Learn and Improve - 1

1

The beloved Novadía dining hall was once again offering lunches to all students and citizens of the community. Inside were plenty of tables and seats to meet the needs of many people.

However, some days they were not enough.

When that happened, there was still the option of sitting in the small playground next to it, which was also very charming thanks to the typical natural beauty of Novadía.

That was the first time (since we entered university) that Jean, Noe and I managed to find a table under a roof for our lunch hour. It was also our second attempt.

It ended up being surprisingly easy, actually. Even after we had placed our freshly served dishes on the table, there was someone who could not believe it.

Noe: Have we really gone so long without eating inside?

Jean: It's only been two months, it's not that strange that we haven't done it…

Noe: But we've been coming here every week since we started studying at our universities, and every time we just sit in the park without even thinking about going in. That's weird. Don't you think, Lani?

Lani: Well, I like to eat on the swing…

Noe: But the beauty of the dining room is, of course, the dining room. It makes no sense for us to come here if we stay outside.

Lani: But the park is nice too…

I just wanted to be honest. I really enjoyed eating lunch just outside the dining room. However, it was not as if I hated the inside, so the three of us sat comfortably on one side of the dining room.

Unlike Jean and Noe, I was carrying two trays, one in each hand, because Zena had not yet arrived and asked me to get an extra portion of food for her. I left it on the seat in front of me.

I was a little worried about how long it would take her to arrive and how cold her food would get, but shortly after we sat down that issue was resolved.

Zena: There they are! How are you~? It already feels weird being in here, doesn't it?

Noe: I don't know what to think anymore...

Normally, seeing her arrive would make me happy. However, that day it felt like a huge tension had arrived with her. And that is, because that was literally the case.

…

Zena, as she usually did, hurried to reach the others and greet them. She left me behind, but I caught up with her in a matter of seconds.

The first to see me was Lani, who waved the long sleeve of her sweater to greet me, without taking her eyes off me. Jean and Noe saw me after that, at the same time.

Jean: No way… Are you seeing the same thing as me?

Noe: I think so, if you're talking about-

Jean: It's impressive. It's a huge, gigantic...

Noe: Jean?

Jean: A tremendous…!

Noe: Wait, we're inside the-

Jean: And what a monumental son of a bitch!

He stood up from his seat as he said (or rather, shouted) those words. Noe tried to stop him when she realized what was coming, but could not do it.

Everyone in the room heard him and turned to see what was happening, surrounding us in an awkward silence. Noe sat down embarrassed and with nothing else to say, but Jean, smiling, approached to shake my hand.

Jean: It's good to see you again, Twen! It's only been a few days, but I understand you've had quite a bit of things happen to you, right?

Twen: Yes… But I believe we are on the right track now.

Jean: That's good to hear...

I found it very interesting the way he could smile when his eyes were as expressionless as a dead person's, especially after what he had just done.

However, I had no reason to worry about it. I sat at the table without thinking much about it.

The order was such that, on one side, were Noe, Jean and Lani, and on the other were Zena and I.

Twen: So? How is life treating you?

Noe: I guess it's fine, as long as this bastard doesn't get us kicked out of the dining room...

Twen: Yeah, that would be bad.

Noe: By the way… Don’t you find it strange that this is the first time we eat together inside the dining room instead of outside ?

Twen: Not really… I like the park.

Noe: Okay! I give up!

I did not quite understand the reason for her disappointment, although I assumed it was some sort of joke in progress due to the expression on Jean's face.

Anyway, since we were all there, we started eating. My lunch was a little different than everyone else's, as I did not have a tray in front of me.

Instead, I pulled out of my pocket a comically large sandwich, around fifty centimeters long. It was filled with many things, though most of them were types of meat.

It was something I did on purpose, and I liked seeing the confused faces of the others when they saw it come out. But obviously, I did not bring that sandwich just for a joke.

Twen: I think this should do it.

Zena: I see you're hungry today, eh?

Twen: Yes! Although, more than that, what I want is to fill myself with energy… You know, because we have a lot to do today…

Zena: Oh! So you brought it!

Smiling behind my mask, I reached into my pocket again. What came out this time was an interestingly shaped glass bottle, which looked like a magic potion.

