Jaden sat in the middle of the classroom, cocooned in the soothing hum of his headphones as students filtered in and settled down. The professor had yet to arrive, and the room swelled with the rustle of papers and murmurs of conversation. Absorbed in his medieval poem, Jaden was swept away into the world of Robin Hood and the Monk, the rhythmic verses carrying him off to green woodlands and rebellious heroes.

His eyes traced the lines:

"This traitor's name is Robin Hood,
Under the green wood lined;
He robbed me once of a hundred pounds.
It is never out of my mind."

The themes of defiance and valor in the poem echoed Jaden's obsession with medieval literature. He remembered the epic Song of Roland, the tragic romance of Troilus and Criseyde, and the vivid narratives of The Canterbury Tales. Each poem had become a window into a bygone era, fueling his love for stories of chivalry and conflict. He pictured the bold outlaw, Robin Hood, standing resolute against his foes.

"Up then rose this proud sheriff,
And quickly he prepared;
Many was the mother's son
To the church with him did fare."

Jaden's first week of college had flown by, and it was already Thursday. As he read, his mind drifted to the previous events—the ninja and the enigmatic messages about Van Boxtel Technologies. Jaden couldn't quite pin down why the poem about Robin Hood triggered thoughts of the ninja, but the sense of rebellion in both seemed to align in his mind.

The classroom continued to fill up, leaving only the seat next to Jaden unoccupied. With a sigh, Chase plopped into the empty chair. He mumbled something, prompting Jaden to remove his headphones.

"Did you say something?" Jaden asked, momentarily jarred from his reverie.

"Yeah. What's with you showing up in my classes? I saw you in Field Studies in Thaumaturgy on Monday, and now you're here too. Are you low-key stalking me, Troublefield?"

Jaden tried to keep his irritation in check. "This is Interdisciplinary Magic Studies. It is a freshman requirement. You are a senior. Maybe you are the one who is stalking me."

Chase stretched his arms overhead with a yawn, casually adjusting the collar of his shirt as he glanced over at Jaden. "Alright, just don't make it your thing to always show up where I'm hanging out."

"I am not intentionally showing up where you are," Jaden retorted.

Chase raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? My townhouse, my Iron Phalanx division, now my classes. That's more than just a coincidence, don't you think?"

Jaden responded coolly, "I was at those places for Adam, not you."

"What's the deal then? Are you head over heels for him or something?"

Jaden's face turned bright red. "W-What? That is—uh, completely absurd."

Chase smirked. "That wasn't a flat-out no, was it?"

Before Jaden could muster a response, the door at the front of the classroom swung open with a soft creak. Professor Justice Hellinger stepped in, instantly commanding attention. Her midnight-black hair tumbled in loose waves down her back, a contrast to her ivory skin. Her green eyes, framed by long lashes, twinkled with an intelligence that was both captivating and intimidating. She wore a dark, form-fitting dress that flowed as she moved, the fabric subtly shimmering as if woven with strands of starry gleam. A silver crescent moon pendant hung around her neck.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Sherwood," Professor Hellinger remarked with a touch of sarcasm, her gaze settling on Chase, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Back for another round of my class, I see."

Chase offered a sheepish smile and mumbled something under his breath, but Professor Hellinger had already turned her attention to the rest of the class. As she moved to the front of the room, her presence quieted the lingering whispers.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Justice Hellinger, and welcome to Interdisciplinary Magic Studies," she began. "Today, we'll commence by comparing magical systems from different cultures and traditions, exploring both their commonalities and differences."

As she spoke, Jaden found himself unable to look away. There was something utterly mesmerizing about Professor Hellinger, a quiet authority that seemed to emanate from her every word. Her hands moved gracefully as she gestured, emphasizing her points, the silver rings on her fingers catching the light.

"Everyone in this class is a mana user," she continued, her gaze sweeping across the room with a piercing clarity, as if assessing each student individually. "Whether you're a witch, a fairy, a nymph, an elf, or an exorcist, and whether you use rituals, spells, incantations, symbols on talismans, amulets, or charms, the core philosophies behind magic are the same. Magic relies on the use of language and symbols to execute its actions."

