I began to distinguish each of the seven anómalas surrounding me, feeling firsthand the overwhelming power they radiated. Each had a unique and commanding presence that filled the space, and as I observed them closely, I began to understand why they stood at the highest level of all.

The first to catch my attention was Alexei, a Russian man whose gaze froze me instantly. His eyes were devoid of empathy—dark and calculating—and everything about his presence screamed authority. He didn’t need to say a word for me to feel the weight of his leadership pressing down on me like a tangible force. Beside him, even my thoughts seemed to grow heavier.

Then there was Aura, the only person in the group I was familiar with, though she now seemed even more imposing surrounded by these individuals. Her smile remained playful and relaxed as always, yet her energy contrasted sharply with the others, filling the atmosphere with a lightness that made anything feel possible. Having her nearby made me feel a little less out of place.

Beside her stood Seraphine, an American anómala. Her presence was warm and comforting, like a gentle breeze that soothed nerves. She had a kind gaze and a serene demeanor, as if her mere proximity could solve any problem with ease. Seraphine exuded a calmness that perfectly balanced the overwhelming power of the others.

Rio, the Japanese anómala who had initiated the meeting, stood a few steps ahead, emanating a dense force that nearly made me step back. His aura was unshakable and worthy of an experienced leader; his very presence inspired absolute confidence. With him in charge, I felt as though nothing could go wrong.

Next to him was Shion, another Japanese anómala, but with a completely different energy. His aura was bold and defiant, overflowing with an unrelenting confidence. He seemed constantly on the edge of a challenge, as if everything around him was an opportunity to prove his strength and determination. Just looking at him sparked a competitive urge in me, as though he were wordlessly daring me to surpass him.

Heinrich, the German anómala, stood motionless with a posture so firm he seemed like a living statue. His gaze was serious and disciplined, reflecting an unbreakable resolve, like that of a soldier who never retreats. His presence was so solid that the very atmosphere seemed to gravitate around him, anchoring the storm of auras that surrounded us.

Finally, my eyes fell on a young North Korean man who appeared to be the most enigmatic of the group. “Su,” as he preferred to be called, had a distinct appearance: his pale skin looked untouched by sunlight, and his aura was a paradoxical mix of tranquility and menace. This seventh anómala radiated a power so unpredictable that it was difficult to classify; he seemed to balance the calm of Seraphine and the coldness of Alexei. Accompanying him was a small dog, seemingly adorable but equally as imposing as its master.

Together, these seven anómalas represented an unbeatable force. Feeling the combined power of all of them filled me with awe and reminded me that I was standing among living legends.

Rio, noticing that the group was now complete, raised a solemn hand and declared in a clear voice:

—The annual meeting has officially begun. Take this time to get to know one another well, as the ability has already been implanted in all of you.

Rio's words resonated throughout the chamber, and while the atmosphere was filled with mystery, I could only feel the weight of the gazes and the mix of emotions from being among them, aware that I was in a place I could never have imagined being.

Suddenly, Heinrich stepped forward with commanding firmness. His imposing figure drew everyone’s attention as his deep voice cut through the murmurs in the room.

—Rio, you forgot to explain the true purpose of this meeting, —he said, making no effort to hide the authority in his tone.

Rio hesitated for a moment, a fleeting expression of embarrassment crossing his face before he nodded in acknowledgment of the oversight. Heinrich wasted no time reclaiming the floor, projecting his voice with the seriousness of a commander on a critical mission.

—As some of you may have noticed, you can now understand each other regardless of your original language or nationality. This is due to a special ability granted to this chamber through the combined power of two unique anómalas. However, this ability to understand one another is temporary while you remain within the chamber, —he explained with calculated calm, pausing to ensure everyone understood. —To make this ability permanent outside the chamber, a special liquid has been created that allows the brain to assimilate the ability. Through this process, the understanding becomes a part of you.

He gestured with his hand, and an additional platform rose slowly beside him, displaying several transparent vials filled with a luminous liquid that shimmered ethereally. He then turned his gaze toward me, and that simple act made the weight of his presence crash down on me like an avalanche.

—Ángel, —said Heinrich with a firm voice—, distribute these among everyone.