It was actually one of many energy drinks created by a foreign brand. What was supposed to be a cork was actually plastic, and its name and flavor were written on the bottle: “V- Lixir”, with green melon flavor.

Twen: As agreed, I brought an original bottle of elixir for vinculated objects. It was hard to decide on a flavor, but I ended up going with this green melon one, since I haven't had it in a while.

Zena: Great! … Would you let me try some?

Twen: Sorry, but no… This is made especially for people with an OV. It has chemicals in it that could make you feel pretty sick if you drink it carelessly, so I'd rather you didn't.

Noe: Maybe you're not missing much, Zena. I've tried the drinks they make for the general public and they taste just like any other. Is there anything special about yours?

Twen: You know those candies that feel like they explode on your tongue? Well, these drinks do something similar, but slowly the sensation spreads throughout your body… It's great. And the presentation is great, too. And the flavors are great, too.

Although I did not usually drink many of them because of their sugar content, that brand managed to captivate me since I was little and I had loved it ever since. But, anyway, that was not the most important thing.

Lani, from across the table, was looking at the potion with great intrigue . She had already heard a little about it and without a doubt wanted to know if it was as effective as they said.

Lani: So… That drink will enhance the powers of your mask, right?

Twen: Correct. With the slightest trace of emotion my mask will transform, and my powers will begin to flow.

Lani: And you really need it? I mean, I've seen you use your powers many times without drinking this V- Lixir...

Twen: Well, honestly, I don't need it. I just really like them, and I saw this as an opportunity to try it again.

Lani: Oh… And how long will the effect last?

Twen: A few hours. The effect is pretty strong, which is why they won't let you buy one of these without showing a vinculation license.

Everyone looked like they had forgotten that it existed, which I found a little odd. That is something I always make sure to have with me when I leave home.

Because of the millions of opportunities and potential risks associated with object vinculation, having people with an OV register and identify themselves in some special way just made sense.

Twen: Well, since we're all here, I think it's time to start drinking. So, if you'll excuse me... Cheers!

Everyone grabbed their small glasses of water or juice from the dining hall and raised them for a simple toast. I opened my bottle and, feeling watched, took a sip, and then another, and then another (it was tasty).

I set the bottle down on the table and took a big bite of my sandwich. I leaned back against the back of my seat and simply waited for the drink to take effect.

The others were probably wondering: What will happen? Will there be a sign? Maybe a light or a sound?

They had already mentioned that they had not seen the effects of V-Lixir with their own eyes, so they did not really know what to expect. They spent a few seconds very attentive, but slowly the tension began to disappear.

Zena: And…? Now what?

Lani: Is everything okay?

Twen: Better than I expected, actually. I'd say the green melon flavor is a 9 out of 10.

Lani: That's… Good, yeah.

Zena: And that's it?! What's with the magic and the explosions and all that?

Twen 2: We don't need to do so much.

Zena screamed and jumped slightly, causing her knees to hit the table from below. The rest of the people in the dining room fell silent again and turned around to see what was happening, making Noe feel embarrassed.

I used a certain trick I had already gotten used to in order to scare Zena, and clearly succeeded. Placing a hand on her shoulder and peeking from behind, a second me joined our group.

Zena: My heart stopped… I almost died…

Twen 2: Sorry, I just wanted to make a little joke.

Twen 1: I can't believe how childish you are...

Jean: So? It's already working, right?

Twen 2: And perfectly!

My clone or copy used his skills to create a new chair, and so he sat at the head of our table. Just by his cheerful way of moving I could notice how he was starting to get excited about what was next.

Twen 2: So, right now my mask's powers are flowing in such a way that it's even easier to use them than to keep them hidden, and that's ideal for what we have planned for today…

My clone rubbed his hands together, ready to begin. And I, at the corner of the table, simply ate my sandwich while watching his mask transform.

Concentration:

It adopted a design that looked more “aerodynamic”, as if it were made for some kind of futuristic sport, mixing curves and vertices in such a way that they cut through the wind efficiently. It had a ventilation mechanism in front of its mouth that occasionally expelled steam like a machine. The eyes were covered by large colored glasses, and on the forehead there was a large blue circle of strange texture.

Twen 2: As agreed, today we will have a small class on the OV, since Lani wants to learn to better dimension their powers.

