Chapter 8:

Chapter 8

Iris: Res Natura

"Alright, everyone. You all know that you must master your powers, and that is exactly what our exercise will be today. The drill will be simple, as our new student hasn't adjusted to the environment here yet."

He turned his gaze toward me.

"Each trainee will take turns standing on the podium and manifesting their power for at least 10 seconds. This will demonstrate your control and mastery over your abilities."

What am I supposed to do? I looked at my hands. How do they make the power appear? There was a crowd here, so I couldn't practice before getting on the stage. I just hoped I could do it well.

The instructor looked at us all, scratched his light beard, and then checked his screen.

"First, Axel."

"Here!" Axel swung his arm through the air before stepping onto the podium.

Axel unleashed a powerful cyclone that surrounded him from every direction. However, the attack didn't reach us. The fierce winds stopped right at the edge of the podium, as if they had hit an invisible wall. Is that a barrier?

"Excellent application of Diffusion. Just as expected," the trainer noted.

"Of course," Axel said with a confident smile before stepping down.

"Revan. Since your power is Containment, we will launch attacks from all sides, and you must neutralize them."

"Ready," Revan said, moving to the center.

Projectiles were fired at him from every direction, but not a single one hit him. It was as if the attacks themselves vanished into thin air. He stepped down as if nothing had happened, adjusting his glasses.

"Good. Next, Narin."

She stepped onto the podium, and her entire body turned completely into water. Is her power transforming into water?

"You have mastered Adaptation elegantly. Well done, Narin."

"I still have a long way to go, Instructor," she replied with a polite smile before descending.

So that was Adaptation, just like Darian’s. I looked at Narin; she had incredibly long black hair. Is that length even possible? I must have stared too long, because she turned to me and smiled.

I didn't process the smile at first, which made me look away quickly before looking back. She smiled at me, didn't she?

I hoped my turn would be delayed as long as possible.

"Next, Mirai. Since your power is Condensation, a target will be set for you to strike."

Mirai... based on my impression of her, she seems very strong.

"Ready."

Mirai stepped firmly onto the podium and pointed her fists at the target. A strange light began to form in front of her hands. A highly concentrated beam of light shot out, hitting the target with pinpoint accuracy.

"Excellent, as always."

Several trainees followed her, making me certain that my name would be called sooner or later. Not everyone’s performance was perfect—Kai and Abby, for instance, didn't do well at all. But I feared my performance would be the worst of all. No, I must not be pessimistic.

"Next, Iris."

My shoulders stiffened the moment I heard my name.

I stepped onto the stage with paces I couldn't tell were fast or slow, but I tried to make them look natural. I stood in the center of the podium. Silence fell over the hall. I could feel their gazes piercing through me.

I looked at my hands. The next step... What is it?

I looked at the floor. I had to try to release my power instead of overthinking it. But how? What would I diffuse?

Water! Yes, maybe water would work. I planted my feet firmly on the ground, filling my head with the thought of water. Now, come out…

I opened my eyes, but I saw nothing.

Come out.

Why wasn't anything happening? I heard the trainer’s sigh and the mockery of the students from afar. The trainer looked at me with a resigned expression.

"Iris, step down for now."

Am I going to fail like this? I didn't want this. No more failure. I wanted to prove myself.

A weight suddenly filled my body, as if I were being swallowed by darkness. I took a step away from the center of the podium, but at that moment, the trainer spoke.

"What is this pull?!"

The trainer turned his gaze back to me, scanning the space around me. There was nothing there.

"...What did you diffuse? Even the barrier didn't activate."

"I don't know," I whispered, touching my arm. Did I release something?

The trainer looked at his screen and stayed in that position for a long moment. "This makes no sense... Is it a type of energy?" he whispered to himself.

He looked at me again, deep in thought.

"Fine, Iris. I'll mark you as a 'pass' this time."

"Okay." I nodded and stepped down slowly.

I... I passed. A smile spread across my face. Does this mean I’m happy?

The trainees' gazes remained fixed on me, and whispers filled the hall. I tried to avoid their eyes. Although I had seen Diffusion, Condensation, Containment, and Adaptation, no one had used Decomposition, even though I wanted to see that too.

As soon as the trainees finished their demonstrations, the session ended. I walked away from the hall.

"Iris!" The same voice called out from behind. Before I even turned, I knew it was Aden.

"Hello."

What does he want? "Is something wrong?"

"Did I interrupt you? Sorry! I just wanted to tell you that since we’re classmates, you can talk to me if you need anything. Also, I believe what those bullies are doing is wrong. You’re one of us now." He looked directly at me. "So consider yourself our friend, and don't pay any mind to them." His serious expression softened.

"Okay. Thank you."

"See you later!"

"See you."

I headed back to my room with quick steps, a wide smile splitting my face. I didn't know why... perhaps this is what they call a "good mood"?

I reached the fourth floor where my room is located. I kept walking, only to catch sight of that golden hair once again.

Darian? What is he doing here?