Friday, March 8th, 2013 — 7:00 AM, Oakwood Highschool Academy
Two days had passed since the chaos caused by the Mauler Twins. But inside the classroom, a quieter kind of chaos lingered — one of frustration, paper shuffling, and low sighs. The soft sound of pencils scratching filled the room, accompanied by the teacher's slow, watchful pacing between the desks.
The material wasn't particularly difficult, but for some, it had become a true struggle.
Cassie, for instance, was visibly frustrated as she tried to solve some of the equations on her worksheet. She frowned, scribbling over and over again in an attempt to figure out where she kept going wrong. The questions were basic quadratic equations—but somehow, they felt like riddles impossible to crack.
Kai, as always, seemed to exist in a world apart. With his head resting on folded arms, he slept soundly at his desk — entirely indifferent to the restless energy around him. The room stayed quiet until the teacher began to notice some students losing focus—or worse, trying to copy from others.
"Cassie, still struggling? You should've mastered this by now, don't you think?" the teacher called out, her voice slicing through the stillness.
Cassie quickly looked up, trying to explain herself, but couldn't find a convincing excuse. She just huffed in frustration. On the other side of the room, Megan—always ready to mock someone—flashed a smug grin in Cassie's direction.
Then the teacher's eyes locked onto Kai, still sleeping soundly with no sign of participation.
"Kai! Wake up!" she called out in a sharp tone. "If the assignment is so easy for you, why don't you come solve it on the board and show everyone how it's done?"
Kai lifted his head, his eyes still groggy. He glanced at the board, spotted the quadratic equation, and without much thought, stood up. The whole class turned to watch. The teacher narrowed her eyes curiously as he walked to the front of the room.
Behind him, Megan leaned toward Kiana with a spiteful whisper.
"There he goes… Bet he's gonna screw it up."
Kiana rolled her eyes, clearly doubting he'd manage to solve it. But Kai only stared at the board for a few seconds before lifting the chalk. He used a simpler, more direct method than what the teacher had explained.
He solved the equation effortlessly, working through the math clearly and cleanly. When he finished, he turned back toward the class and gave the teacher a silent look.
"That's correct. Well done," the teacher said with a nod. "But make sure you still complete your own work."
For a moment, the room was silent… until Cassie suddenly burst out.
"Aha! That's it!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as the solution finally clicked.
One by one, the rest of the class started finishing their worksheets, boosted by the clarity of Kai's example. The atmosphere lightened, as if everyone had collectively exhaled in relief.
When the bell rang, Cassie, clearly impressed by Kai's solution, grabbed her things and walked straight to his desk. With a mischievous grin, she swapped seats with a boy who sat behind him. The poor guy didn't even dare protest—it was Cassie, after all. He just nodded and moved.
"You two are smart. I'm sitting here so you can teach me," Cassie said casually, glancing at Samuel, who sat in the row beside Kai like this was the most normal thing in the world.
Kai, still looking half-asleep, turned to her with an exhausted expression.
"As long as you don't interrupt my naps," he muttered, resting his head back on his hand.
Cassie wasn't about to let that slide.
"Oh, come on," she said, still smiling. "I helped you that day. You can help me in class."
Kai didn't even look back this time, his tone flat and eyes heavy.
"Seriously? You made it clear you weren't helping me again. What a pain…"
He yawned dramatically, clearly not in the mood to get involved.
Still amused, Cassie lightly tugged on his shoulder, feigning annoyance.
"You should join the boxing and kickboxing club. Then those punks would think twice before messing with you."
Kai, who had zero interest in any school clubs or activities, simply shrugged.
"No way. Less free time."
Kiana, watching the interaction from her desk, couldn't help but feel irritated.
What's up with this girl acting all flirty? Why is she even sitting there? she muttered under her breath.
She narrowed her eyes at Cassie.Annoying…
Megan, seated right next to Kiana, turned to her with a smirk.
"Don't tell me you're jealous?"
Kiana spun around instantly.
"Of course not!" she snapped, trying to mask her discomfort.
Despite all that, the lessons went on, and the classroom atmosphere calmed down. But when the bell rang for break, Josh suddenly appeared in the doorway, out of breath like he had sprinted across the entire school.
Unfazed as always, Kai straightened in his seat and stood up at his own pace. Whatever Josh brought with him—it had Kai's attention.
Kai gave him a curious glance, though his voice remained just as flat as ever. "What happened?"
Still catching his breath, Josh looked around nervously, as if afraid someone was watching.
"Five guys, with Liam leading them, grabbed Jacob in the hallway. They said to call you. If you don't go alone, they're gonna break his arms."
Kai studied Josh's face as the information settled into place in his mind. What might've seemed like a threat to others… was just another thing Kai had to deal with. Something he couldn't ignore.
He spoke with calm indifference. "Where are they?"
Josh, still shaken, looked at Kai uncertainly. "The rooftop. Now that the door's broken, it's open again. They don't know it was you who broke the lock. You gonna wreck them?"
Kai already knew what he wanted to do—and what he didn't. And exposing himself before knowing who was behind this? Not part of the plan. Not yet.
Lifting his gaze, he made his decision. A small shake of the head was all it took.
"I'll stall them. You go call Dimitry and the others. It's too foolishness to move without knowing who sent them."
Josh gave a quick nod and took off toward Dimitry's classroom. As he disappeared down the hall, Kai turned toward the rooftop door, each step deliberate, knowing full well that the higher he climbed, the more visible he'd become.
Rooftop – 10:40 AM – Break Period
Kai stepped onto the rooftop and immediately saw the scene before him. Several boys had Jacob cornered with nowhere to run. The group was clearly escalating things, as if catching Kai was the most important task in the world.
And to David—who had assigned the job to Liam—it really was. After all, completing this would slash fifty grand off his debt to Christopher.
Kai stood still for a moment, taking it all in. Liam was out front, leading the charge.
When he saw Kai, Liam stepped forward with a confident grin, pushing the others aside.
"I think it's finally time someone beat your ass, Kai."
His smile widened as he moved in alone, daring Kai to react.
Kai kept his hands in his pockets, forcing a worried expression that clashed completely with the calm in his body. He knew things were under control. But at the same time… he didn't want to give Liam the satisfaction of having things go his way. And he definitely didn't want to reveal his full strength.
When Liam reached him, he started throwing punches.
Kai, with smooth, effortless movement, dodged every strike—yet made it look like he was barely evading them.
Liam, fully convinced he was in control, didn't seem to notice that every attack was being blocked or avoided with minimal effort.
"Why are you so obsessed with coming after me?" Kai asked casually, slipping past another punch aimed at his face.
Liam, panting from exertion, growled through clenched teeth.
"You don't need to know! All you gotta worry about is that you pissed off the wrong people in here."
Kai raised an eyebrow, still calm.
"Let me guess. Brandon again? Where is he, anyway? Haven't seen him in a while."
Liam didn't answer. He just kept swinging, each strike faster than the last—but none of them connected. Not even close.
He grew more winded with each attempt. Meanwhile, Kai didn't even break a sweat.
To sell the act, Kai began letting a few hits land. They didn't hurt in the slightest—but he made sure to flinch and wince, putting on a show like they did.
Everything was going according to plan.
Still, something felt off.
While he stalled for time, waiting for Dimitry to arrive… something inside him started to stir. A craving. A desire… for that sensation. The same rush he felt whenever he pushed his Void energy to its limit in training.
If I finished all of them right now… no one could stop me.
He activated the Six Eyes.
Everything slowed. Liam's next punch floated toward him like a feather. The others were watching, two of them still gripping Jacob's arms.
In Kai's mind, the fight was already over.
I wouldn't even need a quarter of my strength.
One punch to Liam's jaw—he'd go flying, maybe end up hospitalized. Then I'd rush those two idiots holding Jacob. One hand on each shoulder—dislocated joints. The rest? Stomach. Knee. Face. Ribs again, just to make sure they never try this crap again…
The edge.
He could feel himself crossing it.
He raised his head, ready to act—
—but before Liam could see the piercing blue glow in Kai's eyes—
The rooftop door slammed open, cutting through the thick tension that filled the air like a blade.
"There he is, boss! That's Kai—the one who paid us to protect him!"
Josh's loud voice rang out, deliberately exaggerated, the words clearly a rehearsed lie.
Kai deactivated his eyes and snapped back to reality. A faint smirk appeared on his lips as he glanced at Josh.
This guy… he's weird as hell. But that excuse? Clumsy—but not bad.
Dimitry stepped forward with a cold stare, motioning for Liam to back off.
He played along with Josh's lie perfectly, his face locked in a scowl.
"So, he attacks our client and grabs one of our guys?"
Cracking his neck with his still-bandaged hand, Dimitry glared straight at Liam.
"Doesn't matter. One hand's more than enough to put trash like you in your place. The rest of you—take care of the others. Leave Liam to me."
Liam's eyes narrowed, masking the surprise that flickered across his face.
