The next day, Liu kept spacing out from the moment he woke up to when he got to school because he kept thinking about the proposal of chief Dante. When he arrived in school, he was immediately met by Netnet.
"Hey, Liu! What happened last night? Are you okay?! Did they torture you?!"
"Easy with the questions, Net. One at a time."
"Oh, sorry. Okay. The most important question first... Did they torture you?"
Liu smiled subtly because he couldn't believe that that was the most important question for Netnet. He answered, "No, they didn't. But talking to you now is definitely torture."
"Hey that's harsh... but anyway, what happened?"
"That guy brought me to the chief of NAOL."
"WHAT?! You met chief Dante?!"
"What's with the excitement?"
"Uhm, I don't know. Maybe because you just spoke to a legend? The man who helped stop the potential war between Philippines, China, and Japan."
"Oh... I didn't know that."
"Of course you don't. You're so out of touch from reality."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean... you don't know about the things that are going on around you. You don't even watch the news, and I haven't seen you hold a phone. You also don't seem to know about history."
"Oh... I see. Then I agree with you. But I have reasons."
"Which are?"
"I'd rather not talk about it right now. There's a time and place for that."
"Hmm... I think this is the right time and place. We're friends now, aren't we? So, I'd like to know as much as I can about you."
"Hmm... very well. I don't use a smartphone because it's a distraction. It's innovative, I admit that. But there are pros and cons to everything. Ever since smartphones came out, people have been holding their phones for most of their day, and it's hindering them from doing things that really matter. But I know communication is important, and that's one of the benefits of having a smartphone, but I have this..."
Liu showed his old Nokia phone to Netnet, and Netnet chuckled. Liu asked, "What's funny?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just you're like an old person with that phone."
"Hmm... I guess so. But it doesn't matter to me."
"Look... if you need a new phone, I have some spare. You know... the ones that explode", Netnet said with a burst of laughter.
"Funny", said Liu with a stoic look.
"Fine. I get your point. I guess I'm gonna have to text you instead. What about news and history?"
"Hmm... I personally don't like the news. News are so politically-driven nowadays that stations pick sides instead of being impartial like they're supposed to since they're catering to the masses which are not one-sided. Also, I find it pointless that they report about celebrity gossips which will never help the people's lives. They think it's for entertainment, but it just trains people to talk about other people's lives, and gossip is never good. Due to these, they tend to stir chaos and hatred in the community. History also stirs hatred and chaos without people realising it. They cling so much to what happened in the past instead of moving on and accepting that people change. I get that it's important to know what happened in the past for us to appreciate what we have now, but you have to admit that that's not what learning history is actually doing. What it's doing is it's being used as a political weapon whether people admit it or not. You see it around you. You just have to open your eyes. That's one of the reasons I dislike politics."
"Wow... I think that's the longest you've ever said since I met you. Haha! But I do see your point. Didn't expect you to have that kind of perspective though. It's... what's the word... triggering."
"Yeah, I know my views can trigger people who are politically-inclined. That's why I told you I don't wanna talk about it. But I realised that I wanted to see your reaction."
"Oh... I guess you could tell that I'm politically-inclined, huh?"
Liu nodded and said, "But that doesn't bother me. Just because we have differing views, doesn't mean we can't be friends."
"Hmm... you've just become more interesting to me, Basilius Buan", Netnet replied with a smile and nod of approval. "Anyway, what happened with your meeting with the chief?", he asked. At this point, they were already inside the classroom and they just sat down, and Netnet dragged his chair next to Liu's so they could continue their conversation.
"He wants me to join the association."
"WHAT?!", Netnet exclaimed. Everyone in the classroom looked at him, so he apologised. Then, he whispered, "So you're gonna be an Alpha?"
"No, probably a Beta. But I haven't taken up the offer."
"Why not? That's like the coolest thing."
"I just told you... I don't like politics."
"Oh... right. So what are you gonna do?"
"If I don't accept the offer, they'll lock me up for vigilantism."
"Oh, no... it's all my fault you're in this mess", Netnet said with an apparent look of guilt and worry.
"No, it was my choice. It's not your fault."
Netnet felt that Liu was hiding how bothered he was by his situation. Because of this, Netnet became ridden with guilt, and that he should've stopped Liu from taking his place.
-
Later that day, they walked together again after school. Netnet felt that they got closer because of what happened last night. They sort of formed a bond with each other. So, his proposal to Liu came to mind again. He thought maybe if they team up, they'll form a stronger bond. Netnet craves a strong bond because he's never had a real friend in his life. Nobody has ever called him a friend before until Liu said it last night when he confronted Magnus.
"Hey, Liu. I can't let them lock you up for the things that I did."
"They probably would've locked you up in an Omega prison. Normal prisons are already hellish, so just imagine how worse an Omega prison is. I'll fare better than you, so I'd rather be locked up than you."
"I understand... but what if you take up his offer? I know you don't like politics, but you can probably make a difference if you're in the association. You can change people's perspective."
"I'm not looking to change people's perspective. But... it would be nice if they understand mine."
"Yeah, what if that's your purpose? What if you're meant to be there and do more than if you were here... or in prison?"
"Hmm..."
"I understand you. Politics is a dirty game. It's what brings order, but it also brings chaos. What if you can break that cycle?"
"That's impossible. Politics is all about power, and people love fighting over who gets to have power and control, so there will always be chaos."
"Hmm... I guess you're right. Well... you can just be a superhero and not meddle with the association's political affairs. They exist only to oversee the superheroes anyway and to make sure they don't step out of line."
"Hmm..."
