"Hey, Xian!" Hanna's cheerful voice greeted me, her face filling the screen. She was sitting in what looked like a cozy dorm room, her hair tied up in a messy bun and a pair of glasses perched on her nose. A warm smile spread across my face, a welcome contrast to the intensity of the earlier events.
"Hey, Hanna," I replied, my smile widening. "How's it going?"
"Pretty good," she said, adjusting her glasses. "Just trying to finish this assignment before my brain explodes." She gestured to a stack of textbooks and papers scattered across her desk, a testament to the challenges of university life.
"What's the assignment about?" I asked, leaning closer to the screen, genuinely curious.
"It's about the impact of social media on mental health," Hanna explained, a hint of frustration in her voice. "It's a pretty complex topic, and there's so much research to sift through."
"Sounds challenging," I sympathized, understanding the struggle of tackling a demanding assignment.
"Yeah," she sighed. "I just need some references from the news. I'm still looking, but I haven't found much yet. I'm not bothering your rest, am I?" she asked through the phone, her voice laced with concern.
"No, not at all," I assured her, my tone sincere. "I'm happy to help. In fact, I might have something that could be useful."
She turned her camera phone to the side of her laptop, revealing her face. "Mental health... I have a lot of articles on this, but I don't know what I should focus on..."
"Maybe choose a specific aspect of mental health that's easy to explain to your lecturer?" I suggested, trying to guide her in the right direction.
Hanna nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good idea. Maybe I could focus on the impact of cyberbullying on teenagers. There's been a lot of news about that lately."
"That sounds like a strong topic," I agreed. "You could look for articles about specific cases, or studies that show the correlation between cyberbullying and mental health issues like depression and anxiety."
"Great! I'll start looking into that right away," Hanna said, her face brightening with renewed enthusiasm. "Thanks, Xian. You're a lifesaver!"
"No problem," I replied, smiling back at her. "Just let me know if you need any more help."
And with that, we continued our conversation, delving deeper into the topic of social media and mental health. We discussed the various ways in which online platforms could impact one's well-being, both positively and negatively. We shared personal anecdotes, exchanged ideas, and debated the potential solutions to the growing problem of cyberbullying.
The hours flew by, and before we knew it, the sun had begun to rise, casting a soft glow through Hanna's dorm room window. We both yawned, realizing how late it had gotten.
"Well, I guess I should let you get some rest," Hanna said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Thanks again for all your help, Xian. You're the best."
"You're welcome," I replied, returning her smile. "Good luck with your assignment, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything else."
"I will," she promised. "Goodnight, Xian."
"Goodnight, Hanna."
We ended the call, and I leaned back on my bed, a sense of contentment washing over me.
"Now... what are they doing?" I said to myself, a wave of curiosity washing over me.
I closed my eyes, focusing my imagination on a new goal: to see the entire world without moving my physical body, which lay comfortably on the bed.
The darkness of my room dissolved, replaced by a kaleidoscope of images, sounds, and sensations. I could feel the pulse of the city beneath me, the rhythmic thrum of traffic and the distant murmur of conversations carried on the breeze. I saw the WRA Building, its lights still burning brightly as my friends worked diligently on their projects. I zoomed in closer, my vision piercing through walls and ceilings, until I found the room where they were gathered.
It was Dove, alone, taking a selfie of herself and uploading it to her social media.
IM, Yolan, and Lili must have already gone to do something... I thought, my attention shifting to other parts of the city, searching for their presence.
As I expanded my awareness, I soon spotted Yolan, Lili, and IM, clad in their superhero suits, stealthily approaching a seemingly average house nestled in an affluent neighborhood. Their movements were swift and coordinated, a testament to their experience as a team. However, as I delved deeper into the scene, I realized the house wasn't as ordinary as it appeared. It was, in fact, the hidden lair of the leader of a notorious motorbike gang.
They're on a mission, I deduced, a surge of excitement coursing through me. The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of justice being served, it was intoxicating. I couldn't help but grin, eager to witness their plan unfold.
Yolan, Lili, and IM moved with practiced precision, their teamwork honed through countless missions. Lili, utilizing her invisibility, slipped through the front door, leaving no trace of her entry. IM followed suit, phasing through the solid wall as if it were nothing more than a thin veil of smoke.
Yolan, left alone outside, carefully scanned the perimeter, her eyes searching for any signs of surveillance or hidden traps. Satisfied that the coast was clear, she reached out and touched the doorknob. A faint shimmer of light enveloped her hand, and the metal morphed into a soft, pliable substance. With a gentle push, the door swung open silently, granting her access to the house.
Inside, Lili and IM had already begun their reconnaissance. Lili, invisible to the naked eye, drifted through the rooms, gathering information on the layout and any potential threats. IM, meanwhile, phased through walls and floors, his senses alert for any signs of the gang leader's presence.
Back in my room, I watched the scene unfold with rapt attention, my heart pounding in my chest. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. I was tempted to join them, to experience the thrill of the mission firsthand, but I knew I needed to rest. The confrontation with Elang and the council members had taken its toll, both physically and emotionally.