"Damn it… he paid off Dimitry too? I'm screwed."
The battle flipped in an instant.
The five boys backing Liam stepped up, ready to fight.
Dimitry and his crew surged forward, prepared to strike.
Kai stood to the side, pretending he couldn't intervene—just like he had planned all along.
Better this way…
What the hell was I thinking?
Even with one hand bandaged, Dimitry showed his strength. He dropped Liam with a clean hit that left him dazed on the ground, blood running from his nose.
The other boys fell one by one as Dimitry's allies moved with precision.
The last one hit the floor after a brutal punch from Dimitry.
Silence settled over the rooftop.
Liam, blood dripping from his lips, finally gave up and ran, humiliated, out the exit.
Kai watched it all with a tired gaze. He caught every detail—but still had no clue who was truly behind Liam's attack.
After the rooftop scuffle, Kai slipped back into the classroom like nothing had happened. His uniform was immaculate. Not a wrinkle out of place. As if chaos itself had politely stepped aside for him.
He dropped into his seat with a blank expression, eyes hollow but unreadable.
Moments later, the teacher walked in, pushing a small cart loaded with digital tablets.
"Good morning, everyone." said the teacher. "Before we begin, a quick announcement. The physical aptitude tests are now complete, so the Headmaster and Miss Lin will be visiting classrooms to provide general guidance."
A low murmur spread through the class. Some students looked anxious. Others indifferent.
Kai simply leaned back in his chair, watching the way the light reflected off the edge of the digital board.
The door opened a few minutes later.Dr. Llewyn was the first to step in—tall, imposing, each stride deliberate, his posture radiating quiet command. His eyes scanned the room like he was cataloging every face.
Right behind him came Miss Lin—more discreet in appearance, but her eyes searched for more than they let on.
Both greeted the students with formal nods. The teacher stepped aside to make room.
"Good morning, dear students," Dr. Llewyn began, his deep voice clear and composed. "As part of our integration and excellence policy, we are visiting each class to offer some guidance at the start of this academic cycle."
Miss Lin followed up, her tone warm and polite.
"First, we'd like to congratulate all students who passed the selection process on merit... and especially the one who ranked first in the scholarship admissions exam."
For half a second, silence blanketed the classroom as both she and the Headmaster looked in Kai's direction.
Then, almost by reflex, every pair of eyes swung toward him—some in surprise, some in envy, and a few... in disbelief.
He had just begun to rest his chin on his hand but froze mid-motion.
Even the air seemed to hold its breath for a second—as if the universe enjoyed the punchline too much.
Dragged back into reality, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes briefly, and exhaled slowly—like someone being forced to accept another one of the universe's jokes.
Kiana, sitting by the left wall, four rows ahead, turned her head in visible surprise.
Cassie, seated directly behind Kai, didn't waste a second. She leaned over her desk with a teasing grin and whispered,
"I knew you were a nerd, but not this much..."
Kai didn't respond. Not even a sigh. He just blinked slowly, silently asking the heavens why he still bothered trying to go unnoticed.
Dr. Llewyn continued,
"Following our internal policy, we remind you that all students must be properly registered in one of the school's active clubs—except for those in the Tech Sector or Applied Research."
Miss Lin then stepped forward with a graceful nod.
"This requirement applies especially to scholarship students, as it's tied to the maintenance of your benefits. However, students ranked among the school's top 30 are exempt from mandatory club participation."
Another ripple of murmurs stirred among the students.
Cassie, ever ready to disrupt the silence, leaned in toward Kai again and whispered with a mischievous smirk,
"You better join the Boxing Club. I'm the president of one. I'll train you to survive school—and in return, you help me not fail in my classes. Deal?"
Kai slowly turned to look at her, the blank expression of someone who had already accepted life's cruel sense of humor.
"...Yeah... yeah... whatever." he muttered, his voice filled with apathy, but also a tinge of surrender.
Cassie grinned in satisfaction and leaned back, arms crossed proudly.
Then she turned to Samuel, the only student Kai talked to.
"You're coming too. You're also very smart, so the deal extends to you too. "
Samuel nodded quickly, his silence saying more than words ever could.
Miss Lin thanked the class for their attention and exited with the Headmaster.
The lesson resumed as usual, focused on kinematic variables and applied field formulas. But Kai wasn't really listening.
His gaze wandered to the window, where clouds drifted without direction—just like his thoughts.The classroom noise blurred into a distant hum.
Just another day convincing himself he didn't care.
Friday, March 8th, 2013 — 12:30 PM, Courtyard of Oakwood Highschool AcademyThe school was just about to empty out as the last bell rang. The sound of backpacks slinging onto shoulders and conversations fading away as students filtered into the courtyard were clear signs that the school day had come to an end.Kai, in no hurry, walked toward the exit, his face as unreadable as ever. Behind him, Dimitry, Jacob, and the others stuck close together, just in case Liam tried to retaliate.
As they passed one of the school's courtyards, now mostly deserted, just as they predicted... the group was stopped by Liam—and someone new to them this time.
David stood next to Liam, flanked by a few other boys. Their formation was intentional, a clear signal that they were ready for something.
With a cold, confident smile, David stepped toward Dimitry, watching him with a condescending gaze."Hey, Dimitry. I respect you, man. You got your rank without any help. I know you were paid to watch over the kid, but I've gotta rough him up a bit. Nothing personal. Unless you wanna get hurt, I'd step aside."
His tone was sharp and arrogant, like he was talking down to someone below his level. The air around them grew heavy with the expectation of a clash.
Josh, standing beside Dimitry, glanced at Kai with a serious look, though his concern was obvious."What now? He's ranked seventh. Even with his good hand, our boss is ranked eleventh. And now, with one hand down… Looks like we'll need Kai to fight."
Kai looked at both of them, his expression neutral, as if this had nothing to do with him.
Dimitry knew things were starting to spiral—and that would disrupt Kai's plans. The last thing he wanted was to get on Kai's bad side. That would be worse than crossing David.He had to be ready, even knowing the fight wouldn't be easy.
Before the tension snapped, a female voice cut through the air—surprised, yet confident."Kai, you forgot to sign the form to join the club—"She stopped when she saw the scene in front of her. The boys squared off, faces tense, ready for a fight.
She stepped forward, standing beside Kai, her sudden presence shifting the dynamic."Hey, he's in my club now."
David looked at the two of them, then at Liam. The disdain in his eyes changed into something more calculating."So that's why you failed," David muttered with a low chuckle. "Now it all makes sense."He turned to Dimitry and Cassie, his smile fading as his tone sharpened."You two are good. But not good enough to beat me, even on your best day. Cassie, you're still busted up from your fight with Kiana. Bet you've got bandages in places sunlight never reaches. And Dimitry… Well, you've got broken fingers. One less hand to use."
His gaze darkened."Hand him over. I'll make it quick. No need to complicate things."
Cassie didn't budge. She stepped forward into a fighting stance, her stare hard and unflinching."You think I'm scared? You might be strong, but I didn't back down from Kiana, and I'm sure as hell not backing down from you. If you want someone from my club, you'll have to go through me."
The sting from her last defeat hadn't left her yet.If I can't even handle this guy... how the hell will I ever catch up to Kiana?She clenched her fists tighter.
She then turned slightly, casting a serious glance at Kai from the corner of her eye."Get out of here. Go somewhere else."
This wasn't just about protecting Kai anymore. This was about proving something to herself.But she knew... she probably wouldn't last long against David.
David tossed his bag to the ground."Look, Dimitry. I've got a delivery to make today. You know what that means. Better stay out of my way."
Now Kai's interest was piqued. He looked at Dimitry and gave a small nod. No words were needed. Dimitry understood instantly.Kai didn't want to interfere—not as Kai, at least. But maybe… as someone trying to stop those deliveries.Grey.
Dimitry only needed to buy time. The air was thick with tension.
Without a word, Kai bolted in the opposite direction, and the fight broke out with a sudden burst of motion as David lunged forward with experienced, explosive strength.
Cassie, already prepared, followed up with a flurry of fast strikes, but David blocked them all effortlessly, the smirk never leaving his face.Every attack made it seem like she was losing ground.
Same as with Kiana… Damn it, no matter how hard I train, I just can't catch up, Cassie cursed internally.
Dimitry, even with his bandaged hand, showed no hesitation. He launched heavy, rapid punches, but David dodged them with disturbing ease.When Dimitry finally landed a solid hit, David just smiled through the blood on his lip and retaliated, hitting Dimitry square in the gut and forcing him back.
Cassie kept trying, but David stayed one step ahead. She was tiring, her moves slowing from the lingering pain of her previous fight, but her determination held.
David dominated—his strikes fast, precise.
Cassie and Dimitry were overwhelmed.Yet neither of them gave up.
Every move was a test of endurance and skill, but David's strength and speed were too much to contain.
Eventually, after another blow to the same spot, Dimitry dropped to the ground.