Lani: Yeah… I need to rethink what the OV really are and what they mean, and I think the best way to do that is to experience it firsthand.

Twen 2: I think that's an excellent idea! Although, of course, it won't be easy... The truth is that not even people with an OV understand them perfectly. We are also constantly in a state of experimentation...

My clone was still rubbing his hands together, but he finally stopped. As he separated them, a dark, elastic substance (a strange mix of black and light blue) was making an effort to hold them together.

It was the same material that the circle on his forehead was made of. And it was also the same mass that I had become the day I first visited the mall.

Twen 2: You've probably heard that someone with an OV can do everything… I'd say that's only true in theory. Our potential is infinite, but to do everything we'd have to know everything, and no one has managed that yet.

Zena: What…?

Noe: That's a bit confusing… But I guess it makes sense. The world is too complex for a human to learn everything about it. There's math, biology, economics, art, social interactions…

Twen 2: Exactly. And since there are so many things to do, each person who has a bond with an object can use its powers in different ways, as they wish. Although, obviously, there are rules and techniques for all of that. That's why there are special courses to learn how to use the OV.

My clone, while still attentive to the conversation, was simultaneously playing with the strange substance. He even created a new pair of arms to mold it into different shapes.

Lani: Special courses for OV carriers… I think I’ve heard of that before.

Twen 2: Well, it's the first place someone should go after linking to an OV, ideally... In my case, that happened when I was eight, so the first thing was panicking, then running to the hospital, and finally the course.

Noe: Well, you were only eight, so you were obviously going to be scared… And what about the course? Since people can get involved at any stage of their life, what kind of people did you have to share it with?

Zena: That sounds awkward…

Twen 2: Luckily, I didn't have to share it with anyone. It was all one-on-one lessons with a tutor, until I finally took the exam and got my vinculation license… It was actually quite fun!

My clone made his extra limbs disappear, then let the strange substance rest on his hands.

He showed it to the others, and they were surprised (maybe a little disgusted, too) to see that what had once been stretchy and sticky had become a nest for lots of tiny tentacles.

Twen 2: This is the first thing I want to talk about, and it's possibly my favorite technique! It helps make the whole omnipotence thing seem less overwhelming.

Zena: Tentacles?

Twen 2: Not exactly… What matters is the material they are made of. You could say that it doesn’t really exist, so it doesn’t have a defined consistency, elasticity or density. All those things are decided by me, so it’s great for experimentation.

Lani: But… Doesn’t that make it harder?

Twen 2: Not at all! Imagine, for example, that I wanted to create a steel sword. To do that, I would have to choose the best possible steel, which is light, strong, and I don't know what else.

Noe: In that case you would have to know what the steel is made of and choose only the best, but to understand that you have to be a professional.

Twen 2: You're a genius! It’s just like you say, and that's why it's much easier to convince myself that what I have in my hand is a perfect sword, and that's it!

Playing around with the substance, my clone created what looked like an incredibly beautiful and cool katana. But, just a few seconds later, he destroyed it. It would not be right to carry a weapon inside a public dining room.

Lani: So… You're saying you use that thing as a base?

Twen 2: Yes. Even though I can do things differently, I usually choose this because it's simpler and can do literally anything… Wanna see?

The masked man concentrated the strange substance in just one of his hands and, with the other, he tore off four of the tentacles that continued to writhe as if they were alive.

He handed one of them to each of them, which resulted in some confused faces and others disgusted ones. However, there was also interest, especially seeing that everyone had received something slightly different.

Lani's, for example, began to heat up and melt. Zena's, on the other hand, was too delicate, and after applying a minimal force it broke into a thousand pieces.

Noe's tentacle began to grow and get heavier, so she decided to leave it on the table before it was too late. And Jean's, finally, seemed to be quite resistant and its tip was really sharp.

Jean checked the texture of his tentacle and the first thing he tried to do when he realized it was to prick Noe. However, when he did so, the tip became soft as if it were made of rubber.

Jean: Why…?

Noe: Is that really the first thing you thought of doing with a sharp object? Stab me?

Jean: Yes.

Noe: You bastard…

The four tentacles jumped to the center of the table and mixed back together. My clone then grabbed the resulting mass and inserted it into the circle on his forehead.

