"Okay, now that everyone is here, let's start the class. We’re starting ten minutes late so we'll have to cut into your lunch break by ten minutes to make up for it. You can thank Seth and Jake," Mr. Voight's words drew a collective glare from the entire class to Jake and Seth.
"As you all know, the midterm exams are right around the corner, and today we'll be reviewing the key concepts in the quantum mechanics and espers chapter to help you prepare. I'll be asking questions, and those who provide complete and accurate answers will earn bonus points for the midterm. Incomplete answers even if correct won’t earn you any bonus points, so if you're not certain, keep your hands down," Mr. Voight looked at the class, seeing a mix of nervousness and anticipation on their faces.
"Seems like everyone is ready. Shall we begin then? How about we start with an easy question: What are the names of the first-awakening stages?”
The whole class enthusiastically raised their hands; such an easy question meant free bonus points. After a few seconds, Mr. Voight signaled to a boy who immediately stood up.
“There are four first-awakening stages: Manifestation, Integration, Manipulation, and Control. Furthermore, each stage is divided into five steps,” the boy confidently answered.
“What about the second-awakening stages?” Mr. Voight questioned the same boy.
“There are two known second-awakening stages: Transformation and Unity. Each one is also subdivided into five steps,” the boy answered with a little more difficulty.
“And what is the name given to the theoretical stage after the Unity stage?” Mr. Voight was determined not to let the boy get those points easily.
“Ermmm… Beyond stage?” the boy answered doubtfully.
“Wrong, you get no bonus points.”
The boy fell to his chair, defeated and confused.
“Even though the existence of another stage beyond the Unity stage is one of the two existing theories, it is not the most prominent. Therefore, this theoretical stage does not possess a name. The most common and accepted theory is that after the Unity stage, a third awakening would occur. This is part of the basic knowledge that you must learn for the exam.”
The entire class looked with pity at the boy who had fallen prey to Mr. Voight’s trick question.
“Now let’s move on to the more complicated questions. First question: what is the field of physics that focuses on the practical application of esper abilities? Which branch of physics does it fall under? And who are considered its pioneers?" Mr. Voight asked, this time nearly half of the class raised their hands. After scanning the room, he directed his attention to a blonde-haired girl, causing the other hands to lower as she stood up.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"The branch of physics that studies the application of esper abilities is called observer mechanics, and it falls under the domain of quantum mechanics. Andrew Dayholt and Thomas Wardson are recognized as its founding fathers," the girl answered.
"Correct! Excellent job, Lea," Mr. Voight commended, and Lea shot a swift smile in Jake's direction before retaking her seat.
"Dude, did you see that?" Jake nudged Seth.
"Huh? What?" Seth asked, confused.
"Lea, she smiled at me."
"I think you're imagining things. Focus on the questions. We need those points," Seth urged.
"Moving on to the next question, why are Dayholt and Wardson credited as the pioneers of observer mechanics?" Mr. Voight asked, prompting about half the class to raise their hands. After a brief scan, he gave the floor to Seth who quickly stood up.
"Wardson and Dayholt are considered as the pioneers of observer mechanics for their groundbreaking theory presented in their book 'The Power of God' in 126 N.W., which earned them the prestigious Nova Prize in physics. This theory, developed through extensive analysis of esper data, served as the foundation and remains fundamental to Observer Mechanics," Seth elaborated before retaking his seat.
"Correct again," Mr. Voight affirmed. "Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that claims suggesting Observer Mechanics were studied through inhumane human experimentation since the emergence of espers are entirely false. Initially, humanity foolishly sought to wield esper powers without comprehending their essence, driven solely by a desire for destruction. It was only after Humankind's Eclipse, when humanity united in cooperation, that we truly began to unlock the full potential of esper abilities. Remember, the New World we inhabit today is a testament to human cooperation and the incredible capabilities of espers. Now, onto the next question..." Mr. Voight proceeded with further questions, intermixed with explanations of the core equations of observer mechanics that would be featured in the upcoming midterm exam. As he promised, when the bell rang, Mr. Voight kept the students an extra 10 minutes before dismissing the class.
"Hurry up, let’s go grab something to eat. I’m starving," Jake urged as they left the classroom.
"How can you be so laid-back? We just had a chunk of points docked from our midterm, and you didn't even attempt to answer any of the questions during class," Seth remarked.
"You see, academics aren't everything, my friend. No one will care about my grades once I win the Rising Espers Tournament and join the Black Guard. All that will matter is my strength, and I've got plenty of it," Jake stated confidently, wearing a smirk. "Speaking of which, are you considering participating in the tournament? Since you still haven’t awakened your ability…"
"You too?" Seth said in a tired tone.
"What?"
"I had the same conversation with Mrs. Cunningham earlier."
"Eek, you made me feel old. Still, maybe you should listen to her, she knows what she's talking about," Jake remarked with a concerned tone. "Plus, I probably won't be there to protect you if you need me," he added, smirking.
"As if. Don't forget I beat you this morning."
"That was only because I couldn't use my ability."
"So what? If I had my ability, the outcome would have been the same," Seth said, sporting a smirk.
"You're getting pretty cocky, you know that? Fair enough, go ahead and enter the tournament. Just remember, I don't plan on saving your ass unless you get down on your knees and acknowledge my unrivaled power," Jake declared in a mockingly proud tone.
"Deal," Seth said, chuckling.
"Now, let's hurry before we miss the good food," Jake exclaimed, a gluttonous gleam in his eyes as he quickened his pace.
The Hyperion Academy's dining hall, renowned for its prestige, boasted a modern ambiance that immersed its visitors. The colossal space accommodated over two thousand students, each one had a chair, and yet still left ample room for more than two hundred free seats, ensuring the hall never felt overcrowded. Holographic projections illuminated the walls, displaying an array of menu options, while each table featured a tactile screen for convenient ordering. Drones hovered throughout the hall, delivering the selected meals directly to the students' tables.
Once they reached the dining hall, Jake and Seth quickly secured a free table and placed their orders. In just a couple minutes, their meals arrived, and at the same time, an orange-haired boy and a girl with black hair arrived and sat down beside Seth and Jake.