A complex feeling appeared suddenly. There were students entering to school; Some of them energized, while others kept their emotional experiences to themselves. And so, the beginning of a journey finally initiated.

  Amazed Student: “Hey, did you hear?”

  Chill Student: “About that guy from final year? Yeah, no way that’s true.”

  Amazed Student: “Dude, he literally fought off an entire mafia cell! My cousin said her sister’s friend was there when the news leaked!”

  Chill Student: “And survived it? That’s crazy.”

  First day of the week and the rumors appeared suddenly. Students gathered in little circles near the entrance, others gossiped like disordered cards.

  Curious Student: “I wonder what happened to him… Didn’t he commit illegal activities?”

  Serious Student: “What? No! Ugh, you believe everything they say.”

  Curious Student: “Hey I’m just asking, Jeez.”

  Some doubted the rumors.

  Cocky Student: “Pfft, him? He’s like the last person to ever do that, he’s a nobody.”

  Argumentative Student: “You’re talking with no statements. Haven’t you felt his presence?! He could crush anyone in school with his bare hands.”

  Cocky Student: “Hah, seeing is believing.”

  Others exaggerated.

  Outgoing Student: (Showcasing the destroyed base through her phone.) “Oh come on you know that part? Look!”

  Moody Student: “Sigh… He’s out there with his rich family causing problems. I don’t want to see another student causing trouble out of school to then get here.”

  Outgoing Student: “Don’t be rude to him! He’s one of the most humblest persons I’ve meet!”

  Moody Student: “So? That does not change his cold personality.”

  Outgoing Student: “He may be cold but he’s friendly, you can try and talk to him.”

  Moody Student: (Shaking her head) “Not a chance. He is either alone or with that big circle group.”

  Everyone mentioned one name, a name which quickly became popular.

  Donovan Ivanel.

  The one and only Donovan. Just waking up from the deep sleep as the weak light passed through his window. He grabbed his phone off the nightstand to check the time at his own pace…

  Donovan's eyes blinked open. No alarm. No panic. Just the soft glow of early morning light sneaking through the curtains. He grabbed his phone off the nightstand and checked the time. Without a word, he narrowed his eyes, letting his body slide off the bed like a slug. He hit the floor with a muffled groan, dragging himself across the marble tile floor. He felt to only use his legs, not his arms, moving like a worm toward the door. As he stood up and reached the door, he yawned lazily.

  Donovan: (Long sigh.) “Too early to be human… I just want to live like a cat or any other animal that doesn’t do anything else than study.”

  Groggy or not, it was time to wake his sister up. He walked to her door and knock it twice. No answer. Two other knocks.

  …

  No answer.

  Donovan’s eyes fully opened as he opened the door, seeing a messed up modern styled room. His sister was not there; He remembered. Eleorona is in Italy with Lawrence continuing their investigations. He inhaled deeply, grabbing his towel to take a bath. After taking his bath and wearing clothes, Irene called Donovan to eat his breakfast in the meantime. As he walked to the dining room, her parents locked their eyes into the holographic screen.

  Donovan: “What’s so interesting?”

  No exchanged glance. Just a warm call.

  Jakov: “Look at this.”

  The screen displayed a well-dressed newscaster stood up before a holographic map of several countries glowing with pulsing zones.

  Miss J: “The Global Federation of Booster Monitoring continues to gain momentum worldwide, with over seventy new booster academies built in the two past fiscal years. Despite protest in several regions, officials claim the move is necessary to ensure safety, growth and overall proper education for future generations.”

  However, news were not ending there. Newscaster announce good and bad news, so, what was coming up?

  Miss J: “Meanwhile, the Croatian government issued a warning about rogue booster groups operating outside unincorporated areas. These unregistered individuals, often known as phantoms, have been involved in several unauthorized skirmishes across districts. Because of this, the Official Security Booster Affiliation provides citizens with instructions and security to prevent future phantom encounters.”

  The protagonist kept his attention to the screen, squinting and slowly chewing a piece of toast.

  Jakov: “Hmph. I’m not surprised. Since the past Chinese president got assassinated, everything is about control now.”

  Irene: (Sigh.) “He was a strong man in every aspect... Despite having billions of renminbi he did not allow himself to drown in temptation... Even work for free..”

