HER KIND

Annoyingly Weird

5.

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The notion of hunters pursuing her uncle troubled Dria deeply. Not only was he the only relative she considered genuinely reliable, but he also represented a danger that could impact everyone around him.

If his claims about these hunters held any truth, then anyone who came into contact with him faced peril, potentially becoming collateral damage.

Her thoughts turned to his own family. He had been absent for seven years, out of contact while on his journey or in search of other Nulpine. Dria couldn't help but sympathize with them.

He had left one morning and hadn't returned since. Even upon his return, he couldn't go back to his own home, fearing for their safety.

A voice in her head chimed in, "As if he isn't putting us in danger."

"True," she reluctantly admitted. She couldn't fathom why her uncle believed he was safer at her father's place, but perhaps it was because he never spoke about their family to anyone.

Dria couldn't help but wonder if Uncle Jeremiah's family even knew of their existence. She reasoned that, on the rare occasions when he visited, he must have mentioned his whereabouts to them, but she knew deep down that it was a futile hope.

Uncle Jeremiah rarely spoke about his family, and even when her father was around, they never had the chance to meet them.

As far as Dria remembered, Uncle Jeremiah had been married for 23 years to Katrina Ruth, who was now a Simmons. They had a son, who was either her age or perhaps older. His name was Edrik, as her father had once mentioned.

Her father hadn't shared much about Uncle Jeremiah's family beyond the fact that they seemed content.

Dria found herself pondering whether Edrik might also be a Nulpine and if his abilities had manifested yet.

The bell rang, and Dria suddenly realized that she hadn't been paying attention in class. She had been lost in her thoughts, unaware that time was slipping away rapidly. As she glanced around, she noticed other students leaving the room, heading towards a brunette girl.

"Hey, Amelia," Dria called out, and the girl turned around, offering a smile.

Amelia was one of the few people who knew about Dria's background but didn't judge her based on it. However, they were not close friends; rather, they were acquainted with each other's existence and could hold a conversation, but their relationship didn't extend beyond that.

"I was struggling to pay attention in class today," Dria explained, "Could you possibly send me the class notes?"

Amelia nodded, still smiling. "Of course, I'll send them over right now on my way out."

"Thanks," Dria replied.

"Anytime," Amelia said before waving and leaving the room.

Dria decided to make use of her free hour by heading to her favorite spot on campus. As she left the room, she passed by students either hurrying to their next class or lingering in the corridors, and some were sitting on the grass in front of the building.

With every step she took away from the building, the number of students dwindled. Soon, the serene tranquility she cherished enveloped her as she approached the campus's largest tree.

This part of campus was often frequented by smokers and drug dealers due to its seclusion and minimal security presence. However, for Dria, it provided a soothing escape because it was mostly vacant, and those who did visit this area typically departed after a brief stay.