Some Questions Answered

Waking from his sleep, Alex opens his eyes to find himself back in the infirmary. This time, however, he's not alone. Both Max and Randy occupy the chairs beside his bed, with Randy's head resting peacefully on Max's shoulder as they both slumber deeply.

Stirring awake, Alex shifts himself into a sitting position, rubbing his forehead as memories of recent events flood back. His mind drifts to his previous awakening, recalling how Nurse Wendy had offered him medicine supposedly meant to help his soul.

Yet something hadn't felt quite right about that medicine. Rather than experiencing the healing effects Wendy had promised, he'd simply fallen into a deep sleep. While the rest had refreshed him somewhat, an inexplicable sixth sense tells him his soul remains unchanged from before - as if the medicine had served a different purpose entirely.

Pondering Nurse Wendy's actions, Alex pieces together the puzzle of his induced sleep. The answer crystallizes with stark clarity - it all ties back to his awakening ritual. Whatever transpired during that ceremony held such significance that they felt compelled to temporarily incapacitate him.

Running his hands over his body, Alex finds no evidence of surgical exploration - no telltale scars or lingering pain that might suggest physical examination. Though he acknowledges the possibility of magical intervention masking such procedures, that peculiar sixth sense that awakened with his powers whispers reassurance. Both his body and soul remain intact, unmarred by whatever scrutiny he endured while unconscious.

'Then why would they knock me out?' Alex wonders, the question echoing through his mind like a persistent whisper.

Before he can pursue this troubling line of thought, movement catches his attention as both Max and Randy stir from their slumber, roused by his restless shifting. Their eyes flutter open, widening with recognition as they find Alex sitting upright in the hospital bed.

"Holy moly, I thought you were dead, man!" Randy's voice cracks with emotion as he lurches forward, placing a trembling hand on Alex's shoulder before pulling him into a fierce embrace.

As Randy steps back, Max moves in, wrapping Alex in a bear hug that showcases his newly awakened strength. "Look man, I'm glad you're okay," Max manages, his voice thick with barely contained tears.

"Me too, but... can't breathe!" Alex wheezes, trying to appreciate the gesture even as his ribs protest under Max's enhanced grip. The power flowing through his friend's frame serves as a stark reminder of their recent transformations.

"Oh yeah, sorry man," Max releases him quickly, offering a sheepish grin. "Side effect of the ritual and whatnot."

At the mention of the ritual, both Max and Randy's expressions darken. They exchange guilty glances, the weight of their absence during Alex's day-long "treatment" hanging heavy between them. That's what they'd been told, at least - that Alex needed intensive care, isolated from visitors. Now, looking at their friend's alert face, they can't help but wonder what really transpired during those missing hours.

"Don't sweat it guys, it's not your fault," Alex reassures them, his voice steady despite the storm of uncertainties churning beneath his composed exterior. "Look, they did their best to take care of me during the ritual. No matter what happened, it was my decision to go through with it - we all did. Remember, it's something we need to get home." A hint of forced lightness enters his tone as he adds, "Besides, who doesn't want magic, huh?"

The words flow from Alex with careful precision, each syllable measured and weighed. Through his awakened senses, he's acutely aware of the OSAIs silently recording their conversation, their ethereal presence a constant reminder of unseen observation. He deliberately avoids mentioning his cosmic vision or the bone-deep sensations that had coursed through him during the ritual. Instead, he weaves a tapestry of half-truths, acknowledging their situation while concealing deeper revelations.

The reality crystallizes in his mind with stark clarity - they aren't mere students here, but subjects of intense scrutiny. Their behaviors, psychological responses, and emerging powers will be analyzed with meticulous attention. Yet even as this understanding settles over him like a heavy cloak, Alex maintains his resolve. The path ahead stretches long and treacherous, but they'll navigate it together, one careful step at a time, each advancement bringing them closer to home.

"That is a good mindset to have, Sir Alex," comes a familiar voice from the doorway. Professor Bain steps into the infirmary, his silver hair neatly slicked back and pristine lab coat rustling with each measured stride as he approaches Alex's bedside.