  Miss J: On a lighter note, the Kairos Legacy Institute’s highly anticipated Unity Tournament is finally back after a decade. Students will experiment teamwork between boosters and non-boosters. The event enhances the symbol of unity and trust between all students, regardless of background.”

  User of God’s Rend stopped chewing and stared at the screen for some seconds, thinking.

  Donovan: (thinking.) “Unity Tournament? I don’t have any memories of that to be mentioned…”

  The family chitchatted for a while, from talking about rearranged plans to Croatia’s security. Donovan’s boredness quickly kicked in, checking a notification of… a new group? He left his parents who continued talking about their own business, so he went to his room for privacy.

  Eleorona??: “Hi! How are you guys doing? I created this group to stay in touch!”

  Donovan??: “I’m doing good, they announced this uh… this event called Unity Tournament.”

  Eleorona??: “What? It’s back?”

  Donovan??: “Yup. I don’t even know what is that about, in fact, I forgot.”

  Eleorona??: “You’ll get the information you need in school, don’t worry.”

  Donovan??: “Okay. By the way, how’s everything over there?”

  Eleorona??: “Nothing new except Lawrence. He has this phrase written in a sticky note telling me it’s crucial.”

  Donovan??: “What phrase?”

  Lawrence??: “Control the new emergence.”

  Donovan??: “Bro don’t scare me.”

  His eyes widened after Lawrence texted.

  Lawrence??: “Things are slowly getting out of hands.”

  Eleorona??: “Where’s Aeris though?”

  Donovan??: “Now that you mention that, I have to go now. School is calling me.”

  Eleorona??: “Oh okay, take care! ??”

  Lawrence??: “Bye Donovan ??”

  Donovan??: “??”

  He checked the time, being 7:21 A.M.

  It was now the moment for this fate to start. Jakov called his son, now in his car to take him to school.

  The school remained prestigious and well maintained, with a dominant white color alongside deep red paintings. It was Kairos Legacy Institute. A school which offered a solid education for boosters and non-boosters. Donovan has been in this school since he was in first grade, growing along with the improved school over the years. It was a massive, public school. He scanned the whole school like it was a new thing; That whole week of journey made him forget the school. Donovan felt it has been ‘years. Just as he was about to enter the school, his peripherical vision noticed a peculiar figure. A silver-blue haired girl also scanned the building, peeking every aspect. Though, they were far away. Donovan walked firmly to her, No glance. But after searching for that ‘something’… She noticed him. That blue jacket… That athletic and tall figure reminded her of someone she met. To believe what was she thinking, she redirected all her attention, staring at him like an owl. She squinted, running towards him. Donovan took a step back, confused. Not knowing what else to do. As she was 2 meters close, she walked and said his name warmly.

  Aeris: “How has your weekend been?”

  Her blueish glimmering eyes, her gentle smug and presence. All three in one method to make him feel nervous.

  Donovan (stutter.) “I-It was good. I… I tr-trained and ate a-a-a lot. The normal thing, I s-suppose.”

  She continued with her charming eyes, paying full attention to his face. He didn’t add anything else, just a simple response. After a second, she closes her eyes and grins, chuckling.

  Aeris: (covering her mouth as she laughs.) “Pfft.. You’re weird.”

  Donovan: “Uh, thanks I guess. Oh by the way, have they told you what class are you assigned in?”

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Aeris: “Yeah, follow me. I want to explore the school first.”

  Donovan: “Okay.”

  Being the last to enter, classes did not start just yet. Since Donovan forgot how the school was, he entered expecting some silence but… Of course, this is a school. Mean students criticized friends behind their backs, plenty of students would argue in the wide hallway about personal issues, even couples flirting and kissing near the walls, careless about other’s opinions. Those vibes made Aeris felt somewhat insecure, keeping a firm and serious face to not let her guard down. The atmosphere reminded her school past. It was disgusting. Donovan widened his eyes as he heard the heated arguments as he followed Aeris. She notices this and catches his attention to prevent problems with those students.

  Aeris: (Whispering) “Psss, hey! Stop looking at them, you will get us into trouble! Don’t meddle in other people’s business.”

  The towering guy did what she said, minding their own business to then…

  End in the door of Donovan’s classroom?

  Everyone stared at Aeris making her step back. Their death stares would gradually pressure her; No way she could present herself all by herself, right?

