Human: Paradigm (COMPLETED)

MATT

I rest the lid of the built-in laptop on my desk. In the front, the display of the digital blackboard has changed.

It seems like our absent teacher in English Literature decided to give us homework.

Drrrng! Drrrng! Drrrng!

Everyone inside the classroom stands. Somehow, looking at the empty seat on my right pinches my heart. I’ve gone really far, and for that, I need to apologize.

“Matt?” the voice is from the back.

Looking behind, a medium-built man is wearing glasses.

“Good morning Mr. An.”

“Can you spare me your time?”

“I can.”

“It will be quick so that you’ll still have time for your break.”

I follow Mr. An, and it seems like he’s heading to the hallway.

Left and right, there are students walking against each other. Those who are going in our direction give way when they notice Mr. An.

“Good morning, teacher,” a girl student greets.

“Good morning,” Mr. An says.

“Good morning sir,” a boy student speaks.

“Thank you.”

This is looking quite like Richard, which reminds me, I haven’t seen him since our quarrel.

“Those students are always looking at you,” Mr. An speaks to me.

“Hmm?” isn’t this is exactly what I said to Jeon yesterday.

Roaming my head, I see that several pairs of eyes are really staring at me. I clash with them. They immediately avert.

“Is there something on my face?” I ask.

Mr. An flashes a smile. “No. Let’s just say that you are attracting them.”

“It’s probably because of my height.”

“Maybe. I don’t really know myself too.”

Soon, we arrive at the East Wing. Furnished with dark green carpet is the floor and painted in a snow-like shade are the walls. There’s a chandelier above. The atmosphere is quiet. It looks like this hasn’t been used.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see it soon. Don’t worry.”

Is this about my Class Division again?

I just hope that it isn’t anything bad.

We pass several hallways, and he makes a left turn at the last one. At the very end stands the office of the vice-principal. The door is made of also made hardwood, however, it’s in a different brown shade, unlike the others.

Mr. An knocks.

“Please come in.” the intercom beside the door resounds.

He looks at me. “Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

We enter the room. I widen my eyes. The room is the simplest I’ve seen, and yet, it has this elegant vibe lingering all over. There’s a barrister bookcase near the window on the left. No chandelier is present, but there’s a flush-mounted lamp on the ceiling. The entire room looks clean except for the carpeted walls that have some stains. Averting my gaze, the vice-principal is sitting straight on the curved sectional sofa while crossing his arms.

Mr. An bows. “Good morning sir.”

“Good morning, sir.” I also greet.

The vice-principal glances, but it’s almost a glare due to how sharp his eyes are.

“Good day. Please join me here.”

What’s facing him is another set of sofa identical to the one he’s sitting. I sit down. As it swallows me, Mr. An takes the spot on my right.

“I am glad that you are able to meet me even though it is such short notice.” the gentle voice of the principal floats in the air.

Hmm? It doesn’t match his appearance.

“It’s not a problem sir,” Mr. An says.

“I called you here because of the principal’s advice. Unfortunately, he has several appointments that couldn’t be delayed.”

The vice-principal turns his gaze in my direction. His icy blue eyes entice me.

“How are you doing, Mr. Cruz?”

“I’m doing very well, thank you.”

“How’s school? I’m hoping that you’re adjusted to Vex City.”

“My studies here are good so far, and Vex City is really a great place. I’ll make my time here useful and productive.”

“What about the dormitory?”

“It’s fine, sir.”

“I... Great. I wish that your dorm mate is doing fine too. That child is really cheerful.”

Jeon? “Yes. I’ll say your greetings to him.” is running around the campus count as cheerful?

“Pardon.”

“Are you alright?” Mr. An asks.

The vice-principal closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Yes. Don’t be bothered. I apologize.”

After a while, he returns his gaze at me. “Have you received your EDS?”

“I have seen it.”

“How’s your ability? ”

“I can assure you that I’m no longer fainting.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“You’re already aware of your Class Division, Paradigm is it?” the vice-principal asks.

I nod. In the corner of my eyes, Mr. An is staring straight at him.

“Does anyone, except you, know about this?”

“No. I never told somebody about my ability. Not even my dorm mate.”

“I understand; however, it appears that the information was leaked based on the occurrences lately.”

About my ability?

“We are still unaware of the instigator but words are circulating about a Sken who is more powerful than the current one. Rumor has it that that certain Sken is studying in our school, but no matter what, it isn’t a rumor; they’re speaking the truth.”

“Is that a bad thing?” I ask.

“If you are talking about publicity, it should boost our school’s reputation.” Mr. An replies instead.

