EQUINOX || The Catalysts Series, #3

IV

The following few days, Lena is almost used to the foreign presence on academy grounds.

The government representatives walk amongst students, learning their schedules and blending in with their classes. While Lena has been nervous, the rest of the students are only fuelled by the authorities' presence, working harder to make an impression.

And while Caelus has been cautious, their two other friends, Neesha and Roen, have been seemingly unbothered by the observation they receive as if used to it. The two of them undeniably have quite some attention too, considering the strength and nature of their abilities—they prove to be quite powerful ability users who might one day serve as Catalysts. Some of the on duty officers have already approached them, offering opportunities. Neesha had been approached by Wren who'd been observing some of their lessons, asking her to have a go at the main Catalysts force because of the destructive nature of her abilities. Roen, on the other hand, is given multiple opportunities due to the versatility of illusion manipulation.

Neither of them have yet to decide where they will take their future though.

Meanwhile, Lena has been successful in staying low. Everyone is busying themselves with the upcoming trials that they do not bat her an eye. Those intimidating seniors who sometimes drop by their building wing to challenge the younger, more talented students are also no where to be seen.

Less duels take place on academy grounds, as the students fight the urge to compete against one another and instead for themselves, to the authorities.

The competitiveness still exists—only in a different form.

Lena herself isn't too keen on the trials. She hasn't been slacking off, but she isn't putting too much effort either. Her mind is always occupied, thoughts scattered. In the day she attends her lessons, trying her best to do just above average in physical classes and concentrate in theory classes; in the evening after school and after extra practice, she wanders about the City alone, understanding this world she lives in on a deeper level, searching for something she can't quite grasp.

Her after school hour practice sessions are now without Caelus. The first day of the pre-trials, she went to the Precision room as usual, warming up with the simulation it offers. She waited for Caelus to arrive as he always does, even if he's sometimes late. But Caelus never came. He never came for the first time since they did this together every day; never told her he won't be coming.

Lena was not really surprised, even if she was slightly disappointed. She'd expected it after their silent conversation in class. Caelus is cutting her off because he doesn't want his garnered attention to be unintentionally passed to her; she doesn't really blame him, considering the situation she is in. He even avoids talking to Roen or Neesha, his two best friends.

Indeed, every single one of the government representative recognises Caelus, some even treating him with a level of respect. A few of them, however, either look at him with a face of envy or a sort of silent challenge. It reminds Lena of professional Catalyst Arius from the Aerotrain incident who had been rather bothered by Caelus and his natural talents that he started lecturing him about following orders and the system, including working hard.

Lena has since learn which of the authorities to avoid.

She can't fathom being Caelus, who has eyes on him, every time, everywhere—not just the students now, but also the authorities. The students' constant attention on him all this while as either a role model or a competition no doubt put him in unwanted spotlight for someone who prefers the sidelines; the government has long been keeping close tabs on him too with the wristband that monitors his actions or movements, given Caelus' position as one of the top tier ability users in the City.