[Edith]

  “I should probably go and train until classes start.”

  I made my way to room number 23 — an enclosed hexagonal chamber, pure white, heavily reinforced, and void of any distractions. The rule was simple: once you entered, the door would lock, and no one would come to your aid unless the threat was deemed far beyond your capability. It was a harsh yet necessary regulation set by the government to ensure equal opportunity for growth.

  No favoritism. No rescue. Survive or fail.

  I stepped into the chamber, the door automatically sealing behind me. In the center of the room stood the transparent portal — the boon and curse of the cosmos.

  I sat cross-legged in front of it, taking a deep breath. The portal exuded cosmic energy, a volatile force both nurturing and terrifying.

  As I began to absorb it, the sensation was indescribable. Every atom in my body vibrated, oscillating between euphoria and dread. It was as if my body was celebrating and screaming in agony at the same time.

  This was the process. The more I absorbed, the more my body would adapt — eventually allowing me to perceive cosmic energy with my bare eyes and shape it according to my will.

  I had already reached that stage long ago. But now… I was stuck.

  No matter how much energy I took in, I couldn't convert it into raw power like my peers did. My body was nourished far beyond theirs, but my output remained frustratingly low.

  “Maybe today will be different,” I muttered under my breath.

  My teachers, and even my uncle, told me the same thing — this is a hurdle only you can overcome. But I didn’t understand. If that were true, then what was the point of coming to college? Shouldn’t I just isolate myself and train nonstop until I figured it out?

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  I clutched my head. “Ugh… I’m wasting time thinking about this.”

  I shook off the distracting thoughts and resumed training, trying to manipulate the cosmic energy with my consciousness. Minutes turned into hours.

  ……

  Three hours later.

  “…Still nothing.”

  My clothes were drenched in sweat. Another effect of the cosmic energy — it cleansed impurities from the body, preserving youth and extending lifespans. A biological miracle, really.

  “I should clean up.”

  I headed toward the bathroom, tucked away in the far corner of the facility. With a thought, I disintegrated my clothes into particles and stored them in my portable watch — a marvel of spatial technology gifted to me by Junia.

  “Junia is the best,” I chuckled to myself.

  After a long, refreshing shower, I commanded the wind to dry my hair and changed back into my casuals.

  “Having a mini storage space is ridiculously convenient.”

  I checked the time. “Crap, I’m gonna be late for college.”

  .…..

  The walk to college took about twenty minutes. The entire campus was enormous — a testament to humanity’s rapid adaptation after the emergence of these portals. Students with various talents showcased their strengths in different departments, constantly pushing their limits to reduce mortality rates during expeditions.

  The stronger we became, the less likely people would die. That was the hope, anyway.

  As I approached my classroom, a feeling of monotony washed over me.

  “Ugh… Creatureology first,” I muttered in distaste.

  The classroom was arranged in rows, two students per desk. No gender segregation. Just a collective group of future defenders. There were thirty-six students in my class — Section 4-A. The higher your strength, the higher your class. I didn't have friends, so I usually took the last seat.

  The teacher, Mr. Nine, walked in. Dark-skinned, brown-haired, and built like a tank. Despite his unassuming name, he was an exceptional Creatureology instructor.

  “…I still hate his name,” I muttered under my breath.

  ……

  The rest of the day dragged on. After Creatureology came History, then Martial Arts, and finally Control class. By the end of it, my energy was drained, and I couldn't wait to get home.

  But something was wrong.

  My uncle was always waiting for me at the gate — punctual down to the second. Today, however, it had already been thirty minutes, and there was no sign of him.

  “…Did something happen?”

  My palms began to sweat, my breathing unsteady. My gaze darted from one place to another, unable to focus.

  Calm down. He's probably late… that's all.

  “Miss Edith?”

  I flinched. Turning around, I saw Kaltain — one of the most renowned students on campus. Tall, silver-haired, violet-eyed, and physically built like a protagonist from a romance novel. His presence alone made most girls swoon.

  There was another reason to swoon at him though. Currently, he was The strongest in New Gen.

  “Is your uncle late?” he asked smoothly. “Mind if I drop you home?”

  I scowled. “I don’t need it.”

  Kaltain chuckled, his voice annoyingly confident. “Relax. I’m not going to do anything weird just because you rejected me.”

  Right. I had rejected his confession once, and it did little to deter him. There was something about him — something off. Either I was being overly cautious, or he was hiding something. Either way, I didn’t like him.

  “He’ll come. You don’t have to bother.”

  Kaltain casually gestured toward the campus cafe. “Well, how about I keep you company until he arrives?”

  I clenched my fists.

  “…Suit yourself.”