"How are you feeling, Alex?" the professor inquires, his tone carrying the practiced concern of a teacher invested in his student's wellbeing. Yet beneath that professional warmth, something else lurks - a shadow of deeper interest that catches Alex's attention.

Alex studies the professor's features intently, searching for any tell-tale signs of what might have transpired during his unconscious hours. Each line and gesture of the older man's face becomes a potential clue to unravel.

"I'm feeling a lot better, professor," Alex responds carefully. "Though I'll say I didn't feel awful during the ritual - it was only for a short while, and then everything just went dark. Next thing I knew, I woke up here," he gestures at the infirmary surrounding them.

Professor Bain nods, satisfaction evident in his expression. "That's good to hear," he says, before his tone shifts subtly. "Alex, have you noticed any changes? Perhaps new magical sensations, or a different kind of awareness? This would be especially relevant given the transformation of your eyes."

Alex's brow furrows in confusion, a scowl forming as he processes this unexpected revelation. "What do you mean my eyes have changed, professor?" he asks, tilting his head slightly as confusion creeps into his voice.

Reaching into his coat, Professor Bain produces a small mirror, its surface gleaming under the infirmary lights. "Here, have a look yourself then."

Taking the offered mirror, Alex raises it to his face. The reflection that greets him steals his breath - where once cerulean blue eyes had gazed back at him, now twin pools of vibrant purple command his attention. More striking still, his pupils have transformed from simple black circles into golden triangles that rotate with hypnotic grace, like mystical clockwork caught in perpetual motion.

With trembling fingers, Alex touches his lower eyelid, gently pulling it down to examine the strange geometric patterns. Half-convinced they must be some kind of magical contacts, he searches for any sign of artificial enhancement, finding none.

"Professor, what exactly are these?" Alex lowers the mirror, turning to face Bain with questions burning in his transformed gaze.

"To answer your question, Alex - or rather, all three of your questions," Professor Bain begins, his tone shifting into lecture mode, "when we awaken our bloodlines here on Terra, our bodies adapt to channel their power. Whether elemental, necrotic, blood arts, or celestial, gaining access to these abilities changes us. But for some, the transformation runs deeper."

He pauses, ensuring he has their complete attention. "What you three experienced is what we call a resonation awakening. This occurs when the bloodline physically alters part of the body to better suit its nature. Take Randy, for instance - his heart has transformed into that of a lich. While this might seem trivial now, it grants him remarkable potential. In the future, he could theoretically store his heart in a secured vessel, allowing him to survive wounds that would fell ordinary warriors. More practically, it serves as a magical core, amplifying his ability to power spells and rituals." The professor's eyes gleam with scholarly enthusiasm as he adds, "But don't worry, Randy - you'll learn all about these applications during your time at the Academy."

Randy's mouth opens then closes, questions dancing on his tongue before he swallows them back. There will be time later, he decides, when the moment is right.

Professor Bain turns his attention to Max, his voice taking on a tone of reverence. "For you, Max, your bloodline awakening has transformed the very essence of your skeletal structure. Your bones and marrow have hardened to rival iron itself." He pauses, letting the magnitude of this change sink in. "This particular manifestation suggests a connection to the legendary Minotaur King."

"Minotaur King?" Max interrupts, confusion etched across his features.

A knowing smile crosses Professor Bain's face. "I understand your bewilderment - how could you share blood with a creature so clearly inhuman? But you see, the Minotaur King began his reign as a man, much like ourselves. His pursuit of power led him down a dark path, corrupting both himself and his loyal followers, transforming them into the minotaurs of legend. Though he was eventually imprisoned within an eternal labyrinth, where legends say he dwells still, not all of his bloodline suffered his fate."

The professor's eyes take on a distant look, as if peering through the veils of time. "Some of his family remained human, and two thousand years ago, one of them stood among the heroes who saved our world." His gaze sweeps across all three boys. "This brings me to a fascinating pattern I've noticed in your awakened bloodlines. Randy, while necromancy still exists in our world, true lich bloodlines became exceedingly rare after the most powerful of their kind sacrificed himself in the great ritual. Similarly, Max, the uncorrupted children of the Minotaur King gave their essence to preserve our reality."