Jaden's mind raced to keep pace with her eloquence, captivated by the way she made complex ideas seem almost effortlessly clear.

"When we understand how different traditions conjure up magic, we can share and channel each other's power." Professor Hellinger instructed, "Now, let's begin with a hands-on exercise. Pair up with the person next to you and create a spell together. Then, use that spell to combine your magic with your partner's."

Jaden raised his hand, curiosity etched on his face. "What if our magic types are different? How does that work?"

"If you want to understand magic across traditions, you need to start by recognizing and comprehending the different types of magic involved," she replied, her tone both patient and firm. "Once you grasp the essence of each other's magic, you can attempt to merge your energies in what's known as a 'harmonic enchantment.' This technique is quite powerful and reveals the true depth of magical synergy."

Jaden cast a wary glance at Chase, knowing their partnership was going to be challenging. "Should we start with something simple?" Jaden suggested, trying to sound optimistic. "Since you're a nymph and—"

"Nymphus," Chase interrupted.

"What?" Jaden blinked, taken aback.

"I'm a dude. So, it's nymphus," Chase stated, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.

Jaden rolled his eyes but relented, "Okay, since you're a half-blood nymphus," he mockingly emphasized the word with exaggerated care, "and you specialize in verdant magic, maybe you could summon an herb with healing properties. Then I could use my heavenly body magic to amplify its effects."

Chase's expression darkened, a grimace flickering across his face at the mention of healing. "Healing's not my jam. I'm more into throwing down with offensive magic."

Jaden's irritation grew. Chase's comment only reinforced the boy's impression of him as a typical macho guy, all brawn and no finesse. "What do you propose instead?"

Chase rested his chin on his hand, his gaze thoughtful yet unyielding. "How about we whip up some flowers that shoot out starlight vines? Those vines can trap and freeze enemies, and the petals turn into starlit shards that blast out."

"That sounds kind of dangerous for a classroom. Do you not think we should keep it a bit safer?"

Chase shrugged, his demeanor suggesting he wasn't particularly concerned about the potential hazards. "If we're gonna do magic, we might as well make it hit hard. And hey, if it gets crazy, we can always dial it back."

Jaden snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Great idea. Because dialing back an out-of-control spell is always so easy."

"Come on. Don't be a wuss, Troublefield. It's just a spell. How bad could it get?" Chase insisted, waving his hand dismissively.

Arguing with Chase was like trying to move a mountain. As the Chief of the Iron Phalanx's Lightcrest Division, Chase wasn't accustomed to getting suggestions—he gave orders. And when he got like this, there was no room for debate.

Jaden exhaled sharply, a mix of exasperation and resignation in his breath. He took out his notebook and jotted down notes. "Fine, let's go with your idea. We can kick off with the incantations." His pen scratched across the page as he wrote, "In the heavens' embrace and nature's fold..."

About thirty minutes later, the classroom buzzed with anticipation as Professor Hellinger called on different groups to showcase their creations. The first team introduced a soul-binding ritual, where a witch skilled in soul manipulation collaborated with a necromancer. Their combined efforts summoned formidable undead entities, casting an eerie glow over the room. Next, a duo merged fire magic with an enchanting melody, generating a fiery storm that moved in entrancing patterns. The third group's presentation featured a wizard and a shaman creating totems that channeled both arcane and natural magic, their artifacts illuminating with a harmonious blend of energies.

When it came time for Jaden and Chase to present their spell, they were far from ready. The boy looked at his partner, who was spinning a pen between his fingers and gazing around the room with a disinterested air. Jaden's mind was a clamor of nerves and frustration. Chase's laid-back attitude, despite the mounting pressure, grated on Jaden. The nonchalance with which Chase approached the spell was like a direct challenge to the boy's sense of order and precision. Does he even care about this assignment? Jaden wondered.

Professor Hellinger's gaze fell on them as she came over. "And now, let's see what Jaden and Chase have come up with."

Jaden stepped forward before he cleared his throat, trying to channel his nerves into confidence. "We call our spell Astral Bloom," he announced.

