Mixed with laughs, talks & shouts, the cafeteria turned into a busier and vivid place where everyone is present to eat and socialize before initiating the competition. Donovan gazed his surroundings, trying to find a guy with dark brown hair wearing a utility jacket with a rust colored shirt. But Emil wasn’t in the cafeteria since he knew presenting himself in a noisy ambient is not a great idea. The only place Emil would be at…

  Donovan: “The library.”

  He started walking and his friends catched his rhythm before he left the cafeteria.

  Liora: “Wait us!”

  Donovan did not say anything else than just “He might be in the library so let’s check out.”

  Moving through the vast, minimalistic hallways, silence was the only thing speaking until they reached their destiny. Donovan partially raised his palm, telling them to stop right there.

  No one else was reading or studying, just the librarian taking sips of tea.

  Donovan: (whispering) “Excuse me, have you seen Emil?”

  Mrs. Jordan: “Oh, the sweet Emil… No, I haven’t. But he told me to let a golden-eyed guy know he was in the Observation Deck. Logically speaking, you area the guy he was talking me about!”

  Donovan: “Yep, that’s me. Thank you.”

  As he was turning to his back, the librarian interrupted with a curious doubt.

  Mrs. Jordan: “Hold on, by any chance aren’t you Eleorona’s brother?”

  Donovan: “Mhm? Oh yeah, I’m the youngest child.”

  Mrs. Jordan: “Ahh, I see. How’s she doing? She used to come here and discuss methodologies for boosters with me.”

  Donovan: (faking laugh) “Well uh… She’s… You know, travelling and chasing her dreams like she used to say all the time!”

  Mrs. Jordan: “Oh, haha, that’s great. What about you? You know what you’re gonna do in the future?”

  Again with that simple, numb question able to give someone an identity crisis. Who are you going to become? What things do you want to achieve?

  Exhausting questions anyone makes, expecting a normal but ambitious answer. Donovan clears his throat and avoids eye contact with the librarian to think clearly.

  Donovan: “I want to become a formidable person, I guess.”

  However, that answer felt dryer than someone who has no feelings for animals.

  Donovan: “Well, yeah that. Aaaand I have to get going because my group is full and ready to discuss. See ya!”

  The librarian mistress waved gently to the young man, taking a small sigh as she gazed a book with the cover of some dual daggers.

  The young man left the library in a hopeless sigh.

  Donovan: “We have to go to the Observation Deck.”

  Luka & Liora: “What?!”

  Aeris: “What about it?”

  Luka: “Below the observation deck, there’s outdoors training structures reinforced with sorbinite and other durable materials to resist high performances.”

  Aeris: “Oh. Okay? Let’s move.”

  An observation Deck located in the center of the institute. 20 meters above the third floor. Its design followed the school’s colors in a symbolic pattern across floor and walls. Though it is said to be a normal deck, it is more than vantage point. Surrounded by intelligent devices able to analyze, register, recreate and record combat scenarios to test out fast-paced decision making under high pressure. Even suspended holograms displayed a human model to showcase pain in affected areas.

  At the end of the deck, where the wide window provided a nice view, Emil stood with his arms on his back, peacefully watching the school’s outdoors awaiting his group. The metal door was gently knocked thrice by Donovan, who felt unsure how it would go.

  Emil: (slightly muffled by door) “Come in!”

  The group entered, one by one with a distinctive approach.

  Liora did not care about the cool electronic stuff that were with them. She’s in a neutral mood, trying to figure out who that guy is just by looking at his back.

  Aeris walked slowly, gazing and appreciating cables rooting to the smart computers before taking a look at Emil.

  Luka mimics like he’s basketball dribbling, shooting an imaginary ball to a hoop-like structure used for analyzing body stress.

  Last but not least, Donovan, reaching to the new member.

  Emil: (eye contact as naming them) “Hello, Aeris, Luka, Liora. My name is Emil Radi?. I joined by myself for a… Critical reason, well that’s what I suspect. Since Monday, a new professor appeared by the name of Sawyer. But why this weekend? Why the weekend after Donovan was absent? There’s always going to be an action for a purpose, even if the action lacks one, the absence itself becomes a reason.”