His gaze was so piercing and his tone so commanding that, for a second, I was paralyzed, unable to move under the intensity of his words. However, with nervousness still coursing through me, I took a deep breath and nodded, forcing myself to react and fulfill his request.

I approached the platform holding the vials, focusing on materializing my ability to do so properly. I imagined small translucent wings emerging from each vial, like feathers of light, and soon, one by one, they began to rise and gently glide toward each of the anómalas gathered on the lower platform.

The scene seemed frozen in a moment of awe: Seraphine, with her ever-warm expression, watched the display with wonder, her eyes shining with admiration. Aura, from her position, looked at me with a mix of pride and satisfaction. The others, though more reserved, watched with varied expressions—Alexei’s neutrality, Shion’s seriousness, and Heinrich’s stoicism—but their gazes conveyed more than words ever could.

When I drank the vial’s contents, a strange sensation coursed through my body, as if something inside me was aligning and harmonizing. I was still processing the effect when Alexei’s cold voice interrupted the silence.

—We need to talk, —he announced, addressing only the divine-ranked anómalas. His tone left no room for objection. I realized immediately that this would not be an easy conversation.

We were led to an adjacent room. Once the door closed, Alexei and Heinrich stepped forward with the same firm and skeptical intensity that characterized them.

—Aura, explain how you can defend the decision to give a boy like him such a rank, —said Alexei, his gaze filled with incredulity, as though he couldn’t fathom my place among them. Heinrich nodded silently beside him, his expression equally skeptical.

Seraphine intervened, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

—Aura, I’m not saying you made a mistake, but… he’s so inexperienced. He’s young, and this rank carries a weight and danger that perhaps… he might not be able to bear, —she said. Though her tone wasn’t reproachful, her eyes reflected palpable sadness.

Aura crossed her arms, meeting their stares with defiance, unwavering in her confidence.

—I’ve never made a mistake with something this important. Ángel deserves this rank, whether you like it or not. Maybe all of you should stop judging based on age or experience and start seeing beyond that.

I clenched my fists, ready to speak and defend myself. But as I opened my mouth, I felt Rio’s firm and steady hand on my shoulder. Silently, he gestured for me to wait and stay out of it. I understood that, while I was the reason for the discussion, this was a battle Aura was fighting for me.

Shion, who had been silently observing until now, joined the conversation with a provocative smile.

—If you’re all so concerned about Ángel’s rank, why don’t you fight instead of arguing? —he suggested, opening a portal to the Other Side with a casual gesture.

Alexei and Heinrich exchanged glances, their expressions hardening.

—I’m not going to fight a mere child, —said Alexei disdainfully.

Heinrich nodded in agreement, maintaining his stance.

But Aura delivered the decisive blow, her tone sharp as a knife’s edge.

—Or are you afraid of losing to a "mere child"? —she insinuated, her words dripping with sarcasm and challenge.

Alexei narrowed his eyes and, after a brief exchange of looks with Heinrich, they both nodded with barely concealed frustration.

—Fine, —Alexei said with restrained calm, preparing for the trial—. Let’s see if he deserves what he claims.

As they stepped through the portal, it felt like the weight of the world was pressing down on me. Su followed them, his ever-present smile unshaken, his imposing dog by his side. Seraphine, her serene voice now pleading, tried to stop Alexei and Heinrich one last time.

—Please, don’t do this, —she begged, grabbing Aura’s arm—. They won’t hold back on him, and you know it.

Aura met her gaze confidently, as if everything was under control.

—Seraphine, you should trust Ángel, —she said with a calmness that unsettled me.

Beside her, Rio and Shion nodded in approval.

—If they go too far, —Rio promised, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder—, we’ll stop them.

My heart raced, every muscle in my body tense with nerves. It was clear Alexei and Heinrich were not easy opponents, and the idea of facing them both simultaneously was something I could never have imagined. Frozen in place, my mind was a whirlwind of disbelief and fear. Aura’s words cut through my turmoil, her voice steady and filled with conviction.

—Ángel, show them what you’re capable of. I know you can do it.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my breathing, and stepped decisively through the portal after them, followed by everyone else.

As we arrived in the Other Side, Rio opened another portal beneath us, and we fell through, landing softly in an avenue in front of a towering building under the daylight of the great city. Everyone cushioned their descent effortlessly, levitating. Though my nerves were still on edge, I managed to do the same.

