John Wales gazed at Trent, who was engrossed in conversation with other students. Turning his attention back to Mrs. Madris, he stated, "His DNA isn't normal." Mrs. Madris's eyes widened, and her mouth slightly opened, signaling her confusion. She struggled to comprehend John Wales's statement. "How can a human's DNA not be normal?" she pondered, questioning whether Trent was still truly human. These thoughts raced through her mind as she recollected the extraordinary feats Trent had demonstrated in room 312 against the glowing geeks when they were in jeopardy.
John Wales touched Mrs. Madris's shoulder, prompting her thoughts to pause. "What do you mean?" Mrs. Madris asked, still displaying confusion on her face. John Wales withdrew his hand from Mrs. Madris's shoulder. "Trent's DNA now contains genetic markers for traits that are not found in humans," he explained. The students, who had finished chatting, redirected their attention to Mrs. Madris and Mr. John Wales.
Mrs. Madris furrowed her brows in confusion as she asked, "What do you mean?" While she understood the words John Wales had spoken, she was still struggling to comprehend why Trent's DNA wasn't normal. She wondered what traits he might have acquired that were not found in humans. It was an unsettling thought, and one that she struggled to make sense of.
John Wales continued, "Trent now has some special unique abilities that no human can pull off, such as the ability to run at a speed of up to 33 miles per hour, as well as increased strength and stamina."
The students were in awe, their attention collectively drawn to Trent. He stood there, hands casually tucked into his hoodie pockets, head bowed low, the hoodie casting a shadow over most of his face, adding an air of mystery to his newfound abilities.
"Is there any way to turn him back to normal?" Mrs. Madris asked, her voice tinged with worry. John Wales let out a small gasp. "We tried using CRISPR-cas9 to delete the genetic material," he said, "but it was unsuccessful. I'm afraid he'll never be able to lead a normal life again." He hung his head, disappointment evident in his expression.
The students exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from concern to fear.
Rebecca and Vee seemed fascinated by the idea of someone having such abilities, but Sydney and Barbara's faces were filled with trepidation. Trent remained impassive, his head bowed low, his face hidden by the hood of his hoodie. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking or feeling. His stillness was unnerving, and the silence outside was deafening, broken only by the wind rustling the leaves of the nearby trees.
"There's one more thing," John said, turning to Trent. "You're the only person on earth who can use the X necklace." Mrs. Madris and the students were stunned, their eyes wide. John anticipated their questions and continued. "I'll try to explain as best as I can, but it's going to be complicated," he said. The students leaned forward, eager to hear more.
In recent months, there had been much discussion about the latest advancements in technology and science, particularly regarding the X necklace, a revolutionary device that no human had been able to wield until today. John continued, "The X necklace contains a tremendous amount of energy that can be fatal to anyone who can't properly control it." The students' eyes widened in shock as they absorbed the implications of John's words.
The sound of wheels rolling along the pavement filled the air as the medical team wheeled a gurney carrying Diogo's body towards the ambulance. Suddenly, a hand shot out from beneath the white sheet that covered him, startling the staff.
With the situation already tense, the unexpected movement sent a jolt of fear through the group. The medical staff exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to do next.
With a sudden burst of strength, Diogo wrapped his hands around the neck of one of the medical staff, who began to moan and thrash against his grip. The medical staff's pleas for help were cut short as Diogo lifted her off the ground and snapped her neck. Diogo's eyes were now as cold and as blue as ice, and a strange blue vein-like pattern had appeared on his body. He stood there, eerily still, as if frozen in time. Trent, who had been lying motionless for the past 20 minutes, slowly raised his head and stared at Diogo unmoved.
John Wales lifted his gaze to meet Diogo's, he felt something he had never experienced before - a surge of power that radiated from the blue markings that covered Diogo's body. He had a feeling that the markings were not just a strange new feature of Diogo's physiology, but something more. His mind raced with questions, but his body remained frozen in place.
"You're not dead yet?" Trent uttered indifferently, showing no surprise at Diogo's sudden resurrection. Though he briefly considered whether the elixirium had worn off, Trent didn't really care. His sole focus was on kicking Diogo's ass once again. "Ready for round 2... Bitch," Trent declared with commanding authority. Onlookers gazed at Trent, astonished by his aura that displayed no emotions towards Diogo's unexpected return.
Trent's newfound knowledge of his powers gave him a newfound confidence. He snapped his fingers twice at John Wales, who immediately handed him the titania bracelet, but not the X necklace, which was still charging. Trent put on the bracelet and raised his hands, and the dual submarine gun flew into his waiting grasp. Diogo let out a thunderous roar and charged at Trent, his hands outstretched.
Bang.
A bullet pierced through Diogo's head, creating a hole. Trent maintained his cool stance, anticipating Diogo's next move – right hand with the gun pointed, left hand casually down. True to expectation, Diogo resurrected, belching out a yellow dust. Moments later, he stumbled and fell, lifeless, the once-blue writing on his body now faded. The crowd erupted in applause for Trent's prowess. The submachine gun dematerialized, Trent pulled up his hood, hands in his hoodie pockets, and effortlessly walked away, leaving an air of undeniable coolness in his wake.