Chapter 13

Issac sat in the crowded auditorium, surrounded by a sea of students murmuring anxiously among themselves. The air was thick with a mix of curiosity and apprehension following the recent events at Whitmore College. He could feel the collective tension vibrating through the seats as everyone awaited Dean Thompson's address.

As the lights dimmed and the Dean stepped onto the stage, Issac's attention shifted to the raised platform where the administration had set up. He knew they needed to reassure the student body, especially after the chaotic incident in the communal shower, and he hoped they would do it well.

The Dean cleared his throat, his expression serious but determined. "Thank you all for gathering here today," he began, his voice echoing in the quieting hall. "I know that the recent incident involving our communal shower has raised concerns among you. I want to assure each and every one of you that we have handled the situation with the utmost care."

Issac leaned forward in his seat, keenly aware of the whispers and nervous glances exchanged throughout the room. He glanced at the empty seat next to him, where Jaren should have been. His friend was still recovering from the awakening that had taken him by surprise, and Issac felt a twinge of worry for him. Jaren had undergone a significant transformation, one that would take time to process.

The Dean continued, "I understand that many of you may be feeling anxious, particularly those of you who are newly awakened. Please know that your safety is our top priority, and we are implementing additional support measures for all students, especially those who have recently discovered their powers."

A ripple of murmurs went through the crowd, but Issac's focus remained on the Dean's words. "We will be providing counseling services tailored to your needs, and our faculty is prepared to assist you in navigating this new chapter of your lives. We want you to feel secure and supported as you explore your abilities."

Issac felt a mixture of relief and skepticism. While the administration's assurances were a good start, he couldn't help but wonder how effectively they would be able to manage the concerns surrounding awakened Espers. He remembered the rumors about government experiments and the dangers that lurked behind closed doors.

The Dean continued, his voice steady. "I want to emphasize that all incidents involving awakened students will be treated with the utmost discretion and care. We understand the potential challenges you may face, and we are here to support you every step of the way."

As he spoke, Issac's thoughts drifted back to Jaren. He hoped his friend was managing, that the cleansing process had provided some relief from the chaos of awakening. He imagined Jaren resting in his dorm room, surrounded by familiar sights, his mind still sorting through the newfound power that coursed through him.

The assembly began to wrap up, and Issac felt a small sense of hope that maybe the school administration was serious about keeping everyone safe. As students started to disperse, he resolved to check in on Jaren later, to see how he was doing and maybe even offer some support of his own.

As the crowd began to file out of the auditorium, Issac stood and made his way toward the exit, a newfound determination bubbling inside him. He couldn't change the past, but he could be there for Jaren in the present, and perhaps together, they could navigate the complexities of their intertwined futures.

Issac exited the auditorium, his mind racing with unease. Although the Dean's reassurances had brought a moment of comfort, they did little to quell his growing anxiety. It had been over a day since he registered at the government Esper Registration Center, and still, he hadn't received any results. The delay felt suspicious, as if something was amiss.

He made his way through the campus, his gaze drifting to the students milling about, their conversations filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension about their newfound powers. As he approached his dorm, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, that someone was keeping tabs on him.

Once inside, Issac found Jaren sitting on his bed, wrapped in a soft blanket, looking like he had just emerged from a battle with exhaustion. Jaren's hair was damp from the shower, and he rubbed his temples as if trying to relieve the lingering stress of his awakening.

"Hey, how are you holding up?" Issac asked, trying to mask his own worries with a facade of casualness.

"I'm still here," Jaren replied with a tired smile. "Just trying to process everything."

Issac took a deep breath. "Listen, I know it's not the best time, but I need your help. I'm starting to get concerned about my registration. It's been over a day, and I still haven't heard back. It's making me suspicious."

Jaren's brow furrowed, and he shifted to face Issac more directly. "That's definitely not normal. Usually, they send out results pretty quickly. What are you thinking?"

"I'm worried that someone in the government might be trying to go after me. You know how they can be," Issac admitted, leaning against the door frame. "I don't want to end up like those Espers who disappear into labs for experiments. Your dad might have some connections; maybe he can look into it."

Jaren considered this, his expression thoughtful. "You're right; my dad might be able to help. He's pretty high up in the military and has his ear to the ground when it comes to government matters. If something is off, he'll know."

Issac felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Could you call him? I don't want to raise any alarms, but I need to know if I should be worried."

"Yeah, I'll text him right now," Jaren said, reaching for his phone. "But let's make sure to keep this low-key. If they catch wind that you're concerned, it could raise more questions."

As Jaren tapped away at his phone, Issac paced the small room, his mind racing with the implications of the potential threat. He couldn't shake the feeling that the government was aware of him and his powers, especially since he had awakened to abilities that could easily be seen as a threat to their control.

