Inside the car, the three of them were silent, watching the news unfold on every screen. Nova's face was already circulating across social media and live broadcasts.
Caden (cold, sarcastic):
"News really does travel fast... all that just for this."
He glanced at Nova and added with arrogance:
"Let's go. If you really want to prove your worth, it starts at the academy."
Nova (with rising defiance):
"What are you talking about? I already did what you asked.
I made your little show at the Supreme Court—everyone knows about me now.
What more do you want?"
Caden (suddenly angry):
"Hey, you brat—
Did you forget that night, or should I remind you of the deal we made?"
A tense silence settled as their eyes locked, filled with cold disdain.
The strange girl sitting beside them sighed.
Strange Girl (firmly):
"Enough, both of you. Nova... just do what he says.
If you don't, everything we've started will fall apart."
Nova looked away, frustrated, but nodded.
The car stopped at the school entrance, where journalists swarmed outside like a flood.
Caden and Nova stepped out under heavy protection from bodyguards,
while Caden used a shadow portal to slip inside the school unnoticed.
Inside Vendal High
Whispers. Stares. Cold glances.
The students were quick to speak behind Nova's back.
"She only got picked because her aunt was the principal."
"Caden just felt sorry for her. Pity doesn't make you powerful."
"She's nothing but a Zero."
Nova stopped for a moment, fists clenched, ready to lash out—
but the strange girl beside her whispered:
Strange Girl (calm, dangerous):
"Not now.
Your revenge will be bigger than their words. Keep walking."
They continued toward the Awakening Hall, where loud voices echoed inside.
Emron (furious):
"So that's it, huh? You're making decisions without us now?
This girl can't be one of us!"
(He shoots Nova a glare full of contempt.)
"You didn't even visit Leila in the hospital. She's been unconscious for days, and now you show up with this… this basic girl?
If it's about her dead aunt, why not just throw her some charity money and move on?"
Nova (marching up to him, eyes blazing):
"You arrogant, brain-dead show-off!
Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?
I'm not one of your groupies who fawns over your power and can't tell their own reflection from their ego!"
Laughter burst through the hall. Some students clapped.
Emron's face twisted with rage, and he raised a hand toward her—
But the strange girl shouted:
Strange Girl:
"Try it, idiot, and I'll break your arm myself."
Caden (cutting in coldly):
"Don't interfere."
Then, loudly and clearly:
Caden (to everyone):
_"Emron, today you challenged my authority as team leader.
You said Nova can't join us because she's a Zero.
Very well. Then let's make it official—
I challenge you, in front of every student in this academy,
to face her in combat. No powers allowed.
Let's see if your pride can survive that."_
Emron (mocking):
"Fine. Arrogant and stupid as always. But I have a condition too.
If I crush this insect, I get to challenge you—for your position as team leader.
Do we have a deal... 'chief'?"
Caden didn't even blink. He simply nodded.
Nova stepped forward, eyes locked with Emron's.
The tension was electric. Every breath in the room froze.
She pulled off her sweater slowly and whispered—
"Clench your teeth."