Today, Seth woke up early—4:00 in the morning. The reason for this was unclear; maybe it was because he was going to the Academy today. But there was more than one academy, and they were all located on different habitable planets.

  Truthfully, Seth didn’t even know which one he’d be going to. Thally was already awake; she didn’t seem to lack energy today.

  “Well, surprisingly, you woke up early today,” she said. “You must be excited about going to the Academy. Or not.”

  Seth looked back at her. “Of course I am. I’m a very competitive person, if you didn’t know.”

  Thally narrowed her eyes. “Look who got confident over the past few weeks. That’s good—but don’t mistake confidence for arrogance.”

  Seth nodded. “I know. Acting arrogant won’t help me. It'll just make people hate me and turn them into enemies.”

  “Why do you suddenly sound like your dad? I mean, he acts arrogant sometimes, but you’re usually not like that.”

  Seth smiled. “I’m more like my mom, I think. Though I could be wrong. I don’t have anger issues… or do I?”

  Shrugging it off, Seth put on his casual clothes—not fancy, but comfortable. After his usual morning routine, he stepped outside.

  “Why are you out here?” Thally asked, confused.

  “To see the sunrise,” Seth replied, standing still as his breath puffed visibly in the cold morning air. The sky shifted from inky black to soft hues of orange and pink. The quiet of dawn was peaceful.

  He then turned around. “Okay, I feel like my mom is watching me and is probably mad I came outside without a jacket.”

  Helen was watching him through the window. She had been tempted to come downstairs and pull his ear—he could catch a cold, after all. And he was leaving for the Academy today. Letting go wasn’t easy.

  Seth returned inside and made breakfast with Thally’s help.

  Just as he was finishing, his mom came downstairs and immediately pouted. “Seth, you know it’s not a good idea to be out in the cold without a proper jacket—especially today.”

  Seth looked up with a sheepish grin. “I just wanted to catch the sunrise, Mom. I didn’t think it was that big a deal.”

  Helen shook her head, though her expression softened as she approached. “It is to me. It’s not just about the cold—it’s about you leaving today. I’m worried.”

  Seth’s smile faded a little. He knew her concern came from love, but he also knew he had to move forward. “I understand, Mom. But I need to do this. It’s time to take the next step.”

  Helen sighed and sat at the kitchen table. “I know. It’s just hard to let go. You’re my son, and I want to be sure you’re ready.”

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  Seth joined her, placing a plate in front of her. “I appreciate that. I promise, I’ll be careful. Dad gave me solid advice, and Thally’s got my back.”

  Thally, perched on his shoulder, nodded. “You know it. We’ll face whatever comes together.”

  Helen gave Thally a small smile despite her worry. “And how are you holding up, Thally? It’s been a big adjustment for you too.”

  Thally chuckled. “I’m doing fine. Seth and I make a good team. We’re ready for whatever the Academy throws at us.”

  Helen’s expression softened further. “Alright, then. If you’re both ready, I won’t hold you back. Just stay safe and keep in touch.”

  Seth took her hand. “I will. And thanks for everything, Mom.”

  She thought for a moment. “Go tell your father you’re leaving—who knows, he might have a surprise for you.”

  Helen hugged him, and Seth hugged her back, savoring the warmth. “I’ll go see Dad now. Thanks for the reminder.”

  He made his way to the lab and found William absorbed in his experiments. The room buzzed with the low hum of machines and scattered equipment.

  “Hey, Dad,” Seth called out.

  William looked up, surprised. “Seth? What’s up?”

  Seth stepped closer. “Just wanted to say I’m about to leave for the Academy.”

  William’s eyes softened. “Already? It feels like just yesterday you were a kid. Well, I guess it’s time.”

  “Yeah. Mom scolded me for going outside without a jacket and told me to say goodbye.”

  William set down his tools and placed a hand on Seth’s shoulder. “You’ve grown up fast. I’m proud of you. Make the most of this chance.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I’ll try.”

  William thought for a moment, then retrieved something from a shelf. “This is from when I was younger. Not to brag, but I was kind of cool.”

  Seth raised a brow. “...Sure. I don’t think a data chip is going to help me.”

  William smirked. “Son, you know I’m not a simple man. This chip contains some interesting Council data. I’m giving it to you because someday, I might need you to make the Council lose face.”

  He said it with conviction. Seth blinked, and Thally snickered.

  “So... like personal and embarrassing secrets? Because I know you wouldn’t give me real classified stuff. You’re too cautious—even when you met me,” Thally said.

  William narrowed his eyes, then smiled. “You’re right. It’s not official secrets—just info about their abilities and their lovely personalities. Especially those damn twins.”

  He muttered the last part while handing Seth the chip. Seth took it without hesitation. “Thanks. I’m heading to school to wait for the transport. Also, I’ll drag you out of your lab once I’m gone... who knows, maybe I’ll have a little sibling by the end of the year.”

  William chuckled. “Maybe. Your mother and I have talked about it. But don’t get your hopes up too much.”

  Seth winked. “Just some fun speculation. Anyway, I gotta go. The bus will be here soon.”

  “Use the chip wisely,” William said. “The Council isn’t a joke. Stay sharp.”

  Seth nodded and tucked the chip away. “Got it. Thanks again.”

  Outside, the Academy transport finally arrived.

  ---

  Meanwhile, in a secret lab, a man with yellow hair and a scar across his face walked with two scientists.

  “How’s it going?” he asked, his voice edged with menace.

  One scientist replied quickly, “Subjects 564, 785, and 357 are the only survivors of the experiments. They’ve undergone seven months of training and are ready for testing.”

  The man opened a door and nodded. “Better than the last batch. The rest turned into nothing but mutated piles of flesh, piss, and blood.”

  The second scientist added, “They’re still useful as fodder. We've successfully merged the subjects' abilities with the genetics of that creature. Using beasts was inefficient, but that one crashed here years ago. Its body still radiated unimaginable energy.”

  “Thirty years,” the man murmured. “But it was worth it. Soon, it’ll be perfect—and no one will be able to stop me.”

  Inside, three individuals stood, each with a distinct expression.

  A teenage girl with white hair and gold eyes smiled playfully. Golden markings adorned her skin.

  A boy with blazing red hair and flickering blue eyes ignored the others, watching the newcomers silently.

  The last, a green-haired boy with green eyes, grinned widely. “One… two—no, that’s not right? General Andreas Mackieven, huh? Interesting name. So, we’re going to an academy? How cruel.”

  Andreas wasn’t surprised. “Your ability is impressive, but seeing a few minutes into the future isn’t groundbreaking. Since you already know what I’m going to say, explain it to them.”

  The scientists stepped forward.

  “Your mission is to blend into the Academy’s student body and staff,” one began. “It’s a hub of talent and knowledge—perfect for gathering intelligence.”

  The red-haired boy raised an eyebrow. “What if we meet resistance?”

  “Use discretion,” the scientist answered. “Achieve your objectives with minimal disruption. Stay subtle, yet effective. Monitor key individuals.”

  The white-haired girl smirked. “And if we need to make a statement?”

  Andreas spoke firmly. “If necessary, act decisively—but carefully. The Academy is tightly controlled. Missteps could be dangerous. Use your powers strategically.”

  The green-haired boy grinned. “Sounds fun. I’m in.”

  “Remember,” the scientist said, “your mission’s success is more important than your fun.”

  ---

  Elsewhere, on a balcony, Yalen stood enjoying the breeze. A grim look suddenly crossed his face.

  “…Something’s wrong.”

  Pause.

  “…Oh. I forgot to pay rent,” he muttered, nodding gravely.