Elijah stood out from the crowd, towering above most individuals his age. His jet black hair and piercing red eyes emitted an aura of aloofness and unapproachability clad in his uniform, he was every bit the exemplary student whom teachers would praise. His buttons were meticulously buttoned, and his tie was neatly knotted, exuding an air of discipline and seriousness.
Elijah tightened the straps of his backpack as he stepped out of the house, his breaths slow and deliberate. His heart was still racing from the confrontation with his brother, but he needed to calm himself.
"It's impossible for me to be an Esper," he muttered under his breath, his words almost convincing.
Almost.
His hand drifted to his right chest, just below his collarbone, where he felt the faint pulse of warmth emanating from within. His jewel core—a glowing crystalline structure embedded in his body—was proof of his powers, a secret he had carried alone for over a year. He pressed his palm against it and inhaled deeply.
Jewel core.
In other words: A Nexus
Just like how severe injuries to heart or brain lead to instant death. In this world, the jewel core is considered a vulnerable point.
"Focus," he whispered.
His irises shifted, his black iris replaced by a vivid, unnatural purple that shimmered faintly in the morning light. The jewel core pulsed under his skin, its energy flowing like a river through his veins. With practiced ease, he visualized the core dimming, shrinking, and finally vanishing altogether. His irises faded back to their usual brown as he exhaled, the faint hum of energy disappearing with it.
In this world, a jewel core was as vital and vulnerable as the heart or brain. A severe injury to it could result in instant death, and for Espers like Elijah, it was both a gift and a curse.
He turned back to the house, his expression softening as guilt crept in. "I shouldn't have lost my cool like that," he murmured. "But sometimes, he can be such a-"
His brother's words from earlier echoed in his mind: "You have to snip the buds before they bloom."
"—heartless bastard sometimes," Elijah finished, his tone bitter.
"Who's the bastard now?"
Elijah spun around, startled. A familiar voice greeted his with playful amusement. It belonged to Oliver, his best friend.
Standing at the same height as Elijah, Oliver had an entirely different presence. His blonde hair and deep blue eyes radiated warmth and openness, in stark contrast to Elijah's aloof demeanor. His uniform was noticeably unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of a black shirt underneath and a loosely-worn tie, giving the perception of a laidback and perhaps even rebellious attitude. He seemed carefree and likely to get into trouble with his carefree attire and mannerisms.
Oliver was the complete opposite of Elijah in every way. Where Elijah was composed and coldly handsome, Oliver radiated warmth and mischief. His slightly long blonde hair fell in his nape.
"Oliver?" Elijah blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Oliver laughed heartily. "I was waiting for you, silly. You were taking forever!" He leaned leaned closer, his grin widening. "You can nag me on the way to school. You're good at that."
Elijah sighed, shaking his head as he began walking. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from where I live?"
Oliver cut him off, unfazed. "You did, but I got tired of waiting. We've been friends for years, Eli. What's the big deal about me coming by every now and then?" He paused, tilting his head with mock curiosity. "What could you be hiding there? A monster?"
Elijah's eyes widened momentarily, his body stiffening, but Oliver didn't notice.
"Ha! Are you a kid? Of course not," Elijah said, brushing the idea off with a laugh.
Elijah glanced at him. "Where's your backpack? Are you slacking again?"
"Oh, come on, chill," Oliver said "We only have the Esper test today. After that, we're free to do whatever we want. Gotta celebrate our newfound independence!"
Elijah sighed again. Oliver was the kind of person who lived in the moment, carefree and unbothered. In contrast, Elijah was strict with himself, always planning and preparing for the worst.
"At least pretend to be studying," Elijah chided. "We still need to get into college."
"I don't need a degree to be a bank robber," Oliver teased with a cheeky grin.
"Or basic human decency, either," Elijah shot back.
Oliver laughed. "I'm dirt poor, Elijah. Decency is for the rich"
"I'm not rich," Elijah countered.
"And yet you're still a decent person. Nice point," Oliver said, looping his arm around Elijah's neck in a mock hug.
"As far as you know," Elijah replied, his tone mysterious.
"If the great Elijah isn't a decent person, what would that make me?" Oliver asked with a scrutinizing gaze. He smiled slyly. "When I end up in jail, you can bail me out once you've landed your dream job."
"I heard criminal prosecutors make a lot of money," Oliver said.
Elijah let out a low chuckle, but his amusement faded when Oliver added, "You gotta be careful, though. Or you'll end up like that lady in the news this morning."
Elijah tensed, his expression hardening.
"Those goddamned Espers," Oliver muttered bitterly, looking away.
Elijah opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He looked away, his disappointment in himself and the world settling heavily in his chest.
The walk to school was quiet after that. When they arrived, the familiar sight of the gray, utilitarian school building greeted them. Students milled about, their chatter filling the air. Some were excited, others anxious.
Inside the classroom, a large banner hung across the blackboard, reading: HAPPY ESPER TESTING DAY!
Elijah felt a chill run down his spine as he stared at the words.
In modern society, Espers were rare but incredibly dangerous. They were individuals whose bodies overflowed with 'mana', the life energy that powered their extraordinary abilities. While some used their powers responsibly, many did not, leading to chaos and destruction.
To control this danger, every nation had strict laws regulating Espers. Children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18 were required to undergo annual tests to determine if they were Espers. Those who tested negative received a pass card, a document necessary for employment and travel.
At least, that was the official narrative.
For Elijah, the truth was far more complicated.
Those who tested positive were conscripted into the Esper Corps at 18, where they were trained to use their powers for the good of society.
His brother's voice echoed in his mind, pulling him back to the past.
"Or we could just not," Augustus had said with a smirk, crouching down to look Elijah in the eyes. Elijah had been confused, clutching a book about Espers tightly to his chest.
"Why should we?" Augustus continued, his tone light but his gaze serious. "They don't give a damn about us, Elijah. Listen to your big bro very carefully."
Augustus hand rested gently on Elijah's head, ruffling his hair.
"Your mother, your father, and your brother—we're all Espers who live outside the law. And one day, you will be too."
Elijah shook off the memory as his classmates began to take their seats. Oliver plopped down beside him, still as carefree as ever.
"You nervous?" Oliver whispered, nudging Elijah with his elbow.
"Of course not," Elijah replied, his voice steady.
It was a lie.
The room seemed colder, the banner mocking him as it swayed slightly in the air-conditioned breeze.
"Happy Esper Testing Day," it read.
But for Elijah, there was nothing to celebrate.