Here's the next chapter:
Chapter 7: The Information Overload
Ethan's mind was reeling as he tried to process the information the stranger had just dumped on him. Variants, the Order of the New Dawn, secret organizations... it was too much to take in.
"Wait, slow down," Ethan said, holding up his hands. "I need to understand what's going on here."
The stranger nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Of course, Ethan. I apologize if I've overwhelmed you. It's just... there's a lot at stake here."
Ethan took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "Okay, let's start with the basics. What's a Variant?"
The stranger leaned against a nearby crate, his eyes serious. "A Variant is someone with a unique genetic marker that grants them extraordinary abilities. It could be superhuman strength, agility, or intelligence... or something entirely different."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "And what about the Order of the New Dawn?"
The stranger's expression turned grim. "They're a secret organization that's been hunting down Variants for years. They want to exploit our powers for their own gain."
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "And you're a Variant too?"
The stranger nodded. "Yes, I am. And I've been hiding from the Order for years."
Ethan's mind was racing with questions, but before he could ask any of them, the stranger stood up.
"We need to get out of here, Ethan. It's not safe."
Ethan nodded, still trying to process everything he'd just learned. As he followed the stranger out of the warehouse, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change forever.
But as they walked, Ethan's thoughts turned to his studies. He had a psychology paper due soon, and he still needed to finish his research.
"Hey, wait," Ethan said, stopping in his tracks. "I have class tomorrow. And a paper due soon."
The stranger turned to him, a hint of surprise on his face. "You're still in college?"
Ethan nodded. "Yeah. I'm a junior."
The stranger's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. Well, we'll have to work around your schedule, then."
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of relief. He wasn't sure what lay ahead, but he was determined to stay on top of his studies.
As they continued walking, Ethan's mind turned to the stranger's words. What did it mean to be a Variant? And what lay ahead for him?
To be continued.