Cassie charged once more, only to be taken down with a lightning-fast move she couldn't even react to.
With everyone down, David backed off."I warned you two. So, who's next?" he said, flashing a victorious grin.
He looked down at Dimitry and Cassie, both drenched in sweat and struggling."Guess everyone here knows their place now."
The fight was over, but the tension lingered. Glares were exchanged, full of contempt—but no one moved.
David opened his mouth to speak again—And was cut off.
A streak of white shot past them—then stopped mid-air.In a split second, they saw someone stood beside David. Ring off. His white Hair flowing. Six Eyes glowing a vivid blue.
"You're the one who needs to know your place," said a cold voice.
It was Grey.
With a swift move, he grabbed David's head and slammed it into the ground, the impact echoing across the courtyard.
David blacked out for a few seconds.
When he came to, the others around him were already down—unconscious.The one standing… had white hair.
A heavy dread settled over David.Kai, with the fight behind him, knelt by the fallen backpack and opened it.
"Looks like it's drugs again," he muttered, sifting through the contents with a mix of contempt and indifference.
Cassie, still on the ground, looked at the masked figure who had defeated everyone with ease."What the hell is going on? Who the hell is that guy?" she muttered, dizzy from the earlier fight.
Dimitry let out a short laugh as he struggled to sit up."You're screwed," he said with a grin, glancing at David.
Kai looked down at David, a faint smile twitching at his lips—he hadn't even noticed it himself.
"You're that Grey guy, right?" David asked, defiance still in his voice.
Kai simply nodded.
"Damn, you're tough… But you should've stayed down."
David lunged again, rage taking over.
Kai ducked with ease, dodging the punch.Before David could recover, pain exploded through his gut.
Kai had already struck him.
David doubled over—And then a brutal knee smashed into his chin, sending him reeling.
With his eyes active and the void pulsing inside him, for a moment... he felt everything aligned—the world slowed down.
The feeling of control was back. He wasn't out-of-place anymore.
The feeling was that he was exactly where he needed to be.
David stumbled, disoriented and staggering.Kai didn't wait. He advanced, grabbed David's face again—this time more violently.
He couldn't ask why they were after him. That would reveal too much.Impatience stirred in his calm.
With a deadened, almost indifferent gaze, he slammed David's head into the pavement again—this time harder.The crack of the impact echoed like thunder.
David gasped, blood dripping, no longer able to resist.
"Man, you're tough," Kai muttered with sarcasm.
The fight was officially over, before any teacher or school staff arrives.
"I'll take this," Kai said, slinging the drug-laden backpack over his shoulder.
The distant sound of the fight had drawn curious eyes from nearby.People began approaching, drawn by the tension in the air.
Among them… was Kiana.
"What's going on here? You starting trouble again, Cassie?" she asked, annoyed, watching Dimitry's boys get up slowly.
Cassie ignored her, helping the others up with a serious look—unapologetic, not for what had happened, only for her own weakness.
Her mind was trapped. This Grey and even Dimitry, who could only use one hand and is below me in the ranking, managed to hit him. Why couldn't I? why am I always behind?
Kiana stared at the figure—school uniform, white hair, mask…
But before she could speak, Kai, backpack secured, walked off—In the opposite direction.
She instinctively tried to follow, but he was too fast—gone before anyone could see where he went.
Something about him felt oddly familiar.But whatever it was… it wasn't important right now.
She turned back to the chaos.
Cassie, still tense, was heading for the exit, hands stuffed into her jacket.
She nearly bumped into Kiana as she returned.
Their eyes met.
Cassie paused, studying her expression.
"Not that I owe you any explanation, but before you start your usual drama..."Cassie forced a smirk, voice sharp and tired."The morons lying over there were trying to jump Kai. The one your majesty slapped, remember? We didn't let it happen."
Kiana didn't respond.She stood in silence, clearly struck by the words.
Something about Kai gnawed at her.Something she couldn't explain.
A strange mix of curiosity and frustration.
Something deep inside whispered—he's different.
But she still didn't know why.
Elsewhere…
Friday, March 8th, 2013 — 1:20 PM, GDA Headquarters
The operations room at the GDA headquarters was bathed in cold, clinical lighting. A constant hum from the control panels and biometric monitors filled the space, a mechanical heartbeat that underscored the gravity of the environment.
Cecil moved swiftly between workstations, his sharp eyes scanning active reports and pending analysis. Every motion was efficient, practiced, and precise—yet there was a subtle tension in his usually composed expression.
Donald, one of the senior analysts stationed at a nearby desk, stood up with a dossier in hand.
"Sir, we've identified who was diverting the equipment," Donald said, his voice firm and grave—serious enough to make Cecil pause mid-stride.
He turned to face the man directly, eyes narrowing.
"Who? Bring them in. Now. We'll interrogate them ourselves."
His tone was calm, cold, and unwavering. But his eyes burned with the urgency of a man accustomed to worst-case scenarios.
Donald hesitated. Just long enough for the moment to thicken.
"We can't. That's… impossible, sir. But we've recovered part of the stolen tech."
Cecil's brows drew together. The faintest twitch of annoyance flared beneath his steady expression.
"Impossible?" His voice grew sharper. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Donald stepped closer, placing the dossier gently on Cecil's desk. He opened it, pointing to the documentation and images inside.
"It was one of our own scientists, sir. He died in an explosion yesterday—at his apartment."
For a brief second, Cecil said nothing.
No blink. No breath.Just stillness—like his mind had already jumped ten steps ahead while his body stayed frozen in place.
Then his voice cut through the silence, low and surgical.
"An explosion? What caused it?"
Donald kept his eyes steady, choosing his words with care.
"We don't know yet. No trace of explosives. No sabotage. No signatures of tampered tech. Officially, it's being treated as a gas leak, but even that's… uncertain."
Cecil closed his eyes briefly, his mind racing through the implications.
A dead scientist. Missing tech. A recovery that felt too convenient—and far too late.
When he opened his eyes again, his tone remained measured, but a new undercurrent of unease ran beneath it.
"So… either the universe has a cruel sense of timing, or someone silenced him."
Donald gave a slow nod, his jaw clenched.
"We're running a full-scale analysis, sir. Background checks. Communications. Traffic logs. We'll find out who was involved and why."
Cecil turned his gaze toward the wall of monitors, where dozens of open windows displayed real-time data: energy readings, internal comms, camera feeds. His fingers rested flat against the desk as if anchoring himself against the coming storm.
He drew a slow breath.
Whatever this was—it wasn't random. And it wasn't over.
"Then we'll use this to our advantage," he said, his voice once again cool, resolved. "No more bodies. No more silencing. Keep me updated. I want every angle covered."
"Yes, sir," Donald replied, giving a short nod before turning and hurrying out of the room, back into the organized chaos of the GDA's nerve center.
Cecil remained, eyes locked on the data scrolling across the screens.
The world was shifting again. And he knew—
Behind the surface of every convenient tragedy…
There was something darker moving in the shadows.
5:00 PM — Abandoned Warehouse, South Side of Chicago
Sunlight filtered through the cracks in the broken roof tiles. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, dust, and burnt oil.Inside the warehouse, a dozen boys—ranging from fifteen to nineteen—stood in a loose circle.The tension was palpable.Everyone watched in silence, their gazes fixed on the scene in the center.
Scott—seventeen, brown hair, sharp eyes—was gripping the hair of a boy kneeling on the ground, forcing his head back."So… you didn't make the delivery," he muttered, voice low but dripping with venom. "And you pocketed the package and the payment?"
The boy could barely form words. Eyes wide, sweat dripping down his pale face."I... I had an emergency! But I'll pay it back! I swear, Scott, please—"
Scott didn't blink.In his free hand, his fingers slowly spread apart.A clean flame ignited from the center of his palm. Controlled. Steady.
"And how am I supposed to explain to the client that the delivery vanished? You think I'm playing games here?"
The fire crackled quietly, its flickering glow reflected in the terrified eyes surrounding the circle.No one dared move.
Scott narrowed his gaze."Maybe it's time I made an example."
But before the flame could move forward, a voice cut through the tension.
"Scott."
He released the boy abruptly. The fire vanished with a snap of his fingers.He turned toward the entrance of the warehouse.
Chris and Bruce were approaching.Behind them walked David—his face swollen and bruised, each step stiff and labored. But he still held his posture upright.
Scott folded his arms, visibly annoyed."Well? What do you have for me?"
Chris didn't waste time."Bad news. We've got a problem at Oakwood."
Scott raised an eyebrow. "What kind of problem?"
"There's someone interfering with our drops. They call him 'Grey'. We've already lost three routes to him. And four more got delayed because of it."
Scott clenched his jaw. His eyes flicked to the boy still crouched on the floor—and then he kicked him—hard. The boy hit the metal container with a crash that echoed across the warehouse.
He didn't get back up.
"Shit! Are you trying to tear down everything we built?!"
