The day after the newsletter, the academy was buzzing with conversations. News from the outside was scarce and every detail was dissected. In the dining hall, students gathered around the wall screens for the midday newspaper.
Hakime, Arthur, Conor and Lyra sat at a table, listening with a distant ear. The presenter, still smiling, continued to follow the technological news.
..." the collaboration between the White family and the Council's research department gave rise to the "Tactic Etheric Stimulator," or SET. This portable device, still in the testing phase, temporarily increases the regeneration rate of ether in low- and medium-level Awakened people. Hope for our soldiers in external operations."
The screen showed an image of a metal armband decorated with complex crystals.
"Of course, it's just a palliative," Lyra commented pragmatically. "It doesn't replace mastery or a high level."
"But it could save lives," Arthur retorted, still optimistic. "Imagine if we had one for the expedition!"
Conor growled. "A crutch. We must learn to do without crutches."
Then came the topic that lowered the volume of conversations.
"In an official statement, the Grand Council confirmed the recruitment of a new SS Awakened Person, whose identity remains protected for security reasons. This prodigy, whose blessing would be related to the manipulation of molecular structures, was immediately integrated into the elite program of the Army of Protectors."
A blurry and doctored image of an anonymous figure in elite armor appeared on the screen.
"The Council wishes to reassure the public that the emergence of such talents, although rare, proves that humanity continues to evolve in the face of adversity. The balance of power is tilted in our favour."
A silence followed this announcement. Then the whispers resumed, excited.
"Another SS man!" exclaimed one student. "This is the second in fifty years!"
"Molecular manipulation... What can it do?"
"At least he's with the army, not with a guild or a family. It's reassuring."
Hakime felt the look of his friends on him. They knew. The announcement of this "new" SS was a smokescreen, a maneuver by the Council to divert attention from its existence. It was both a relief and an additional pressure. His own potential was so disturbing that we preferred to invent another prodigy to calm people's minds.
On the other side of the room, Loïd listened, his face dark. The announcement of this new SS, even fake, fueled his frustration. His brother Titus was an SS man, and now another one appeared, while he, an S, had to fight for attention. His fist clenched on the table. He glanced blackly at Hakime, whom he suspected was connected to the whole story.
The presenter went on, displaying the portraits of the advisers.
"Finally, a reminder of the results of the last Grand Council tournament. Congratulations to the re-elected leaders, including our local protector, Councillor Michelle White, and the youngest member of the Council, Titus Skydream, who consolidated his position in the 10th seat with an electrifying show of force."
The image of Titus, proud and conquering, seemed to fill the room. Loïd slightly straightened his chest, a glimmer of family pride in his eyes, quickly replaced by the bitter feeling of having to bear that name.
"The Council, stable and united, remains the bulwark of our civilization against darkness."
The newspaper ended with images of everyday life in the city, showing a carefully staged normality.
As the students dispersed, conversations were going well. Some speculated about the identity of the new SS, others about the power of Titus Skydream. Few noticed Hakime's pensive silence.
"They're afraid of you," Lyra whispered as she stood up, summing up the situation with her usual lucidity.
"Not from me," Hakime corrected. "From what I stand for. A stranger. An uncontrollable variable."
"It's the same," she retorted. "And it will only get worse after the expedition. Get ready."
As they left the refectory, a message alerted them to their Etheric Watches. One word, sent to all first year students:
BRIEFING. Auditorium. 14:00. Expedition.
The time had come. The news, the technology, the power games suddenly faded, replaced by the cold and imminent reality of the mission. Their first steps into the hostile world would take place in less than forty-eight hours.