  Emil scanned one by one while they stood there waiting for him to say something else.

  Emil: “This group has like a… Weird color combination. I don’t like it. The color combination does not even match. These colors are far from being compatible.”

  Aeris: (frowning) “What the hell are you talking about?”

  She gives her attention to Donovan, confused and slightly irritated.

  Aeris: “Donovan where the hell did you meet this guy?”

  Liora: “Hold on, let him talk.”

  Emil: “Besides the new professor, the Unity Tournament has been one of the greatest events to showcase the capabilities that we have for the world. However, not everything seems true like it suggests. Don’t take this the wrong way, okay? I’m not here for some team bonding. I’m here for something serious. Seven years ago, my closest friend who was in 12th grade won the tournament with his group. We thought things were good but… They never made it home. Some booster freak snatched them and ran experiments until there was nothing left. Then, boom the tournament got canceled. Now suddenly it’s back, thanks to Professor Sawyer. This is not some coincidence.”

  Luka: “Then why do I not know this? I’ve been in this school since kinder garden?!”

  Emil: “Gatekeeping sacred information by tricking people into thinking they’re going to be rich, famous or secured. With that, people hide the mask with colorful lies.”

  Donovan: (furious eyes, clenched jaw) “Tch. Same bullshit Hjalmer does to not get his mafia discovered.”

  Emil: “I rather be watching even the minimal movement to figure out subliminal messages than sitting down and acting stupid like nothing happened. I don’t want things to repeat itself. If teacher is intending to do sinful things to us, I’m standing up for myself and fight back. That is why I’m in this group.”

  No one dared to say a word, but to analyze pure body language. Aeris could see a honesty in Emil’s eyes, which then she replied calmly.

  Aeris: (crossed arms) “He’s with us. He’s trustworthy. BUUUUT… If you ever get to trick or betray us, I’ll be glad to bath my hands with your blood.”

  Emil: (slight grin) “Looks like that mind-control wasn’t accurate at all huh.”

  The blue-haired girl snapped, gripping her crossed arms tightly in response.

  Luka: (preparing into fight stance) “Wah wah wah all you do is talk, come here and fight.”

  Donovan: (cold, deep voice) “Quit it.”

  Two words were enough to paralyze them and act polite to each other. Even Emil somewhat changed his expression to a concerned one, clearing his throat.

  Donovan: “Anyway. Emil, thanks so much for joining us. With you we can finally join the tournament.”

  Emil: “No problem, and sorry Aeris for what I said. Hope we get along, including both of you, Luka and Liora.”

  Liora: (smilling) “I say the same! Glad you joined!”

  Luka: (scratching head) “Y-yeah. Thank you.”

  Luka: “Also, Donovan, you never told me about your jégosgalia, what does it do? What is it in reality?” Donovan: (hesitating to answer) “I u-uh… It’s-”

  Up, in the ceiling, a speaker displayed a charismatic deep voice called students to initiate the first step for the event.

  Chilling Voice: “It’s been some time since I used this… * clearing throat * Hello, it’s me, Mr. Argyros. I’m sure everyone got their groups ready. We’ll begin group registrations in 40 minutes, so please finish setting up or discussing crucial aspects related to your guild. In addition, remember tomorrow there will be a detailed explanation on how Unity Tournament will work. Thank you for listening.”

  -Voice cuts off-

  Donovan: “Crucial aspects?? What are we going to discuss?”

  Liora: “Give me a second.”

  She pulls out her phone and starts texting somebody.

  Luka: “Uh, Liora? What ya’ doing?”

  Liora: “Hold on!”

  The others waited in silence giving Liora her space & time to continue chatting.

  Liora: “Aaand done. Sorry, I was asking a friend of mine what other things do we need to join.”

  Aeris: “What did she said?”

  Liora: “We need a name. And a leader. Uhhh, yeah. That.”

  Donovan: “Y’all got suggestions?”

  Luka: “The Berserkers?”

  Emil: “Corny as hell. I say, The Stripes.”

  Aeris: “Already taken by that german band. Liora? Any suggestions?”

  Liora slowly shakes her head in negation.

