I was late. Scrambling around my room, I stuffed my books and notebooks into my bag. Only my second day of school and I couldn’t believe I was going to be late. I started for the door and had to double back for the pouch containing both my phersu eggs.

I bolted out the door and headed toward the pods. One of the doors was just closing.

“Hold the door, please!” I yelled out.

But it continued to close, so I sprinted toward it and stuck my arm through the small opening, causing it to recoil back. There was only one other person inside.

“Thanks a lot,” I said thick with annoyance.

He snorted. “I knew you’d make it.”

I turned to face the familiar voice. His sharp, angular face wore a wide smirk.

I groaned and turned away, “Why are you here?”

“I live here.”

“Hilarious.” I rolled my eyes.

“Aren’t you late?” he inquired.

“It’s none of your business.”

The pod beeped as we descended toward the ground floor. It finally arrived, and I slipped through the door as it was opening.

I sprinted toward Practice Dome One—without any concern for Lucas—who was also late. It was a quarter passed nine when I finally arrived.

The class was sitting on the grass in a circle under the enclosed dome. A tall, lanky older man stood in the center. His nose looked permanently crinkled as if he smelled something foul. I recognized him as one of the panel judges for the entrance interviews. The one who had seemed the most severe out of the bunch.

“I’m glad you decided to join us.” He smiled, but his voice was curt when he spoke. “Who might you be?”

“Selena Somerset. I’m really sorry that I’m late.” I couldn’t tell if he was upset or genuinely glad that I was there. I spotted Leia as she motioned for me to take a seat by her. Her hair was tied in a clean ponytail, revealing her thin face and sharp chin.

“As I was saying, my name is Professor Lyle and I will be your—” The sound of the door opening interrupted him before he could finish.

Lucas strolled in with his hands in his jean pockets.

“The last of our stragglers has finally arrived,” Professor Lyle remarked. “And, you are?”

“Lucas Brayden.” His answer was brisk. He moseyed to the circle and was about to sit down before Professor Lyle stopped him.

“Ah, Mr. Brayden, before you sit, would you care to join me in front of the class?”

Lucas sighed, visibly bothered by the request, as he walked to the center.

“As I was saying, the first session for today is power advancement. You have all been admitted into the Gold class because you have presented a certain level of control. While control is something you can always improve on, many students often lack power. What good is control over a Ceres that lacks strength?”

“Worthless.” It had been a rhetorical question, but Lucas took the liberty of answering anyway. Of course, the one time he didn’t have to answer a question, he did.

Professor Lyle’s eyes narrowed. “Precisely. Which is why, your fellow classmate here, has graciously volunteered to present to you the importance of having power driving a Ceres.”

Lucas’ hair swayed lightly as he shook his head in annoyance. Though it was stark black, the light glinted off its sheen.

“Students, please stand over there as we will see if Mr. Brayden is not worthless as he so humbly believes.”

All the students shuffled to the corner, whispering in excitement at the spectacle.

“This will be interesting,” Leia said.

“Why do you say that?” I asked, clearly missing an inside joke.

“Well, Professor Lyle is part of the dimensional lineage and his Ceres is very particular. He truly believes in blood, sweat, and tears when it comes to training, especially for Gold class students.”

“What’s his Ceres?”

“You’ll see.” She clicked her tongue. “Looks like Professor Lyle isn’t planning on holding back. You might want to brace yourself.”

I turned to her confused.

But then, I felt it. It hit me before I could speak.

The air around me felt heavier and my lungs compressed, body restricted, and I thought I might suffocate to death.

“What is this?” I gasped, struggling to move.

Leia stood still with obvious practice as she spoke. “Professor Lyle is able to control the level of gravity in a certain space.”

Lucas stood immobile. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to move or not, his face remained emotionless.

Professor Lyle smiled. “As you can see, physical power and stamina are important in developing your Ceres’ potential. According to Mr. Brayden, if you do not possess power you are as good as “worthless”,” he quoted.

Some students struggled to laugh under their breaths.

Lucas scoffed and when he looked up from the corner of his eyes, I felt an abrupt chill. “Professor, you should be able to recognize when a student is trying, no?”

Professor Lyle narrowed his eyes—silent. They continued to stare each other down. Lucas’ eyes were twinkling, and his smile grew wider. The childlike enjoyment that played in his smug expression was somewhat endearing, yet terrifying.

The crease between Professor Lyle’s eyebrows deepened as he grew confused.

Lucas’ right arm trembled when he began raising it. Though perspiration was starting to appear on his forehead, he was enjoying every moment. The muscles on his arms contracted as we witnessed his sheer physical strength and stubborn will.

“Your effort is admirable. But raw power is nothing to be proud of.” Professor Lyle turned away from Lucas to face the class. “Strength is not only physical but mental as well. Stamina is something each one of you must build. It is—” he stopped short and swung around.

Lucas scoffed.

A bright flash of light made everyone squint away. As the light receded to its source, gasps erupted.

Even Lucas looked surprised for once. Professor Lyle’s eyes were wide with shock.

Lucas stood relaxed with his large gold spear. But it wasn’t the weapon that everybody gaped at.

A flaming ball of fire hovered in front of him.

The bird was ignited and flapped its wings with grace. Its beak was short and curved, sharp as its flexing talons. Beautiful crimson red flames floated in the air, trailing from its long tail.

“Phoenix,” Lucas named. I could see the same bright crimson aura of his Ceres now resting inside his phersu.

The bird cooed a musical melody. The weapon disappeared and he reached toward him. I assumed the overbearing atmosphere had lifted because of Lucas’ effortless movement, but when I attempted to lift my arm it was just as impossible as before.

No matter how much it annoyed me to admit it, Lucas was truly in a league of his own. The bird landed on his outstretched arm. His phersu had hatched just as he said it would.

He turned his attention to Professor Lyle. “I guess we’re done here.”

It wasn’t a question.