He turned back to Chris and Bruce, fire sparking again in his eyes."And what about you two? Aren't you supposed to be strong like me? Why haven't you taken him out? It's your school!"
Bruce didn't flinch. Arms crossed, calm as ever."If he showed up, maybe we could. But no one can trace him. No one knows who he is. Chris is the one handling the money flow there."
Chris gave David a push forward."Go on. Tell him what you saw."
David exhaled slowly. His voice was quiet, but steady."He was wearing the Oakwood uniform. Mask covering from the nose down... white hair. Blue eyes. I... I didn't even see him move. He was too fast. And the strength—was unreal."
Silence descended like a falling weight. The only sound was the faint metallic echo from the container still vibrating.
Scott turned to the rest of the group, his hands once more igniting with flames."You have until Tuesday. I want every penny from the routes. Or I'll come after each of you myself."
Without waiting, the group scattered. They dragged the injured boy out the door.
Chris slumped into a battered chair, watching them go. Once the door slammed shut, he turned to Scott."Those idiots from Ravenshade... second-rate school. So? What's the plan? I suggest simultaneous deliveries. If he doesn't show up… we force his hand."
Scott ran a hand through his hair, the heat still burning behind his eyes."I agree. Schedule all the drops for the same day. Different locations. Spread the routes out. He can't stop them all."
Bruce leaned against the container."And if he shows up to one?"
Scott smirked."Then we welcome our little hunter… and flip the board on him."
Chris took a breath."What about the group distributing the info across the schools? Already know who's handling that?"
Scott looked toward the darker corner of the warehouse—where the sun's light no longer reached.
Bruce raised an eyebrow.
From the shadows, someone moved.Footsteps echoed across the cracked concrete floor.
A boy emerged from behind the containers.Shaved sides, a black band around his neck, cold eyes and a stride far too confident for this place.
Tyren Dorian.But everyone at Reisen Velgh High knew him by a simpler name: Ty.
He stopped beside Chris, hands tucked in his jacket pockets, his posture relaxed, leaning forward just slightly."So… has this 'Grey' become some urban legend, or is there a bounty on his head yet?"
Scott let out a short laugh."You still know how to make an entrance, Ty?"
Ty shrugged."I make runs for three schools a week and haven't lost a single package. But if there's a ghost screwing up the routes... maybe it's time to adjust the price."
Chris chuckled dryly."This guy only shows up when the money starts talking."
Scott lit a small flame at the tip of his fingers and stared at Ty, smiling faintly."Your crew's still in charge of inter-school distribution. You get the drop point, the time, and the package—either from me or from Chris. No improvising."
Ty gave a small nod. No need for extra words—he'd worked plenty of jobs for Scott before.
"I'm Stacking every Oakwood drop on the same day," Scott continued. "Spread-out locations, but same time. If this 'Grey' wants to play hero, he'll have to choose."
Chris looked at Ty."If he shows up… assess the situation. If you can handle it, do it. If not, let us know."
Scott confirmed with a nod.
Ty raised an eyebrow, a hint of disdain in his voice."Pick up the package, get paid, walk away clean. That's the rule. If this guy gets in my way... then he chose the wrong route. And the bounty?"
Bruce gave a low laugh.
Chris snorted."Man, you with money is like a monkey with bananas. Ten grand in cash. If you take him down—or your intel helps us do it."
Then Scott locked eyes with Ty, serious now."Next Oakwood run, I want you leading the charge. And it's going down the same day the info drops. That way, he won't have time to plan a damn thing. I want your eyes on every route."
Ty nodded."Got it. I'll have my usual guy deliver the data and instructions. Meanwhile, I'll split the team into three. If this 'Grey' shows his face… we'll be there."
Saturday, March 9th, 2013 — 4:15 PM
Grayson Residence, Chicago, Illinois
"Yes! Got you again!"
William raised his arms with a victorious grin, dropping the controller on the couch with the excitement of someone who'd been gaming for hours.
"Come on, that was lag. I swear I hit it first."
Mark adjusted himself, trying to sound outraged, but the smirk on his face gave him away.
The two of them were sunken into the living room couch, eyes locked on the television, where a flashy fighting game lit up the screen with absurd combos and ridiculous explosions. It was the fourth round of the afternoon — and William was barely winning.
"You're good, Grayson. But today's my day."
William punched his friend's arm lightly, then picked the controller back up.
Kai passed by in the hallway, coming down the stairs, heading straight to the kitchen. He wore simple clothes — a black T-shirt and sweatpants — his hair slightly messy.
"Hey, Kai! Wanna play a round later?"
Mark lifted his head from the back of the couch, smiling at his brother.
"Maybe."
The reply was brief. Kai kept walking toward the kitchen without stopping.
William leaned toward Mark, whispering with a hand cupped to his mouth.
"Your brother's such a buzzkill... Seriously, he never even smiles."
Mark let out a soft laugh.
"He just seems that way. He's a good guy. And really good at this game."
Too good.
In the kitchen, Debbie was finishing up packing a bag with some documents. She wore a light jacket and simple earrings. Kai leaned against the counter, watching the still-steaming coffee in the machine.
"Heading out?" Kai asked, glancing sideways at his mom.
"Mhm. Charity group meeting," Debbie said as she grabbed her phone and keys. "Do you need anything? I'll stop by the store after."
"I'm good." Kai replied while grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl.
Debbie stepped closer and gently patted his shoulder.
"Don't lock yourself in your room all day, okay? Getting out a bit would be good for you."
"I will."
He took a bite of the apple, gazing out the kitchen window as Debbie left through the front door.
Minutes later, Kai passed through the living room where William and Mark were still playing.
"You joining us now?" Mark asked, leaning back on the couch.
Kai paused for a second, watching the screen.
"Sure. One or two rounds."
He sat next to them, and William handed him a controller.
"You start, but if you lose, pass it over."
Kai nodded.
Ten minutes later, both of them looked defeated.
"I didn't even see what happened," William muttered, dropping the controller onto his lap in defeat.
Mark glanced at his friend.
"I told you he was good. He wrecked us with that insane combo," Mark said, staring at the scoreboard flashing on the screen. "Seriously, what even was that? How'd you memorize that combo?"
Kai gave them a small smile, stood up without replying, and left the controller on the couch.
"Need to head out for a bit. I'll be back before dinner. Good game, guys."
Without another word, he stuffed his hands into his pockets, crossed the room, and exited through the back door.
William frowned, crossing his arms.
"See? Told you… total buzzkill!"
Mark chuckled softly, eyes still on the screen.
"But that was a smile, right?"
Outside, the sky was beginning to take on golden hues. Kai walked alone along the quiet neighborhood sidewalk, hands in his pockets, steps silent.
Another training session awaited him.
Another attempt to understand what was inside him…
Or maybe it was that urge again — the pull of the void calling to him.
Monday, March 11th, 2013 — 10:05 AM
Oakwood Highschool Academy, Chicago, Illinois
The pale light from the hallway windows stretched across the polished floor as the morning dragged on between classes. The footsteps of Kai and Samuel echoed softly in the administrative wing, a bit away from the school's main bustle.
Both of them held folded sheets of paper — the mandatory club registration forms.
"I still think they should pay us for this," Samuel muttered, frowning. "Like, emotional compensation."
"You talk like this school isn't already an arena," Kai replied, voice flat, humorless. "They just need to add chairs around and sell tickets."
They reached the small office of the athletics department. A crooked sign on the door read: Physical Activities Division | Club Registration.
Inside, Cassie was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, wearing a smug expression.
"Took you long enough," she said. "Thought you'd chicken out."
Kai handed over his form without a word. Samuel scoffed, tossing his on the desk.
Cassie signed the back of each sheet, smiling with a teasing air.
"Congratulations. You're now part of my club. And just so you know… no one's gonna mess with you while you're under my supervision." She looked straight at Kai.
"School gang protection comes with an ID badge now?" Kai quipped with a faint smile.
Cassie laughed.
"You thanked me for having your back on Friday, but aren't you forgetting something?"
"Right. I'll buy you lunch," Kai said, glancing at the new bandages on her.
Damn... It's my fault. If the uniform had been with me and not at home, I would've stepped in earlier. In the end, I just grabbed the mask and got back as fast as I could.
"Great. Then we're square." Cassie smiled.
As Samuel and Kai turned to leave—
"Actually, the whole week's on me," Kai added, trying to shake off the guilt.
Kai sighed internally. At least that takes care of the obligation.
Boxing wasn't bad. And… I can't deny it after she stepped in for me.
She got involved again when she didn't have to...
The bell rang and the halls filled once more. Amid the crowd, Kiana stepped out of a nearby classroom, heading toward the stairs when she froze at the sound of her name.
"…Thinks she's better than us just because she's got nice hair, a model ass, and knows how to fight? Please. Always acting like she's all that."
The voice came from Megan, the very person Kiana thought was her best friend. And to make it worse, Ester was with her. They were speaking casually, but loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. Christopher was a few feet away, distracted, fiddling with his phone.