After a moment, Jaren looked up, his expression serious. "I sent him a message. He should respond soon. In the meantime, we need to be cautious. If something's up, we need to stick together."

"Agreed," Issac replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and anxiety. "I just wish I knew what was going on behind the scenes. I can't afford to make any mistakes."

Just then, Jaren's phone buzzed with a notification. Both of them leaned in, their eyes widening as they read the brief response from General Zarek.

"I'll look into it. Don't panic. You're both safe here."

Jaren glanced up at Issac, his expression a mix of concern and reassurance. "At least we have some backup," he said quietly.

"Yeah, but I can't help feeling like we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop," Issac admitted. "I've been here before—staying one step ahead while trying to navigate a world that seems to be against me."

"Then we'll figure it out together," Jaren said, determination shining in his eyes. "You're not alone in this, Issac. We'll get to the bottom of it."

After their conversation, the two friends decided to take a break from the heavy thoughts that had been weighing on them. Issac figured a trip to the cafeteria would at least distract him from the growing uncertainty surrounding his registration. He was hungry anyway, and the thought of a warm meal seemed like a welcome escape, if only for a while.

"Let's grab something to eat," Issac suggested, standing up and stretching his arms.

Jaren, now looking a little more energetic but still exhausted, gave a nod. "Yeah, I could use something. I feel like I haven't eaten in days, even though it was only a few hours ago."

They walked through the dorm hallway and made their way down to the cafeteria, which was bustling with the usual afternoon crowd. The aroma of freshly cooked food drifted through the air, filling the space with the comforting smells of grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked bread.

The cafeteria at Whitmore College was a large, open space with long tables stretching out in rows, each occupied by students who were either eating, chatting, or buried in their laptops. The walls were adorned with posters of upcoming campus events, and there was a section offering different cuisines: Asian, Italian, and American comfort foods. A salad bar was tucked away in one corner, offering fresh greens and toppings for those looking for something light.

Issac and Jaren grabbed trays, moving along the food line. Issac eyed the food options with a thoughtful expression, glancing between the pasta station and the grill.

"Man, I forgot how much I miss this kind of food," Issac said as he loaded his tray with a hearty portion of pasta and grilled chicken.

Jaren chuckled, picking up a bowl of soup and some bread. "Yeah, they definitely know how to make a decent meal. Not that I had time to even think about food before today."

"Well, it's a good thing we have time now," Issac replied, glancing around the cafeteria. "And we'll need energy, right?"

Jaren nodded, looking less tense as they found a table near the window. The afternoon sun cast a soft glow on the room, and the sound of voices around them created a casual, almost calming atmosphere. As they settled in, Issac gave a sigh of relief.

"So, what do you think about all this?" Issac asked, digging into his food. "I mean, everything that's been happening... the awakening, the government stuff. It feels like we're caught in the middle of something huge."

Jaren took a sip of his soup before replying, his voice thoughtful. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it a lot. It's strange. I always knew the government had its own plans for Espers, but after today... it feels different. Like there's more to it. But I still don't get why you haven't heard anything back about your registration yet. That's way too long, and I know you're worried about it."

Issac nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can't shake the feeling that something's wrong, Jaren. The government isn't exactly known for being open with Espers, and if they're stalling, it could mean they're trying to keep tabs on me. Or worse... I don't want to end up as some sort of experiment."

Jaren frowned, but his voice was steady. "You're not alone in this. My dad's going to handle it, remember? He's a general. If anyone can get to the bottom of it, it's him."

Issac smiled faintly, appreciating the reassurance. "I hope so. I just... I don't want to keep looking over my shoulder. It's exhausting."

As they ate, the conversation drifted to lighter topics—the latest campus gossip, the sports teams, and even the occasional jokes about the strange assortment of students wandering through the cafeteria. For a moment, Issac could almost forget the looming threat, the uncertainty of his status, and the paranoia that crept into his thoughts.

Jaren took a deep breath after a few minutes of silence. "You know, we should be fine for now. The school's not going to go after you. You're registered as a citizen, right?"

"Yeah, but there's always that risk," Issac replied. "They don't care about classification. If you're a threat, they'll find a way to take you down or control you. But right now, let's just enjoy the meal. It's nice to get a break from thinking about everything."

"Agreed," Jaren said, smiling. "We'll take it one step at a time. And hey, I still owe you for helping me earlier, remember?"

Issac smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You owe me, huh? Well, next time, you're buying."

Jaren laughed softly, and they continued eating, the rest of their meal passing by more comfortably. Though their minds were still weighed down by uncertainties about the future, for now, they could rest easy knowing they were facing it together.