Chase nodded, his demeanor switching from casual to intense. As they stood facing each other with their hands ready, Jaden sensed a discord in their energies, like two mismatched gears struggling to mesh. Nevertheless, they started sweeping their arms in synchronized, circular motions, their gestures flowing together as if casting a net.

Chase took the lead with the incantation. "In the heavens' embrace and nature's fold, where starlight and verdure converge bold." A surge of verdant magic exploded around him, blooming into velvety foliage. Ivy and vines burst forth from the ground, growing rapidly and fluidly to form a pulsating green sphere of energy between his hands.

"By celestial blaze and earthen grace, awaken the blossoms in their sacred place," Jaden followed as multi-colored stellar radiance unveiled itself around him like a celestial curtain, braiding into luminous tendrils that converged into a cluster of rainbow sparks between his hands.

The two magics began to intertwine, mingling together. Jaden could sense the connection coalescing, but a faint thread of doubt tugged at him. The starlight felt unruly, as if resisting his control and defying the confines of the spell. Yet, he pressed on, determined to maintain his focus.

As their powers fused, Chase and Jaden continued their chant, their voices melding in a harmonious blend. "Vines of light, ensnare with might, petals transformed to shards of night. From cosmic forge and verdant loom, unleash the power—Astral Bloom."

The spell took form. A large, star-shaped blossom unfolded at the center of the classroom. Its petals, adorned with glittering stardust, shone as if kissed by the cosmos, casting a transfixing aura over the room. For a moment, Jaden allowed himself a triumphant smile, believing the spell was a success.

But then, he noticed a subtle change in the glowing vines. They began to quiver slightly, as if unsure of their path. The vines swayed with an unnatural rhythm, growing too quickly and tangling among themselves. A shadow of unease passed through the silver-haired boy as he watched the volatile movement.

"Something's wrong. I—" Jaden started, but the words caught in his throat.

The spell unraveled in an instant. The vines writhed uncontrollably, stretching beyond the confines of their intended space. They thrust out with alarming force, tearing through the classroom walls and causing a cascade of debris. The once-spectacular display of light spiraled into turmoil as the flower's starlit petals exploded from its center, becoming lethal projectiles.

The classroom descended into pandemonium. Students shrieked and dove for cover as the shards zipped through the air. Jaden's heart pounded as he frantically tried to stabilize the spell, his hands moving in desperate gestures to control the runaway magic. Chase joined him, but the magic had taken on a life of its own.

The harmonic enchantment, intended to unify their magic, instead highlighted how out of sync they were. Their forced fusion was only temporary, and now they were facing the consequences of their inability to fully harmonize. The walls and desks were battered by the erratic energy, turning the performance into a spectacle of destruction.

Abruptly, Professor Hellinger's commanding voice cut through the tumult. "In Hoc Spatium, Omnia Incantamenta Desinent!" The runes inscribed into the ceiling shimmered with a bright light, gradually weaving into a web of symbols and ancient characters. The luminescence grew, enveloping the room in a silvery glow

The out-of-control magic reacted to the professor's spell. The wild vines and scattered shards gradually slowed and withdrew, their chaotic energy fading as the runes' power took hold. The classroom fell into a taut, expectant silence. As the final traces of their spell were subdued, Chase and Jaden surveyed the aftermath—shredded papers, strewn debris, and the wide-eyed expressions of their classmates.

"Well, that's one way to do it," Chase said, letting out a snicker.

Jaden clenched his fists, his face burning with a mix of anger and embarrassment. How could Chase be so cavalier after what just happened? The aftermath of their disastrous spell left Jaden humiliated, and Chase's flippant only made it worse.

Professor Hellinger's glare was icy. "Would someone care to explain what in the world just happened?"

Jaden muttered, "Sorry," his voice barely audible, shame gnawing at him. He hated that he felt this way, especially in front of everyone.

"Harmonic enchantment," Professor Hellinger continued, "is supposed to be a simple form of magic convergence. All it takes is a basic understanding of each other's powers. That's it. The more in sync you are, the stronger the enchantment becomes. It doesn't backfire like this. How did you manage to botch it so spectacularly?" 

"The spell sorta did what it was meant to," Chase grumbled. "We just need to nail down some control."