"Chris only chases her because she plays hard to get. Seriously… girls like that aren't even all that."
Kiana stopped walking. Her face remained unreadable at first glance — calm, composed.
But her eyes…
Those eyes burned in silence.
She walked the last few steps toward them, fists clenched.
Stood in front of Megan, and locked eyes.
"Go screw yourself,"
That was all. Three words. Dry. Cold. Thrown like a blade.
Then she turned and walked away like nothing had happened.
She didn't look back.
She only wiped the tear running down her cheek.
And so, Monday passed like so many others — filled with silent decisions and unspoken words.
Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 — 9:37 AMOakwood Highschool Academy — Kai's Classroom
The day had barely begun, yet the air inside the classroom already felt saturated with routine. The scratch of a marker on the whiteboard, the rustle of pages turning, and the dull glaze in most students' eyes set the tone.
Kiana sat with her arms folded on her desk, eyes fixed on the window.
She hadn't spoken a word to Megan or any of the other girls who used to trail behind her in the hallways. Since Monday, silence had become her companion — and her shield.
A few had tried to break it. A "good morning," a passing comment about class... but all of it died under cold stares or single-word replies.
What else did they expect?
The distance was intentional.
Farther back in the room, Kai stared at the board without real interest. The teacher's voice had turned into a background hum.
Beside him, Samuel murmured quietly, pointing at a page in Cassie's notebook.
"That's not an ionic bond, Cassie. Look at the element. It's covalent. They share electrons."
Cassie looked again and groaned.
"Chemistry should be illegal before 10 AM..."
Samuel chuckled but gave her a disapproving look, taking the notebook to sketch out arrows and notes.
Kai exhaled softly.
Mandatory clubs. Endless lectures. The constant drain of social interaction.
The full package of a normal life he despised...Yet still chose to accept.
That's when his phone vibrated discreetly in his pocket. A single notification lit up the screen beneath the desk.
Unknown number."It's Dimitry. They'll meet me in 10 minutes to share the details of the next drop. I'm at the exit of Block C."
Kai read it. Once. Then again.
He slid the phone back into his pocket.
Then stood up calmly, leaving his backpack on the chair.
Samuel noticed right away.
"Where you going?"
"Need to take care of something. I'll be back."
Kai walked out like he was just heading to the restroom.
Cassie, still locked in a losing battle against electrons, didn't even notice he had left — even though she sat just behind him.
Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 — 9:45 AMOakwood Highschool Academy — Outer Wall
Outside Oakwood, the sound of sneakers hitting the dry ground echoed between the trees lining the school's side yard. Ty walked in front, followed closely by four other boys.
"Same as always for you, Brian," he said without looking back. "You go in, pass the info, say the drop's today, tell where the package is, who's picking it up, and that's it. After that, you get back and handle things until I return."
Brian, with his backpack strapped tightly, nodded. Without hesitation, he began climbing the school's wall with impressive ease.
Ty looked at the remaining three.
"Now, we split up. Each one to the spot I assigned. If a guy matching that description shows up… you know what to do."
"Got it, boss," one of them replied, adjusting his cap.
"Good. Let's make some money."
In seconds, they were on the move, each taking a different route through the alleys and paths surrounding the campus.
The boy who jumped the wall was now running along the back of the school.
Block C — 10:02 AM
The boy who had scaled the wall — Brian — had already passed the information to two others. The third was meant to be Dimitry.
Hidden between the trees and the outer wall of Block C, Kai watched silently, Six Eyes activated — the headache already creeping in, ignored.
Finally.
The handoff was quick. Just a few words exchanged. Brian nodded and walked toward Block D.
Kai emerged from the shadows and gave Dimitry a passing glance before silently tailing Brian from behind the pillars.
The boy moved with certainty, like someone familiar with the terrain. He stopped in front of another student — his face partially bandaged.
David.
Without hesitation, Brian passed on the same instructions. Even from a distance, Kai caught every word. His Viltrumite-enhanced hearing had improved — and it delivered.
Same time. Different locations.
David said nothing. Just nodded and walked off.
Multiple drops, same hour…
They're testing for a leak. Seeing who gets hit.
Smart. But not subtle.
Kai followed Brian until he slipped out through a side alley and into the streets.
Trail ends here.
He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Dimitry:
"Make up a reason to skip the drop. Make it believable. They're watching. Deliveries are happening at the same time in different locations. They're trying to see who's leaking the info."
He locked the screen and ducked into a nearby alley to change clothes.
Wednesday — 11:40 AM
Reisen Velgh High School — Industrial Edge of Chicago
The place looked more like a condemned prison than a school. Crumbling walls, cracked pavement, a collapsed basketball hoop, graffiti scars across every surface. The faculty had long abandoned control — the students ran it now.
Kai approached under cover of shadows, dressed in the tactical outfit Art had made: dark pants, fitted black shirt, and a custom mask covering from nose to chin — the same one he'd worn with his uniform once before. His ring was deactivated.
The white hair was visible — stark and unnatural — like snow streaking through a sky of concrete and grime.
Brian crossed the yard and slipped into a hallway.
Kai waited… then activated the Six Eyes.
The moment Brian turned, he saw him.
"What the—?"
Kai closed the distance in an instant, grabbed him by the collar, and slammed him against the wall.
"Who's running this? Who's in charge of the deliveries? Don't lie."
Brian's eyes went wide. He tried to resist, but there was no room. No leverage. Kai tightened his grip.
His appearance matched the description Ty had spread.
Brian could feel his collarbone creak under the pressure.
Kai glanced down.
"That backpack next to you… is that a drop?"
Brian stammered.
A bell rang in the distance — shrill and metallic.
Kai glanced toward the sound, then back again. He twisted Brian's arm and pinned him harder to the wall.
The pain was sharp. Immediate.
"I don't think you heard me," Kai said, his voice cold. He applied more pressure.
Something cracked.
"Agh— Y-Yeah… it's one of the drops!" Brian gasped. "But the guy running this… he's not from here!"
"Then who?"
"I-I don't know! The orders come in… I just pass them out!"
Footsteps.
Loud. Growing.
Kai turned.
Five. Ten. Fifteen delinquents. Then more.
Knives. Brass knuckles. Bats. Rage.
Kai released Brian and took two steps back.
Brian fell to one knee, gripping his shoulder — dislocated, not broken. Fury burned in his eyes.
"He's Grey. Finish him off."
Kai exhaled slowly.
Shit.
This is definitely not what he expected.
What school lets students out before noon?
Chaos.
The first one came swinging a metal rod.Kai dodged effortlessly, grabbed the attacker's wrist, and hurled him against a wall. Another tried to strike from behind — a kick to the ribs — but Kai turned and drove his elbow into the boy's chin.
Then came the third. The fourth. The fifth. They didn't stop.But neither did he.
The void within him had begun to stir. With the Six Eyes still active, granting him absurd precision, Kai controlled every motion with surgical restraint. It was like his instincts told him exactly how far he could go without killing anyone.
The Six Eyes burned.
Trash. All of them. One by one.
With every second they kept charging at him, something else awakened.A different instinct took over. It wasn't defense. It was something whispering, See how far you can go.A strange excitement — a hunger — urging him to test his limits.
It didn't match his personality at all.How long has it been since anything made me feel this alive?I don't even remember.
Is this some kind of renewed interest in life?Maybe... but unlikely.
Could it be the will to live returning?None of those answers felt quite right, but none felt completely wrong either. It was something disconnected from the person he believed himself to be.
His blows landed closer and closer to the threshold — the edge between temporary pain and permanent damage.
On the far end of the hallway, a skinny maintenance worker in a stained coat and cap rounded the corner, holding a toolbox. He froze.
Torn backpacks. Bloodied teens. Trembling kids holding knives and bats.
"What the hell is this?! Is this a war zone now?! That's it! I'm calling the cops!"He dropped the box and bolted back down the hallway.
The metallic scent of blood hung thick in the air. The sound of bones snapping. No one dead, but unconscious on the ground.
Kai moved like a living shadow between the chaos. He pulled, dodged, slammed, and struck with frightening accuracy.
One boy tried to run — Kai yanked him back with a burst of Blue.
A little more violent with each passing second.
Thirty.
Thirty-five.
Forty.
When the last one brave enough to stand fell — coughing blood and teeth — silence descended.
Kai stood at the center of the courtyard, hands speckled, his face slashed with crimson streaks that weren't his.
The crowd parted. No one dared to block his way.
He walked over to the backpack that had been next to Brian at the start and slung one of its straps over his left shoulder.
Kai tried to deactivate the Six Eyes… but nothing happened.The headache throbbed viciously.
He blinked several times — still nothing.
He could see everything. But he didn't want to. He didn't even glance sideways.His gaze locked on the exit as he began walking — slow, breath shallow.
But it wasn't from physical exhaustion.
It was something else.
Anxiety.
Not from fleeing. Not from fear.
