"An empath?"
"A meta-class?"
"What a useless power."
"He's weak."
Awelistein clenched his fists as the students whispered around him. Their words felt like knives, sharp and cruel.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He didn't fight back. Instead, he focused on finding an empty seat.
Why am I still surprised?
In this new world, people with powers—called Spectres—were common. Around 70% of the world's population had them. But not all Spectres were treated the same.
They were divided into classes based on how strong or useful their powers were. These classes formed a system called the Spectre Pyramid. Awelistein had told them his power was empathy, which placed him in the Meta-Class—the second lowest rank.
Meta-Class powers were usually personal and quiet. Things like sharper senses, body enhancements, or emotional awareness. Most people thought those powers were weak or boring.
Which is exactly why he chose to lie.
In truth, empathy wasn't his real power. But it was a good cover. It made people ignore him. It kept him safe.
He wasn't the only Meta-Class in the room—most of the students here were. Still, they looked down on him. Even among the average, an "empath" was the lowest of the low.
Awelistein quietly sat near the exit door. The classroom had two doors—one for entering, and one for leaving. Along one wall was a large glass window showing the school field outside.
He liked this seat because it was close to the door. It made it easy to leave for the next class without pushing through the crowd. Like avoiding traffic.
"So as I was saying," the professor spoke, "we humans have reached full genetic evolution. That allowed us to connect to the Spectre Force, the energy that now flows across the world."
Awelistein didn't bother listening. He already knew everything the professor was saying.
He activated his nerve chip, switching it to private mode.
He started typing a list of things he needed to buy this weekend from the Central Market. Now that his scholarship had been approved, he'd receive his school allowance soon. He was already planning how to spend it wisely.
He'd done this since he was a kid. Writing things down helped him save money. It was just the way he worked.
"What are the common symptoms when a person connects to the Spectre Force?" the professor asked.
Awelistein paused for a second. Symptoms? Really?
He didn't like that word. It made having a power sound like being sick.
A girl up front raised her hand. "Most people get a strong fever when their powers awaken," she said. "But some are born with powers. They don't go through the fever. Those people are usually Beta or Mega-Class."
She clearly wanted to impress the teacher.
Awelistein ignored her and kept typing.
"Correct, Sczarina Dellota," the professor said. "Some people are born with their Spectres. These powers are passed through family bloodlines. That's why Beta and Mega-Class Spectres often have more privileges and status."
Of course, Awelistein thought.
The Spectre Pyramid had six levels: Omega, Alpha, Beta, Mega, Meta, and Super. Alpha-Class Spectres were rare and powerful. Most of them came from the five richest and strongest families. Omega-Class Spectres hadn't been seen in modern times, but legends said one could destroy an entire continent.
Spectres with multiple sub-classes were even more respected. They were powerful and dangerous—and society gave them everything they wanted.
It wasn't fair.
But that's how the world worked now.
"As future BioMagic Scientists," the professor continued, "you must keep your minds open. Always stay curious. Never stop learning. You are the future of this new era."
The class ended, and students started chatting while waiting for the next teacher.
Awelistein looked at his list again—until someone stood in front of his desk.
"Hi!" a girl said cheerfully. "I saw you weren't paying attention earlier. Want my notes? I can share them with you."
She had dark green hair and large glasses. Her green necktie showed that she was an elite student.
Awelistein hesitated.
Be polite. She's an elite.
He was about to say no—most people like him didn't use paper notes anymore. Everything was digital now. They stored notes using their nerve chips.
Before he could speak, she touched her notebook, and suddenly a second copy of her notes appeared on the desk.
She's a Meta-Class too, he realized. Her power is Monocopy—an ability that lets her make perfect copies of objects. That's a high-value power in the Manufacturing Industry.
But why would an elite speak to someone like him?
Still, he accepted the notes.
"Th-Thank you," he said quietly.
"No problem! I'm Lazhania Ortiga—Lazha-nia, not Lasagna," she joked with a grin.
She seemed... kind. Like she already knew him.
"I'm Awelistein Ingrid," he replied.
"I know!" she said happily. "Your name's already famous here. You won the Regional Spectre Battle of Brains last year, right? You even beat Mclister!"
He wasn't surprised. His instincts told him she recognized him.
She was right. He had defeated Einer Mclister, who was called the "Brain King of Adarna." Mclister had the rare sub-class Everlasting Knowledge—a power that gave him near-perfect memory and logic.
But Awelistein beat him badly in the finals.
He even joked that he'd date me if I lost. Awelistein frowned. What am I, a joke to him?
His mentor had been furious and told him not to go easy on Mclister.
So he didn't.
While Mclister answered only five questions correctly, Awelistein got a perfect score.
He didn't even need to use his real ability.
"You don't need to explain," Lazhania said, brushing her hair back. "I know you're the quiet type."
"O-Okay..." he replied.
He wasn't used to someone being this friendly. Most people avoided him, or secretly hated him. Even now, he could feel that she was trying hard to connect with him.
"I was thinking," she said, "want to eat lunch together later? You're new here, so I guess you don't have friends yet."
Friends?
Awelistein almost laughed. He never had any.
At his last school, he was always with top students. They were cold and always saw him as a rival. They were never real friends.
Even if they didn't say it, he could feel their jealousy.
How should he reply?
"U-Uhm… okay?"
She smiled even wider. He could feel how happy she was—her joy filled the space around her.
"Great! You said yes!" she giggled.
Their moment was cut short when the next teacher walked in.
Awelistein blinked.
Did I really just talk to an elite?
Damn.
But...
She was nice.