Chapter 2: A situation

"It's truly nothing, Professor," Kaeden said after composing himself.

"It's my duty to know when a student is in critical condition. So tell me... what's the problem?"

With a sigh, Kaeden weighed his options. Telling the truth was never really an option. He suspected the professor's sudden interest had everything to do with the incident—the one no one truly believed. For a student who was unawakened and otherwise unremarkable aside from his intellect, it was strange he'd survived an explosion that supposedly vaporized the entire lab and several adjacent buildings.

Casualties had been avoided only because it was a phase day, and academic sessions were off. Kaeden had used the opportunity to conduct his experiments after informing the class rep of an "overwhelming illness," which led to him being excused. Since the labs weren't in use, he'd snuck in to carry out his dangerous work. In a twisted sense of luck, no one had been hurt, or things would have been a lot worst than the current situation.

Still, nothing could explain how a student with no ether resonance had survived.

He was sure the scans from that day had been forwarded to the administration, and they were likely still monitoring him. He had to tread very, very carefully.

One wrong step.

And it would all be over.

"I think it's stress, sir... I haven't really had time to rest since the incident," Kaeden said.

Most of the class frowned and glanced at him again. Those of high standing and influence knew about the incident, which the academy had kept under wraps as they investigated the cause of the massive destruction. Others, unaware of the details, stared in either interest or contempt. Why was the professor paying him so much attention? If something was wrong and he refused to speak, let him die in silence—such was the academy's harsh way. The weak bowed to the strong. The strong bowed to the cunning.

"That doesn't explain why you're this pale," the professor said, leaning slightly forward.

Kaeden instinctively leaned back. The professor was clearly trying to coax something out of him, but Kaeden wasn't stupid. Never had been.

"I can assure you, sir... it's nothing unnatural. Just a temporary spike in NPN levels," he said more calmly now, regaining control of his body. But whatever was happening hadn't stopped—he just didn't like how the professor was looking at him, and his body responded to that will, masking his weakness.

"But NPN levels don't cause such superficial effects. I believe you know what's wrong with you. Here's some advice—problems shared are problems half solved. There's no reason to keep this to yourself."

No reason to be scared? He'd rather drink poison than believe that garbage. The dumbest thing he could do was say what they wanted to hear.

"I have no idea what you're insinuating, sir. Nothing is wrong with me. Perhaps... a skin allergy? From a new cream I recently used," he lied shamelessly.

Even Liam, and a few girls nearby, stared in disbelief. Kaeden? The nerd? Self-conscious about skin?

Who was he trying to impress?

"Hmm... head to the infirmary after this. Get some scans done. Bring the results to my office," the professor said, then returned to the elevated platform.

"Now, as we all should know, the ether chamber is directly connected to the ether core right below the left ventricle and just beside..."

The lecture droned on, but Kaeden stopped listening. Even on a good day, he wouldn't need to. He had already covered most of the syllabus during his hours in the library. Unlike the students with ether resonance, who had to train to stay ahead, Kaeden had none. He didn't waste time on fruitless training. Instead, he focused on studies, which kept him afloat academically—though his lack of combat prowess hindered his overall growth.

They're getting more suspicious... Damn it. I hope the scans don't show anything, he thought. He considered tampering with the results, but it was pointless. The professor might bypass the ones Kaeden submitted and request the originals from the infirmary.

He sighed.

Looking down, he noticed the class rep staring at him.

Tch, I forgot. He cursed himself for creating this mess with his own hands.

...

"Dismissed," the professor announced.

Many students rejoiced. Understanding the intricacies of ether was so frustrating that several hadn't realized they'd fallen asleep halfway through.

The infirmary, Kaeden thought bitterly, standing up.

"Yo bro, how about the cafeteria?" Liam said, suddenly draping an arm over Kaeden's shoulders, startling him.

"Nah... I'll pass."

"Huh? Alright... my treat," Liam offered. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Still no? Come on."

"Still a no. Thanks, but no thanks. I have to get to the infirmary," Kaeden said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

It wasn't a regular bag—it had special properties that made it ridiculously light despite all the books inside.

"Oh that!" Liam smacked his forehead. "Seems the professor's taken a liking to you," he teased.

Kaeden rolled his eyes. "Well, unlike you, I find it gross to like a fellow dude," he said, heading off.

Liam's grin stayed for a moment before realization hit. He glanced around and noticed a few girls giving him judgmental looks.

"DAMN YOU, WEIRD-ASS! I DON'T SWING THAT WAY!" he roared.

Kaeden didn't even flinch.

"Mr. Kaeden."

A smooth, sharp voice reached him—and his heart dropped.

"Miss Natasha," he replied, forcing a composed smile while internally panicking. He had tricked her the day of the incident, which resulted in her being punished when it was revealed he wasn't actually sick. And Kaeden knew just how dangerous, petty, and volatile high-rankers could be if you stepped on their toes.

"I believe you have something to say?" she asked. She looked... furious.

Well, it was expected.

Blue hair. Striking almond-shaped eyes. A figure that easily rivaled the top girls in their class. She was a standout in every way.

"I... am not going to say sorry."

Wow.

Even he was surprised with his words.

It wasn't something he would ay to anyone, much more a high ranker!

Wait... tch... it's happening again.

"What?!" she snapped, clenching her fists.

"I mean... so—shut up and get out of my way," he said, his expression morphing to one of irritation.