Something darker…The desire to keep going. To lose himself in that feeling.It was terrifying.
As he walked, a boy holding a backpack stepped in front of him.
Kai stopped too, almost smiling, ready to strike.
But the boy just placed the bag on the ground and backed away.
Instinct.No one in that place would dare provoke him again.
Kai picked up the second bag and kept walking toward the exit.
From a distance, among the gathering crowd, a phone had been raised.It had captured everything.
Back Alley — Minutes Later
Kai stopped in a narrow alley and let the backpacks drop to the ground with a dull thud.
He leaned against the side wall and exhaled, letting the weight of everything finally sink in.
He took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself.
Then, finally, the Six Eyes deactivated.
The headache hit him like a sledgehammer.
The sky was gray. But not as gray as his thoughts.
Was this what Cosmic warned me about?
Was it the void...?
Or was it just me?
I went too far.
He looked down at his hands — still stained with splatters that no longer bothered him like they should've.
Whatever. They deserved it. That place is the embodiment of everything wrong with kids these days.
He glanced at the backpacks, then pulled them closer.
Inside one: a sealed drug package.
Inside the other: a stack of cloned credit cards.
Kai exhaled a breath laced with a twisted smile.
"Yeah... this time, they're gonna be pissed," he muttered.
He stayed there for a while, letting the echoes of the moment loop in his head.
Then pulled out his phone and stared at the screen.
Eventually, he typed a message to Cosmic.
"Hey. Let me know when you're free. I'd like to schedule another training session. It's been a while."
Finally, he stood.
Walked to the nearest police station and left the backpacks discreetly at the entrance.
Then vanished without a trace.
Wednesday — 12:50 PM — Suburbs, Reisen Velgh High School
A few minutes after Kai's departure, Ty walked with confident strides along the cracked sidewalk that led back to the school. One earbud in, jacket slung over his shoulder, expression relaxed.
The heat made the asphalt reek of burnt rubber, and the heavy sky only added to the suffocating atmosphere.
Everything went smooth, he thought. No sign of the guy. Brian probably handled it right… and forgot to report back, the dumbass.
He turned the corner of the side gate and skipped the broken step at the entrance, already rehearsing the usual scolding he was going to give the boys.
But right away, he bumped into one of his crew limping down the hall. The kid had a swollen black eye, scratches across his face, and a shirt stained with dried blood. He lowered his gaze and sped up without saying a word.
Ty frowned.
The hell…?
Before he could process it, one of the school's maintenance workers — a skinny man in a filthy coat and cap — came stomping out of the side door, toolbox in hand.
"I warned them! This school's a goddamn asylum without locks!" the man yelled, not caring who was listening. "Full of psychos, punk-ass kids with knives, bats... I'm done. Not worth what they pay me!"
Ty watched silently as the man stormed off, mumbling.
Something definitely went wrong.
He entered through the side and headed straight for the central courtyard.
That's when he saw it.
Fresh cracks in the walls. Bloodstains on the tiles. Broken bats leaning against a bench. Makeshift bandages scattered on the floor. The lingering stench of alcohol and sweat.
Up ahead, a few students loitered around. One held a roll of blood-specked toilet paper to his forehead. Another limped by, clutching his shoulder. Three younger boys squatted in a corner, giggling nervously over a phone.
Ty approached. His name still carried weight — they froze the moment they saw him. One of them tried to hide the phone, but too late.
"What the hell are you watching?" Ty asked.
No answer.
He extended his hand. "Hand it over."
The kid hesitated.
Ty's patience didn't.
He snatched the phone from the boy's hand.
The video started playing.
It was shaky, but clear. A white-haired figure. Mask covering his face. Bright blue eyes. Movements clean. Fast. One, two, five... fifteen students dropped one after another.
One by one, the school's fighters were tossed, knocked down, humiliated.
Each blow faster, sharper than the last.
A perfect trail of chaos.
The sounds.
Muffled screams, cracks, the dull thuds of bodies hitting walls.
He moved through them like an unstoppable force of nature.
The caption under the video — posted in one of the school's private group chats — was blunt:
"One guy vs forty gang members. Guess who lost."
One of the kids muttered, barely audible.
"It's him… Grey. Everyone's already calling him that online."
Ty watched until the end.
The final scene was of Grey walking slowly across the courtyard, one backpack over his shoulder… and another in his hand.
He tossed the phone back onto the boy's lap, jaw clenched.
Taking a deep breath, he headed for the front gate, eyes scanning for Brian.
Across the street, a police car sat with its lights off. A paramedic wiped his hands next to an ambulance. Near the fence, a staff member spoke in hushed tones with someone from administration — neither dared to glance at the school behind them.
Further ahead, a student was on the phone, animatedly describing the scene, laughing like he'd just witnessed something epic.
Ty ignored them all.
The aura of control that had always surrounded him… was cracked.
His fists clenched, blood boiling beneath his skin. He muttered under his breath, voice low and raw.
"Who the hell is that bastard...? Walked in, wrecked everyone, strolled out the goddamn front door… and he didn't just walk out — the son of a bitch still took everything with him."
Thursday — 7:53 AM — Oakwood Highschool
Next day morning, the white corridor lights were still flickering when Kai walked into the classroom. Less than ten minutes remained before the bell, and most students were already in their seats — some whispering in low voices, others simply staring into nothingness.
Kai walked to his desk. No visible scratches. No blood. Just his silence... heavier than ever.
Samuel appeared beside him almost at the same time, a tired half-smile on his face.
"Still breathing, huh." He gave Kai's arm a light tap. "I thought you got jumped by someone yesterday… or abducted by aliens. You left all of a sudden and never came back."
Kai let out a quiet sigh.
"I… had some things to take care of," he replied with his usual neutral tone.
"Some things like 'didn't come home, left your backpack here and no one knew if you were dead'? Jacob and Josh from sophomore year were looking for you." Samuel then lifted Kai's backpack with one hand and handed it back.
"Thanks." Kai took the bag without ceremony. "You're almost trustworthy."
"Almost? That's offensive."
Before Samuel could return the jab, a louder voice cut through their exchange.
Cassie appeared like a thunderstorm of energy, casually draping her weight over Kai's shoulder as if that spot had always belonged to her.
"You disappeared yesterday, Greyson. I was starting to think you got jumped by another group of idiots," she said, grinning sideways.
Kai raised an eyebrow and replied flatly.
"No. But given the school's level, it wouldn't be surprising."
Cassie let out a short, sharp laugh.
"Good to know you're alive. Because today's your first day in the club after school." She pointed at both of them with her index finger like she was staking a claim. "And you're not skipping."
Kai made a brief, almost invisible grimace.
"I had already forgotten about that… great."
"See you there." Cassie winked and walked to her seat, tossing her backpack onto the desk with surgical precision.
The bell rang before anyone could say another word.
Kai leaned back in his chair, getting ready for another one of his usual morning naps.
Thursday — 10:35 AM — Break
Kai approached the meeting spot behind the side courtyard where Dimitry and his group were already waiting. The tension in the air was palpable — restless eyes, feet tapping the ground, and a heavy silence hanging between the eight of them.
Dimitry got straight to the point as soon as he saw Kai.
"Look, I made up an excuse to skip the delivery yesterday and left school."
Kai stared at him for a second, then swept his gaze across the group. They all wore the same weight: tension.
"And?" Kai asked.
Dimitry hesitated, but before he could respond, Jacob stepped forward. His posture rigid, eyes serious, like someone bracing for an inevitable scolding.
"When he left… Bruce showed up, by Bruce I mean, the one who is ranked first in the school... He came straight to me and put the delivery on my shoulders."
Kai's face stayed neutral, impassive. His eyes said nothing… and yet said everything.
Jacob took a deep breath, as if bracing for a punch.
"Man, we had no choice. We went through with it. If we hadn't, Bruce would've destroyed us. You were gone, so… look, we've got the money, if—"
"It's fine." Kai cut him off, blunt. "This time, do whatever you want with the money."
Relief swept through the group like a collective exhale.
Josh wiped sweat from his forehead and stepped forward.
"Man… I thought you were gonna take the cash and beat the crap out of us," after a pause, he speaks again with some animation, "does this mean we can deliver again?"
Jacob immediately turned and elbowed his friend in the ribs.
"Shut up, dude!"
Kai ignored the comment, turning back to Dimitry and the others.
"Keep me posted on any new developments. And before accepting any more deliveries— " he gives a sharp look especially to Josh, "come to me first."
"Of course," Dimitry replied. "No problem."
"You got it," Jacob added.
The eight of them scattered across the courtyard soon after, blending back into the flow of break time like nothing had happened.
Thursday — 12:45 PM — Main Wing Corridor, Oakwood
The bell had barely rung when Cassie was already on her feet, grabbing Kai and Samuel by the collars of their shirts.
"Let's go, rookies. The Boxing Club doesn't wait for anyone."