Aura, Seraphine, Rio, Su, and Shion stepped back, giving me space as Alexei and Heinrich moved closer, their gazes filled with expectation and a hint of disdain. A thought crossed my mind, and I couldn’t help but say it aloud:

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—Do I seriously have to fight both of them at the same time?!

From a distance, Aura’s confident, teasing voice rang out:

—Ángel could handle three of you at the same time!

Her words seemed to irritate Alexei and Heinrich further, their fists clenching. The pressure on me grew even heavier until Aura added one last remark:

—Oh, and don’t let Alexei touch you, or you’ll lose instantly.

I turned to her, frustrated, wondering why she’d wait until now to tell me something so critical. Before I could retort, I felt the atmosphere shift.

When I turned back toward my opponents, Alexei was already in front of me, his hand reaching for my face. I barely had time to react, materializing a wall between us, and quickly retreated to gain distance. But I had no time to catch my breath. I felt an impact behind me—Heinrich had reached me, throwing a punch with impeccable precision.

Both of them moved in perfect sync, attacking relentlessly without giving me a moment to think. I had to act fast. In an impulsive move, I channeled my energy and materialized an entire labyrinth around us. Walls emerged from nowhere, creating barriers as they tore through buildings and streetlights, with the roots of this conjured structure sprawling and expanding, granting me precious seconds to breathe.

I took a deep breath, focusing my thoughts. Evading their attacks would only buy me a moment of respite—I needed an effective strategy. Drawing from my energy, I began to summon dozens of creatures. Shadows and nightmares, grotesque and terrifying in form, roared into existence around me. The sight of these beings gave me a brief reprieve to think, and with a swift gesture, I dissolved the labyrinth in an instant. My creatures hovered around me, ready to defend or strike.

Alexei and Heinrich launched themselves toward me again. Instinctively, I propelled myself into the air to stay out of reach. With a wave of my hand, I sent my nightmares rushing toward them, their dark forms twisting and surging.

Alexei, ever confident, raised a hand and touched one of my creatures with his ability. His eyes widened in surprise when his power didn’t take effect; the spirit of the creature wasn’t dragged into his inferno. Taken aback, he hesitated just long enough for one of my beasts to strike him, sending him crashing into a nearby building. The structure collapsed from the impact, filling the air with dust and debris.

The others, observing from a distance, seemed impressed. I noticed a proud expression on Aura’s face. However, Heinrich didn’t even flinch. He simply stood there, watching me with a calculated gaze.

—Your cheap tricks won’t work on me, —he said, his voice as steady as his unyielding demeanor.

Suddenly, I felt his aura expand across a wide radius, and the sound of a clock began to echo—slow, deliberate, like a countdown. Tick… tock... My creatures froze in place the moment the first second passed, their forms locked mid-motion. By the second tick, they began to contort and fracture, their essences breaking apart. By the third tick, they were already fading, and with the fourth, only particles of darkness remained, drifting away like ashes.

I stood there, stunned, cold sweat trickling down my back. Heinrich had annihilated dozens of my nightmares in just four seconds. His ability was undeniably devastating.

Before I could fully process the scene, Alexei emerged from the rubble, his expression furious. He charged at my remaining creatures, pummeling them with brutal force, tearing them apart with raw, unrestrained anger.

I realized that attacking from a distance wouldn’t suffice. Alexei was destroying my creations without breaking a sweat, and Heinrich’s precision was overwhelming. I had no choice—I needed to engage directly, even if it meant stepping into their deadly reach.

I summoned new creatures to keep Alexei occupied and, with a swift motion, called forth a dark sword into my hand. With determination, I rushed toward Heinrich, who stood waiting with his cold, unwavering gaze, his presence as heavy as a gravitational pull.

I deflected Heinrich’s blow with my sword and sidestepped to avoid Alexei closing in on me. I knew that one touch from Alexei would spell my end. He seemed to revel in the challenge, throwing devastating punches at my creatures while steadily making his way toward me. I dodged every attempt, carefully watching my footing.