Twen 2: As you may have noticed, all the tentacles I gave you were made of the same material, and they even looked completely the same, but they behaved in very different ways. That's what this technique is all about...

Lani: I see... And why tentacles?

Twen 2: Because… I think they can be very versatile. That's all.

It was a simple answer, but true. Not everything had to be so complicated.

Zena: And what else did you learn in the course?

Twen 2: What else… Let me think…

Not being a properly prepared class, my clone had to design it as he went along. So when he found something interesting to explain in the next section, he blew steam out of the vents on his mask.

Twen 2: The following will go hand in hand with a rule that is very important to mention… People who have linked to an object must pay extreme attention to their surroundings when using their powers. An excellent example of this would be teleportation, which is very useful, but also very dangerous… Too dangerous.

Lani's red sphere was waiting on her tray to be picked up. And, when my clone said those words, it was finally picked up.

Twen 2: Well… Let’s say, for example, that I want to teleport right now to the other side of Novadía. Sure, I could do that, and it would be pretty easy. However, I’m not quite sure where I’m going to end up.

Zena: On the other side of Novadía…

Twen 2: Yeah… But I could appear on top of a building, or inside it. And similarly, if I use a portal, something could also come through from the other side.

Noe: Then you need a way to see your destination before you get there.

Twen 2: Exactly! You can get creative with that, but you have to do it. Maybe I could send out some kind of spy drone, or if it was a place I visit frequently, I could use something as a reference, like my bed in my room.

Jean: So… What if you possess someone who is in the place you want to go like a ghost?

Twen 2: Just like that? Without asking for their permission or anything?

Jean: Yes.

Twen 2: That would be disrespectful, and they might get mad when they find out…

Noe: I think it would be smarter, and more moral, to teleport and appear many meters above the ground, higher than any building, and then you would only have to worry about the falling.

Zena: Oh! Then you could just glide down like a flying squirrel. That sounds more fun…

Twen 2: Yes, it could be, actually…

While my clone was arguing with the others, I was simply watching, sitting at my post and eating my sandwich, and that is how I realized that Lani seemed to be thinking very seriously about something, perhaps about the efficiency of the propositions the others were making.

She did not try to make a contribution of her own, though. She just wondered to herself, with her red sphere in her hand, but not clenching it. That gave me an idea, which I was able to communicate to my clone with a simple wink.

Twen 2: Well… How about this situation? Imagine you are moving at high speeds through the streets without being able to change your direction, and you see that a gigantic building is right in front of you…

Noe: Wait, how would we even get to that?

Twen 2: Ah, don't worry about it... The thing is that the building is getting closer and closer to you and it's almost certain that you're going to crash. What would you do?

Jean: I'd just crash into the building. With an OV I could heal my wounds, so there shouldn't be any problem.

Noe: And you could also repair the building…

Jean: … Why?

Noe: Huh?!

Zena: Hey, what about the tentacles? Didn't you say they were very versatile? Maybe... How about trying to grab onto a pole or something to change your trajectory so you don't crash?

Twen 2: Interesting… As long as that pole doesn't break everything should be fine, right?

Lani's expression remained the same, and my clone did not want to leave her like that. As soon as they both exchanged glances, he stared at her and she got a bit surprised.

Twen 2: Tell me, Lani, what would you do in this case?

Lani: What? Me? But…

Twen 2: Come on, I know you must have a very interesting idea floating around in your head.

Lani: I don't really think so… I mean, I… Hmm …

Twen 2: Well, if you don’t have-

Lani: No, no… I mean, it's a little weird, but since Zena mentioned tentacles, and you said that their material is very convenient, it occurred to me that you could transform your own body into that material to become something softer. That way you might be able to avoid damaging the wall, and yourself… Right?

Twen 2: Ah…

I could not help but laugh a little at her idea, and my clone did not do a great job at hiding his reaction either.

Twen 2: Wait, really? After all that thinking, this is what you came up with?

Lani: What?! Is it really that weird?

Twen 2: Not at all… In fact, I think it's the best idea you've had today!

Twen 1: I like the way you think, Lani.

Lani: Thank you…?

Jena, Noe and Zena looked at each other, as confused by our reaction as Lani herself, but they did not waste their energy trying to understand.