  Donovan: “Good Morning.”

  Some replied back politely, while others remained silent.

  Donovan: (Whisper.) “Let’s go.”

  He gently grabbed her wrist, forcing her to join the class. She stood up, staring blankly at a point in front of the whole class. Donovan now seated in his desk, waited for Aeris to present herself. So she did, but without making eye contact with those deadly stares.

  Aeris: “Nice to meet you all… My name is Aeris, Aeris Juno. I’m uh… I’m passionate about basketball and I love to draw in my free time!”

  After two seconds, the whole class responds happily with a exchanged “nice to meet you.” impressing her even more after opening her eyes without expecting anything good. There was an available seat, being in the first row, claiming it as her. But, she was two seats away from Donovan, making her feel a little disappointed, wanting to chat with him without standing up. The ambient for Aeris remained calm and interactive; She wanted to continue like this forever.

  As it was time for lunch, some of Donovan’s classmates exchanged phone numbers with Aeris while walking to the cafeteria’s hallway. When entering to the cafeteria, Donovan and Aeris started chatting about something they’re passionate about: Sports. In the meantime, they were serving their food and as soon as it was Aeris’ turn, a shout echoed across the place.

  Confronting Student: “Hey, isn’t that the platinum blue haired girl who kidnapped ninth and tenth graders?!”

  People easily recognized her peculiar hair color, locking their gaze at her. Aeris waved her hands side to side, claiming her innocence.

  Aeris: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, okay?! I was mind-controlled by someone leading me to kidnap those students!”

  Confronting Student: “Mind-controlled? Hah! Stop bluffing us and get out of this school, you dont deserve any of this education.”

  Aeris: “W-wha?! I’m not bluffing, the students I kidnapped while being mind-controlled are here, sitting with us, can’t you see them?!”

  To top it off, the kidnapped students did not defend or say anything to her, they remained silent.

  Confronting Student: “So? You still kidnapped them! Out of here!”

  Aeris: “Huh? But I-”

  Shouting and booing gradually killed Donovan’s calmness, justified to get annoyed. Some students even stood up with a revengeful mentality ready to attack her. But…

  A foot hit the ground aggressively, the golden glimmers appeared in a instant, surrounding the one and only Donovan. He shouted as his foot hit the ground.

  Donovan: “Can you guys… SHUT UP FOR ONCE?!”

  His voice roared ferociously. The voices cut off in the air, everyone listened tot him as if he were their commander.

  Donovan: “I know what you guys are thinking. I heard the rumours. But if you guys think and listen instead of gossiping, truth would enlighten all of you. Aeris did not kidnap anyone. As she said, she was mind-controlled, plus, I was there too. She fought back against that jégosgalia.”

  A student interrupts him.

  2nd Confronting Student: “That’s not what I heard.”

  Donovan: “Go ask the people who were there instead of believing what they hear out there.”

  Silence appeared, some students looked to the sides, knowing the ‘abductees’ were back, but no one had said anything wrong about Aeris. The golden-eyed teenager scanned everyone as he clenched his jaw. He dared someone to continue with stupidities.

  Donovan: “You don’t have to like her or trust her, but you should respect her. Because right now those who are keep spreading rumours try to demolish someone who wants to adapt to her new life. You don’t even know her, neither her past. Despite this, keep your distance and solidarity.”

  Glances kept exchanging between students, avoiding Donovan’s bright eyes.

  Donovan: “Whoever objects, will have to deal with me.”

  Then, a large majority of students’ mind their own business, talking to their close friends like nothing happened. Aeris’ blueish expressed her appreciation by gazing.

  Aeris: “Thank you so, so, so much, Donovan.”

  Donovan: (While nodding.) “No worries. I remembered there’s people of all kinds in this school.”

  After Aeris got her lunch, they scanned the whole cafeteria, seeing her classmates with their own groups socializing freely.

  Donovan: (Exhaling.) “I think we’ll both sit together without them. I don’t want to… You know.”

  Aeris: “Oh that. Sure. We’ll just make them uncomfortable.”

  At a corner, a circular table with free seats called them. Eventually sitting down.

  Aeris rested her bored face on her palm, lazily playing with her food. Something was off.

  Donovan: (talking while eating.) “What’s wrong?”

