Class Dialogue

"…"

Brad had no response to that.

He had lost one of his buddies in the Cosmic Mana Wave displacement. Although he was not particularly close friends with that friend, it still affected him; for the majority of students, this was their first time experiencing loss.

It was only this morning that they were all excited about visiting the Hunter Academy.

"But don't you find it weird that Alexander was the only one who survived?" One of the students raised a question that everyone wanted an answer to.

The other students from various schools present in the common room were now concentrating on what the students at Newhaven School were discussing.

"Yeah, but shouldn't we be glad he did? Maybe his experience could help us overcome the Cosmic Mana Wave." A girl gave her take on the issue.

"Tch. I doubt that. For all we know, he wasn't even displaced and was only transported to the same location as everyone else. Or maybe, he was shielded by the others."

Another raised a valid point but felt the need to add a foolish comment at the end. When the students heard this perspective, they began to contemplate the feasibility of it occurring.

Although their knowledge of Cosmic Mana Waves was minimal, they knew enough to understand that no one, not even Hero Hunters, could survive.

"And what if he was?" Ross chipped in with an annoyed look. He cast a glance at the person who belittled his friend's experience.

"Just as Serali said," Ross continued. "It could be a chance for us to know how to overcome the Cosmic Mana Wave. And instead of being glad that he did, you are here trying to make him out to be the bad guy."

The class fell momentarily silent as everyone processed Ross's words. The redhead could not help but shake his head in disappointment.

He knew that most of the boys did not like him due to Brad's influence, while the other half were indifferent.

One male student, wearing glasses, raised another point. "What if he still ends up dying?"

Ross nearly got up to confront the person who said that. "Relax, bro. I'm just saying. What if his surviving this long is just that, surviving?

"He could even end up dying a day, a week or a month later, no one knows as this is uncharted territory."

Again, a valid point, but the fact was that no one had lived longer than a few minutes of displacement through the Veiled Spaces.

"Well, that remains to be seen… Right now, all I want to do is go home." Brad said, sighing. He folded his hands and closed his eyes, relaxing in his chair.

If he was being honest, he didn't care about Alex; he never did. Perhaps it was because Alexander always acted as if he were better than everyone else, or because he never responded to his antics, he didn't know. 

"Yeah…But I don't think I'd go back on a spaceship. What if the Cosmic Mana Wave comes back?" Of course, an experience like that would traumatise the children.

"It's unlikely. What happened to us is not something that occurs regularly, especially so close to a habitable planet.

"That was a thing of the past. Besides, they could put us to sleep, and we wouldn't know how we got back home." 

The students became quiet once again. At this point, there was really nothing else to say. As a result of this event, their trip had been suspended indefinitely.

As most of the students present already had plans to attend Hunters Academy after graduating from middle school, there was no need to be concerned about the missed experience. 

As the students' discussions persisted, a teacher entered the room.

"Attention, everyone." The instructor's voice reached the students' ears. "We'd be returning to Earth in a few hours. In the meantime, you'd be guided back to your rooms, where your smartwatches would be waiting. And don't worry, you'll be using the teleportation hubs this time."

Once he concluded, students let out sighs of relief. They started standing up to head to their assigned rooms, with AI bots at the entrance directing them to their destinations.

Ross moved to the teacher and asked, "Sir, would it be possible to see Alexander Gray?"

The teacher looked at the boy who was taller than himself and nodded, "Of course. Follow me."

While the teacher didn't know the boy, as he was a student at a different school, he had no reason to deny his request, and no rule stated that Alex could not see anyone.

Ross beamed a bright smile and followed the teacher closely.

...

"Don't worry, Mom. I'm perfectly fine. I am not being mistreated or anything of the sort. If anything, I am being treated well.

"It's just that I'd have to spend a few days here as they wish to make sure nothing happens." Alex was currently in front of a holographic display, talking to his parents.

His mother was particularly worried about him, and he had devoted a significant portion of the call to reassuring her about his well-being. 

[Okay… if you say so.]

His mom's reply came. Alex felt a warm sensation inside, seeing how much his family was worried about him, and rightly so. 'I think I am taking this too lightly. It's a miracle I am even alive.' 

[Son, do what must be done and return quickly. And don't worry about your brother and sister, I'll inform them of your well-being.]

"Thanks, Dad."

Alex turned around when he heard a knock at the door. He was in a spacious room all by himself, which contained furniture, a centre table, a bed, and an adjoining washroom. It also offered an impressive view of the planet below. 

"I have to go. There's someone at the door. I'll call you guys again soon. Take care." Alex quickly ended the call and responded to the knock.

"The door's open."

Entering the room was his best friend, Ross Bongu.

"Hey, what's up?" Ross greeted with a smile. Seeing his friend brought a smile to Alexander's face. He got up and moved closer to him, giving him a bro hug.