Paladin's Academy

Act III, Chapter 10: It Takes Two

In a chalk-white lecture hall here in Paladin's Academy, Calcite conducts his general sciences class with the first-year heroes. After weeks of not meeting, he is keen on getting everything back on schedule. For a few days before the Festival of Paladins, are the midterm exams.

Sitting in the front is White Mask, diligently taking notes like his life depended on it. He slams another energy drink down his throat as he tries to prepare for Calcite's graded recitation. Next to him is Sure-Shot, reading a book frowned upon by most people. Behind them is Double Trouble, who is snacking on some dry crackers, and next to him is Dreadnought, with a cup of black coffee, and even darker eye bags.

"Now, before I start the lecture, let us review where we left off. For extra credit, who can tell me the origins of our Unique Abilities?"

"Asteroid Z?" Double Trouble raises his hand.

"Be more specific, Mr. Trouble."

"On March 16th, 1979, a large asteroid named Asteroid Z crashed in Kazan, Russia. Within the rock was a new type of rock which when exposed to humans, caused abnormalities to form. After a period of adjustment, it became the new normal and we all got superpowers."

"Not bad, five points. Next question, when do these powers usually manifest?"

"During puberty," Magnetic Monopole mentions.

"Good, three points. And what are the three classifications of Unique Abilities?"

"Blasters can blast stuff, Shifters can change their body temporarily, and Monsters have their body changed permanently," J.U.L.I.A recites.

"I'd also like to mention that these classifications are dumb," she adds.

"I would be inclined to agree," Calcite nods,  "Four points. And the final question, for ten points, who coined these terms, and what was the title of the paper?"

Silence.

"Anyone?"

Calcite sighs, disappointed more in himself than his students.

"It was The New Zenith of Humanity, by Dr. Robert Lasiloo, written in 1983 during the period of adjustment."

A collective "ooooooo" hums through the class. A gentle facade of pretending to know.

"Since this is where you all seem to be lacking, I will be assigning a reaction paper on Dr. Lasiloo's findings. To be submitted next week. Take the rest of the time to read and review, and also next week, we will be diving into Zenid-18. You are all dismissed."

"Do we have a class after this?" Double Trouble asks Dreadnought while packing his things.

"I don't know," he responds.

The two head for the cafeteria, which is currently filled to the brim with students and faculty alike.  

"That's a lot of people," Dreadnought comments.

"No kidding, just look at the line for McDaniel's."

"Is there any other place to eat?"

"We could always eat out, I could use a change of scenery. Sound good?"

Dreadnought looks around and sees a familiar-looking girl with long black hair. He carefully avoids her gaze.

"Yeah, sounds good."

The pair leave the cafeteria and embark towards Paladin's station. Luckily, with everyone preoccupied elsewhere, the station features no lines, and no one riding the trains. They quickly board the oncoming vessel and depart for New Arden.