  Aeris: “I don’t wanna eat.”

  He puts his fork on the plate, swallowing his food to articulate correctly.

  Donovan: “Why not? You got a tasty meal, come on.”

  Aeris: “It’s just… even when I’m around people I know, I feel like I’m alone. They all think I’m some kind of abomination. Like I’m some monster who could easily rush and slash at any moment.”

  Donovan: “Maybe they do.”

  Aeris: (Raised eyebrow, bit hurt.) “Wow. That’s the best comfort I’ve ever had.”

  Donovan: (Neutral tone, shrugging.) “Not here to sugarcoat things.”

  Aeris: (Looking at her untouched food.) “… Then what are you here for?”

  Donovan: (leans back, steady voice, arms crossed.) “To remind you what they think doesn’t matter as much as you think it does. Putting that much attention into meaningless comments can affect you. If… you allow it to happen.”

  Aeris: “I know that but- I try to make those comments meaningless but at some point, it just… hurts me, you know?”

  Donovan: “Words have incredible weight which can demolish you. Feelings lie. Perception lies. What you’ve done, that doesn’t lie.”

  Aeris: (softly.) “I’ve done terrible things, Donovan.”

  Donovan: (meeting her eyes.) “So have I.”

  Aeris looks at him, estimating his seriousness.

  Donovan: (Slight softness in his voice.) “Aeris, if you’re waiting for someone to give you permission to feel human… a million years will pass by. You’re human, so, live like one and act like one. That’s all you can do.”

  Aeris: (quietly.) “Do you live like one?”

  Donovan: (without hesitation.) “I’m… trying. But hey, I’m sitting here with you. That’s part of it.”

  She expresses a small smile. Not bright neither fixed, but a real one. Picking up her fork.

  Aeris: “Guess I’ll eat then.”

  Donovan: (monotone, cold expression.) “Nice. Would’ve been a waste of calories if you didn’t

  Aeris: (laughs quietly.) “You really suck at comforting, you know that?”

  Donovan: “At least I showed up.”

  After finishing their lunch, they went back to their classroom, seeing some students minding their own business. More classmates entered, signaling the teacher’s arrival. It was Ms. Valcourt, a blonde lavish fit woman in her early 40s.

  Ms. Valcourt: “Alright everyone, sit down. Today we’re diving into basics of integral calculus. Specifically the way of applying integration to find areas under curves.”

  Around three to seven students complained in their own way; Slight groans, attitude or yawning.

  She began sketching a curve on the digital whiteboard with the stylus, as the room slowly quietened to pay attention

  Ms. Valcourt (continuing): “So, if we take the function f(x) = x2, and integrate it from 0 to 2, we’re finding the area beneath the curve, bounded by the x-axis and the vertical lines x = 0 and x = 2…”

  BBBBRRRNNNTSSSSHHKKK-!!

  The keen sound echoed through the school. A blast of the horn sliced through the ambient. Several students flinched and Ms. Valcourt paused mid-explanation, flickering her eyes towards the speaker near the ceiling.

  Resonant Male voice: “All students are to proceed to the main auditorium immediately. The announcement of the Kairos Unity Event will begin shortly. Attendance is mandatory.”

  The room instantly filled with murmurs. From her seat to Donovan’s right, Aeris leaned over, whispering above the chatter’s volume.

  Aeris: “Unity Event? What’s that?”

  Donovan: (slight shrug.) “No idea. I heard it once but didn’t knew what was it about.”

  Ms. Valcourt: (calmly gathering her resources.) “Looks like we’re cutting today short. You’ll still have a questionnaire to be done for next week.”

  Students stood, rising their voices into excited tones as they went to the auditorium. Some curious, others happy calculus class got interrupted. Donovan remained in his seat, seeing everyone leaves as he thought of the announcement. Aeris stood up after taking notes. Donovan did the same, following her as they blend into the occupied hallway.

  Now at the auditorium, a wide screen showed a title called “THE UNITY TOURNAMENT”.

  The voices blended in the background noise, adding up incomprehensible talks as the host gets ready to present. Donovan and Aeris find a place to sit, not too close to the front but still with a clear view of the stage.

  The lights dim, only focusing on the man. A tall, well-dressed man with cold eyes assessing the crowd. His presence silenced the room like putting out the fire.