Kai let out a tired sigh but followed along. Samuel just shrugged, already used to his friend's relentless energy.
They were almost through the classroom door when a voice stopped them.
"Kai?"
All three turned at once toward the figure leaning against the side of the doorway.
Kiana.
Cassie rolled her eyes, clear disdain written all over her face. Samuel blinked in surprise. Kai just stared, a little disconnected from the world.
She didn't usually talk to him. In fact, everyone in class assumed the two of them hated each other. The sudden approach sparked a brief, awkward silence.
Kiana stepped forward with firm strides, but her voice sounded less confident than usual.
"Are you okay? You disappeared yesterday…"
Kai frowned slightly, unsure what to make of her concern. He expected that kind of concern from Samuel or Cassie — who had been glued to him the past few days — but from her?
"I'm fine." he replied, in his usual bored tone. "Why?"
"I was gonna give you your shirt back yesterday. But you weren't in class." she said, already pulling her backpack from her shoulders and unzipping it.
Cassie folded her arms, watching like she was about to witness a trainwreck.
"Handing out gifts now? Bet she didn't even bring it," she muttered with a smirk.
Kiana ignored her. She rummaged through her backpack for a few seconds… then her face froze. Her expression tensed, she pulled out her books, checked the inner pockets, and let out a frustrated sigh.
"Damn it…"
Kai tilted his head, uninterested but mildly curious.
"It's fine. I spilled coffee on one of your shirts anyway. Keep that one," he said with the careless shrug that had become his signature.
Kiana zipped her bag shut with force and brought a hand to her face, the memory flashing instantly — she had folded the shirt and left it on her bed.
Damn… I left it in my room, the day I saw Cassie talking to him for the first time. I took so long to build up the nerve to deal with this and now...
Not today. Not again.
Without another word, she pulled out her phone and started dialing.
Cassie, of course, didn't miss the chance to throw a jab.
"Look at the queen. Summoning her servants to fix her mess."
Kiana kept ignoring her, pressing the phone between her ear and shoulder.
"Hi, Helena. I need a favor. I left a white school uniform shirt — a guy's — on my bed. Can you ask Adrien to bring it to school for me?"
The woman on the other end answered kindly, but the news wasn't exactly what she hoped.
"Ah… Adrien took the car in for maintenance. I'll have him bring it over once he gets back, okay?"
"Alright. Thanks." Kiana ended the call and turned back to the group, adjusting her backpack.
"I'll give it back today, okay? They'll bring it."
Cassie still had a smug half-smile on her face as she walked ahead.
Kai just nodded, not particularly interested, his mind still disconnected from everything after the events of the previous day.
Samuel, the only one still carrying a trace of politeness, looked at Kiana.
"We're heading to Cassie's Boxing Club. Why don't you wait for us there?"
And just like that — as if it was the most natural thing in the world — Kiana followed them toward the Boxing Club.
Thursday — 12:58 PM — Oakwood's Auxiliary Gym
The trio walked through the corridors until they reached a smaller building, tucked between the running track and the science wing. Inside, the air smelled of dried sweat, leather, and polished wood.
It was the Boxing and Kickboxing Club led by Cassie.
The space was well-equipped, with an elevated ring in the center, punching bags hanging from side columns, and racks filled with pads, gloves, and protective gear. Twenty-one students were already there: ten boys and eleven girls, each at different stages of training. Some shadowboxed, others trained in pairs.
Cassie guided the two to the side locker rooms, where suitable training clothes were provided.
Kai and Samuel quickly changed into dry t-shirts and a lightweight shorts.
But when Cassie returned...
She was tying her vibrant red hair into a tight ponytail that fell just below her shoulders. Her face was sharp, eyes a deep chestnut, and her body was a living sculpture of strength and symmetry — toned arms, powerful legs, sculpted abs, generous yet balanced curves, all wrapped in a black sports bra and compression pants that highlighted every detail earned through sweat and discipline.
She was striking — not just fit, but stunning in a way that turned heads the moment she entered a room.Natural. Aesthetic. Strength forged through fire and effort.
And yet… who was leaning calmly against the wall?
Kiana.
Cassie didn't even try to hide her irritation.
"You're kind of clueless, aren't you? What are you doing here? You're not required to join clubs, and I'd never approve your entry. Don't you have a whole gym just for yourself at home, Your Highness?"
Her voice carried the usual sarcastic tone. But Kiana didn't respond as expected. She remained calm, her expression neutral.
"Sorry. I won't get in the way. I'll stay just until my driver brings Kai's shirt." she replied, repeating in her mind, I'm going to finish this today. No more delays.
Cassie blinked, caught off guard. The girl who once snapped back arrogantly was now composed. And even without saying much, something in her calm demeanor made it clear — she was different.
Everyone already knew Kiana wasn't hanging out with her usual crowd anymore. The entire school had noticed — and for a moment, Cassie almost felt sorry for her.
She even considered replying with something softer… but before she could, some club members recognized Kiana and approached out of curiosity. It was inevitable. The rivalry between her and Cassie was well known — and besides that, Kiana was… Kiana.
Cassie took a deep breath as the small group gathered around her. Whatever hint of sympathy she'd felt vanished once more.
"Tsk... fine. Let's show the rookies a few moves," she said, grabbing a pair of gloves and tossing them at Kiana.
Kiana caught them mid-air, surprised. It took her a second, but she nodded and headed toward the locker room.
Cassie turned and pointed at Samuel, putting him in front of one of the bags.
"You first. Let's see if you can at least hit the target."
She began demonstrating the proper jab and straight technique, adjusting his posture with light touches on his shoulders and arms.
Then she walked over to Kai, who had already assumed a basic stance on instinct.
"Have you fought before?" she asked, circling him. That stance's not bad… it works. But my dad's is better.
"Kind of," Kai replied, offering no details.
She noticed the firmness in his shoulders and abs. He was discreet — but clearly not average.
"Damn, you're strong. Do you train? I thought you were just another uncoordinated nerd."
Kai nodded slightly.
Across the gym, Kiana stepped out of the locker room.
She wore a white sports bra and tight black leggings. Her long, straight, nearly silver hair was tied into a high bun, highlighting her slightly darker brows and rare light blue eyes, almost gray. Her physique was elegant, curves balanced — presence equal parts poise and power.
The kind of beauty that made people stop whatever they were doing — not just to look, but to wonder.
Cassie gave her a look.
"Let's go?"
They climbed into the ring.
The exchange started with light taps, short steps, distance testing. But within seconds, all eyes were on them. The punches got faster, the blocks sharper. The entire room had frozen.
Kai watched silently.
Near him and Samuel, another girl approached.
"Wow, they're gorgeous and don't miss a beat. What an unfair world," she said with a light laugh, not envious — just admiring.
She then turned to the two new members, trying to spark conversation. "Right?"
Samuel answered first.
"Y-Yeah, totally!"
But the girl kept her eyes on Kai, waiting for his answer.
Kai noticed. Normally, he'd just nod — but with a faint smirk, he glanced her way.
"They're seriously beautiful. Could easily be the main characters in a anime. Now all that's missing is them yelling out their special moves," he replied with his usual detached, sarcastic tone.
The girl laughed.
The comment didn't go unnoticed by Kiana, who blushed mid-ring at being complimented by him. Still, she kept up the sparring.
"I'm Lana. That's Dex, Nick, Amy, and Nicole. What are your names?" she asked, still looking at Kai and Samuel.
Samuel answered, but Kai didn't even hear it.
Something in the ring… pulled his attention.
He activated the Six Eyes without thinking.
Cassie's movements were fluid — clearly trained. Every step, every dodge, every punch was a product of relentless repetition. But one thing was clear — she was human. No powers. No tricks.
And even so… she was holding her ground against someone with enhanced physical abilities, purely through effort.
This world really is unfair…
Talent, effort, willpower — all swallowed whole by those born with more.
And yet… she made it to ninth place in this broken school.
Kai sighed inwardly. He deactivated the Six Eyes slowly. The ache began pulsing behind his forehead — a leftover consequence from using them too much the day before.
The fight ended without a winner. Kiana had been holding back, keeping things friendly. But Cassie held her own to the very end.
The tension in the room eased.
Kiana stepped down and began helping some students adjust their punching stances. But she avoided looking in Kai's direction.
At 5:40 PM, the club officially wrapped up.
"That workout's too much for me…" Samuel muttered, dropping his gloves.
"Yeah…" Kai replied, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Kiana walked up.
"Hey."
Kai turned his head.
She handed him the folded shirt.
"Thanks. That day… and the slap… were my fault. I'm sorry."
Kai took the shirt, his expression unchanged.
"It's fine. Didn't hurt."
Samuel nudged him in the shoulder.
Kai gave him a sideways glare. He sighed. He didn't want to say anything — his mind was in a completely different place. But he knew he'd gone too far with everything he'd said to her.
"Sorry for what I said. In class and during training," he added.
Kiana smiled, her eyes a little lighter.
