“Though the Esper Foundation is comprised of espers from across the country and primarily aims to train them in the safe use of their powers, we also offer training in a variety of fields for those who don’t wish to do what the less informed call ‘Superhero work,’” Sharon said as she held the door open for Atlas, trying to give an introduction to the Foundation without giving too much information away before she took him to the headmistress.
After Atlas nodded in understanding, she continued. “If you take the option of enrolling here, you can either follow the track that espers are more traditionally associated with, protecting the citizens, or you can choose to take courses that guide you in how to use your powers in civilian roles.” Sharon could tell Atlas found that the school wasn’t single-track interesting, but she couldn’t tell which he was more inclined toward. However, if her experiences with every young adult, especially young men, who came through here were anything to go by, he would choose to try the former. Unfortunately, in her experience, most young men who did so vastly overestimated their abilities, and if they survived the experience, they often switched tracks. It was that expectation that led to Atlas’s next question catching her off guard.
“You keep mentioning options and the choice of enrolling here. Does that mean there’s a third option?” he asked. Her eyebrow raised in silent surprise, Sharon observed the boy for a moment and allowed her powers the barest glance of his thoughts. To her surprise, Atlas was sincerely open-minded about his options. Of course, like any young man his age, he found the idea of being a hero attractive, but it wasn’t all-consuming like for most students who found themselves in the Esper Foundation. What pleased her even further was that Atlas, despite clearly finding her attractive, had yet to think any of the less-than-pleasing thoughts that she got from some of his gender.
Her opinion of Atlas rising by the second, she gave him a smile she had trained over her career in the Foundation. She felt a small trill of amusement when she read the annoyance that crossed his mind as she did so. “That is for the headmistress to discuss with you. However, no matter your choice, I am sure you will continue to surprise me.”
Sharon started walking again from where they had paused, leaving Atlas to catch up. She heard him let out an annoyed sigh and follow after her, causing her to chuckle before she resumed the brief tour on the way to the headmistress’s office. She pointed out the gymnasium/training gym, computer lab, and art studios. To her surprise, the latter caught his attention far more than the others. His reaction reminded her of something in his file.
“You are a Studio Art minor, no? Would you like a glimpse of the studios before we go to the headmistress's office?” She asked.
To her surprise, Atlas shook his head. “No thanks. I’d rather not go in if I don’t have the time to at least experiment with the clay or paint. Thank you for the offer, though.”
She smiled. “No problem at all. Don’t be afraid to use whatever facilities are available to you, should you stay.”
Atlas nodded. “Thank you. I look forward to it.”
“In that case, let’s continue,” she said as she began leading him further into the building. Though she did point out a couple of points of interest they passed along the way, the two seemed to have reached an unspoken consensus that any further in-depth introduction to the school could wait until Atlas had made whatever choice she kept referencing. Sharon had to admit that the boy had impressed her continuously since she had met him less than an hour before, both in the will he had shown when fighting his overwhelming power for control and the maturity he’d demonstrated since.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
The most test is still to come, however. Even if the boy before her made the choice she imagined he would when they met with the headmistress, he would still have to prove he could withstand the pressure that would follow. I just hope he can handle it. With what’s coming, we’ll need all the help we can get.
~~~
After another five minutes of navigating the halls of the Esper Foundation, Atlas began to wonder if they would ever reach the headmistress’s office. The size of the building impressed him as the inside seemed to expand much more than the outside made possible.
“How did you make the inside so much larger than the outside?” He asked Director Helsing who only smiled in response. Atlas felt his cheeks heat up. “Ah, right. Esper powers. Please pretend I asked a much less obvious question.”
Helsing chuckled at his embarrassment, whatever dark thoughts that Atlas had noticed before gone for now. “No, no. It’s a fair question. It’s done through a process called Esper Energy Enhancement and Infusion of Materials.”
“Quite a mouthful,” Atlas said in a dry tone.
“Indeed. For that reason, some of those who worked on gave it the colloquial name ‘Enchantment.’ Certainly a more convenient name, and an easy-to-understand comparison to what happens during the process. The enchantments here at the Foundations cover a wide range of functions, including expanding the interior far more than the dimensions of the building.”
“That’s pretty impressive,” Atlas said, though he wished he knew more about it so he could continue the conversation. Still, he meant what he said. He could only imagine having abilities strong and useful enough to help people. His just caused him to collapse from feeling emotions.
Unaware of his internal self-deprecation, Helsing stopped and opened the door to a well-decorated waiting room with plush chairs, two doors leading into offices on each side for the two Directors under the headmistress, and a receptionist desk manned by a guy not much older than Atlas with black hair had streaks of yellow reminiscent of lightning bolts. Director Helsing smiled at the man as she and Atlas walked in.
“Good afternoon, Liam. Is the headmistress still in?”
Liam smiled back. “Welcome back, Director Helsing. She just got back from her rounds.”
“In that case, I’ll go ahead and take Atlas in to introduce him to her.” At her words, Liam's eyes drifted to Atlas. Without exchanging a word, the two gave each other nods in recognition before Liam focused back on Helsing.
“Actually, she instructed me to inform Atlas to head in alone. There’s been a development with Beta Squad on the coast, and it needs your attention.” Liam’s face turned serious, a reflection of the severe look that had taken residence on Director Helsing’s face.
A moment later, she turned to Atlas. “I must apologize for not being able to complete your welcome to the school.”
“No worries.” Atlas felt too confused by the sudden change in tone to say anything else.
“Should you decide to stay with us, I am sure we will have the chance to finish our tour, but if you don’t, it was a pleasure meeting you.” With a slight grin, Helsing walked into her office without giving Atlas the chance to respond. He looked at Liam for some guidance on what to do now.
Liam gave him a sympathetic smile and said, “Just head on in. The headmistress is waiting for you.” He turned back to the computer.
Atlas looked on in shock before looking toward the ornate double doors he had neglected to focus on earlier. He walked over and reached out to grab the door handle, but his instincts went into overdrive, screaming out a warning of the danger of whatever was behind the door. Far stronger than the feeling of staring at a loaded gun Sharon Helsing had aroused, Atlas could tell that whoever waited behind this door was more akin to a nuclear bomb, ready to detonate at any moment.