"Follow me."
Said Kenta, looking at Mikael.
Listening to Kenta's request, Mikael didn't refuse and followed him. When they reached the locker room, Kenta sat on a bench while Mikael took the one in front.
"Mikael, I'm going to tell you something, but don't laugh."
"Go ahead."
"Powers exist."
Kenta stared at him seriously. For a few seconds, time seemed to stop. Mikael burst into laughter but gradually stopped, realizing that Kenta was still serious.
"Seriously? You've been watching too many shows."
Kenta stood up, grabbed an empty soda can from the trash, and looked at it. Then, with just one hand, he completely crushed the can into a small metal sphere.
"Holy shit!"
Mikael was speechless, realizing that Kenta wasn't joking.
"Man, you're going to have to explain this."
"Well, where do I start..."
***
Kenta began explaining the existence of ether and marks. Ether, also known as the energy of life, is present in everything—from breathing to the smallest atom. Everything is made of ether.
But what can ether do? Everything. That's the closest answer to the truth.
However, Earth contains an extremely refined amount of ether—so refined that most people cannot feel or interact with it. In another dimension, called Etherea, the energy is less dense, making it perceptible to almost any living being. There, it's possible to sense and even see the marks.
Marks are direct extensions of powers. They appear when an external entity enters someone's body, granting a "blessing." This enhances physical abilities and drastically increases strength growth. Moreover, each mark gives a unique elemental affinity.
Some marks, however, have innate characteristics—enhanced vision, hearing, or other senses, among dozens of possibilities. In rare cases, they grant special abilities. It is estimated that only one in ten people who awaken ether can manifest a mark.
***
"You're telling me there's another dimension? And that I could have powers too?"
"Yes."
"AWESOME!!!" A spark appeared in his eyes.
Mikael jumped for joy as if he had waited his entire life for this news. Kenta, however, didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm. His gaze carried a different weight.
"Don't get too excited. You might not have talent. You haven't even awakened a mark yet."
Mikael's expression dropped instantly.
"Wow, you're so cold... trying to crush other people's dreams."
"Dream?"
Kenta gave a faint smile, grabbed his backpack, stood up, and walked toward the door.
"Don't tell anyone. Let's get to class."
Mikael, still surprised, got up and followed him.
When they reached the classroom, he sat at the back with Nari and Kenta and started reading a webtoon while class hadn't started yet.
"Kenta, look at these monsters. Imagine if something like this existed in real life."
"That would be total chaos, right?" Kenta replied.
Kenta showed a slight spark of excitement while Mikael showed him the screen. But when Mikael looked away, Kenta's expression turned bitter, and he faced his desk. A few minutes later, the teacher entered the room.
"Class, today we're going to learn how to calculate a matrix."
Class began, time passed, and when it ended, the trio left school together. On the way home, Nari suggested:
"How about we grab a snack?"
"I'm in. And you, Mikael?"
"Me too."
The three went to a restaurant called Mc Ronaldos. As they entered, they went straight to the back table. Once seated, they felt the cool breeze of the air conditioner. Kenta raised his hand, calling the waiter, who quickly approached.
"Yes? How can I help you today?"
Nari, holding the menu, ordered a bucket of fried chicken and a soda. Mikael ordered a fully loaded burger and a juice. Kenta ordered the same as Mikael.
The waiter left, and the group began talking about the holidays, reminiscing about their beach trips and games they had played together.
After a while, the waiter returned with the orders. Everyone started eating, and what stood out most was how fast Nari devoured her food. Kenta and Mikael were surprised—it seemed like she hadn't eaten in days.
After finishing, the trio left the restaurant. On the way, silence took over until Nari tried to break the ice:
"The food was really good, don't you think?"
Both agreed. Kenta put his hands on his head and muttered,
"I can't believe we have school again tomorrow."
"The holidays ended yesterday," Mikael said, looking seriously at him.
"Exactly. I want them to come back soon."
Nari gave Kenta a light tap on the head.
"Grow up, you idiot."
The three looked at each other and started laughing. Nari said goodbye and went home. Kenta continued walking Mikael to his house.
Along the way, Mikael began to feel chills and sweat slightly. The particles appeared again in his vision.
A bush near the wall started moving. Mikael watched, slightly scared. Kenta noticed his fear and approached to check. As he parted the branches, he found a cat meowing, frightened.
Kenta turned to Mikael, showing him it was nothing. But Mikael was pale. Kenta looked back at the bush—and saw a shadowy figure, almost three meters tall, with claws and piercing eyes.
"Meow." Said the shadow, revealing a sinister smile.