I opened my eyes, the vision of my teammates fading as I returned to my room. "Well, they're doing good work," I murmured to myself, a sense of satisfaction settling in my chest. "I'm just gonna sleep."
With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes once more, allowing the darkness to envelop me.
***
The exams were finally over, and the schoolyard buzzed with a mix of relief and anticipation. Students huddled in groups, comparing answers and speculating about their scores. But the center of attention was the large bulletin board near the main entrance, where the final rankings for the entire school had been posted.
A crowd had gathered, craning their necks to see the list. I stood amongst them, a nervous excitement fluttering in my chest. I had always been a good student, but this time, I felt a surge of confidence, a belief that I had truly outdone myself.
Finally, I managed to get a clear view of the board. My eyes scanned the list, searching for my name. And there it was, at the very top, shining like a beacon.
"Heh~" I couldn't help but chuckle, a sense of satisfaction washing over me.
Beside me, Pila's voice was filled with disbelief. "I'm number two...?" she said, her voice trailing off in confusion.
Pila, who usually held the top spot, was now second. The unexpected change in the rankings clearly caught her off guard.
Pila looked at my face, her expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "You... how could you? What was your rank before this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was rank 50 before," I replied, a playful grin spreading across my face.
Pila's eyes widened in disbelief. "Rank 50? To number one? How is that even possible?"
I shrugged, enjoying her bewildered expression. "I guess I just studied really hard this time," I said, feigning innocence.
In reality, I had used my imagination to enhance my cognitive abilities during the exams, allowing me to process information faster and recall details with pinpoint accuracy. It was a subtle application of my power, one that wouldn't attract unwanted attention but would still give me the edge I needed.
Pila crossed her arms, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "Are you sure...? That's... look, my average score was 98... and you got a perfect 100..."
"Maybe I'm just a natural genius," I teased, winking at her playfully.
Pila rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "Yeah, right," she retorted, her tone lighthearted. "Well, congratulations, Xian. You deserve it."
I couldn't resist pushing her buttons a bit further. "Maybe you can take some lessons from me so you can get a perfect score too?" I teased, knowing full well about her jealous boyfriend.
Pila's cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of embarrassment mixing with her amusement. "I'll consider it," she replied, her voice playful. "But I'm pretty sure my boyfriend wouldn't be too happy about that."
I chuckled, raising my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll back off."
Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd, his face beaming with excitement. "Bro! Bro! How the hell did you become number one on there!?"
"You must be cheating..." Rayhan chimed in, a suspicious glint in his eyes.
"I mean, he always gives us the answers..." Monic added, a playful smirk on her face.
I laughed, shaking my head. "I'm just that good," I joked, enjoying their playful accusations.
"Yeah, right," Rayhan scoffed, but there was a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Seriously though, Xian, that's amazing. Congratulations!"
Just then, IM walked closer to my side and whispered, "I sense that albino guy here."
My smile faded, replaced by a look of concentration. "That guy?" I whispered back, discreetly scanning the crowd. A sense of unease settled in my stomach.
What could that guy be doing here?
IM nodded. "I'm not sure where exactly, but his presence is definitely here."
My smile faded, replaced by a look of concentration. "That guy?" I whispered back, discreetly scanning the crowd. A sense of unease settled in my stomach. What could Libido be doing here?
IM nodded. "I'm not sure where exactly, but his presence is definitely here."
I discreetly activated my enhanced senses, my vision sharpening as I scanned the faces in the crowd. A flicker of movement caught my eye, a subtle shift in the shadows near the school building. I focused my gaze, but there was no one there. However, outside the school, on a tall building, I spotted a figure watching from a distance. It was Libido, his pale features a stark contrast against the darkening sky.
Without a word, I abruptly walked towards the edge of the schoolyard, my movements purposeful.
"Hmm... where are you going?" IM asked, his curiosity piqued by my sudden change in behavior.
"I need to take care of something," I replied, my voice a low murmur. "Stay here with the others."
Without waiting for a response, I walked to the middle of the schoolyard and raised my head towards the building, locking eyes with Libido up there.
Libido blinked in surprise, his face clearly saying, 'He sees me.'
Just then, Libido turned and walked away from the building, disappearing from view.
I tilted my head in confusion. What was his purpose? Did he want another fight?
I lowered my gaze, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. Libido's presence, his silent observation, felt like a looming threat, a storm cloud gathering on the horizon. I knew I couldn't ignore it. Something was brewing, and I had a feeling it wouldn't be long before it surfaced.
Turning back to my friends, I forced a smile. "Sorry about that," I said, trying to sound casual. "Just had to take care of something."
Rayhan raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright, Xian?"
"Yeah, just a minor distraction," I replied, hoping my unease wasn't too apparent. "Nothing to worry about."
But deep down, I knew that wasn't entirely true. Libido's appearance, his cryptic warning, and his sudden departure all pointed to something more sinister brewing beneath the surface. I had a feeling that our paths would cross again soon, and the next encounter might not be as easily dismissed.
***
Libido walked into the building and found himself face-to-face with Jeanthus, who was leaning casually against a wall, waiting for him.