The most important thing at that moment, and I hoped Lani would understand this, was not how we reacted to her proposals or found the best possible solution to the problems she presented to us.

Instead, the idea was to get them to think about the OV in a more functional, even creative, way.

Twen 2: I'd love to continue this, but we need to move on to the next topic… Though I'd like to hear your thoughts on this rule first.

Zena: Well, I've never thought so deeply about what OV wielders have to consider when using their powers, so I think it's very interesting.

Lani: Yes, I agree with Zena…

Jean: To be honest, I think it's annoying.

Twen 2: Annoying?

Jean: Of course. I mean, every time you use your powers you have to stop and think about this and that… Doesn't that take away your freedom to use them however you want?

Twen 2: Well... You may be right, but the truth is that it's easy to get used to avoid the side effects of using powers, so that many things end up being almost instinctive... And also, there is a way in which you can avoid losing that freedom, although with some requirements.

Jean: That seems more interesting to me.

Twen 2: Well, to us too, actually… I imagine you’ve already heard about the “Box Theory”, right?

Noe: Sure! The one that says that the universe acts like a big box that contains living beings, inanimate objects and also the OV.

Twen 2: Yes… It’s a bit more complex than that, but we don’t need to go into it. The important thing is to understand that we are all supposedly inside a big box. So, what I want to explain to you now is the possibility of creating a new box inside the first one.

Zena: And what do you get out of that?

Twen 2: Well… Absolute freedom. All the limitations that you know about the OV disappear inside that box… It’s something so complex that there are still no scientific foundations to justify it, but it’s also the coolest thing there is!

I could feel three pairs of eyes watching us with a lot of curiosity and excitement, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I mean, that really is the pinnacle of reality for me.

Noe: You say that, inside that new box, you can do whatever you want?

Twen 2: Whatever, however, whenever…

Zena: Really?!

Jean: Oh, now it's getting good…

Twen 2: Well, to be honest, I think it will be a bit complicated to show you with an example, so…

Jean: Huh?! Twen, you can't just say something like that and not show us… Come on!

Twen 2: We're just starting out with this whole experimenting with OV powers thing, I don't think we should take that big of a leap.

Lani: No…

As she squeezed her red sphere with all the strength her hand could muster, Lani was able to say those words that I could barely hear, but that totally caught my attention.

Lani: Twen, this is exactly what we should do. Today's plan was to help me better size up the OV powers, I can't just go with the basics.

Twen 2: But… Are you absolutely sure? This could get a little crazy…

Lani: Please!

My clone still seemed to be reluctant to accept the idea, so he decided to take a few seconds to think about it. He also consulted with me whether this might be a good or bad idea, until we finally came to a conclusion and turned to look at the others.

At the same time, we both raised our thumbs in approval and their expressions filled with excitement.

Lani: So how does this work?

My clone, after returning to his place, expelled steam through the vents of his mask and everyone fixed their gaze on him. The show was about to begin.

However…

They soon began to feel a little nervous. Without understanding why, they ended up with their hair standing on end and their hearts racing.

Twen 2: Okay… It’s time to show you the most complex technique for an OV carrier. An amalgam of techniques, knowledge and experiences that can only be learned through trial and error, and also a lot, but a lot of effort.

A great tension grew around us, although nothing was happening yet. However, I knew perfectly well what was about to come.

Twen 2: You may have heard before that the powers of one OV carrier can interfere with those of another, or even be partially delegated to someone else… Well, inside these new boxes, absolutely everything is at the disposal of its creator.

The masked man pointed with both hands at the circle on his forehead and the others watched with curiosity. They saw a quick flash of light, and soon after had an inexplicable feeling of disorientation.

Twen 2: This is a perfect combination of consciousness and subconscious, acquiring the freedom to admit or deny whatever you want, ignoring any other logic.

Everyone was confused, except for my clone, who was starting to feel excited. The four of them looked around, confused and not knowing what they were waiting for.

But, in doing so, they noticed that something had already happened.

The dining room had become so large that they could not see the end, and at each of those immense number of tables were sitting the same people: Jean, Lani, Noe, Zena and two masked people.

