's happening again."
"What?!" she growled, clenching her fists.
"I mean... so—shut up and get out of my way," he snapped.
'Oh... damn.'