The classroom buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the occasional thud of chairs as students with all sorts of quirks and unique abilities filled the air with noise. The energy of youth was overwhelming, the kind of noise that seemed endless until the door slid open with a soft click.
Miss Stacy, their teacher, stepped inside. Her presence alone was enough to command silence, but it was the sharp ahem from a girl named Lilly that finally signaled the rest of the class to settle down. With the noisy atmosphere dying into stillness, all eyes turned to the front.
Stacy picked up a marker and calmly wrote a name on the board. Turning to face her students, she announced in a clear, steady tone,
"Today, we are going to receive a new student in your class. Please treat them nicely."
She glanced toward the door and gestured with a subtle motion. "You may come in."
The classroom instantly came alive with whispers.
"Who's it?" Brock leaned over his desk, curiosity burning in his voice.
"I heard it's some rich kid," Brian muttered, his eyes narrowing with intrigue.
May, who had been eavesdropping with sharp ears, cut in with a smirk. "Really, Brian? Then he must be hot." Her eyes glittered with expectation.
The door creaked wider.
And then he walked in.
Jerry Raymond—his very aura screamed wealth and charisma. Every step he took seemed deliberate, polished, as if the air itself bent to acknowledge him. But he wasn't alone. Right behind him followed another boy, Johnson Stones, and the contrast between the two was night and day.
Almost immediately, squeals erupted among the girls.
"Oh my gosh, he looks so hot!" Tina gasped, pressing her hands to her cheeks, eyes fixed on Jerry. "His purple eyes, that long hair, his skin… oh my God, I'm falling for him! He's so dreamy!"
"I know, right?" another girl agreed, before wrinkling her nose and pointing at the other boy. "But who's that nobody with him?" May scoffed, visibly disgusted by Johnson's timid appearance.
"Maybe his bodyguard," Brian muttered, narrowing his gaze as if trying to figure out the strange pairing.
At the front, Johnson stood stiffly, his body trembling under the weight of countless eyes. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he lowered his head, trying to make himself smaller. His voice wavered, quiet and unsure.
"My name is Johnson Stones. I'm… fifteen years old. My hobby is writing and singing. N-Nice to meet you all."
The room exploded with laughter.
"Pfft—hahahahahaha!" one boy bent over his desk, clutching his stomach. "What the hell, bro's too funny!"
"Look at his hair—he didn't even polish it. Bro looks retarded!" another jeered.
"Bro thinks he's in a movie, waiting for us to clap!" someone added, laughter echoing all around.
"He better stay away from us unless he wants an ass whooping!"
The mocking voices piled on like daggers until...
"Silence."
The command thundered through the air, powerful enough to choke the laughter out of everyone. Jerry Raymond stood tall, authority radiating from his very presence. He flicked his fingers, and with practiced flair, wrote his own name on the board. The smooth, elegant script seemed to glow as if his identity itself demanded respect.
Then, with one arm, he drew Johnson close, gripping him tightly as though to shield him from the storm of ridicule. His gaze swept over the classroom like a predator daring anyone to oppose him.
"I am Jerry Raymond," he declared, his voice cold and absolute. "Son of the CEO of Rutherford Wagons. And from today, I announce that Johnson is my friend."
The weight of his words hung in the room like a curse.
"I will not—I repeat, I will not tolerate any form of bullying towards this boy, not even in your thoughts. If I so much as witness anything, the one responsible will face my wrath."
His anger was sharp, but his confidence made the threat unshakable. Then, almost playfully, he massaged Johnson's shoulder, as if to reassure his new friend.
"Thank you…" Johnson whispered, voice trembling, his gratitude genuine.
Miss Stacy cleared her throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Alright, that's enough for introductions. Let's begin our first history lesson."
She turned to the board, her hand moving quickly as she wrote:
Origin of Betas and the Supernatural Phenomenon 14 Years Ago.
The students straightened as she began.
"Fourteen years ago, a cosmic radiation wave from outer space struck Earth. It affected many lives—humans and non-humans alike. Genes, DNA, entire bodies were rewritten. Some people became monsters. Others… better versions of themselves. But this phenomenon didn't affect the entire globe. Only half of the world has acknowledged its existence. The rest remain unaware."
She paced slowly, her voice calm but carrying weight.
"Scientists estimate that this wasn't the first time such a cosmic wave happened. But the true cause remains a mystery, as does the nature of the abilities we now call gifts. In response, governments—especially the United States—began setting up training centers to help people, particularly children, understand and control their powers."
Her eyes briefly flicked to Jerry and Johnson before she continued.
"One of the most prominent of these facilities is De Great Labs, originally founded by Aiden Greenwood. It is now run by Dr. Lucian Stark, the first scientist to discover the altered human DNA. He coined the term Beta for those affected. Humans, however, can only wield three distinct abilities—unique, untransferable, and unstealable. Each draws from a different source of energy: mystical, elemental, or spiritual."
Her tone grew heavier.
"But that wasn't all. Along with the wave came a rift… the boundary between the human world and the non-human world shattered."
A hand shot up. Brian, of course.
"Yes, Brian?" Stacy asked with a sigh.
"You said the rift between worlds opened," he said, leaning forward with interest. "Does that mean Einstein's theory of relativity and parallel worlds was right?"
Stacy chuckled softly. "Well, Brian, Einstein didn't exactly propose the theory of parallel worlds. But his theory of relativity and the concept of Einstein-Rosen bridges provided the foundation. And yes—this rift is undeniable proof that such theories hold truth."
"Thank you, ma'am." Brian sat back, satisfied.
Stacy glanced at the clock. "Any more questions?"
This time, Johnson raised his hand timidly. His voice was small, but curious. "Ma'am… what happened to the animals that had their genes altered?"
For a moment, Stacy's gaze softened, as if recalling a memory she wished to forget.
"They died," she said, her tone low and somber. "Most couldn't withstand the changes. The balance of organic life was disrupted. Very few terrestrial animals survived… but those that did…"
She paused, pacing slowly as the class held its breath.
"…They evolved into something else. New creatures. Beasts that could topple buildings, level entire cities."
A hush fell over the classroom, the tension thick.
"They live outside the city limits now," she finished, her voice grim. "Extremely dangerous. They are called… Xenomorphs."
The bell rang, breaking the silence. Its shrill sound echoed through the halls, pulling the students back into reality.
"That will be all for today," Stacy said, gathering her books. With one last look at her class, she stepped out, leaving the students with her words heavy in their minds.