They were not copies, but rather reflections that imitated their movements. With that view, I found it fascinating to be able to see their mentalities evolve. There was surprise, panic, curiosity…

Twen 2: That means time and space, what you see, what you hear, and everything you think you know is completely at my disposal. Anything my brain can imagine or feel will materialize within this box if I so wish. And nothing, not the rules of our reality, nor the powers of another OV, are able to intervene…

The lights slowly went out, leaving us alone in the dark in that gigantic place. But soon after, it lit up again with colored lights, which represented our growing excitement: Green, violet and blue.

Twen 2: It may sound scary, I know. But, if instead of thinking whatever you're thinking, you imagine this as an opportunity to play and have fun in your own way, so that you can push the boundaries of your imagination... Isn't that the best?!

The mask of my clone was transforming to show his big smile. Our surroundings were dyed with the three colors…

But suddenly, those lights went out too, bringing us back to darkness.

…

They say that when one of the human senses is blocked, the others are strengthened.

For a short moment, the place was so dark that we could not see anything, but we could tell that something was happening around us.

We could all feel a cool wind blowing against our bodies. We could also feel a salty taste on our tongues, a warmth on our foreheads, and a softer, wetter ground beneath our feet.

When our sight returned, somehow, we were all standing looking out to the sea on a strange hill that looked like a wave.

Jean, Lani, Noe and Zena felt so disoriented at first that they almost fell to the ground. But, after a few seconds, they managed to calm down and slowly began to enjoy the beautiful landscape in front of them.

A strong sun, perhaps at midday, reflecting off the infinite body of water that beat with its waves on the large piece of land on which we were all standing.

Before we noticed it, the darkness returned.

…

When we regained our vision, we found ourselves in a place that ignored many logics.

We seemed to be inside a gigantic white sphere, from whose walls grew mushrooms of different sizes and colors, although they were all incredibly large, almost as if they were trees.

Gravity was also strange in that place. It pulled us all towards its walls, so we could all sit comfortably on one of the mushrooms without worrying about which were our three coordinate axes.

For some reason, we all made one of two decisions: Stay on top of the mushroom we had appeared on, or move from one to the other in short hops. However, none of us tried to get down to the white ground from which the mushrooms grew.

Then, suddenly, the darkness returned.

…

The surroundings lit up again and we found ourselves in a very extravagant landscape.

We were under a beautiful sky that was divided into irregular sections of different colors, although not too many. There were only those that a primary school child would know.

As it began to drop its colorful rain, the huge canvas we were standing on began to get painted.

We all took the opportunity to let our creativity shine and took a few seconds to play with the inexplicable paint that fell on us, either trying to draw something on the floor with it or throwing it at each other.

Our fun stopped when darkness returned, once again.

…

When we were able to look ahead again, we were not met with anything very pleasant.

There was nothing but an old cement wall. No colors, designs or scratches, just marks of deterioration caused by time.

Instinctively, we must have all thought about turning around to look for something else. But if we had, we would have seen nothing but a single hand

One of hundreds emerging from behind us, and none of them belonged to a living person. They were not even attached to a body. They were just hands trying to grab whatever was within reach.

They moved very slowly, but the strength they had was surprisingly big. No one must have been able to escape them, so fear must have consumed the four who were new with this.

They had no idea what would be done with them, where they would be taken or where exactly they came from. They did not know how much to worry and they had no plans to prevent the worst from happening.

So, they could do nothing but close their eyes, making darkness return.

…

The colored lights turned back on and the five of us were standing in a circle in the middle of an enormous and dark room.

This time, the lights went on and off again, but our positions did not change. They simply alternated between green, violet and blue, following a rhythm and accompanied by a sound that could easily be the beat of a techno song.

My clone, who was behind all of this, was clearly getting more and more excited. It was obvious.

The floor, glowing as if we were in a disco, began to warp and wave. It seemed to be enjoying the music and the psychedelic colors around it. Then the ceiling decided to imitate its movement.

Also, far away from us, a faint white light appeared.

Jean, Lani, Noe and Zena, who had never experienced anything like that, felt an uncontrollable desire to reach that white light that they interpreted as the end of the not-so-infinite place they were in.

They ran in its direction as above and below distorted into a single series of spirals, so that the only point of reference they could follow to orient themselves was their destination, right in front of them.

And, in everything that was not part of their path, my clone manifested itself by making multiple blue eyes and white holes (simulating his mouth) appear.

