Stargazers: World stage

In the dean's office, a report flashed across the screen, drawing the middle-aged man's attention.

[Student Vahn Clay assaulted Student Valor Magoirt]

He glanced at the report, then shifted his gaze to the two boys seated before him. His mind churned as he processed the absurdity of the situation.

'I wouldn't believe it if I weren't seeing it myself.' The dean thought about the absurd situation.

It wasn't the students' names that were unusual, it was the information beneath them.

[Student Vahn Clay - Non-ability user. Student Valor Magoirt - Ability user]

Typically, the reports involved ability users attacking non-ability users, and even then, the dean rarely had to intervene. This situation was different, and the fact he was handling it, meant it was the first time such an incident unfolded the other way around.

'Honestly, from the looks of it, Valor brought this upon himself,' the dean mused, casting a glance at the bruised and bloodied boy sitting in silence.

Then, his attention shifted to Vahn. The boy sat there with a calm demeanor, almost unnervingly composed, despite the potential for serious consequences, including expulsion.

'Could it be?' A thought flickered through the dean's mind. 'Is it possible...?'

"Student Vahn," the dean spoke up, breaking the silence. "Have you... possibly awakened your ability?"

Vahn's slight surprise was evident, but he quickly recovered. "No, sir."

It was a reasonable deduction for any intelligent person. Emotions play a major role in the activation of one's abilities. The desire to protect, to avenge, or to triumph, these feelings could trigger an ability. And given the current circumstance, it made sense that the dean had considered the possibility.

Both students had been sent here after quick check-ups at the clinic, and Vahn appeared untouched. In contrast, Valor's battered body was a clear indication of who had won the altercation. It was well known that ability users had far more durable bodies than non-ability users.

"Hmm," the dean sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright. Explain what happened."

"It was self-defense, sir," Vahn replied flatly, repeating his earlier statement.

"Self-defense, you say?" The dean shifted his gaze to Valor, waiting for a response.

But Valor said nothing. He sat there in silence, his head down, clearly unwilling to speak.

After five minutes of awkward quiet, the dean sighed again and turned to Vahn. "You're free to go. I'll handle this."

Vahn didn't need to be told twice. He had nothing to hide, and it was clear that Valor had only himself to blame. Without hesitation, Vahn stood and left the office, not sparing another glance at the still-silent Valor.

It was the last day of school, and the dean, perhaps feeling a sense of relief, decided to let the matter slide. As Vahn walked out of the building, he passed by the futuristic skyline of the city, gleaming towers of glass, levitating vehicles drifting a few meters above the ground, and people carrying weapons as a part of everyday life.

The right to carry weapons was something the World Alliance had permitted for various reasons. The first was the belief that demons, though once defeated, hadn't disappeared completely. If they ever returned, the citizens would need a way to protect themselves before authorities arrived.

The second reason stemmed from human conflicts, once the common enemy was gone, people began using their powers to attack one another for personal gain.

And lastly, what the demons left behind.

Vahn continued walking; his thoughts focused on his next destination. After reaching the end of the street, he entered a high-rise building, taking the elevator up to the top floor.

His apartment, Room 509, was exactly as he had left it; simple, functional, and sparse. A bed against one wall, a television mounted opposite, a small kitchen tucked into the corner, and a bathroom beside it. It was nothing extravagant, but it was his.

The apartment was provided to him by the authorities, as he hadn't earned it through his own efforts. As was typical for someone in his situation, Vahn lived alone.

He stripped off his clothes and switched on the television, setting a pre-prepared meal on the stove to warm. As he made his way to the bedroom, he began his daily exercises, using the television as a mere background distraction.

-In today's interview, we have Josh Rander, a C-rank tanker also known as 'Earth shield'. How are you doing, Josh?

-Very well, thank you.

-Yes, now what do you think about-

Suddenly the channel scrambled, then came back with,

-Breaking news. There have been reports of a winged creature spotted near the port. With the sharp increase in the number of marked beasts, everyone is advised to stay vigilant.

"Another one?" Vahn muttered as he stood from his exercise mat. This was the third such report this week.

"Well, I'm sure they've got it handled," he said, brushing the thought aside as he finished his workout. He retrieved the now-heated food from the stove and sat down to eat, his mind drifting to the professor's words earlier that day.

The professor had mentioned the next two years of training in the World Defense Alliance.

The World Alliance was a world-scale organization made up of various organizations, factions, and clans, who moved for a single goal, to exterminate the demons. After their extermination, their goal was, to prevent another demonic disaster.

Although many defected from the alliance, the military remained a loyal and steadfast force. The military's primary goal was to ensure humanity's survival against future threats. But it wasn't just the military's resolve that kept people in the alliance, two of the world's nine Supremes led the charge, offering a sense of security that drew many in.

Vahn finished his meal, deep in thought. 'How will I survive?' The question gnawed at him. He wasn't foolish enough to think he could outclass the students he would meet in the alliance. That was why he had dodged every one of Valor's attacks. If one of them had landed, Vahn would have been the one on the ground. And he knew that the people in the alliance would be far more dangerous than Valor.

Yet, Vahn wasn't the type to sulk or wallow in his perceived weakness. He knew he lacked abilities, but he compensated with knowledge. By watching videos on combat styles and practicing daily, he had honed his body to be fit and capable, even without powers.

As he finished his meal, he pondered his next move. 'Should I try again today?'

Without overthinking it, he rushed through his remaining meal, took a quick shower, and dressed in his tracksuit. With his mindset, he left the apartment, ready for whatever came next.