  ???: “Good morning, students of Kairos Legacy Institute.”

  His voice carried a politician tone, yet calm.

  ???: “My name is Professor Sawyer Merrow. I will be overseeing this year’s Unity Tournament.”

  Donovan: (quietly.) “Who the hell is this slim guy?”

  Aeris leaned towards as she replied with a murmur.

  Aeris: (Whisper.) “I don’t know but he seems familiar.”

  Sawyer: “For those unfamiliar, the Unity Tournament is not simply a school event. It is a collaborative trial, carefully organized by our school administration in a partnership with a licensed Professional Booster Manager.”

  He folds his hands behind his back, clearing his throat as he slowly walks from left to right.

  Sawyer: “In a society where tension and conflict still resonates between boosters and non-boosters… we present a challenge that demands companionship, teamwork, intelligence and strategy.”

  The wide screen behind him displays allusive visuals. Logos of past teams, footage of boosters and non-boosters collaborating through different scenarios.

  Sawyer: “Each group must contain at least one booster or one non-boosters to participate. No exceptions. The maximum group size is five members.”

  He turns to his back, making a hand gesture that presents examples.

  Sawyer: “Independent groups are required to select a name and a design logo to be formally recognized.”

  Once again, he shifts the slide to three phases of the event. An image of students collaborating with cubes and hints is displayed.

  Sawyer: “There are three stages to get through. Number one; Mental Skill & Agility. This is the first phase. You will get through mental exercises that require not only focus and logic, but communication between your allies. You will be challenged through; Time riddles, logical obstacle paths, collaborative memory games and team-based strategy simulations.”

  He lets the silence speak for itself.

  Sawyer: “It is not enough to be a genius all alone. You must think together, or fail together.

  Next, there’s a slide of a student leaping over a gap while another climbs an enormous rope wall; booster and non-booster assisting each other.

  Sawyer: “Second Phase, physical challenges. That’s right, your bodies will face their limits. In this phase, you will endure structured trials meant to test your stamina, adaptability and teamwork under pressure. Precision-based parkour stages, wall climbs and timed dashes, group relay and endurance trials will be expected in this stage. You will fall. Get up, and see who keeps running beside you.”

  He announced firmly. Walking slightly forward.

  Last slide, a blurred screen of students in a tense discussion as the timer counts down.

  Sawyer: “This… is where most break.”

  For a brief moment, he stopped talking, letting the muted video of students fighting with each other visually explain what might happen.

  Sawyer: “Situational scenarios are dynamic simulations built to test your ethics, judgement, and leadership. You may face; Conflicts where someone must be sacrificed for the group, existential dilemmas, moments where values clash with survival. This is the last and most important phase. There are no ‘right answers’. Only consequences of your own actions and thoughts.

  He steps away from the screen. Letting the final slide appear with the phrase:

  “The Unity Tournament will define you.”

  Sawyer: “Registration opens now. Prepare well, my students. Some of you will shine, some will fracture. But all of you will be seen, doing an effort.

  And with that, all lights are quickly turned off and after 4 seconds, no one was there. Mr. Sawyer left all the gravity of his words there.

  Resonant Male Voice: “The Unity Tournament explanation has ended. Please return to your classrooms in complete order, thank you.”

  As students stood up like a spring, their demeanor changed; Eager, loud and careless. They were just crazy and noisy as citizens buying products in a black Friday. Hands shook. Names were shouted. Some groups laugh like they’d already won, others hugged but in the end… It was nothing else than just empty promises.

  No one asked who was strong, either physically or mentally. No one checked who could think, no one cared who could fight. They just needed to secure their group number, but for what?

  Donovan and Aeris also stood up but, they remained in their places, seeing how the majority formed groups with no hesitation.

  Aeris: (quietly.) “You see? This is what I hate.”

  Donovan: (without looking away.) “Yep. They’d rather lose with someone than win alone.”

  Aeris: “Exactly. That’s not how we’re doing this.”

  Donovan: “You’re right. We wait.”

  Aeris: “As they said, Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

  Donovan: “Now… It’s time to began seeking for our three other members, worthy of joining us.”

  While the rest created a frenzy of instant formed groups, Donovan and Aeris stood still, thinking who could give them a good teamwork.

  Chapter 9 ends…