Chapter 12: The Last Normal Day

The bell rang, signaling that class had ended.

In fact, most students no longer followed the bell—everyone was responsible for their own learning and routines.

The teacher gave his final instructions regarding the upcoming exams, packed up his things, and left the classroom.

Levi didn't immediately get up. As the other students filtered out, heading toward their next classes or break spots, he quietly checked his schedule, wondering what class he had next.

"Introduction to Physiology," he murmured to himself, slinging his bag over one shoulder. He adjusted its weight and stepped out into the hallway.

He moved through the crowd like a ghost, ignoring the noise and sidestepping clumps of chattering students. He didn't slow down until he exited the building and felt the cool outside air against his skin.

Sliding his phone from his pocket, he scrolled through the latest news updates.

"The serial killer known as 'The Chopper' was finally apprehended. Authorities were shocked to discover the culprit was a beloved figure in the local community, known for his volunteer work and kindness..."

Levi smirked.

"It's always the good guys with the darkest secrets," he thought, shaking his head.

He couldn't help but criticize the man internally—amateurish, clumsy, predictable.

More headlines followed:

"Beloved pop star found dead by apparent suicide amid allegations of corruption and incitement. Multiple fan suicides linked to her downfall."

"Explosion rocks luxury cruise liner; over 300 presumed dead, including Grey Enterprises CEO."

"The world just keeps spiraling," Levi muttered as he pocketed the phone and entered his next class.

When he walked into the lecture hall, the teacher had already begun.

---

"Alright, class. Today we're diving into human physiology—especially its role during a health crisis like a virus outbreak," the teacher began, adjusting his glasses and tapping a sleek tablet that activated a floating diagram behind him.

"Who can remind us what physiology is?"

"It's… the study of how the human body works?" a girl near the podium offered uncertainly.

"Exactly! Now, imagine a new virus begins to spread. How does physiology help us respond?"

"Maybe it helps us understand how the virus affects the body?" another student answered.

"Spot on. Physiology shows us how the virus enters cells, which organs it targets, and how it spreads. Think of COVID-19—it used specific receptors in the lungs. We only knew that because of physiology."

"So it helps with treatment too?" someone asked.

"Absolutely. If someone can't breathe, for example, our knowledge of the respiratory system tells doctors how and when to use oxygen or ventilators," the teacher explained, pacing gently between the desks.

"What about vaccines?" asked a boy toward the back.

"Great question. Physiology is essential in understanding the immune system. It helps us know how to trigger protection through vaccines, how different bodies respond, and how to prevent overload."

"And it shows who's more at risk, right?" a student chimed in.

"Yes. Elderly individuals or those with weakened immunity are more vulnerable. Understanding physiology allows us to protect those people early."

"So... does it help outside hospitals too?" a girl asked.

"Absolutely. Public health policies—like handwashing, isolation, or mask mandates—all come from our understanding of how the body reacts to threats."

"So in short… physiology is like the body's instruction manual?" the same girl asked again, trying to summarize.

"Perfectly said," the teacher smiled. "And during a crisis, knowing how the body works is the key to saving lives."

The classroom dimmed slightly as the energy-efficient panels above adjusted brightness. A holographic display hovered mid-air, showing a rotating immune system and its reactions to viral attacks.

Mr. Hanley, their instructor, stood at the front of the room with practiced calm.

Levi, seated by the window, stared at the hologram. He squinted at the glowing lymph nodes and tiny, shifting T-cells.

A thought nagged at him.

He raised his hand.

"Yes, Levi?" Mr. Hanley asked.

Levi leaned forward. "What if the environment is designed to help us? A world that makes humans grow faster… stronger… healthier. Would physiology still matter?"

Mr. Hanley nodded slowly, a smile touching his lips. "A very good question. And yes—perhaps even more so. In a beneficial environment, we still need physiology to ensure we're not growing beyond our limits. Unchecked growth can lead to dangerous mutations, organ strain, or even cognitive disorders."

Levi nodded slightly, thoughtful. "But... what if the environment is hostile instead? Not just harsh—but unnatural. What if it changes us in ways we don't understand?"

The room grew still. Mr. Hanley stepped forward, now serious.

"Then physiology becomes our only shield," he said. "If oxygen is too thin, gravity is distorted, or there are invisible toxins—we'll need every ounce of knowledge to adapt. The body is fragile, Levi. Without constant monitoring, it can break down… or worse."

He tapped a control panel, switching the display to a human silhouette. Red markers flared across its form—bones thinning, organs failing, muscle mass degrading.

"In a hostile world, survival isn't about strength. It's about knowing when your body is changing—and why. We adapt—or we collapse."

Levi stared at the silhouette, chilled. "So if the world changes us… we have to change too?"

"Sometimes," Mr. Hanley admitted. "But we need to know what's changing. If we don't understand… we don't survive."

The classroom fell silent. Students absorbed the words in quiet contemplation. The lesson eventually ended, but Levi remained seated, still watching the slowly spinning model of the human body.

A storm of thoughts swirled inside him—vague, uneasy.

He stood and began gathering his things. Just as he turned to leave, a voice stopped him.

"Excuse me. Hi—my name is Paige. Nice to meet you."

A girl stood there, slightly flustered but smiling kindly. She waved with a soft gesture.

Levi nodded politely. "Levi. Pleasure to meet you. How can I help?"

Paige hesitated before asking him a series of questions—about the class, the subject, and his thoughts. She was shy but sincere.

Not far off, a small group of girls watched, barely able to contain their excitement.

"She did it!" one whispered.

"How did it go?" another asked as Paige returned, beaming.

"He accepted. He's coming!" she said, nearly glowing with joy.

The group erupted in muffled squeals and laughter.

Meanwhile, Levi walked out of the classroom, not giving much thought to the "going out" promise. He didn't dislike the idea, but it wasn't a priority.

Yet... something strange made him pause.

He turned his head slowly and walked toward the window. His eyes narrowed.

At the same time, Paige and her friends—having exited from the opposite hallway—felt it too.

Everyone on campus did.

A bright light blazed across the sky. It was so intense that it blanketed the world in white. The very air seemed to pulse with it.

It expanded—widening, surging forward like a wave of silent destruction.

Levi's breath caught in his throat.

"What... is that?"

All thoughts of physiology, exams, and classrooms vanished.

There was no time to scream. No time to warn. No time to escape.

The light engulfed everything.

And then...

Nothing.

— To be Continued