Pain. That was the first thing Jim felt. A sharp, searing pain coursed through his entire body, as if his very cells were being rewritten. His lungs burned, his muscles screamed, and his vision flickered between reality and darkness.
When he finally gasped for air, he found himself lying on the cold, damp earth. The forest loomed around him, its towering trees swaying against the night sky. His breathing was ragged, uneven, and each inhale felt heavier than the last.
Then, he felt it.
Something inside him had changed. Something unfamiliar, something… powerful.
His hands trembled as he pushed himself up, and for a brief second, the air around him seemed to pulse, responding to him.
Suddenly, he started awake, he was covered in a cold sweat. The melody from the alarm soothed his racing heart.
He tried to brush it off, the unsettling feeling inside him dismissing it like a stubborn shadow that wouldn't leave.
As he moved through his familiar morning routine, each action felt increasingly detached and hollow.
The warmth of the sunlight streaming through the kitchen window, usually a gentle reminder of the day's possibilities, instead cast long shadows of ennui across the countertop.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee, which once invigorated him, now barely registered as he mechanically poured himself a cup, barely aware of the rich aroma.
His hands moved on autopilot—toast popping up from the toaster, the clinking of dishes as he set the table—yet his mind wandered aimlessly, lost in a fog of disconnection.
The routine that had once provided a sense of stability and comfort had transformed into a mere checklist, each task performed without engagement.
He felt like a ghost in his own life, observing himself from a distance, trapped in a cycle of monotony that left him feeling more isolated with each passing day.
When he arrived at school, the difference was unmistakable. The hallways were buzzing—more crowded than usual, voices hushed but frantic, students darting between classes like something urgent was at stake.
Many hunched over their desks, scribbling notes with frantic energy. Snippets of whispered conversation floated past: questions about forgotten assignments, last-minute study panic, the pressure of deadlines looming large.
Jim was calm. Unlike most, he had already finished his work days ago. The anxiety of scrambling at the last minute was a weight he refused to carry. To him, the dread of unfinished tasks was like a stone on his chest, heavy and unforgiving.
He settled into his usual seat at the back near the window, opening his much-anticipated novel, Revenge of the Damned.
The story drew him in: Kendrick, the hero, grappling with survival and trust among a group of wary survivors. A bitter betrayal unfolded when one member tried to steal precious rations—an unforgivable act in a world so harsh. Tensions mounted as they faced ambushes and tough choices, Kendrick risking his own safety to save the betrayer.
Jim pondered Kendrick's reckless bravery. Was it foolish to sacrifice so much in such a cruel world? Survival felt like the only priority.
He barely noticed the classroom door open until Miss Jenna called for attention. Quickly, he closed the book and readied his notebook.
Miss Jenna was a stern but fair first-year teacher of English, known for her discipline and sharp eye.
Middle-aged with chestnut hair, her rare smiles were cherished, but her frowns could send shivers through the class. Most students tread carefully around her, including Jim.
She assigned work well in advance, giving the responsible a chance to prepare, and the procrastinators a looming deadline to dread.
Today was submission day. Students were called one by one to the front, their work scrutinised closely. No half-finished efforts or missing papers could escape her gaze.
Dan was first, sitting confidently at the front beside Sein, the school's admired beauty. Names rolled on—Jonna, Faith, Williun—each carrying a mix of relief or dread.
Jim watched quietly, the ebb and flow of nervous energy filling the room.
Suddenly, the vice principal entered, his oversized suit swallowing his slight frame. Attention snapped to him instantly.
Miss Jenna paused her assessment.
"Apologies, Miss Jenna, students," he began, hands clasped in an apologetic gesture. "As you all know, we're expecting exchange students today..."
Whispers erupted, but he quickly silenced them with a subtle aura of authority.
"Mind your manners," he warned sharply, then motioned for the new arrivals.
Five students entered—two boys and three girls—each radiating an otherworldly presence. Their beauty and poise were unlike anything the class had seen.
The vice principal handed them over to Miss Jenna and quietly left.
The newcomers were invited to introduce themselves. Silence blanketed the room, breaths held.
Kevin Grey, a towering blond nearly 6'8", spoke first, his voice deep and smooth, his presence commanding. His piercing grey eyes held the room's attention, and many were instantly captivated.
Jim remained cautious, sensing something dangerous beneath Kevin's charm. Kevin was a Sirmic; he possessed a power akin to that of a siren, but it was distinct.
ability made him fast, agile, and dangerously alluring; no one can resist the charm of those who wield this ability. a lethal combination.
Most who had this ability had a singular colourful scale, and Kevin's was at the back of his ear, partially hidden by his hair.
Most wouldn't have noticed, but Jim was different. Because he had no ability, he had developed a keen eye for detail, as the most powerful and sinister people often kept a low profile.
He always made a conscious effort to avoid such people.
Next came Jonah and Stella Mairs—twins with matching black hair streaked with red.
He saw their eyes flicker and their subtle movements. Telepaths, he concluded.
Their icy gazes locked on Jim briefly, as if sensing his thoughts.
Jim decided not to test his luck and avoided engaging them directly.
A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of someone monitoring his every thought.
Then Harmen stepped forward—a petite girl with shimmering blond hair and captivating green eyes flecked with silver.
Her ability was probably tied to metal manipulation, which he wasn't sure as these abilities were complex and unpredictable.
Lastly, towering at eight feet tall, came Hadiza, her ebony skin gleaming like polished silver, framed by oversized glasses. Her sharp, analytical eyes took in the room with calm intelligence.
The class welcomed them warmly, but Jim's unease grew. The sheer number of rare abilities among these students seemed too remarkable. They should have already been recruited by the army.
Not to mention, they arrived after the announcement by the government.He shook his head realising that he was probably overthinking it.
The day passed without incident. Exhausted, Jim collapsed into bed that night, but sleep eluded him. Restlessness churned in his stomach.
Outside, two shadowy figures lingered, watching his window before disappearing silently into the darkness.