  The others looked to the sides & floor, out of ideas.

  Donovan: “Lanac.”

  Everyone looked at him confused. Intriguied.

  Donovan: (frown) “Oh come on, Lanac means chain in Croatian.”

  Emil: (snaps fingers) “That. That’ll be the name.”

  Luka and Liora shrug their shoulders together convinced by the simple but symbolic name.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Aeris: “And the leader…. I think it should be you, Donovan. You’re the one who got us all together. I don’t know if you guys agree with what I’m saying.”

  Luka: “I completely agree, I’m sure you’ll be a great leader, Dov.”

  Donovan grins in response, handshaking Luka.

  Liora: “I have faith in this group, so please support each other.”

  Emil: “Same. I can see Donovan as a leader… His colors could be suitable for becoming one.”

  After agreeing on crucial aspects, the group head out for lunch before starting the registration. The cafeteria got filled with inaudible talks, jokes and laughs. Lanac’s members would gaze everyone, seeing that these people are their potential friends, or enemies. It was all up to their encounters. 34 minutes pass by. As the group stood up and left the table, that voice appeared again.

  Mr. Agyros: “Hello once again. The Registration will be taking place in the Ascension Floor. Please go there in complete order. Thank you.”

  Donovan: “You heard him.”

  Lanac heads to their destination as other groups also walked by. The stairs led them to a vast simple gray wall with a title saying “ASCENSION FLOOR”. The room seemed more simple than other floors in the institute. The noise would not leave the room by its acoustic panels. A diverse crowd of different cultures were all in a single space, Lanac stood there contemplating what the hell was going on. It was more of a crowded party than a tournament registration, although, one single shocking clap catch the attention of everyone. That sound was coming from the other way of the entrance. Seats emerged from the floor, indicating every one of them to take a seat and listen carefully.

  Professor Sawyer: “Hello there, for the ones who did not come on Monday, I’m professor Sawyer. I’m a new teacher who will be overseeing the Unity Tournament with the assistance of Resonant Officers.”

  Emil’s hand slowly gripped the armrest tightly when Sawyer talked. His face hardened in response, and his hazel eyes turned in a circular rainbow-like pattern.

  Professor Sawyer: “So, once again, the Unity Tournament resurrects with more ambitious and strong students. (hand near forehead looking for something) Hm. Yeah, I can sense those exalted people out there, haha. Anyway, just wanted to announce that this is the last registration to enter the tournament. It is our last registration as things will be set up for Friday.”

  Three adults in black suit show up. (Mr. Butler) A pale slim faced tall bald man. (Mrs. Hogges) A black woman with red eyes and (Mr. Ferguson) a short blond-haired guy with glasses.

  Professor Sawyer: “These are the Resonant Officers. Resonant Officers are specialized in regulating your resonance within the battlefield. Two or more jégosgalia clashing cause an unstoppable, unstable and spiral energy surrounding the adversaries.”

  Mr. Butler: “Our goal is to ensure safety in all areas. We’ll do our best to prevent intensified catastrophes, specially caused by unbounded boosters. If, there’s any in this school.”

  Mrs. Hogges: “Being absent during any of these stages is unacceptable. Every group have to be complete for equal and fair fights. And to warn all of you, we will let your families now you’re participating in this tournament. After registering, there’s no going back. Be completely aware.”

  Mr. Ferguson: “And cheating. I’m sure lot of you are sneaky and quick, but with our presence, we’ll counter those little tricks.”

  Professor Sawyer: “In addition, if you try to hide your nature… well, let’s hope you’re prepared to deal with the consequences, especially your team.”

  Donovan clenches his jaw and looks down like he’s guilty.

  Professor Sawyer: (clearing throat) “There will be 10 columns to make registration faster and more efficient. Each column will have a registrant asking the name of the members and the name of the group. The logos can be presented from next week. At the moment it is not necessary as we will start with the first stage. Good luck everyone!”

  Seats slowly disappeared to create the columns as the registrants showed up.

  The column in which the group of protagonists was advancing somewhat fast, it was not expected that the records would be so fast, but, these registrants do not carry a decent speed. Their calligraphies flowed. Two words were already written in just milliseconds. More understandable than a doctor's handwriting.