"Find him there?" Jeanthus asked, his voice smooth and composed.
"I saw him, and he saw me," Libido replied, his tone clipped.
Jeanthus chuckled, a low, throaty sound that echoed through the empty corridor. "Interesting. It seems our little 'Imaginary' is more perceptive than we initially thought."
Libido remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor. He was still reeling from his encounter with Xian, the memory of his powerlessness a fresh wound.
"Don't worry, Libido," Jeanthus continued, his voice taking on a reassuring tone. "This is just the beginning. We have plans for the Unveiled Family, plans that will test their strength and loyalty."
He paused, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "And when the time is right, we'll strike. And then, the true power of the Seers will be revealed."
Libido nodded, a flicker of determination returning to his eyes. "Have you killed Elang?"
"Hmm, I haven't found him. My useless Guardian simply can't track him," Jeanthus said, chuckling to himself.
"How's Boss Sam's condition?" Libido asked, his voice laced with concern.
"He's doing fine physically, but..." Jeanthus trailed off, a frown marring his otherwise composed features. "Somehow, his Guardian is gone. I think when he woke up from the hospital, he couldn't call his Guardian and said it was dead."
Libido's eyes widened in surprise. "His Guardian... dead? But how?"
Jeanthus shrugged, a hint of unease in his gesture. "We don't know for sure. But it's possible that The Imaginary had something to do with it."
A tense silence fell between them, the implications of Jeanthus's words hanging heavy in the air. If The Imaginary was capable of not only stealing powers but also killing Guardians, then they were far more dangerous than they had initially anticipated.
"We need to be more cautious," Libido said, his voice grave. "The Imaginary is a threat we can't afford to underestimate."
Jeanthus nodded in agreement, a rare flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. "Heh... a big threat indeed. The power to manifest anything with imagination... I'm not on his level."
"Neither am I," Libido added, his voice grim.
"Maybe we should start forcing our seers to develop more powerful abilities," Jeanthus suggested, a calculating glint in his eyes.
Libido leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "How?"
"You know, 'the genius'," he said with a sly smile.
"Don't you think... it's not good for seers if you involve the genius?" Libido countered, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
"Hey, at least we tried," Jeanthus retorted, undeterred. "We'll find the genius and make ourselves stronger with their curses."
Libido remained silent for a moment, weighing the risks and rewards of Jeanthus's proposal. On the one hand, the genius's power was undeniable, and harnessing it could significantly bolster their ranks. On the other hand, the genius was known for their unpredictable nature and penchant for curses. It was a dangerous gamble, one that could backfire spectacularly.
"I'll consider it," Libido finally said, his voice cautious. "But we need to tread carefully. The genius is not someone to be trifled with."
Jeanthus smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Leave that to me. I have a plan."
He leaned closer to Libido, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "We'll lure the genius into a trap, then force them to submit to our will. With their power at our disposal, the Unveiled Family won't stand a chance."
Libido nodded slowly, a dark glint appearing in his eyes. "Very well. Let's proceed with your plan."
***
After the intensity of exam week, school life finally settled back into a familiar rhythm. The only difference was the addition of a school festival, a much-needed celebration after the grueling exams. And the highlight of the festival? A play competition between classes.
The excitement was palpable as each class geared up for the event. Students huddled in groups, discussing scripts, costumes, and stage designs. The schoolyard was abuzz with activity, the sound of rehearsals and laughter echoing through the corridors. It was a welcome change from the usual academic grind, a chance for everyone to showcase their creativity and talents.
IM, of course, was right in the thick of the basketball competition. He and his teammates from class 11-4 were eagerly waiting on the sidelines, their energy buzzing with anticipation.
"Okay, now it's team class 11-4 versus 12-1!" the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, electrifying the crowd.
A hush fell over the crowd as the two teams took to the court. IM's team, filled with youthful exuberance and raw talent, faced a formidable opponent: class 12-1, a group of seasoned seniors who had even clinched a silver medal in a recent tournament. The underdogs versus the champions – the stage was set for an epic showdown.
The tension was palpable as the players warmed up, their every move scrutinized by the eager spectators. IM, with his newfound powers and unwavering confidence, stood out amongst his teammates. His eyes sparkled with determination, his every muscle coiled and ready for action.
The seniors, on the other hand, exuded a quiet confidence, their experience evident in their fluid movements and strategic positioning. They had faced countless challenges on the court, and they weren't about to let a group of juniors steal their thunder.
The referee blew the whistle, and the game began. The ball soared through the air, landing in the hands of one of the seniors. They swiftly passed it around, their teamwork seamless and efficient. But IM was quick on his feet, anticipating their every move. He intercepted a pass, his hand phasing through the opponent's grasp, and dribbled the ball down the court with lightning speed.
The crowd roared as IM executed a series of dazzling crossovers, leaving his defenders in the dust. With a final, gravity-defying leap, he soared towards the basket, the ball arcing gracefully from his hand.
The seniors watched in stunned silence as the ball swished through the net, the first points of the game going to the underdogs.
< Chapter 167 > Fin.