"If it worked so well," Professor Hellinger declared, a frown creasing her forehead, "then you can spend your lunchtime cleaning up this mess."

By the time class ended and the room emptied out, Jaden and Chase were left to tackle the wreckage of their spell. The classroom was in shambles—shredded papers were scattered across the floor, and the once orderly rows of desks were now a jumble, some knocked over, others splintered. The walls bore the marks of their wild magic, severe scratches, and scorch marks marring the once pristine surface. Broken glass from the windows glistened amidst the debris, and the remnants of their spell—the still-smoldering vines—lay tangled and wilted across the room.

Jaden swept up the debris with brisk motions. He had managed to cool down a bit since everyone left, but a lingering agitation ate away at him. His eyes kept flicking to the clock on the wall, his anxiety growing with each passing minute. He was late.

Chase lazily pushed a desk back into place and caught Jaden's frequent checks of the time. "Got a hot date or something?"

"I was supposed to meet up with Adam like 10 minutes ago for lunch," Jaden noted.

"Of course, you were. Dude's practically glued to you these days."

Jaden narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out what Chase was getting at. "You're welcome to join us, you know."

"No, thanks," Chase retorted, his tone light but with an edge to it. "I'm not about to be the third wheel."

Jaden paused his sweeping, a lump of annoyance and confusion forming in his throat. He turned to face Chase, who was half-heartedly gathering debris with a dustpan. "What is your problem with me hanging out with Adam?" he demanded. "You had a reason to be suspicious when you thought I broke into the data vault at Van Boxtel Technologies, but that was weeks ago. You cleared me yourself after talking to Weston. So, what's with the third degree?"

Chase's shoulders sagged, his eyes glinting with something Jaden couldn't quite place. "There's no problem, Troublefield."

"Look, I get that you and Adam go way back and have been friends for a long time. I am sorry if it seems like I am getting in the way of that friendship."

"It's not about you," Chase uttered, his voice losing its easygoing lilt. The sharpness in his tone was a stark contrast to his previous nonchalance.

"Then what is it about?" Jaden asked.

The boy noticed the change immediately. Chase's movements became more rigid, his laid-back posture stiffening into something more defensive and charged. The corner of his mouth twitched as he struggled to maintain control.

When Chase did not answer, Jaden pressed on, "Chase...?"

"It's about Adam, okay?" Chase yelled. "He's a selfish, cold-hearted bastard." But even as the words left his mouth, a pang of guilt twisted in his chest. Was it really Adam's fault, or was he just projecting his own unresolved feelings onto him?

Jaden shifted uneasily, trying to process Chase's outburst. "What do you mean?"

Chase's chill vibe finally cracked like a porcelain mask. "He never appreciated what he had. Treated Izzy like she was trash, and then tried to play it off like he's just incapable of love. Like, that's just who he is. But then you come along, and suddenly he's all sweet and warm with you. It's like he can care when he wants to—he just doesn't bother. He didn't deserve Izzy." He slammed the dustpan against the floor, the sound reverberating in the empty room. The rawness of his emotion was evident in the way he stared down at the flying debris, as if it represented the shattered remnants of his own heart.

"Who is Izzy?"

When Izzy's face came to mind, a tightness gripped his chest, the ache seeping into every breath. His voice faltered, hardly above a murmur. "His ex-girlfriend."

Jaden's eyes widened. "His ex-girlfriend? How bad did he treat her?"

"She gave him everything. He couldn't have cared less." As Chase spoke, his words felt like shards of glass, each one cutting deeper into the already raw wound of his past. The room seemed colder, the fluorescent lights harsh against the growing darkness in his heart.

Jaden tried to reason, his voice softening. "Adam is complicated. He doesn't believe in love. It's not entirely his fault. The experiment he went through... it somehow numbed him, took away his ability to feel affection. It's like trying to make a heart that's been hollowed out by an experiment hold love again."

Chase's frustration with Adam had been simmering for weeks, each careless remark and cold gesture adding fuel to the fire. But now, hearing Jaden defend Adam so earnestly, it was as if the dam inside him had finally burst, releasing a torrent of emotions he could no longer control.

