The week resumed as if nothing had happened.
Morning classes. Afternoon training. Evening theory lessons.
A perfectly tuned routine… on the surface.
But beneath this academic facade, something was slowly settling.
An invisible pressure.
Special Class — Powers and Responsibilities
The classroom was unusual.
Larger. Deeper. And, most importantly, equipped with multiple barriers engraved with government seals. Even the least perceptive students could feel this was no ordinary lesson.
A man in a dark uniform stood beside the Head Instructor.
Not a teacher. Not military.
An observer.
"Today," announced the Head Instructor, "we will cover a topic the Academy has avoided until now."
He paused.
"Legal and political responsibility of ability users."
A screen activated. Images flickered: partially destroyed cities, evacuated zones, classified unstable territories.
"Contrary to what you may think," he continued, "the world did not wait for your generation to discover abilities."
Milim raised an eyebrow.
"So…"
"Yes," the instructor cut in. "Disasters have already occurred. And some… were intentionally suppressed."
A heavy silence fell.
"That is precisely why specialized governmental agencies exist. Their role is simple: observe, classify, contain… or eliminate."
Isaac let out a short, sharp laugh.
"Charming program. Tick a box, disappear, right?"
The man in uniform finally spoke.
"If you become an uncontrollable threat, yes."
The tone was neutral. Factual.
Isaac stopped smiling.
Guilds — Freedom with Conditions
"Guilds," the instructor continued, "are an alternative. A delegation of authority."
Emblems appeared on the screen. No names. No details.
"A recognized guild can legally operate, intervene in classified incidents, explore forbidden zones, and negotiate directly with states."
Douriel crossed his arms.
"In exchange?"
"Complete traceability. Reports. And full responsibility."
He fixed the class with his gaze.
"A faulty guild is dissolved. Its members judged."
Milim slowly closed her book.
"So either we obey alone… or we obey as a group."
"Exactly."
Isaac raised his hand, mockingly polite.
"And if someone refuses both?"
The instructor looked at him for a long moment.
"Then that person becomes a problem."
Diopha — The Silent Gap
Throughout the lesson, Diopha barely moved.
He listened. He analyzed. But above all, he compared.
Current Quest:
• Advanced bodily adaptation
• Increased passive synchronization
The system recorded everything. But what he saw most clearly was something else entirely.
The world was preparing to manage people like him.
Not to understand them.
"Diopha."
He lifted his gaze.
"You're strangely calm," the instructor noted.
"I'm listening."
It wasn't a lie.
But it wasn't the full truth.
Pause — Masks Fall
In the inner courtyard, groups naturally formed.
Milim, Douriel, and Diopha settled as usual.
"They talk about guilds as if it's a dream," said Milim.
"But it feels more like a golden leash."
"A leash is still a leash," Douriel replied.
"But sometimes, it prevents worse."
Isaac passed by, hands in his pockets.
"You know what's funny?"
No one answered.
"They train us to be strong… and the moment we are, they panic."
He stopped.
"Honestly, I love this world. Hypocrisy down to its foundations."
Diopha looked up.
"You talk a lot for someone who almost died by overexertion."
Isaac's smile tensed for a fraction of a second.
"Watch it, Artemis. Play the silent hero too much, and you'll draw too much attention."
"It already has."
Isaac chuckled.
"Touché."
Mini-Zenkai — Amused Spectator
Perched on an invisible barrier, Mini-Zenkai observed.
"Governments. Guilds. Control."
He shook his head.
"Same story, always."
He looked at Diopha.
"And you, keep strengthening while they debate legal frameworks. Classic."
He smiled.
"I like this season."
A World in Motion
In distant offices, reports were already circulating.
• Subject: Diopha Hitari
• Temporary ranking: Undetermined
• Potential risk: High
Elsewhere, guild representatives reviewed recordings of the tournament.
"That one…"
"Yes."
"We'll either have to recruit… or avoid him."
And while the world began to draw its lines…
Diopha moved forward.
Without asking for permission.
To be continued…
With governments, guilds, and hidden observers all reacting, how far do you think Diopha can go before the world truly notices?