  Then, it was their turn. The registrant asked Donovan the member’s names in alphabetical order.

  Donovan: “Luka Beaumont, Donovan Ivanel, Aeris Juno, Liora Marchetti and Emil Radic.”

  Registrant: “Oh, you said Ivanel huh.”

  Donovan: (closing eyes with a neutral face) “Yes that’s me.”

  The other four turned their heads in direction of Donovan’s face, curious on what’s so special about the Ivanel last name. Luka got close and whispered in doubt.

  Luka: (whispering) “What’s up with the last name? Why she asking?”

  Donovan: (whispering) “It’s a long, tragic story.”

  Luka frowned, he didn’t add any more comments to let the ambient stay calm.

  Registrant: “All five are verified students. Please tell me what’s your group name.

  Donovan: “Lanac.”

  Registrant: (writing as she talks) “Chain in croatian. I see. 4 boosters and 1 non-booster. Correct?”

  Donovan: “Yes. Liora Marchetti is the non-booster for the group.”

  Registrant: “You’re good to go.”

  Lanac gives space for the next group to register, leaving the ascension floor quietly.

  The registration went well, pretty quick, actually. All thanks to the workers who structure the rosters of more than 4,350 students in a magnificent way. Jégosgalia has been and will continue to be effective for many tasks tuned to something specific. They even call these people supercomputers. This is because the institute has maintained the old school in certain areas to not leave people unemployed.

  The Lanac group went to their classrooms to resume classes, however, strange sounds resounded in the windows. They sounded like people yelling at each other... Booing and insulting each other, capturing the full attention of the group of teenagers. At the end of the hallway, two groups of 5 people were arguing in frustration. Lanac addressed to the students, with Donovan questioning the context.

  Donovan: “Hey! What’s happening out here? Don’t you guys realize the registration is going on?”

  A fight between Peaceniks & Pulse. One student from peaceniks covered his nose which ran blood down his chin. While the other’s legs trembled rapidly, trying to stand up.

  Peacenik Member: (shouting at Lanac) “Are ya with us or with them?! Answer!”

  Luka: “Hell no, we ain’t with nobody. You think this endless and pointless argument will get you guys somewhere?”

  A group of Pulse turned their head slowly to Luka as a cold breeze feeling moved its way to Lanac like sneaky snake.

  Liora: (whispering, turning to Luka in a frown) “Those extra words were unnecessary. Good job.”

  Aeris: “Donovan, when did this rivalry began?”

  Donovan: “2 years ago. Glenn Zhen, a booster from another school lost control of his jégosgalia due to a panic disorder. He injured more than 100 students and 20 fatally passed away. Don’t know what happened to him after that, but non-boosters harassed boosters for something they didn’t do.”

  Emil: “Something they didn’t do, but something they can do. After all that melancholic palette of colors, Peaceniks and Pulse were born. The Peaceniks was created by two friends, non-booster and booster who believed in neutralizing the use of the Jégosgalia, while Pulse emerged because of a revengeful & possesive booster wanting to control everyone.”

  Aeris: (low voice) “That’s just like two countries clashing ideals in a minor scale… This feels odd.”

  Frustrated Pulse Member: “What. Side. Are. You. On?”

  Small mists surrounded the guy’s skinny arms as he talked with pauses, walking to Lanac selflessly.

  Donovan remained still in front of his group, taking his role of being a leader seriously.

  Donovan: “In our own side.”

  Frustrated Pulse Member: (quick chuckle) “Own side? You pick a pill. Red or blue.”

  Donovan: “The gray one.”

  The mist guy chuckled once again, shaking his head after hearing that ridiculous joke. He pats Donovan’s shoulder and went back to his crew with nothing else to say, just laughing without giving a crap.

  Donovan: “What’s your name?”

  Frustrated Pulse Member: “If you don’t pick a side, you’re part of the problem. ”

  Donovan: “So be it.”

  The mist coiling around the pulse’s member began to faint slowly as he looked at Donovan with sharp eyes.

  Vance: (grin) “Hope you’re prepared for the second stage.”