-
Liu arrived home and was greeted by his mother. She already prepared food for Liu. She sat on the end of the table while Liu sat and ate on the other end. Liu asked something important to his mother.
"Ma... where did my powers come from?"
Harana was surprised by the question. She replied, "Why do you ask?"
"I remember that when I was young you told me that I was just born special. I'm old enough to know that you didn't tell me the truth."
Harana chuckled nervously. She answered, "I guess you are old enough to know. Well... people with special abilities are not really rare. There are 2 kinds. There's the magicians and then there's the 'enlightened'."
"The 'enlightened'?"
"One day, there was an unexplainable event that happened. What appeared to be thousands of tiny comets the size of basketballs rained down everywhere. They didn't destroy anything or kill anyone, instead, they were sort of absorbed by people. Those people gained super powers."
Liu with a sarcastic tone said, "Really? Balls of light rained down and possessed people who are now called the enlightened? Sounds a little too on the nose."
"I'm not lying, honey. You can look it up on the internet. It happened everywhere. Even other countries experienced it at the same time."
"So you're saying I'm an enlightened?"
"Maybe. I was on the balcony when I saw the comets. The next thing I knew, there was a flash of light in the edge of my eye. It came from your room. I don't know if it was a comet or a lightning. When I came to check on you, you were fine. So I don't know, and you couldn't have remembered it because you were too young."
"Hmm. So it was all just luck."
"I don't know about luck, honey. Things happen for a reason. You having those abilities mean you're supposed to do something great."
"What do you think I should be, ma?"
Harana got up her seat, sat next to Liu, and held his hand. Then, she said, "Honey, we as your parents are only here to make sure you grow up as an amazing human being. I know we've been overprotective of you, but we can't stop you forever. We know that you'll eventually have to decide for yourself. It's up to you to choose your path. Hopefully, one that reflects your upbringing. We're just here to prepare your backpack, and your walking stick to get you ready for the path ahead."
His mother's words struck his heart. It made him warm inside. So he smiled and said, "Thanks, ma. I needed to hear that."
Harana gave Liu a mother's loving embrace. Liu jokingly added, "But now I feel like I wanna go trekking." They both laughed, and Harana replied, "I'd be happy to help you pack if you actually decide to go trekking."
-
Later that night, Liu stayed on their balcony to catch some air and to contemplate. It has a good view of the mountains in Antipolo City. With his enhanced vision, he could actually see the NAOL HQ. He could sense someone was approaching.
A few moments later, he heard a voice next to him say, "The chief has been waiting". He looked to his side and saw an unfamiliar face squatted on the rails of the balcony. He asked, "Who are you?"
"My apologies. I thought I'm well-known in these parts. I'm Bolo. The Alpha of the southern half of Quezon City, which includes this district."
"Bolo? Like the blade?"
"Yes, exactly like the blade". Then Bolo showed his dual-wielded blades which are actually bolos. Then, he said, "This is my magic weapon. Thus, my alias."
"Hmm. I see."
"Anyway, I'm here to take you to the chief. Do you mind if I open a portal here on your balcony?"
"Go ahead."
Then, Bolo used the tip of his blade to write the teleportation runes just like Magnus did.
"Hmm. He must be a magician, not an enlightened. But unlike Magnus, this guy seems like a combat type. He uses magical blades with runes on it. Interesting."
-
A few moments later, Liu and Bolo arrived at the entrance of the HQ. Out of curiosity, Liu asked Bolo, "Why didn't you just teleport us to the chief's office?"
"I'm just following the rules. No one is permitted to teleport to the inside of the HQ for security reasons. If you do that, you'll be considered a threat and you could either be captured or... eliminated."
"I see. You seem nicer than that Magnus guy."
Bolo laughed and said, "I get you. Magnus really is an arrogant jerk. Just because he's the strongest Alpha he thinks he can just look down on people."
"I thought all of you are like that."
"Oh, definitely not. You'll find many kind Alphas and Betas. Of course there are still jerks like Magnus, but I hope that will not affect your decision because the chief is really looking forward to you joining."
-
A few minutes later, they arrived in the chief's office.
"Ah, Karma! I've been anxiously waiting", said the chief. "Let's cut to the chase. What's your decision?"
Liu took a moment to answer that it made the chief more anxious. Then, Liu said, "No."
The chief was surprised by Liu's answer. Bolo noticed the chief's reaction and it made him curious as to why the chief seemed to be so eager to get a 'yes' from Liu.
"I don't wanna be an Alpha or a Beta just because you threatened to imprison me. No, I'm gonna do this because I believe I have a gift and that I can do more for people as a superhero."
With that, the chief's expression brightened. He was so excited to welcome Liu that he immediately asked Bolo to bring Liu the NAOL handbook.
"What's this?", Liu asked.
"That's the NAOL handbook. You have to read that from cover to cover for you to understand how being an Alpha or Beta works", Bolo answered.
The chief stood up and approached Liu. He reached out his hand to shake Liu's, then he said, "Welcome to the NAOL, Karma. You're no longer the vigilante of Manila."
"Oh, boy. If only they knew that I was never a vigilante."
Liu shooked the chief's hand, then he asked, "So... what now?"
The chief answered, "Now, you can go home and read the handbook. Then we'll reach out to you in the coming days so that we can assess your strength and be ranked. From there, we'll know if you're an Alpha or a Beta."
Then, the chief instructed Bolo to teleport Liu back home, and so Bolo did what the chief commanded. After that, only Bolo and the chief were left in the office. Bolo asked, "I saw that you were eager for him to join the association. Why is that?"
The chief smiled and said, "That kid is special. You just don't know it yet."