The Morning Rush:
The sun was barely up, and the kitchen was a disaster zone. Serina was staring intensely at a bowl of cereal as if she expected it to attack her—a side effect of 100 years of combat training.
Alex: (Walking in, yawning and scratching his head) "Serina, stop trying to 'predict' the movements of the cornflakes. Just eat them."
Evelyn: "It's hard, Alex. My body feels... heavy. Like I'm wearing a suit of lead."
Alex: (Leaning against the counter, giving a playful wink) "Well, you better get used to it fast. Don't think we gave you that 'vacation' for free. We're protecting you guys because someone has to do the dishes... and my History homework is due by third period. I'm not failing 11th grade because of some 'Great Eclipse' nonsense."
Serina: (Rolling her eyes) "You're a literal God of the Void and you're worried about a History essay?"
Alex: "Hey, the teacher is a Level 1 Demon in disguise. Her 'F' grades are more painful than a shadow blade. Now, listen..."
The Lesson in Suppression:
Alex's face turned serious for a split second. He tapped both their foreheads.
Alex: "Your auras are screaming. To anyone with half a brain, you look like walking nuclear bombs. Visualize a box. Put all that power, all those decades of training, into that box and lock it. If you don't, you'll crack the school's foundation just by walking up the stairs."
After a few minutes of breathing exercises and Alex's "Shadow-Locking" trick, the girls finally looked like normal high schoolers again. Mostly.
The Academy Gates:
The school was buzzing. Students were complaining about the upcoming Math midterms and debating which cafe had the best bubble tea. No one was talking about demons or Gods.
As the four of them walked through the hallway, Principal David was standing by his office door, sipping coffee. He was an old veteran who had seen everything. As they passed, his coffee cup paused mid-air.
Principal David's POV:
Something is wrong. Yesterday, Serina and Evelyn were talented, yes, but they were... soft. Today? Today, when they walked by, the air in the hallway felt thin. It felt like... like two apex predators were pretending to be house cats.
He looked at Alex and Allen, who were currently arguing over a bag of sour chips.
And those two... they still feel like 'zeros.' But the way the girls are walking half a step behind them... as if they are shielding the boys, or perhaps... waiting for orders?
History Class:
The lecture was on the Industrial Revolution. Most students were doodling or napping.
Teacher: "Alex! Since you seem so interested in your desk, can you tell the class the significance of the Steam Engine?"
Alex: (Snoring lightly)
Serina: (Under her breath, kicking his chair) "Psst! Alex! Wake up and do your own work!"
Alex: (Bolting upright) "The steam engine was... uh... a primitive attempt by humans to mimic the fire-breath of a Lesser Drake? No? Oh, right. It helped with factories and stuff. Can I go back to sleep now?"
The class giggled, but the Principal, watching through the small window in the door, noticed something nobody else did. When Serina kicked Alex's chair, the metal leg of the chair had slightly bent into the floor tiles.
These girls aren't just stronger, David thought, sweating. They are... refined. What happened in that house last night?
The Cafeteria:
While the girls were being swarmed by friends asking where they were yesterday, Alex and Allen found a quiet table in the back.
Allen: "You think the old man noticed?"
Alex: "Oh, he noticed. He's the Principal; it's his job to notice. But as long as they keep their 'box' closed, he won't be able to prove a thing."
Allen: "Good. Because if I have to move schools again, I'm going to be really annoyed. I finally found a spot with good Wi-Fi."
The Ending Cliffhanger:
A student from the "Discipline Committee" approached their table. He looked smug and held out a piece of paper.
Student: "Alex, Allen. You're being summoned to the gym after school. The 'S-Rank' seniors want to have a 'friendly talk' about why you were seen with the Family Heads yesterday."
Alex: (Sighing, looking at his half-eaten sandwich) "Man... I just wanted to finish my lunch. Allen, you want the gym, or should I take it?"
Allen: "Neither. Let the girls do it. It's their turn to do the heavy lifting. I have a nap scheduled."
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