C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)

Chapter 1

A/N: Guys, do keep in mind that this is in Lyla's POV. I'll continue to write it down there as a reminder, just in case someone mistakes it for Arista. Enjoy reading!

Monday

Lyla

It had been two months. Two months since I entered the Republic. Two months since the Merging Process.

Two months since I had lost my memories.

My Tabloid beeped, the words "Serum Theory" glowing on the screen. Most of our lessons were information-heavy, meaning that memory was the key to achieving high marks.

Sighing, I stuffed my Tabloid into my duffel bag and started off towards the lecture room. As soon as I stepped out into the open, all the young teenage boys snapped their heads up to meet me. Some gave suggestive smirks while the shyer ones glanced down at the floor, flushing red. I knew this routine all too well. Tightening my hold on my bag, I continued my walk towards the lecture room where our professor, Terence, would commence the lesson.

As usual, I was 5 minutes early. Plopping into the seat at the back, I pulled out my Tabloid and revised my combination of typed and written notes, using my Freepen to add in extra notes that I had missed out before.

Funnily enough, I had no friends and almost no social interaction since the Merging Process. Most of the people here would approach me to ask academically based questions. Otherwise, I was avoided like I was a Deformed. It felt especially lonely when I was going through some tough times, but I enjoyed the solitude despite the scrutiny.

Terence cleared his voice, speaking into the Micromic taped to the base of his throat. "Let's do some quick revision, shall we?" On cue, the projector flickered on, the image on the wall bright and clear for everyone to read. "What is serum 99?"

I didn't need my notes to know what it was. "A waking up serum," I stated without putting my hand up.

"What does it do?" The rest of the class refrained from rolling their eyes. My statement was pretty self-explanatory.

"It wakes people up," Valerie replied, her words overflowing with sarcasm as she ran her fingers through her dirty blonde hair.

"Be more specific." Terence glared at Valerie. "If you don't know the difference between serums ranging from 90-99, you'll end up killing the person rather than saving them."

"It's part of an antidote for serum 015." Was I the only one that paid attention during Terence's classes?

"Excellent." Terence clapped his hands. "Now, for our daily question. What serum should you never ever ever touch?"

"Serum 0." All of us chorused, knowing the huge consequences that came along with this deadly serum.

Terence nodded. "Alright. Let's begin today's lesson. As you know, we will be doing an in-depth study on serum 89. Does anyone know what the main function of serums 80-89 are?"

Thankfully, this time, Magnus raised his hand. "They have numbing properties. The properties get increasingly efficient as the numbers decrease."

"Excellent." Terence nodded. "Astrid, mind giving me a quick fill-in on serum 89?"

Ever since I had gotten 97 percent on my third test and full marks on my fourth, Terence had started treating me more like a know-it-all rather than a person and a student. "Serum 89 complements serum 19. It is mainly used to numb injuries such as ankle sprains or skin-deep gashes. Occasionally, it's used to heal patients and numb their injuries simultaneously." Terence's smile widened even more. I quietly sat down, feeling more self-conscious than ever.