"The experiment? I just hope he doesn't keep hiding behind that excuse to be a jerk. And seriously, I hope people like you would stop making excuses for him," Chase huffed. "It's like everyone is so ready to forgive him, to give him a free pass because of what he went through. But what about the people he's hurt along the way?"

"I get that. But why does it bother you so much?"

Chase fell silent, his eyes dropping to the floor as if seeking refuge from the question. Jaden, attuned to the shifts in Chase's demeanor, studied his face closely. The silver-haired boy could see the glimmer of unresolved pain and the complex emotions swirling beneath the surface. A sudden realization dawned on him, and he took a step closer.

"Chase," he said slowly, "is it possible that you've had deeper feelings for Izzy than you are letting on?"

Chase's reaction was immediate and visceral. "No!" His shout was sharp, almost desperate. "No..." he repeated, his voice cracking as if he was trying to convince himself. "I couldn't have feelings for her. What kind of messed-up person would I be if I was in love with my best friend's girl?"

The room settled into a thick stillness, the only sound the monotonous drone of the air conditioning. Jaden watched as Chase struggled, his face a facade of internal conflict. The intensity of Chase's reaction tugged at Jaden's empathy, and he reached out tentatively, placing a hand on Chase's shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I had no idea. I didn't mean to push you."

Chase shrugged off Jaden's hand, his eyes averted. "It's not your fault. You're right. It was unfair of me to give you the third degree. Just go eat, I'll take care of the rest." The boy opened his mouth to offer his help, but Chase's tone brooked no argument. "Just leave, Jaden!"

With a resigned sigh, Jaden grabbed his yellow Jansport backpack and made his way to the door. He cast one last glance at Chase, who remained alone amidst the chaos of their magical mishap. As Jaden exited the room, the door closing behind him, he left Chase to grapple with his own emotions in the quiet aftermath.

Pushing open the sturdy glass doors of Mystica Hall, Jaden strolled out onto the campus of Lightcrest University. The sun cast a warm light across the grounds, while a cool breeze stirred, making the early September air pleasantly crisp. Students dotted the green lawns, some studying beneath the shade of mature oak trees, while others chatted or played frisbee. Jaden spotted Adam waiting by the stone steps. Dressed in a grey sweater and blue jeans, Adam looked both impatient and relieved as he saw the silver-haired boy approach.

"Finally! I was beginning to think you got lost in there," Adam teased, his voice playful but carrying an undercurrent of concern. "What's the hold-up?"

"Ugh, it's a long story," Jaden grunted, gesturing for Adam to follow as they walked toward Lightcrest Lake.

The path around the lake offered a scenic view, with the gentle ripple of the water and the surrounding trees creating a serene backdrop. They passed a group of students enjoying the waterfront. Some were out on the lake in kayaks, gliding across the calm water with easy strokes. Others stood on the shore, feeding a flock of geese that had gathered, the birds honking and flapping as they eagerly pecked at crumbs.

As they headed toward the Union Building, Jaden's attention was drawn to a group of men in black suits, all wearing earpieces and scanning the area with a sense of urgency. A small crowd of curious students had gathered nearby, watching the scene unfold.

Jaden frowned. "What's the commotion about? Is something important taking place?"

Adam looked over with a shrug. "Van Boxtel Technologies' CEO is coming to speak tonight. They're just doing a security check to make sure everything's in order."

"Really? They don't trust Lightcrest University to be safe?" Jaden inquired, incredulous.

Adam chuckled, giving Jaden a playful nudge. "The guy's a big deal, so they're just being super thorough about it," he said, casually draping an arm around Jaden's shoulders. "Anyway, how's your first week going?"

Jaden's face heated at Adam's unexpected gesture. The familiar scent of the Winter Wolf, with its citrus, oak moss, and rose undertones, seemed to envelop the boy as he became acutely aware of how close they were. He ducked his head, trying to hide the blush creeping up his neck as he mumbled, "It's going well."

Adam sighed, a wistful note in his voice as he looked out over the lake. "This place is pretty great, isn't it? I'm really gonna miss it next year... and everyone here, including you, Puffball."

