Chapter 2:The Weight of Power

They made their way to the assembly hall, they ran into Mark, a fellow student with a mischievous grin and an unshakable air of confidence.Yuki, Mia, and Mark walked in sync, their footsteps echoing through the sleek corridors. Mark, sporting his usual mischievous grin, seemed unusually eager—a rare sight.

"Mark," Yuki said, narrowing his eyes. "Why are you heading to the assembly? You never go to these."

"Mia in a sarcastic tone",Ya isn't it a waste of your precious time as you put it.

Mark hesitated, his grin faltering for a moment. "Let's just say… today's assembly is special."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "Special how?"

Mark glanced around, then leaned in conspiratorially. "The Headmaster is going to be there."

Yuki stopped in his tracks. "The Headmaster? He hasn't shown his face in four years."

"Exactly," Mark said, his grin widening. "But this year's mech pilot candidates are different. Stronger. Better. The best this academy has ever had. And get this—he's going to personally train them."

Mia's eyes widened."What? That can't be true."

Yuki rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought."I guess it makes sense. They've had their powers the longest, so naturally, experience plays a big role.Awakening early or training consistently it's like building a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. That's probably why he's training them personally. The previous students just weren't physically prepared for the intensity of his training methods."

Mark shrugged. "It gets better. He's also joining the Mech Engineering Department.

How do I know? Let's just say I have my ways."

Mia crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as she deadpanned, "Well, that's not creepy at all."

Mark smirked. "Maybe. But you're not gonna want to miss this."

Mia sighed, shaking her head. "You never change."

Mark chuckled,"And that's why you love me".

The hum of the academy's metallic halls was drowned out by the murmur of students as they streamed into the grand assembly hall. The atmosphere was thick with tension, everyone's whispers growing louder the closer they got to the doors.

The air felt charged, electric with anticipation. Something about today felt… different. And he wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

They took their seats in the hall, the lights dimming as the students filed in. The stage was empty for the moment, a giant screen flickering with the academy's crest. It seemed like any other assembly, the usual announcements, and then the endless speeches. But Yuki knew that today was different.

Students of neo Genesis academy as some of you might know.I've have been the Interim headmaster for 4 years.It's been an honor to be apart of so many children lives making a better in this world,seeing the next generations grow stronger to protect the weak but Professor Korrin's voice, once steady and commanding, faltered.His tone softened, weighed down by an unmistakable sorrow.

"Mark. *Mark*," Yuki's whispered urgently, his voice barely audible over the hum of the room. But Mark was too engrossed, his focus locked on the scene unfolding before him, oblivious to his attempts to pull him back to the moment.

Mia seemed equally on edge. "You heard what Mark said, right? The Headmaster's coming back, and personally training the new candidates?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is all a little too strange."

Yuki's mind raced. He had heard nothing but rumors about the Headmaster—how he'd disappeared two years after the school opened, and how the academy had run without him ever since. His return, especially after so many years, had to mean something. But what?

"Many children have been lost along this path—some vanished without a trace, their fates shrouded in mystery. Others fell in battle, their lives cut short by the chaos of conflict. And then there were those consumed by the divisions among us, their hearts poisoned by hatred and bitterness, driven to ruin in their relentless pursuit of revenge. Each loss is a heavy burden, a reminder of the cost of our strife and the futility of vengeance. Their absence lingers, a silent plea for understanding and peace in a world too often torn apart by pride and pain."He paused, his gaze distant, as if haunted by the memories. "Each loss is a wound that never heals. A reminder of how far we've strayed... and how much we've—"

Ahem!

The sharp sound of someone clearing their throat behind him cut through the heavy silence. Professor Korrin blinked, as if pulled abruptly from his thoughts. He straightened, his expression shifting from sorrow to resolve. "Ah, yes," he said, his voice regaining some of its usual composure. "I will now hand the mic over to the Headmaster." He stepped back, his shoulders still heavy with the weight of his words, but his demeanor now formal and composed.

The students exchanged curious glances, their whispers rippling through the room like a quiet wave. "Is that him?" one murmured, leaning toward their neighbor. "It has to be," another replied, their voice low but tinged with awe. Eyes darted back and forth, some filled with curiosity, others with skepticism, as they tried to confirm the identity of the figure before them.

Good morning students of neo Genesis!

The entire room fell into stunned silence.

As same might vaguely remember and for

those who don't I go by Sylas Zenith but you will address me by professor Zenith.I'm the co owner of this fine Institute for the six year this school has been opened.The goal of this place wasn't just to teach mastery over your power but also a safe haven for those who's lost their families,who has no else where to go or shunned for being different.

I've only been in active duty two years this is because the United Alliance, or UA have issued this** phantom Awakening** to be a world problem so rules had to be put in place about your powers.This is we're i came in because telling you not to use your power won't work,so a device was created.

"To ensure the safety of everyone here—students, faculty, and the world beyond these walls—we developed the **Power Regulation Module**, or PRM for short. This device, worn by each of you, monitors and, when necessary, suppresses your abilities to prevent accidental or intentional misuse. It is not a punishment, but a safeguard, a way to balance the extraordinary gifts you possess with the responsibility that comes with them."

As Professor Zenith finished his explanation, the room erupted into a mix of reactions. A low murmur spread through the crowd, some students exchanging uneasy glances, while others leaned forward, intrigued.

Near the front, a tall boy with fiery red hair—**Jaxon Ryker**—crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "So, we're just supposed to wear these things and let them control us? What if it glitches or something?" he muttered, loud enough for those around him to hear.

Beside him, **Lira Solen**, a quiet girl with silver-streaked hair, frowned slightly, her fingers brushing against the faint outline of the PRM on her wrist. "It's not like we have a choice," she said softly, her voice tinged with resignation. "If it keeps us from hurting anyone... maybe it's for the best."

In the back row, **Thalos Arctur**, a brooding figure with sharp features, scoffed audibly. "Typical," he said under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain. "They're scared of what we can do, so they lock us up in fancy cages." His dark eyes flicked toward Professor Zenith, clearly unimpressed.

Meanwhile, **Eryndra Veyl**, a spirited girl with a knack for challenging authority, raised her hand. "Professor," she called out, her voice cutting through the murmurs, "what happens if we refuse to wear these? Are we just kicked out? Or is there some kind of... *consequence*?" Her tone was bold, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes.

At the edge of the room, **Zynara Voss**, a quiet observer with a calculating gaze, leaned back in her seat, her expression unreadable. She didn't speak, but her sharp eyes darted between Professor Zenith and the students, as if analyzing every word and reaction.

The room buzzed with tension, a mix of curiosity, defiance, and apprehension hanging in the air. It was clear that not everyone was ready to accept this new reality—and some were already questioning how far they could push the boundaries.

Now. Now,settle down!"students professor korrin's attempt at calming the Furious crowd failed".

Professor Zenith held up a hand, and the room gradually fell silent, though the tension remained thick in the air. His expression was calm but firm, his gaze steady as he addressed the students.

Regarding to the questions.You al are intelligent enough,very observant people to know that going against the law will have you put down and not wearing one will have you put in jail so if you have any complaints ill advise you to take it up with them.

"Your concerns are valid," he began, his voice measured. "And I understand that this may feel like a restriction, even a betrayal of your freedom. But let me be clear—this is not about control. It's about coexistence. The world outside these walls is not ready for the full extent of your abilities, and until they are, we must ensure that no harm comes to anyone, including yourselves."

The assembly ended, but unease lingered. As students dispersed, Yuki, Mia, and Mark exchanged wary glances. The Headmaster's return and the PRM devices signaled a new, uncertain chapter ahead.