  The cocky member turned to his back and waved to Lanac confidently. The small group of Pulse left with no other evidence, just an uncomfortable presence reminding them what could happen next.

  Emil: “Cool, now they’re targeting us.”

  Donovan sighs profoundly putting his two hands in his pockets.

  Donovan: “Let’s go.”

  They followed his leader but Liora did not move an inch. Seeing the injured peacenik member made her act on her own, running to him while the other members watched closely.

  Liora: “Hey I got some napkins, here.”

  The injured person started wiping off the blood from his nose delicately.

  Peacenik Member: “You didn’t have to.”

  Liora: “But I wanted to.”

  Lanac didn’t feel Liora’s presence near them, taking a look from their back, her brunette haired-friend helped the injured guy. Donovan’s group went to their original position gazing things closer.

  Liora stood up and offered her hand to him. He stood up and hugged her tightly. A paralyzed Liora gazed certain points in response, but later hugged him back with no commentaries. Just a warm hug. The guy went back to his group, so did Liora. The two groups resumed their following objectives. The peaceniks went to the left side of the hallway and Lanac walked off to their classroom. For one last time, Liora and the injured guy crossed their eyes, smilling to each other.

  After finishing remaining lectures, students went back home while some stayed in school to prepare the tournament’s decorations by using their powers.

  A vivid sunset made the afternoon beautiful than ever. Dazzling lights were goodly contrasted as Businesses were slowly getting more and more clients to service them by using their flawless plans. The smell of fried meats, coffee and fruits hypnotized people by spending time with family and friends. An eastern-blue haired girl, slim face, smiled with her closed mouth as her bulging shaped blue eyes focused on her selfie. She decided to spend time with her little brother and mother by shopping new clothes before the crucial event. While she was taking new selfies, a notification from a group called “tomato sauce” popped up.

  Eleorona??: “HEYYY how did school go?”

  Aeris gave a subtle smile while replying.

  Aeris ??: “Kinda good? Some guys had a fight lol”

  Eleorona??: “Typical of Kairos. Btw where’s Donovan?”

  Aeris??: “Idk. He told me he was napping.”

  Eleorona??: “Lawrence and I have something to tell you two.”

  Aeris??: “This feels odd.”

  Eleorona??: “Donovan should wake up. I’m going to call him.”

  Aeris??: “All right.”

  A weak light peeked through the roller zebra curtain while the younger Ivanel sibling rested like sleeping beauty. Peacefully. His weak mumbles meant dreams on action. However, those dreams were about to disappear. His phone buzzed as it moved randomly on its nightstand. Donovan slowly opened his eyes, barely processing with a blurry perspective though the buzzing was enough to know he was getting called by someone. Quickly tapping the nightstand in search of his phone.

  Donovan ??: (mumble) “Hello…?”

  Eleorona??: “Don’t tell me you just woke up.”

  Donovan??: (slow, confused response) “Uh… what?”

  Eleorona??: “Can you get changed and meet Aeris? There’s something important we got to tell you.”

  Donovan??: “huh…? Mhm, okay…”

  Golden sparkles appeared in different parts of Donovan’s body, barely touching his skin in a rushed feeling. He has to be there.

  After minutes have passed, the golden-eyed guy found Aeris with her brother and mother. It seemed a little uncomfortable. Asking Aeris’ mothers to talk to her daughter in private could be… suspicious. So instead, he waved to them in a distance.

  Aeris: (waving) “Heyyy how are you doing?”

  The blue-haired girl enthusiastically runs to the youngest Ivanel with a big smile. Aeris’ mother slowly walks to them. Aeris’ brother seemed a little surprised by the towering, pale-skinned guy she has been talking to lately. He scanned Donovan, never seen someone like him before.

  Aeris’ little brother: “Are you the one Aeris has been mentioning like uhhh…. 5 times?”

  Aeris: (turning to him) “H-hey Noah you can go eat ice cream with mom haha… We have things to discuss about the tournament, okay?”

  Noah: (suspecting) “Okay.”

  Aeris’ mother grabbed Noah’s softs hands and he was still looking at them from his back.

  Donovan: “What was that for?”