I moved quickly, shifting my focus between Heinrich and Alexei. It was a relentless two-against-one battle: I parried Heinrich’s calculated strikes with precise movements and sent creatures to divert Alexei, forcing him to spend more time smashing them than chasing me. Every movement had to be perfect. One mistake would cost me dearly, and the constant pressure made every heartbeat thunder in my ears.

The sword in my hand felt like an extension of myself as my movements became smoother, more precise. Alexei and Heinrich showed no signs of fatigue, and I knew I couldn’t afford to lower my guard for even a moment.

As the battle raged on, Heinrich expanded his aura once again. The ticking of his ability resonated, and I realized, with alarm, that its reach was growing. Alexei retreated swiftly, clearly aware of the danger, as Heinrich’s aura extended toward me. Before the first tick echoed, I managed to leap back, one of my creatures pulling me further to safety.

However, the first tick still reached the edge of my range, and part of my arm remained within the radius. The surface of my arm crystallized instantly, freezing it in place and rendering it useless.

I clenched my teeth against the pain and panic. I couldn’t afford to lose focus—not now. Alexei’s devastating blows had momentarily halted, and I took advantage of the fleeting pause to reassess my strategy. My mind raced, searching for a way to counter two forces so overwhelmingly powerful.

I knew I had to change tactics. I wasn’t just facing brute strength and skill—I was up against unparalleled coordination and power. Yet, I clung to the confidence Aura had placed in me and the certainty that, even at a disadvantage, I still had opportunities.

I calculated Heinrich’s next attack while focusing on healing my arm. The moment I blocked his strike, I saw a chance to exploit the proximity between him and Alexei. Channeling my energy, I swiftly dematerialized my remaining creatures and reshaped them into a series of dark spears that surrounded them both. With a single gesture, the spears hurled toward them, creating a diversion that allowed me to retreat and fully restore my arm.

Alexei smashed through the spears with ease, but for a fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of frustration on both their faces. However, they quickly masked it, diving toward me once more.

Despite their evident annoyance, they feigned enjoyment of the challenge. With a roar, Heinrich launched another direct strike, aiming to trap me against a corner of rubble. I dodged again, spinning on my heel and materializing a series of barriers to buy time. It was just a temporary reprieve, nothing more.

Heinrich observed with the same calm demeanor, but I noticed a shift in his stance. My brief advantage vanished as the familiar ticking of his ability echoed through the air. I knew its effects would be catastrophic if I didn’t counter them. Desperately, I sent all my creatures toward him, hoping to disrupt his focus. Heinrich merely raised his hand, freezing the creatures mid-motion, their forms distorting before disintegrating into dust. But the brief distraction gave me the moment I needed to retreat.

Then Alexei seized the opening, charging at me with unexpected speed. I barely managed to lift my sword in time to block his attack, but the sheer force sent me flying several meters back, nearly making me lose my balance.

—Is that all you’ve got, kid? —Alexei growled, a cruel grin on his face—. I thought you’d be more fun.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I wouldn’t let his provocations shake my focus. My only chance lay in exploiting a mistake or turning their own power against them.

In the middle of the wrecked battlefield, the intensity of the fight reached its peak. Alexei and Heinrich, both visibly battered but fueled by fury and determination, launched what seemed to be a final, coordinated attack.

In a split-second decision, I used the shadows beneath Alexei and Heinrich, creating a portal in the darkness under their feet. I linked both points, making Alexei fall through his own reflection and emerge from Heinrich’s shadow as if transported. Before either could react, Alexei, startled by the unexpected shift, instinctively reached out and barely grazed Heinrich.

Alexei’s ability triggered upon contact. Heinrich collapsed to the ground, lifeless in appearance, leaving Alexei frozen in shock.

I seized the opportunity. Without giving Alexei a chance to recover, I rushed toward him, landing a powerful kick to his back that sent him crashing into a nearby building. Before he could regain his footing, another shadowy creature materialized, striking him and flinging him back toward me like a ragdoll caught in a storm.

This time, I was ready. I delivered a final blow, driving him into the ground with an explosion of debris. Shadows materialized around him, pinning him down as my creatures loomed, their sharp weapons aimed at his neck. Alexei struggled, but he was trapped. Breathing heavily, I approached him, maintaining a firm stance that commanded the space.