Jaden glanced up, his heart skipping a beat at the affection in Adam's tone. He studied Adam's face, noting how the summer sun had richened his tan, giving him a rugged, sun-kissed appearance. His dark curls outlined his face perfectly, and despite everything Jaden had been told, there was a warmth in those icy blue eyes that was impossible to ignore. How could someone who looked so alive, with that easy grin, be incapable of love? How could he believe himself to be devoid of the very thing that made life worth living?

Adam caught Jaden staring and quirked an eyebrow. "What's up?"

Jaden hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "I just don't get it. How can you say you are incapable of love? You are not a psychopath. You feel things—I can see it."

Adam's laughter was low, almost bitter. "There's a huge difference between just being emotionally detached and being a full-on psycho," he explained. "It's all about neurotransmitters. My brain just doesn't handle certain emotions the way it should—especially the ones tied to warmth and affection. But that doesn't mean I'm dead inside. I still feel anger, sadness, and concern for others. I just don't feel love the way most people do. And honestly, things might be easier if I were a real psycho. Then maybe I wouldn't have to sweat over the guilt of not being able to reciprocate... not being able to give people what they need."

Jaden's heart ached at Adam's words, and without thinking, he placed a hand on Adam's chest. "Do not say that," he said firmly. "You are more than your brain chemistry. You care, Adam. I can see it. I can feel it in here, even if you don't." His hand lingered on Adam's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his palm. A heartbeat like anyone else's, yet Adam spoke as if his heart were made of stone.

Adam looked down at Jaden, his expression serious—at least for a moment. Then a smirk crept onto his lips. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you're just trying to get a feel of my pecs."

Jaden's face twisted into a scowl. "Oh my god. Here I am, trying to have a genuine moment, and you're making it about your muscles?" He shoved Adam away, but Adam quickly reached back out, catching Jaden's shoulder and squeezing it gently.

"Hey, hey, we were having a genuine moment!" The older man chuckled, his grin widening. "I was just kidding, Puffball. You know I can't resist messing with you."

Jaden rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him with a small, reluctant smile. "So, if you are not a complete psychopath, what other emotions can you feel?"

Adam put his fingers to his chin, pretending to think hard. "Hmm... well, I do feel horny most of the time."

"What the heck!" Jaden blurted out, his cheeks flushing.

Adam shrugged with a teasing grin. "What? It's legit. I do the deed now and then, but it's more about satisfying physical needs and keeping up appearances than anything intimate. Still, I rock at it, you know—no complaints from the ladies."

Jaden blushed even more intensely, his silver hair almost standing on end with the heat of his embarrassment. "That's enough!" He pushed Adam away again, this time more forcefully, and picked up his pace. "I'll see you at your townhouse."

Adam, still laughing, called after him, "Hey, wait up! You didn't even let me finish!"

Jaden shook his head as he walked faster. "You're impossible."

"And you love it!" Adam's voice rang out, making a few students nearby turn their heads in amusement.

Adam's townhouse was a quaint place, tucked away in a quieter part of campus. The front yard had a small, well-kept garden with a few chairs set up around a round table. A grill sat off to the side, the scent of sizzling burgers wafting through the air as Adam expertly flipped the patties. His grey sweater had been swapped out for a simple t-shirt, and he looked more relaxed, almost at home in this little oasis. Jaden sat at a small table nearby, idly picking at a bowl of chips and trying not to stare too much at Adam.

"You know, I am starting to think you've got some hidden talents," Jaden stated, popping a chip into his mouth. "First, you are apparently a great lover, and now you are a grill master?"

Adam chuckled, peeking over his shoulder. "What can I say? I'm a man of many skills. But trust me, grilling ain't rocket science. Just don't torch the place, and you're golden."

"Well, as long as you don't set the garden on fire, I'm all for it. I still cannot believe you guys managed to keep this place looking so nice," Jaden commented, gazing around the garden filled with blooming flowers, small shrubs, and a patch of healthy grass. "I don't think I've seen a single wilted flower or withered blade of grass. Does Chase use his verdant magic for this or something?"

