Kelvin had never understood why people enjoyed intense competitions so much. That was before Mara utterly weaponized her intellect and turned their academic round into a public, merciless demonstration of her intellectual superiority. “First question,” announced Professor Hale, his voice ringing across the assembly hall. “What is the primary metabolic function of mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell?” Mara slammed her buzzer down so fast the metal ping echoed. “ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation and the citric acid cycle,” Mara recited crisply, not missing a beat. “Though mitochondria also actively participate in calcium ion homeostasis and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways.” Professor Hale nodded approvingly. “Correct. Ten points.” The opposing team exchanged a series of thoroughly defeated looks. Rylan leaned over toward Kelvin, his eyes wide. “Does she actually take breaths between those sentences?” “I am starting to strongly suspect she survives entirely on

Kelvin took one instinctive step right after Raze. “Professor, can I come with him?” he asked, his voice tight with sudden worry. Professor Hale stopped his stride beside the classroom door, his posture rigid. “No, Kelvin. The principal specifically requested Raze alone.” “But I just wanted—” “Whatever you need to say to him can wait until he returns to class.” Kelvin glanced desperately toward Raze, silently hoping he would object. Raze only offered him a small, unreadable, closed-off look before turning his back and following Professor Hale down the quiet corridor. Kelvin stood frozen in the doorway, frustration burning in his chest. He wanted to know what the principal had to say about yesterday's fight. He wanted to know whether Raze was facing serious disciplinary action. And beneath all of it, he still desperately wanted to ask about Raze’s father. Apparently, he had no choice but to wait. Raze walked into the grand office of the principal with his shoulders locked tig

The next morning, Kelvin and Rylan entered the dining hall together. It was already packed to the brim, and the deafening wall of students talking, laughing, and clanking cutlery over breakfast filled the massive stone room. Rylan quickly spotted an empty table tucked away near the tall glass windows and headed straight toward it, his heavy boots clicking against the floor. Kelvin followed closely behind with his tray in hand. Just as Rylan reached out and grabbed the back of a wooden chair, another older student brusquely stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “That seat’s taken,” the student barked, not even bothering to look up. Rylan blinked, staring at the completely empty chair. “By who?” “My friend. We’re saving it.” “Well, then your friend should probably be sitting in it,” Rylan replied, his tone clipping with sudden annoyance. “We’re standing right here, and the table is open.” The student folded his massive arms over his chest, scowling down at him. “Find anothe

Their next scheduled block was supposed to be a academic lecture, but instead of their usual instructor, Professor Hale entered the room carrying a thick leather folder. The room quieted down instantly as he placed the folder on the central podium. “Good afternoon, everyone.” “Good afternoon, Professor,” the class echoed. “I have an important announcement regarding the academy's advanced academic development initiative,” Professor Hale began, scanning the room. “The administration has officially authorized the creation of a specialized, cross-disciplinary study group. The objective is to foster high-level academic performance, collaborative research, and complex problem-solving across core fields.” A wave of interest rippled through the room. Professor Hale continued. “The students selected for this initial track have demonstrated exceptional academic marks and tactical theory. They will be assigned advanced research modules and multi-variable projects that require integr

Kelvin didn't answer. He was no longer paying attention to the shouting or the tension in the room. Raze's question had brought something rushing back to his mind,something he had tried desperately not to think about since the moment it happened. The health room. The sharp smell of medicine, the heavy quiet of the empty room, Raze sitting on the edge of the bed while Kelvin helped him stand. Then the sudden, breathless moment when Raze lost his balance and Kelvin fell against him. Their lips had touched. It had only lasted a brief moment, but Kelvin vividly remembered the shock on Raze's face, the stunned silence that followed, and the way neither of them had immediately moved away. He remembered Raze whispering that it might not have been just an accident. Kelvin looked down at the table, his heart hammering painfully against his ribs. There's nothing between us. Why was it suddenly so difficult to agree with that statement? Why did hearing Raze say those words out loud mak