The next day, during break, Quinn sat cross-legged in a quiet corner, meditating as Vorden had taught him. "Early Originals, Vorden explained, focused on their bodies through meditation—it was one of the keys to activating and improving their abilities.".
While Quinn meditated, Vorden and Peter practiced their earth abilities. That's when a group of second years appeared, asking for Vorden.
Vorden told them not to worry about it, but of course Quinn and Peter followed him. They trailed him all the way to the assembly hall, where two students stood guard, blocking the doors.
Even after a while, when students began trickling back out, Quinn and Peter caught glimpses inside—traces of blood smeared on the floor.
Both of them felt a knot tighten in their stomachs.
Some students were whispering."Just how could he do that?"
"Yeah… he's a monster."
"Good thing the second years were here to stop him."
When Quinn and Peter asked what had happened, no one would answer. Some ignored them outright, others just walked away as if under strict orders not to speak.
"It's like no one's willing to tell us anything," Quinn muttered.
When they returned to the dorm, they were surprised to find Vorden already there. But something was off—he wasn't his usual self. His posture was stiff, his eyes distant, and just looking at him, they could tell he'd been in a fight.
"Vorden, what happened?" Peter asked.
Vorden just pushed past him. "It's better if you guys stay out of this. I'll be fine. Just… leave me alone, please," he said quietly.
"Hey, Peter—can you give us a moment?" Quinn asked.
Peter hesitated, then nodded. "I'll be outside the room. Call me if you need me."
Once the door shut, Quinn sighed. "Vorden, why don't you tell me what happened?"
Vorden stayed silent.
"You think you're the only one who can protect us, but you're wrong," Quinn said. "Do you remember the day the Dalki attacked? You were trapped in the bus, unconscious. I woke you up, didn't I? That's how I protected you."
"Yeah… and then I saved us," Vorden finally replied.
"True. But back then we were strangers. Now, we're friends—more than that, we're family. You invited me into your home out of kindness, and sure, I'm still annoyed at your 'family'..." Quinn's voice softened. "What I'm trying to say is, we can help you, even if it's in small ways. Because I consider you my family."
Vorden's expression shifted, the tension in his shoulders easing. He stepped forward and hugged Quinn.
"Thanks… Caser."
"You sure that's my name?" Quinn asked awkwardly.
Vorden smirked. "Of course not, I'm just joking. Haha." then he awkwardly put a space between the two.
Later, the three of them sat together in class again. The same thing happened—students stared at Vorden, throwing him quick, awkward glances while muttering words like "monster," "weirdo," and "freak." Whenever Vorden looked their way, they quickly turned back.
As Del began the lecture, Quinn noticed Vorden's head was down, his pen unmoving. He clearly wasn't paying attention. Vorden hadn't revealed exactly what had happened, but there was one person Quinn could still ask… though just thinking of that person sent a chill down his spine.
At the end of class, Del projected a large screen at the front of the room. Names were listed under several different categories.
"Please look carefully and see where your name is," Del said. "Tomorrow will be the start of your combat classes."
The categories were based on ability types—Elemental, Transformation, Enhancement, and more.
Quinn noticed that his name, along with a few others, was missing from the list… and so was Vorden's.
"If your name isn't listed, it's because your ability doesn't fit into these categories—or you're an Original with a unique ability. You're free to choose whichever class you feel suits you. Students may also switch classes later if they wish. This is just the school's recommendation based on your ability."
The list of available classes was then sent to each student's wristwatch for registration.
"I wonder what combat class would be best for me…" Quinn thought as he scrolled through the long list.