Adam flipped the burgers again, nodding. "Chase set up the garden, sure, but Skylar's the one who really knows how to keep it going. Chase's verdant magic? It's a bit of a wild card."

"What do you mean? I just had a class with him today. I mean, we had a bit of a magic mishap when we tried to fuse our powers together, but that was partly my fault because we weren't in sync. But other than that, he seemed to handle his power just fine."

Adam added slices of cheese to the burgers. "Was that in Professor Hellinger's class?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Jaden probed.

"Chase bombed her class as a freshman and dodged retaking it until this fall," Adam pointed out with a chuckle. "Sure, he can pull off some cool tricks like wielding plants in combat and speeding up their growth. But nymphs' verdant magic is more than just chlorokinetic combat. It's about plant empathy, nature restoration, and regeneration. Chase just doesn't have that touch. Maybe it's 'cause he's half-human, or maybe it's 'cause nymphs have always been female. Who knows?"

"Chase is the only nymphus in the world," Jaden muttered, the pieces finally clicking into place as he realized why Chase had brushed off his suggestion about plant healing magic.

"Yeah, he's the only dude with nymph magic, and maybe guys are just more about protecting than nurturing—that's why he can't do all that healing stuff like his mother." Adam moved away from the grill, bringing the plate of freshly grilled burgers to the table. He set it down with a flourish, as if presenting a gourmet meal. "Alright, chow time. Hope you're cool with medium-rare."

Jaden grabbed a bun and assembled his burger, his mind still on Chase. He'd attributed the out-of-control spell during their harmonic enchantment exercise to their lack of synchronization as partners. But now, Jaden wondered if the real reason the spell went haywire was because Chase didn't have a strong grip on his own power.

Adam sat down across from Jaden, his eyes catching the pensive look on the boy's face. "Don't overthink it," Adam said, pulling Jaden out of his thoughts. "Chase will figure it out eventually. He's one smart motherfucker. There's a reason why he's the Chief of our Iron Phalanx division."

Even though Adam and Chase had been at odds for the last few weeks, hardly speaking to each other at work, Jaden could see that Adam still cared about his friend. It was evident in the way he spoke, the way his tough exterior softened just a little bit when Chase was mentioned. Jaden only hoped that their love triangle drama would resolve itself soon. Why couldn't they just punch each other and get it over with, rather than repress their resentments? Wasn't that what macho guys like Adam and Chase were into?

"I have no doubt about it," Jaden replied, managing a smile before taking a bite of his burger. The rich, savory flavor and tender meat briefly eased his worries. "By the way, how does Skylar keep this garden looking so vibrant and beautiful? Does he use some special fertilizer from his island hometown?"

Adam shook his head as he chewed and swallowed a mouthful of his burger. "Skylar's got no need for fancy stuff—just his hands and some concentration, and the garden's popping. It's like he's got a direct line to the plants' life force."

"Really? So, Chase—practically a nature wizard—cannot regenerate or heal plants, but a low-level ultra-tellurian like Skylar can? How's he managed to do that?"

Adam chuckled, taking a sip of his Coke. The cool fizz was refreshing as it bubbled on his tongue. "Who told you Skylar was a low-level ultra-tellurian?"

Jaden raised his eyebrows in puzzlement, though his silver bangs obscured the expression from Adam's view. "Skylar did."

"He's probably just being modest, as usual. So on-brand for him. But he's actually a level-A chi manipulator," Adam remarked, a dash of amusement in his voice.

"What? Hold on, what's this chi stuff? I thought he was just a bioenergy manipulator."

Adam leaned back in his chair, the afternoon rays of sunlight catching in his blue eyes as he explained. "Chi is the highest form of bioenergy," he said, but Jaden still looked confused. "Here, let me break it down. What kinds of bioenergy do you know about?"

Jaden took another hearty bite of his burger, the juices dripping slightly onto his plate as he chewed thoughtfully, his eyes focused on the trees swaying gently in the breeze. "I don't know. Bioelectricity, biochemical reactions, metabolic energy."

"Right." Adam nodded. "People who play around with biochemical reactions and metabolism can amp up their performance and heal quicker. But there's a segment of the world's population, especially in East Asia, who have a genetic marker that allows them to manipulate the most fundamental form of bioenergy—life force, or chi."

