Adam casually walked to one of the beds closer to the wardrobe and settled in. He only brought with him a small bag that contained a few essential items. The Marshal had mentioned that suitable clothes for training and relaxation would be provided.
He had also brought his Metaspace goggles, as it could prove useful when there was a need to contact Nina. The other applicants would be staying in a completely different building, so they probably wouldn't see each other that often.
He nonchalantly tossed his bag to the side and planned to close his eyes for a while, when suddenly, he felt a shadow before him. Blinking once, he looked at the girl with tiny eyes that crouched before his bed.
That position was arduous, or at least, Adam felt it was. But, she seemed to enjoy crouching a lot.
The girl stared at him intently, a smile playing on her lips.
Maybe if I don't say anything, she'll go away? Adam thought and remained silent. The others picked their beds and tried to settle in, ignoring whatever the hell was going on by Adam White's bed.
The boys all had the same thought: The girl was weird!
After about a full minute, Adam groaned and pinched his temples. He said, in the most polite way possible, "Could you please? I'm trying to have a quick rest."
The girl's smile didn't fade. She hugged her knees even closer and said in a magnetic voice, "I'm sorry. It's just, your eyes… they're so fascinating."
Adam didn't know what to feel. Creeped out that she kept staring at him? Thankful that she didn't think he was weird for having pale-white pupils? Or even more creeped that she found them fascinating?
"Hm," He only nodded.
Arden Jhumpa's eyes widened for a brief moment as she seemed to remember something. Then, she asked, "The Marshal mentioned you're a special case. You have abilities, yet you haven't consumed any Power Orbs? What powers do you have?"
Sheesh, no sense of boundaries.. Viktor, who had picked the bed next to Adam's, shook his head pitifully. He was truly glad he wasn't the one being hassled by the odd girl.
But then, Viktor, Aaron and Arthur all turned their full attention to Adam, seemingly waiting for his response. There was no doubt that they were all curious, and since there was someone to ask the questions they couldn't, why not use her to the fullest?
Before Adam could even think to say anything, she added, "I can create and manipulate illusions. Here," She raised her hand to his face and opened her palm.
Suddenly, light seemed to shift and slowly, like a fine eraser on a sheet of paper, Arden's entire arm erased from existence.
Adam frowned slightly. He reached out and grabbed at the air–where the girl's arm had initially been–and he felt something. Her arm was still there, he just couldn't see it.
It was at that moment he realised that he hadn't been listening to what the Marshal said.
I'm spacing out too frequently… He noted inwardly and asked, "This power, you got it from– what's the name?"
"A Power Orb." She helped him out.
"Yes, that." Adam nodded. Then, he asked, "What are Power Orbs, and how do they give humans abilities?"
Arden, still in her crouched position, explained with a smile on her face, "Basically, they're energies. Cosmic energies to be precise, harnessed from a star. After going through various mutations and experiments, these energies become Orbs, that when ingested, fuses with the cell and alters the DNA and molecular structure of the body, attuning our very beings with certain celestial bodies, giving us abilities." She explained as though reading straight out of a textbook.
She continued after a brief moment of thought, "There are only 25 in total, currently. It takes a long time to refine and there's still a rather high chance of failure. Uh, the four of us were given Power Orbs three days ago."
"I see," Adam nodded solemnly.
The girl wore a triumphant smile and said, "I got Lumina, giving me the ability to create illusions."
"Lumina?"
"Each Orb has its separate name and distinct ability it gives. Although, all Orbs generally enhance strength, reflexes and healing." Arden explained.
Quite thorough… Arthur Azrael, who had been watching them from the corner of his eye, commented inwardly.
Then, the girl asked again, her eyes glittering like the endless stars in the vast cosmos, "What ability do you have?"
Adam looked at the others. From their gazes, he could tell they were also curious. Well, there was no harm in them knowing. He looked around for a bit, then eventually placed his hand on the wall behind him.
In less than 3 seconds, his fingers sunk in, followed by the rest of his hand.
"You can phase!" The girl exclaimed in excitement. The others in the room didn't show that level of excitement, but they were at least happy to have their curiosity satiated.
I can do more, Adam thought, but kept his lips closed, trying to avoid further conversations.
However, the girl wasn't done pestering him. She asked with a broad smile and twinkling eyes, "And how did you get your powers? Were you an experimental subject of the military? You know, top secret stuff and all?"
This was another question the others wanted to know the answer to.
"I can't tell you that." Adam said quietly.
Arden pouted and finally rose from her crouching position. She extended her hand for a handshake.
"No matter, let's be friends!"
"Sure." Adam shook her hands. Not particularly because he wanted to be her friend, but because he wanted her away from his bed as he wanted to sleep so badly.
…
Epsilon sector, in a certain house.
Nana walked along the corridor that had doors on both sides of the wall. She stopped before a door and gently pressed on the knob.
Her sister's room came into view. With a long exhale, she walked towards the bed and slowly cozied into it.
Her eyes were teary, and she clutched her chest in pain.
"I don't understand… Why put yourself in danger?"
"Why would uou6 leave me… Please don't leave me…"
Her teary eyes slowly closed shut, and she drifted to sleep.