Ok?

“But our school doesn’t really need publicity anymore. We’re prominent enough throughout the city we are printed in History books.”

“But still, it’s a bad thing.” the vice-principal adds. “Yes, the rumors will not cause any trouble to our school, but it might harm you. Many Skens, especially those delinquents, will try to pick fights against you.”

As if it didn’t happen last Saturday.

The vice principal hands me a black envelope. “Also, we received an update.”

“You better see it yourself.” Mr. An says.

“I don’t mean any disrespect, but please just say it to me.”

“If that’s what you want.” the vice-principal takes his time to read the contents of the paper. “The update states that your ability can be telepathic in nature.”

“Telepathic? You mean.”

“You can use your mind when executing your ability, but it has a unique way of working. You need to understand the Scientific Process first before executing it properly. That’s why we will be putting you in advanced classes that are all related to Science.”

Now that I think about it, I thought of Heat Transfer to raise the temperature back then.

“Although your ability is unidentified, the link about temperature makes you authoritative in manipulating it.”

“I can raise the temperature, sir.”

“You can also lower it.”

“That’s news.”

“This is also news to us. I, myself, never really encountered someone who has an ability like you. There are some who can raise the temperature, and there are also some who can lower it. Still, being capable of both is out of the league.”

“That’s a bit much to take.”

A soft smile appears on the face of the vice-principal.

“Don’t worry. You are here in Vex City to cultivate your ability. So, I won’t let you wander alone as the head of the institution you’re attending.” he shifts his gaze to Mr. An. “Tomorrow is the start of ATPS, right?”

“Yes, sir. It’s tomorrow.”

“ATPS is the compulsory training program for all of the students in the city. From primary school until college, students undergo the program to acquire better control of their abilities. As you already heard, tomorrow is the start of our school, but it is only conducted here once a week; one day per year level. Considering your current state, you are dragged behind other students, and your ability being unique from the majority doesn’t help either. That’s why we wanted to admit you in a special ATPS.”

“I don’t have any problems, sir. I really need to be aware of my ability or I’ll die.”

“I am glad you’re getting what I’m pointing out. In the meantime, Mr. Cruz, return to your classes.”

“Thank you.”

“Please be careful. Avoid going out of the campus until you completed the ATPS.”

“Yes, sir.” guess my plans are all canceled. I’ll tell her later.

I stand, but Mr. An remains in his seat. He’s not going out?

“You can go ahead, Matt. I’ll go back later.”

“Thank you, sir. Goodbye.”

I walk to the door.

I need to be careful starting from now. No slips-up and no fights. I can’t go out of the campus too... I’ll just ask Jeon to go out if I need some- Hmm?

An average tall boy with a broad figure passes my peripheral. I draw to the window. Is that Jeon?

I’m not sure from what I’m seeing, so I run to the field.

The figure is quite far from me, but it’s heading toward the court. From its built, I can definitely say that it’s Jeon.

“Hey!” a voice calls out.

I turn around. Behind me, there’s Shizumi. Her hair is tied in a ponytail than the usual braids or loose style she wears.

She tilts her head.

“Playing sports?”

“I’m just basking under the sun. Vitamin D.”

“Sure. Summer’s heat is really good for your skin. But really, don’t stay for too long. I might not recognize you anymore later if you become toasted.”

Oh, yeah. “I’m sorry but can we cancel our plans?”

She arches her brows.

“I’m busy with other stuff.”

“It’s fine with me if you’re really busy. Just make sure you’re not calling out because you’re feeling lazy, okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll practice on my own later.”

“Alright then.”

Her eyes dart to the passing students on my right. “I wanted to talk longer, but I need to prepare for the training. Sorry.”

“You should hurry.”

“Check upon him for me.”

She walks away shortly. The hem of her skirt bounces as she walks farther. Suddenly, I remember the painting I did.

“Hey, keep the painting with you,” I shout. “It’s my gift.”

But she doesn’t look back, and instead, she runs farther. She didn’t hear it. Well, I’ll just text her later.

Turning around, the field greets me. But it’s empty, and the figure I’m following earlier is gone. I decide to walk straight ahead.

I find myself in front of the woods. Trees of different heights tower above, and they block the sunlight from entering the area.

The ground is covered in some kind of lime green grass. It’s slippery. After a few steps, and thanks to my shoes, my walking becomes more stable.

Behind one of the trees, I see the figure I’m finding. The figure, Jeon, is crouching as his head is directed to the ground. His hair is disheveled. His uniform is crumpled.

What is he doing here?