Jaden set his burger down, thinking for a moment. "That means they can draw on the vital energy of other organisms to enhance their own abilities. It is a more direct interaction with the essence of life, much like mana is the essence of magic."

"You got it," Adam stated, flashing a grin at Jaden's quick grasp. "When Lightcrest did a power assessment last year, they mentioned if he ever hits level S, he could work with human life force, which is way more complex with all the body's regulatory systems and balance stuff."

"Right now, Skylar can only manipulate life force in himself and simpler organisms like plants, right? Like in this garden?" Jaden queried, completely engrossed in the conversation.

"Oh, he's got more than that," Adam responded. "Dude's a beast at martial arts and can wrap himself in chi to basically float in the air. He's got this killer chi move called, Buddha Palm—where a golden palm-shaped energy pops right out of his hand."

Jaden picked up his burger again, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Adam's words reverberated in his brain. The idea that Skylar could manipulate life force, perform martial arts, and even levitate himself wrapped in chi was impressive enough. But when Adam mentioned the Buddha Palm—a move that summoned golden, palm-shaped energy—something clicked deep within Jaden's consciousness.

"Did you say a Buddha Palm formed from a chi construct?" he asked, needing confirmation.

"Yeah, that's right," Adam replied casually.

The burger froze inches from the boy's lips. His surroundings faded as his thoughts jumped back to that day at Van Boxtel Technologies. The memory resurfaced with a force that made him almost wince. The ninja who had sneaked into the building had been a whirlwind of motion, displaying agility unlike anything Jaden had seen before. He recalled the sight of the figure leaping from the data vault on the 18th floor, defying gravity as he floated through the air to make his escape.

The ninja's power had been so unique, so foreign in the West, that it had haunted Jaden ever since. He hadn't been able to shake the feeling that there was something distinctly supernatural about that encounter.

"Adam, does Skylar use some kind of staff as a weapon too? It is black—obsidian almost—with gold dragon motifs at its ends," Jaden questioned.

Adam glanced at him, still chewing a bite of his burger, before answering with a bewildered expression. "Yeah, he calls it the Dragonshade Staff. Why?"

A cold sweat prickled Jaden's skin as his heart pounded in his ears. The sounds around him grew muted—the chatter of some students passing by, the rustling of leaves—all of it dulled as if he were submerged in water.

The golden palm-shaped energy construct, the staff with dragon motifs—these weren't just coincidences. They were the very ability and weapon he had witnessed during the break-in at Van Boxtel Technologies.

Then there were the other clues that Jaden had overlooked. When he confronted the ninja again on top of the maglev train, the mysterious figure vanished just as they entered Lightcrest Station. If anyone had seen someone in a ninja outfit, it would have caused a stir—unless that ninja was a student at Lightcrest University and had easily discarded his disguise to blend in with the others. And not long after, Skylar conveniently bumped into Jaden at the bookstore, as if nothing had happened.

Skylar's accusations against Wilton Van Boxtel—calling him a fraud and a war profiteer—echoed the exact words the ninja had used, condemning Van Boxtel Technologies as "tainted with blood."

Jaden's breath hitched, and his head reeled with the implications of his realization. He stared at Adam, barely able to contain the surge of adrenaline coursing through him. Skylar—the wise, tea-loving guy who seemed so unassuming—was the ninja who had infiltrated Van Boxtel Technologies.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Adam's voice broke through the maelstrom of Jaden's thoughts, laced with genuine concern. He set down his burger, turning his full attention to the boy, whose fingers clenched the bun so tightly that the juices ran down his wrists.

Jaden's eyes met Adam's, his heart still pounding. How could he explain the magnitude of what he had just realized? How could he tell Adam that one of his closest friends and housemates might be hiding such a dangerous secret? That Skylar, who seemed like just another college student, could actually be a rogue martial artist with a vendetta against Van Boxtel Technologies?

"Jaden?" Adam prompted again, his concern intensifying.

"Adam," Jaden muttered as he struggled to find the right words, "I think... I think I know who broke into Van Boxtel Technologies that day."