Twen 2: This is what I meant! In this place logic becomes a party, and my creativity is an undeniable impulse to continue celebrating! Reality has been left behind and the only thing that remains is this… Everything! And only because I say so, and because it's what I want, life still make sense!

With each step they took, the light felt closer and grew larger, filling them with hope. Space, and perhaps their own minds, were being altered in ways they could not understand.

The whole situation was inexplicable, but they did not need any explanations when their goal was so obviously clear. Maybe their doubts would disappear once they got there, or maybe not, but that did not matter anymore.

They were drunk with ambition, drugged with determination, running faster and faster to reach that light that would bring them unparalleled satisfaction. They could wait no longer.

They moved forward without worrying about anything, without looking back or thinking about what would happen next, because once they got there-

Twen 1: That's enough!

…

Lani: What?

Jean: Huh?

Noe: Eh?

Zena: Ah?

Twen 2: Okay, okay... Well, that's an example of what can happen inside the boxes, but enough of the demonstrations. I shouldn't over-exert your heads... But you get my point, right?

In front of us, my clone sat calmly, trying to change the crazy design of his mask.

Jean, Lani, Noe and Zena looked at their own bodies and then around them to confirm that they were back in their seats. In front of them were only empty trays, and in front of me was a pile of bused napkins.

Their hearts were beating fast, but their bodies were not moving due to surprise and confusion. Lani, for example, only moved her eyes from side to side, until she found something on the table.

One of my tentacles was there, offering her stress ball. Lani slowly grabbed it, and then gave it a little… No, a really, really strong squeeze with all the strength she had.

Zena: What was that?! What was that?!

Jean: Holy shit! Now that’s a trip…

Noe: I need a few seconds to process what just happened...

Zena: What was that?! Twen! Have you always been able to do things like that?

Twen 1: Not always… But it’s been years. What did you think? Do you think you have a better idea of what OVs can do?

Noe: No… I think I'm more confused now than before…

Zena: Yes! There were so many things in such a few minutes that I can't even wrap my head around it...

Twen 2: Actually, it's only been five seconds out here.

It took them another five seconds to accept what they had just heard. They looked at each other, then at my clone.

Noe: You have to be kidding!

Zena: That's impossible!

Twen 2: It isn't, that's why I'm telling you... What's going on? Did our plan fail?

Twen 1: Well…

We both looked at Lani, who had not said much since we returned to the dining room. Her eyes were watching us with surprise and suspicion from across the table.

Lani: Twen…

Twen 1/2: Yes?

Lani: You could be a monster…

Our hearts stopped for a few seconds, because her answer could be indicating one of the worst results we could have obtained.

Lani: But…

Twen 1: But?

Lani: For some reason… You're not.

The fear we felt at her first response quickly turned completely into happiness. We looked at each other, then looked at Zena, who was just as surprised as we were.

Lani: I mean, even though I still can't wrap my head around what just happened, and it'll take me at least a few days to do so, this definitely proves that you and I are on a totally different level… But what I find even weirder is that I don't feel scared… In fact, I think it was kind of funny.

Twen 1: Funny… Really?!

Twen 2: That's good, isn't it? That's what we were looking for. That's exactly what we were doing!

Zena: Lani! That's great! Don't you think?!

Lani: Maybe? I think I'm just not being an idiot, and that's all…

Zena: But you've been saying that for so long! I like to hear you say that it's not like that...

Zena walked around the table to give Lani a big hug. And, although she blushed a little, she did not seem to mind. My clone and I fist bumped as we burned that cute image into our memories.

Noe: Just look at that. Doesn't she look pretty when she's embarrassed~?

Zena: Yes! A lot!

Lani: Thanks, I guess…

Jean: I don't want to ruin the... Nah , I don't really care. It's getting late and we have to get back to class.

Zena: What? … Ah!

Jean: We only have five minutes, so we have to hurry.

Twen 2: Or I could take you, which would be faster than any other method of transportation. What do you think?

It was a proposition that simply made sense. The effect of the “V- Lixir” was still working, and would do so for a few more hours, so there was no risk in using up more of my powers (it was even advisable).

So, without thinking twice, everyone agreed. We got up from our seats, cleared the table and got ready to leave.