  Aeris: (fake laugh) “Hahaha nothing nothing. Let me call your sister.”

  Eleorona’s phone buzzed on her desk as she was lazily doing her skincare. Checking who was calling, she closed her astonishing golden eyes and deeply sighed. When picking up the call, masking feelings is what she decided.

  Eleorona ??: “Hey you’re here! Let’s get started.”

  A notification popped up. A videocall request.

  It seemed weird. Donovan and Aeris looked at each other before accepting the request. What is making Eleorona enable her camera? Donovan knew something was off. Her sister doesn’t like to show her face.

  In Eleorona's camera, a focused Lawrence changed tabs & typed words quickly in such desperation.

  Eleorona ??: "Lawrence, they're here, we can begin now."

  Lawrence turned to Eleorona, seeing her phone, he waved to Donovan & Aeris.

  Lawrence??: "Hey, how's everything?"

  The Italian stands up and walks towards Eleorona, sitting in the couch with her. Eleorona turns her phone horizontally, switching to her front camera to explain details peacefully.

  Aeris: "Great, although Donovan recruited some weird guy…"

  Donovan: "Go easy on Emil, he may be 'weird' as you say, but he's good at analyzing. He's worth it, trust me."

  Lawrence??: (sighing) "I'm glad but, It's not time to joke around. There's…"

  He slowly covers his forehead, closing his eyes, murmuring Italian slur words.

  Eleorona??: (backing up Lawrence) "While you guys were in school, Lawrence and I took all our free time to investigate what's behind this thing called the-

  Lawrence??: "The Alteration Protocol. Just by reading it's content I felt dizzy."

  Donovan: "What makes you say that?"

  Lawrence??: "Using subtle words, imagine an instruction manual providing you the ways to break human identity. Piece by piece. And rebuilt those pieces with the fragments of other boosters."

  He gently shakes his head.

  Lawrence ??: "They call it 'evolution' in the document. But the steps. The steps are more of a torture method than to be called steps."

  Donovan: "What did you read?"

  Lawrence ??: "The thirty pages talked about emotional dysregulation of the host. The whole point is to fracture the person. To make them confused, hyperactive, bipolar. I-it's just pure hell. And also mentions how porous it becomes under stress.

  Eleorona puts her head on his shoulder before talking.

  Eleorona??: "Basically, the file persists the person needs trauma or instability in order to attract other jégosgalia."

  Aeris: "What?! A booster can't attract another jégosgalia, that's impossible!"

  Donovan: "What do you mean by attract?"

  Eleorona??: "Able to communicate or resonate with it."

  Donovan: "But, why would they need to attract a jégosgalia they don't possess?"

  Eleorona??: "The Protocol claims it can intensify a stronger individual. A new kind of booster."

  Lawrence??: "Think of it like mixing stuff. Mixing the right components would result in a new compound that has never seen before."

  He stands up.

  Lawrence??: "And Delta isn't analyzing it for nothing."

  Donovan & Aeris instinctively look at each other. Their jégosgalia reacted to the unexpected meeting.

  God's Rend. Glimmering particles crackled on Donovan's hands rapidly, reacting to his intense furious breathing.

  Steelheart Fury. An intangible hand slowly blended a metal can nearby with its force. It reacted to Aeris' trembling fists.

  Donovan: "We'll be back. Just give us some minutes, okay?"

  Eleorona??: "Sure."

  Aeris hang up and slid her phone to her pocket. She began to blink fast as she saw her surroundings. Confused, but angry. The golden-eyed booster puts his hand on Aeris' shoulder, gripping it gently.

  Donovan: "I know what you're thinking. You want to get all this mess done."

  Somehow, Donovan's pupils slowly turned black to gray. This is rather an emotional response reflected through physical changes. The Ivanel Family possess one of this traits.

  He firmly looks at her.

  Donovan: "I say the same. Since Hjalmer left us 4 years ago, a rage I couldn't release is still there, waiting for the right moment to end it. So, Aeris. We'll win this tournament and defeat him."

  Influenced by Donovan's perseverance, Aeris gave a confident smile as she held her fist tight and nodded.

  Chapter 13 ends...