"It's okay. I've realized I was letting the wrong people influence me."
Cassie, arms crossed, watched from a distance.
The rivalry wasn't gone — but… something had shifted. She walked over slowly.
"Your Majesty…" she began, sarcasm still intact, "if you ever feel like training with us, you can. The crew liked it. And it's nice having someone who doesn't pass out after one punch."
Kiana nodded with a half-smile, accepting the offer.
And just like that, without any drama or fireworks, another day came to a close.
Some things were still settling. But maybe — just maybe — this was the start of something different.
Thursday — 6:30 PM — Grayson Residence
Kai opened the front door and stepped inside quietly. The living room light was on, and Mark was sprawled out on the couch with a bowl of popcorn balanced on his lap, eyes glued to the television.
"Hey," Kai muttered as he passed by, kicking off his shoes and tossing his casual backpack into a corner.
"Yo," Mark replied without looking away from the TV. "Dude… check this out."
Kai walked over, mildly curious, and saw the serious face of a news anchor on screen. Blurry images of a vandalized school courtyard played in the background.
"A still-unidentified vigilante infiltrated a suburban Oakwood school around noon yesterday and single-handedly dismantled a juvenile gang operation tied to credit card fraud and drug trafficking. The incident was captured on cellphones by students present at the scene, and the footage has already surpassed ten million views across social media."
"What initially appeared to be a school brawl revealed deeper criminal ties. Hours after the confrontation, two backpacks containing the seized materials were found in front of a police station. The mayor's office has confirmed the authenticity of the contents and announced that the school will be permanently shut down once all students are relocated — expected to happen over the coming months."
"So far, the vigilante's identity remains unknown. Online users have started calling him 'Grey,' a name inspired by the hair color and the codename shouted by one of the delinquents during the footage."
The screen shifted to a still frame: the silhouette of a masked young man surrounded by dozens of fallen students. His face partially obscured, glowing eyes making proper identification impossible.
"This guy..." Mark shook his head. "Someone shared that video in the school group chat today. It was brutal. Like... seriously brutal. They're calling him 'Grey.'"
Kai let out a faint chuckle, playing it off like just another news story. "Grey, huh?"
"Yeah. Kinda corny, but... the look is badass. Glowing eyes, white hair... straight out of an anime."
Kai walked into the kitchen, poured himself a glass of water, and replied with intentional disdain.
"Probably just some lunatic playing hero. He'll disappear soon enough."
Mark laughed. "Maybe. But I gotta admit, the video was wild. Even some of the wannabe tough guys at school were freaking out today. It was hilarious."
As he drank, Kai's phone vibrated discreetly. He pulled it from his pocket and saw a message from Cosmic.
"I'm not in Chicago right now. Might be a few weeks. It's been a while — I'm looking forward to training again."
Kai stared at the screen for a few seconds, then replied calmly.
"That's fine. I'll be ready."
How cliché... Seems like even aliens vanish when they get involved with someone.
He turned off the screen, pocketed the phone, and returned to the living room, settling into the other couch as Mark kept rewatching the video.
Even with the TV buzzing about Grey… no one in that house realized he was already home.
Interlude — Part 1: Blue Eyes in the Suburbs
GDA Headquarters — 7:07 PM
The cold light in the control room flickered above the desk where Cecil Stedman flipped through a few reports, his fingers stained with coffee and graphite. Across the room, Donald moved carefully across the metallic floor, holding a tablet and a few printed files. His expression was serious, but there was something at the corner of his mouth — almost a shadow of satisfaction.
"We've got confirmed activity," Donald said as he approached. "It's him."
Cecil looked up but said nothing. Donald placed the tablet on the desk, displaying footage pulled from security cameras and viral online videos. The same masked teenager, white hair, glowing eyes — standing still amidst dozens of unconscious teens, a backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Codename's catching on," Donald added. "They're calling him 'Grey.' Looks like he's accepted it."
Cecil stared at one of the images for a few seconds, then leaned back in his chair and let out a slow breath through his nose.
"Youth gangs. Fraud. Minor trafficking," he muttered. "He's not after fame. He's cleaning up the trash on his own. A vigilante. Not a hero… but not indifferent either."
Donald tilted his head slightly, observing his boss. "Is that what you meant… when you said not choosing to be a hero doesn't mean he wouldn't do the right thing?"
For a moment, silence filled the room. Cecil simply stared at the tablet. Then he answered, with a subtle lift of his eyebrow.
"Maybe."
He turned toward one of the wall-mounted screens, where a live drone feed showed the industrial outskirts of Oakwood at night. The data was there — discreet, chaotic, but present.
"In a way," he added, "it's good. Let him act. Cosmic mentioned something about an illegal network involving teenagers. If the kid uncovers something worth our attention… we'll step in."
Donald nodded slightly. "Too bad Cosmic's out of town. He could've helped strengthen the connection."
Cecil didn't respond. He just turned his chair toward the armored window, watching as the city faded beneath a cloud-heavy sky.
"We'll keep watching. But sooner or later... he'll come into the light."
Interlude — Part 2: Stars Beneath a Different Sky
11:42 PM — Nairobi, Kenya
The restaurant was small, tucked between alleys lit by soft yellow lanterns. On the rooftop terrace, the night breeze danced through the candle flames atop the tables, and a quiet melody of spices floated in the breeze, anchoring the moment in something timeless.
Cosmic sat there, wearing the human form projected by his bracelet — pale skin, short, well-groomed hair, simple yet elegant clothes. Across from him, a woman smiled with a serene gleam in her eyes. Her lab coat was tied around her waist, as if she had come straight from a shift. A doctor. Tired, yet full of life.
"You still don't believe I actually like going out with you, do you?" she teased, resting her chin in her hands with her elbows on the table.
Cosmic smiled faintly and looked away. "It's not that. I just haven't gotten used to… good things lasting. Or to this kind of closeness. It's normal for your kind, but for me, it's… different."
She furrowed her brow gently. "Then get used to it. If I didn't want to go out with you, I would've run the moment I found out you were an alien — and I definitely wouldn't have invited you to do this social project with me, thousands of miles from home."
At that moment, his phone vibrated quietly on the table.
Cosmic glanced at it. A notification from a day ago, probably delayed by weak signal in the region.
Kai:
"Hey. Let me know when you're free. I'd like to schedule another training session. It's been a while."
He held the phone with one hand, still getting used to human technology. Then he typed back:
"I'm not in Chicago right now. Might be a few weeks. It's been a while — I'm looking forward to training again."
He locked the screen and flipped the phone face down, taking a slow breath before returning his gaze to her.
"Someone important?" she asked, just out of curiosity.
"Yeah," he said. "The boy who found me at that school the other day. But it's nothing that would make me want to walk away from this moment."
She held his gaze for a second.
"You know your real form doesn't scare me, right? I don't care about that. If you want, you can drop the disguise."
Cosmic smiled.
"I appreciate that. But other people might not be as comfortable seeing a glowing purple figure with stars walking down the street. I'll save that for when we're back home."
She smiled in return, and they clinked their tall glasses together as the African sky shimmered behind them.
Even with the universe on the brink of noise… tonight, only the stars knew silence.
Interlude — Part 3: Echoes from Below
Radcliffe's Laboratory, Classified Location
The corridor was long, cold, and metallic, with white lights pulsing from the ceiling at calculated intervals. Gentle echoes of machinery blended with the steady hum of energy that seemed to vibrate through the walls.
Radcliffe walked with his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze was meticulous, focused — as if each step were driving a nail into time. Behind him, two armed guards.
The door opened with a hiss and a sharp click. Inside, the laboratory was vast, underground, and suffocatingly sterile. Panels of exotic crystal displayed real-time data, while mechanical arms handled sensitive components with surgical precision.
Five scientists were present, all with deep eye bags and tense expressions. At the center of the room, held within an inverted capsule structure, lay the heart of the experiment: a silver reactor, pulsing with a faint bluish light. Delicate and unstable.
Radcliffe stopped in front of it.
"How much longer?" His voice sliced through the air — dry and direct.
One of the scientists, wearing a dark lab coat and graying hair, responded without hesitation:
"Twelve days, sir. Maybe less, depending on whether the collision frequency calibration requires another adjustment."
Another added, eyes fixed on the readings:
"The other two facilities — D-04 and D-05 — will be operational before the second testing cycle. The replication protocol for the -20 dB Crisis wave is already in place."
Radcliffe remained silent for a few seconds. The only audible sound was the low, almost imperceptible hum emanating from the reactor — a frequency barely registered by human ears.
He finally spoke, his tone low and grave.
"Make sure there are no more 'unexpected events.' Last time… it nearly exposed everything before we were ready. This may be the final step for our serum to work."
Silence fell.
Then he turned and walked back toward the door.
The lights above flickered for a brief moment, and the lab monitors registered a minimal energy fluctuation.
No one said a word.
But everyone felt it.
Something was about to be unleashed upon the world.