Mera appeared at my other side. "Can you walk or do I need to carry you?"
"I can walk."
"You're limping."
"Walking with style."
She snorted. Together, the three of us left the debriefing room. The hallway outside was packed. Students pressed against the walls, phones out, recording everything. The whispers started immediately.
"Did you see that portal combo—"
"—knocked out Nolan Traore—"
"—three abilities at once—"
"—walking with both of them—"
I ignored it all. Let them talk. Let them film. The more attention I drew, the harder it would be for anyone to quietly disappear me into an NEA testing facility.
We reached the nurse's office. Mrs. Tanaka took one look at me and pointed at the examination table.
"Shirt off. Now."
I complied. Noel and Usagi waited outside while Mera stayed, her tail swishing as she watched Mrs. Tanaka work.
