Rebecca sat alone in the courtyard, her eyes swollen from the tears she had shed earlier. Despite the comforting warmth of the sunlight, she felt a heavy weight pressing down on her chest, making it difficult to breathe .Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice when someone approached until a voice called out her name.

"Rebecca?"

Startled, Rebecca looked up to see Aurora Winterbourne standing before her, a curious expression on her face. Aurora's appearance was as striking as ever, with her blonde hair catching the sunlight and her eyes shimmering with a mix of icy blue and fiery orange.

"Aurora," Rebecca replied, forcing a small smile despite the lingering sadness in her heart.

"What brings you here?" Aurora took a seat next to Rebecca, her movements graceful yet slightly awkward, as if she wasn't entirely comfortable in her own skin.

She glanced at Rebecca with a thoughtful expression before speaking.

"I couldn't help but notice that you seemed... troubled,"

Rebecca shifted uncomfortably under Aurora's penetrating gaze, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable. She hesitated for a moment before responding, unsure of how much she wanted to reveal.

"It's nothing, really," Rebecca murmured, her voice barely above a whisper."Pay no mind to it"

Aurora tilted her head to the side, studying Rebecca with a curious glint in her eyes. "Is it about your supposed boyfriend Kai?" Aurora inquired, her tone light yet probing.

Upon hearing Kai's name, Rebecca felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. She hesitated slightly before answering "I guess you could say that "

"Ah, trouble in paradise I see " Aurora replied causing Rebecca to force a smile.

This was their first real conversation. Rebecca was known for keeping a small circle, often appearing cold and aloof to those outside it. Yet, she found herself appreciating Aurora's company, perhaps it was something she needed in that moment.

"Well, I have nothing else to do, why don't you tell me about it " Aurora suggested " maybe I could help"

"I apologize for my bluntness, but we barely know each other," Rebecca replied. "I don't think discussing personal matters would be appropriate."

Aurora nodded, seeming to understand. "Fair enough," she said, her tone thoughtful.

"However, sometimes a stranger can surprise you. They might say just the thing you need to hear, even if you didn't know you needed it. What more could you lose by giving it a chance?" Her words hung in the air, leaving Rebecca to ponder.

Before she could reply, "Ladies," Isaiah greeted with a charming smile as he approached.

"The infamous Isaiah Salvatore," Aurora stated with a playful grin. "It seems like I'm surrounded by royalty today."

"You flatter me," Isaiah replied, returning the compliment "Shouldn't you still be in battle class?" Rebecca inquired, noting the typical duration of the class.

"That's... That's actually why I came looking for you," Isaiah replied, his expression slightly troubled "Why, what happened?" Rebecca's concern deepened at the hint of unease in Isaiah's demeanor.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Isaiah took a moment before responding, his voice serious yet filled with empathy. "Rebecca, I don't know what you have going on with Kai, but I feel like you should know this,"

*******

Kai stirred, consciousness returning in fits and starts. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing a dimly lit room with sterile white walls and the soft hum of medical equipment in the background.

As his vision adjusted to the light, he realized he was lying in a hospital bed, wires and tubes connected to various monitors beside him.

"Where... am I?" he mumbled groggily, his voice barely above a whisper. A figure approached, their footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. It was Dr. Li, the school's chief medical officer, her expression a mix of concern and relief.

"You're in the school hospital, Kai," she replied gently, her voice soothing. "You had a bit of a scare earlier."

Kai struggled to sit up, wincing as a wave of dizziness washed over him. Dr. Li moved to assist him, adjusting his pillows and offering a glass of water.

"What happened?" Kai asked his memory was hazy and distorted Dr. Li hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "You experienced a severe reaction during a training exercise.

"Your curse energy levels spiked uncontrollably, and you lost consciousness." Kai's brow furrowed in confusion."But why? "

Dr. Li paused, her expression grave as she continued, "During our routine examination after your training exercise, we detected unusual abnormalities in your bloodwork."

"We decided to conduct further tests, including specialized screenings," Dr. Li explained, her tone measured yet empathetic. "That's when we discovered traces of the gas in your bloodstream.

Kai furrowed his brows "Huh?" "It's a specialized concoction infused with a unique blend of mystical compounds and rare elements, carefully chosen for their affinity to interact with curse energy." Dr li explained

"Unfortunately, the gas had an adverse effect on your soul core, causing significant damage."

Kai's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

Be it Gifted or cursed they both possess a soul core.The soul core is where curse energy and essence reside in an awakened's body. Damage to the soul core can result in a range of complications, including impaired energy control.

Kai's mind raced, trying to process the gravity of the situation. " Can it be fixed Doctor? " he asked desperately "Dr. Li nodded, offering a glimmer of hope.

"Yes, fortunately your soul core is healing at an astronomical rate, however it would still need time and careful treatment. We'll need to monitor your condition closely, In the meantime, you'll need to avoid activities that could cause more damage."

"I advise that you avoid practicing Augmentation or anything of the sort. At least for now".

"I can't believe this is happening."Kai said while running his hands through his hair , his frustration etched on his Face. This was a massive setback which had completely halted his plans

"How long are we talking about?" Kai's voice trembled with desperation as he searched for any glimmer of hope.

"At least a few months," the doctor replied, her tone sympathetic but firm.

"A few months?!" Kai's disbelief was evident. his mind racing with the implications. "But we're only weeks away from the special exam. I can't afford to wait that long!"

The doctor nodded understandingly, her expression softening at Kai's distress. "I know it's not ideal, but your health is our top priority. Rushing your recovery could worsen your condition"

The doctor placed a gentle hand on Kai's shoulder, her voice soothing. "We'll explore all possible options, Kai. But for now, rest and allow your essence to heal."

As the doctor departed to prepare for Kai's discharge, kai was left alone in the sterile hospital room, his frustration bubbling to the surface. He clenched his fists tightly, the urge to lash out almost overwhelming.

How had surge gas ended up in his bloodstream? The question gnawed at him, its implications sending his mind reeling. He tried to piece together the events, searching for clues amidst the haze of confusion. Suddenly, it clicked.

The assessment. The strange gas that had filled the containment unit. Director Jacobs had reassured him, claimed it wasn't but was necessary.

This was the only logical explanation to his current condition Had the Director told him the after effects of the gas , he would have never stepped into that container. The allure of mastering Augmentation for the special exams now seemed like a distant dream, overshadowed by the daunting challenge of overcoming the damage inflicted upon him.

As another towering obstacle emerged before Kai in the depths of his despair, a reluctant realization dawned upon him. It wasn't a path he wished to tread, nor a decision he wanted to become accustomed to.

Yet, with no alternative in sight, he summoned the courage to utter the name he hoped could offer a solution

"Azrael," he whispered into the silent room, his voice carrying the weight of his plea.

"I need your help."