—It’s over, —I said, my voice as unyielding as steel—. I won.

A heavy silence fell over the scene. Alexei, panting and still fierce-eyed, had no choice but to accept defeat. The shadows held him firmly, awaiting my command. As I glanced around, I caught sight of everyone’s astonished expressions, particularly Aura’s, whose proud smile radiated across her face.

Realizing the fight was over, the other anómalas descended to the ground, surrounding me with a mixture of surprise and approval. Aura was the first to react, breaking the silence with loud, deliberate applause, her face glowing with pride.

Seraphine’s warm gaze reflected admiration and astonishment, while Heinrich, rising from the ground and clutching his head as if it throbbed, scowled in frustration. Alexei, on the other hand, simply stared at me in silence, his expression dark. I dispelled the shadows immediately, allowing the environment to regain a semblance of normalcy.

—Are you satisfied now? —Aura asked, throwing a pointed look at both Alexei and Heinrich.

Heinrich scoffed, while Alexei crossed his arms and muttered coldly:

—It was just luck.

Heinrich nodded in reluctant agreement, his disdain evident.

Seraphine, still moved by the scene, extended her calming aura, healing their minor wounds and smoothing out their tattered clothing. A renewed sense of peace began to settle over the group, and the two finally conceded, albeit begrudgingly.

—Fine, —Alexei said with resignation, —keep the category.

Rio stepped forward, raising his voice with authority to interrupt the lingering conversation.

—If we’re done here, —he said, gesturing to the others, —let’s return.

With a wave of his hand, Rio opened a portal leading back to the dome. We returned in silence, each lost in thought. As soon as we crossed to the other side, everyone dispersed, chatting among themselves as the tension of the meeting finally eased.

The meeting resumed, and the atmosphere shifted when Rio reminded us there were still serious topics to discuss, including the ability that allowed us to understand all languages. I felt intrigued, and from the exchanged glances, I saw I wasn’t the only one.

Heinrich was the first to speak, his tone as imposing and firm as ever.

—You’re probably wondering why this ability isn’t applied globally, —he said, his voice commanding the room. Rio nodded beside him and took over.

—To start, —Rio began, —aura is not limitless. This ability requires massive amounts of energy, and sustaining it to function for everyone would simply be impossible.

Seraphine, with her warm and calming tone, chimed in:

—Additionally, for it to work, precise synchronization in the environment is required. Being in this specific dome allows that connection to be established, as the aura of the dome itself links our minds. It’s almost as if it’s a living organism connecting us all.

Alexei, ever serious, added without losing his stern demeanor:

—And even if it were possible on a global scale, the chaos would be inevitable. Language barriers exist for reasons beyond mere communication. If everyone could understand each other effortlessly, there could be a loss of cultural and organizational control.

Finally, Aura spoke. Her voice carried that encouraging yet firm tone that demanded attention immediately.

—That’s precisely why this ability is exclusive to anómalas, —she said. —We use it as a tool to strengthen our connections and improve cooperation among ourselves. Applying it outside this context would be nearly impossible to manage and could lead to global instability.

After her explanation, there was a moment of silence as everyone absorbed her words. It was clear that being an anómala came with its own set of responsibilities, and this ability was one of the privileges we could only fully understand within our group. With these doubts resolved, the meeting continued.

Rio once again took the floor alongside Su, looking at us all with an enigmatic smile.

—Before you leave, remember the exact date and time for the anómala New Year’s celebration, —he said, and everyone fell silent. It was a moment that apparently held great significance for all of them. —As is tradition, all clocks in academies around the world are synchronized. Regardless of the country or time zone, every school will align with our common date and time so we can celebrate together as one.

There was a murmur of approval among the group. This synchronization of clocks was more than a formality; it was a way to remind us that we weren’t just members of an organization but part of a large family that remained united, even across distances.

Rio raised a symbolic glass and added:

—Let us never forget that each of us matters. We celebrate as a family because that’s what we are.

There were murmurs of agreement and a few shared smiles. The reminder that we were part of something greater resonated deeply with all of us. With that, the annual meeting was officially concluded.

After a few moments of additional conversation and goodbyes, we parted ways to return to our respective places of origin. The annual meeting of the anómalas had come to an end.