6. The Feeling

The classroom was quiet, save for the faint hum of the holographic projector at the front of the room. Ms. Lee stood at the podium, her sharp eyes scanning the rows of students before settling on Aaron. Her voice, calm but commanding, broke the silence. "So, Aaron, do you know what caused the Great Cataclysm?"

The question hung in the air, a familiar prompt for a topic they had studied extensively, and could be said it was one of the single most important events in history. Aaron straightened in his seat, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He could feel the eyes of his classmates on him.

"The Great Cataclysm," he began, his voice steady but measured, "was caused by the simultaneous impact of several small asteroids across the globe in the year 2035. These impacts triggered a chain reaction of environmental and societal changes that reshaped the world as we know it."

Ms. Lee nodded, her expression one of quiet approval. "Very good, Aaron. Now, let's hear from some other students. Who can tell me more about the effects of these asteroid impacts?"

Hands shot up across the room, eager to contribute. Ms. Lee's gaze settled on Lily, a tall girl with glasses perched precariously on her nose. Lily adjusted her frames and began to speak, her voice clear and confident. "The asteroids introduced a new form of energy into the world—Dark Energy. This energy permeated the atmosphere, triggering latent abilities in humans and causing dramatic mutations in animals and plants. These changes led to the emergence of the Ascendants, individuals with extraordinary powers."

"Excellent, Lily," Ms. Lee said, her smile warm but fleeting. She turned her attention to the rest of the class. "And what about the societal changes that followed? Who can elaborate on that?"

Then a boy with a mop of unruly hair raised his hand. "The introduction of Dark Energy destabilized the existing social order," he explained. "Governments and institutions struggled to adapt to the rapid changes, leading to a period of chaos and reorganization. Eventually, the world united under the banner of the Federation, which brought stability and prosperity."

Ms. Lee nodded again, her expression thoughtful. "Very good, Jake. And what about the Sanctuary Cities? Who can tell me more about them?"

Another student raised her hand. "To ensure survival and stability, humans congregated in established Sanctuary Cities," she said. "These urban hubs became centers of advanced technology and strategic defense. They were designed to protect and support their inhabitants in a world that had become unpredictable and dangerous."

Ms. Lee's smile returned, broader this time. "Very good, everyone. It's clear that you've all done your homework and have a solid understanding of the Great Cataclysm and its impact on our world. Now, let's discuss the role of Ascendants in our society. Who can tell me more about that?"

The classroom buzzed with energy as students eagerly raised their hands, each vying for the chance to earn an additional mark for the upcoming finals. Aaron, however, felt a growing sense of restlessness. The enthusiasm of his classmates, the weight of Ms. Lee's questions, even the familiar hum of the classroom—it all seemed distant as if he were observing the scene from behind a thick pane of glass.

The rest of the school day passed in a blur. Aaron moved from one classroom to another, his mind preoccupied with the strange sensation that had taken root in the back of his consciousness. It wasn't pain or discomfort, but something subtler, more elusive. It lingered like a shadow, just out of reach, yet impossible to ignore.

By the time lunch rolled around, the feeling had intensified. Aaron sat alone in the bustling cafeteria, his tray of food untouched in front of him. The noise of his peers—laughter, chatter, the clatter of trays and cutlery—felt distant as if muffled by an invisible barrier. He picked at his food, his thoughts swirling in a chaotic dance he couldn't quite grasp.

The cafeteria was a lively place, filled with the aroma of various dishes and the vibrant energy of students enjoying their break. Large windows offered a view of the schoolyard, where sunlight streamed through the leaves of towering trees. Aaron usually enjoyed sitting by the window, but today, even that simple pleasure felt unrewarding.

As he sat there, lost in thought, a familiar figure approached his table. William, his best friend since childhood, slid into the seat across from him, a look of concern etched on his face.

"Hey, Aaron," William said, his voice cutting through the din of the cafeteria. "You've been acting really off today. Is everything okay?"

Aaron looked up, meeting William's gaze briefly before looking back down at his food. He hesitated, unsure of how to explain the strange feeling that had taken hold of him. "Yeah, I'm just... not feeling well," he finally said, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm. "I think I might be coming down with something."

William's eyebrows furrowed in worry. "Really? You seemed fine yesterday. Did something happen?"

Aaron shook his head, avoiding William's eyes. "No, nothing happened. I just don't feel great. I think I need to rest."

William leaned back in his chair, studying Aaron's face intently. "You sure that's all it is? You've been acting distant all day. If something's bothering you, you know you can talk to me about it, right?"

Aaron knew William was genuinely concerned, but he couldn't bring himself to share the peculiar sensation he was experiencing. Because somehow It felt too personal. "Yeah, I know," he replied, forcing a small smile. "I appreciate it, Will. I do. But I really just need some rest. I'll be fine."

William nodded, though he still looked unconvinced. "Okay, if you say so. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Aaron nodded, grateful for William's understanding. "Thanks, Will. I'll catch up with you later, I gotta go."

With that, Aaron stood up, leaving his barely touched tray of food on the table. As he stepped into the hallway, the noise of the cafeteria faded behind him, replaced by the familiar hum of the school. Aaron took a deep breath, trying to shake off the strange feeling that had been plaguing him all day.

The hallway was a bustling, filled with students rushing to their next classes or gathering in small groups to chat. The walls were adorned with holographic displays showcasing upcoming events, motivation quotes about success and the entrance exam, club meetings, and sports practices. Aaron walked past them all, his mind still preoccupied with the peculiar sensation he couldn't shake.

As he walked, he noticed a holographic poster advertising the registration for the school's upcoming basketball tournament. The vibrant colors and dynamic animations caught his eye briefly, but he quickly dismissed it. He enjoyed basketball, but right now, he wasn't in the mood. The strange feeling he was experiencing made it hard to focus on anything else.

The final bell of the day rang, signaling the end of classes. Students poured out of the classrooms, chattering excitedly about their plans for the afternoon. Aaron gathered his things, his mind still preoccupied. He moved mechanically, like he was on autopilot, going through the motions of packing up his belongings and preparing to leave.

He made his way to his locker, the panel sliding open at his approach. Inside, his school materials were neatly organized, but he barely noticed them as he grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. The feeling of weirdness persisted, a constant companion as he navigated the crowded hallways. He felt a strange detachment from the usual end-of-day bustle, as if he were moving through a dream.

Aaron started his walk home, his steps echoing through the familiar streets. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, and the usual bustle of the neighborhood seemed distant, almost muted. The neighborhood was a picturesque blend of modern technology and natural beauty. Lush gardens and flowing streams were integrated into the urban landscape, creating a serene environment that usually brought him comfort. But today, everything felt different.

As he passed by a small park, he noticed the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of a nearby fountain. The scene was serene and peaceful, but it did little to alleviate the strange sensation that had taken hold of him. The feeling of detachment grew stronger, wrapping around him like a cloak. The synthecrete sidewalk beneath his feet seemed to lose its solidity, and the vibrant colors of the living walls of vegetation faded into a monochrome haze.

Aaron tried to focus on the familiar sights and sounds of the neighborhood, hoping they might ground him and shake off the strange feeling. But it was no use. The sensation was relentless, a constant presence that refused to be ignored.

As he walked, the strange sensation that had been plaguing him all day began to intensify rapidly and then suddenly stopped, like it had reached its peak. It was as if the world around him was shifting, changing in ways he couldn't comprehend. The air felt heavier, the light dimmer, the sounds more distant. He tried to shake it off, to focus on the path ahead, but the feeling only grew stronger. He knew something is going to happen to him, but didn't know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.

And then, suddenly, everything went dark.