Lani: I guess this isn’t over yet…

…

Exactly two minutes later we were all outside the dining room. While everyone else was talking, me and my clone were in the back looking at the sky and covering one eye.

Zena: This was a very fun lunch, wasn't it?

Lani: Yes, among many other things… But I think I will never forget it.

Noe: I’m still amazed by how different it is to learn about the OV in class or from someone who has a bond.

Jean: It was great to be able to experience a bit of his powers firsthand.

Noe: Yes… Wait, Jean, you liked something from this world?

Jean: Do you really say that every time I like something?

Noe: Yes!

Jean: You bastard…

While they were doing their thing, the two of us masked men were starting to get excited about what was happening in the sky. We looked from one side to the other while pushing each other to distract ourselves.

Finally, something came towards us and I caught it with my free hand.

Twen 1: Alright! This victory is mine!

Twen 2: Yeah, yeah. Well done…

Shortly after, a second object arrived and this time it was my clone who grabbed it. We turned around to see the rest of the group, and the only one paying attention to us was Lani. So, we decided to show her our catch.

Lani: An eye?!

Twen 1: Two, actually. One of each, don't you see?

In our hands were those two large white and blue spheres, which at the moment had wings, but these came off when we decided to put them back in the holes that we had been covering with our hands for some time.

I thought she would be more impressed than disgusted, but I was wrong.

In any case, we already had what we needed. Once we knew exactly where we were going, me and my clone spread a line of that same indescribable dark substance.

Then, pulling it up, we revealed what looked like a portable portal (ironic). His led to the well-known UMN, which was Jean and Noe's destination. Mine, on the other hand, connected to the culinary institute, where Lani was supposed to go.

With our method of transportation ready, we quickly said goodbye as we usually do, stating that we would see each other again the next day. And, after that, we both masked men crossed our portals.

From the other side, we extended our hands to help the others cross. The group of my clone had no problem, and their portal closed quickly. For me, it took a little longer.

Lani was inspecting mi portal, tilting her head as if she needed to get a better angle.

Twen: You don't need to think about it right now. Come on, or you'll be late.

She let me take the hand that was covered with her white sweater, because with the other she held her red sphere. Finally, she crossed with her eyes closed, and then Zena launched herself to follow us.

Once outside her institute, Lani opened her eyes and slowly let go of my hand. She looked back and forth, struggling to accept what was happening, as I closed and opened my portal to change its destiny.

Lani: I still can't get used to this teleportation thing…

Twen: I understand you, but I promise you can do it. And if you ever need it, don't hesitate to ask me for help.

Lani: Yes, thank you.

Once the JJRU could be seen through the portal, Zena once again launched herself through. However, she quickly remembered something important, so she turned back, hugged Lani one last time, and then left.

I wanted to say a few last things before I left, so I did not turn around yet.

Twen: This was a really filling lunch, wasn't it?

Lani: Yeah… I feel like we got a lot done and it’s barely past noon. But it had to be done.

Twen: It had to be done… Lani, do you think you managed to learn something today?

Lani: Yes, I definitely did. Thanks so much for the help, Twen.

Twen: You're welcome... Although I don't think you should force yourself to do more than necessary.

At first, she did not understand what I was referring to. However, she only had to think for a few seconds and she managed to get a better idea of what I had done that day.

Lani: Yeah, I might have been a little careless today… I'll keep that in mind.

Twen: Good… By the way, Lani, can I tell you something a little strange?

Lani: Sure!

Twen: I believe I learned something today too.

Lani: You? What thing?

Twen: Call me crazy, but… I believe you and I, maybe, are less different than you think… That's what I believe.

I did not know if Lani's expression could be called a smile anymore. It had morphed into something more neutral, like she had stopped feeling the muscles in her face when I said that.

I walked away quietly, turning my back to her and crossing the portal to reach Zena. Lani's body remained still except for her eyes, which were watching us from the other side.

Zena and I waved goodbye, to which we were responded to with one of her hands waving slowly.

I closed the portal, leaving Lani alone with that thought in her head. Maybe it was a little cruel, but I wanted her to come to a conclusion on her own, because I knew she would.

And so, even though there were people who had a lot to think about for the rest of the day, I was able to carry on as usual.