WebNovels

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Faith The Latecomer

My name's Stacy. I'm eighteen, a psion—electrokinesis is my thing. I just got into Novarkis Academy of Science and Metahuman Studies, or NASMS for short. Scored second on the written exam and third in the psion trials. Not bad, right?

The academy's on Novarkis Island. Not completely artificial, just… heavily expanded by humans.

Anyway—I just woke up.

Faith, of course, scored the highest on the written exam, which means he's supposed to give the entrance speech today. But knowing him, he'll probably ditch and try to pin it on me. Typical.

Better give him a call. His name's at the top of my favorites list.

My phone buzzes a few times before he finally picks up.

"What?" Faith's voice is rough, tired, and just a little irritated.

"Heyyy, Faithhh! You up?" I tease him.

"No. What do you think?"

I laugh carelessly. "I think you're still asleep."

"Wow. Sherlock." He snaps back.

"So grumpy and sassy this early in the morning!" I mock.

"And you're noisy and nosy this early in the morning." He thinks he's being funny. I'll admit, a little—but sometimes his bluntness stings more than I expect.

"Anyways," I press, "you better show up at the ceremony. Or else."

"Else what?"

"Else you might get cursed and have bad luck for the whole school year."

"Only a year?"

"Fine. Your whole life."

"It wouldn't change much, to be honest."

"Dramatic much? Faith, you hear me? Attend the ceremony."

"Who are you, my moth—"

Before he could finish, I hung up.

After calling Faith, I fixed my bed, went through my morning routine, and cooked some breakfast.

I booked a ride to campus. The apartment I'm renting is a little far, but honestly, I don't mind—being close to the beach makes up for it. The view from my second-floor bedroom is amazing.

Standing out front, I waited a while before my ride finally pulled up. While waiting, I spotted a little black cat being chased around by some dogs. Poor thing.

By the time I got in, I distracted myself scrolling through my phone until we arrived at the academy.

I paid the fare and stepped out.

"Thanks!"

At the academy gates, one of the guards stopped me.

"Haven't seen your face before—you must be a first year?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you mind providing identification?"

"Not at all." I handed him my ID.

He glanced at it briefly before nodding. "You may enter the campus now."

"Thank you."

I slipped past the gates and strolled toward the venue. Along the way, a few students greeted me, and I returned the gestures politely. Then, in the crowd, I spotted a familiar face.

"Stacy, is that you?" A boy with white hair and sharp red eyes. It had to be—

"Theodore! Long time no see. How are you?"

"I'm fine. Passed the written exam… just barely."

"And you?"

"I did too."

"Let me guess—second highest?"

"Correct. How did you know?"

"Knowing Faith, he probably aced it without sleeping."

I laughed. "Right, right."

Theodore smirked. "Your face always lights up when you talk about Faith."

Heat crept up my cheeks, and I quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. "What about the practical exam? How'd you do?"

"Placed fifth or fourth, I think. But if it had been a real mock battle? I'd ace it easily."

"Still confident in fighting, aren't you?"

"I sure am." He flexed his arm with that same old confidence.

"Anyway, wanna walk to the venue together?"

"I think I'll pass, sorry. I'm meeting someone else." He made a small, polite gesture with his hand.

"Oh, no worries. You better get going then."

"Nah, it's fine. It was fun catching up." He gave me a smile and a small wave. "Bye."

After parting ways with Theodore, I decided to head to the canteen for a drink.

Problem is—

I don't even know where the canteen is!

Well… guess I'll just ask someone.

After a bit of wandering, I spotted a pair of students who looked approachable. They seemed older than me, probably seniors. The girl had cherry-pink hair that framed her lively blue eyes; petite, but carrying herself with energy. Beside her stood a tall boy, black-haired with calm brown eyes—his posture much more grounded compared to her bubbly presence.

I stepped up and asked, "Excuse me, do you know where the canteen is?"

"Nice to meet you!" the girl greeted cheerfully.

"Ah—sorry, nice to meet you too," I replied, a bit caught off guard.

"Hey, don't scare her now," the boy said with a slight smirk.

"It's just a greeting!" She tried to defend herself.

"You didn't even answer her question." He nudged her shoulder lightly.

"Oh—sorry! It's near the venue where the ceremony will be held."

"Thank you!" I smiled, then added, "What's your name?"

The girl beamed. "I'm Mia." She gestured toward her companion. "And this is—"

"Oliver," he finished for her. Then, with a polite nod, "Nice meeting you?"

"Stacy," I answered with a gentle smile.

"Stacy, got it," Oliver repeated, as if to remember it.

"Nice meeting you, Stacy!" Mia greeted me again, her cheerfulness practically overflowing.

"Likewise."

Oliver chuckled softly and added, "Don't bother her too much now. She might have somewhere else to be." He gave me a knowing look, smiling. "Right?"

"Right. Thank you. I'll get going now."

…This guy. He just wants to be alone with Mia.

I guess I'll still be heading to the venue. How convenient.

After a short walk, I finally reached the place where both the canteen and the venue stood side by side. The sheer size of the campus still amazes me—it feels like there's always more to discover.

I stepped into the canteen.

Making my way to the vending machines, I scanned in one credit. My choice? NexiKola.

A red can with a clean, minimalistic design dropped from the slot, clattering into the pickup box.

I grabbed it, popped the tab, and let it fizz before taking that first sip. Cold, sharp, just right. With the can in hand, I casually strolled toward the venue next door, sipping here and there as I went.

After arriving at the venue, I exchanged greetings with staff, professors, and a few fellow students before finding my assigned seat.

No Faith in sight. Typical. I'll give him a few minutes… does he even realize he's the one giving the speech?

Thirty minutes crawl by. Still no Faith. Another fifteen. Nothing.

"Where's the student named Faith? Please be ready," one of the professors calls out.

Another five minutes. Silence.

"Student Faith, get ready," another professor announces, sounding more impatient this time.

Faith, where the heck are you? Fine, I'll call.

My phone buzzes once… twice… keeps buzzing…

Come on, pick up.

Blocked.

He blocked me? How dare he?

"Seems like the student that's supposed to give the speech has yet to arrive. If he still does not, then the second will be giving it instead," the professor announces again.

Unbelievable. He's stupid, he's tardy, he's lazy—he's everything. I clench my fist, press it against my forehead, then stomp my foot in frustration.

I knew this would happen. That's why I memorized a speech, just in case.

But fine. He'll owe me one. Again.

After a while, the professor's eyes swept over the room—then landed squarely on me.

"Miss Stacy. You're up."

…Guess this is really happening.

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