Principal Richard Valencia.

As a man to whom the safety and well-being of the students of Hypercity High was entrusted, the news of the spider bot attack had no doubt left him quite troubled.

But, as a man well accustomed to pressure filled situations, he took some time to sit down and think while in his office.

"What should he do?" he pondered.

He took a sip of tea as well as played a short round of golf while listening to the news to calm himself before eventually making a decision. One that he believed would keep the students calm and safe.

Richard: Attention students, attention!

The entire mess hall was silent in a few seconds, all in great anticipation of what would be said. The principal's voice remained ever eloquent.

Richard: As you all have seen in the news, it would appear that our dear Hypercity is in a great deal of trouble at the moment, and I can understand your fear and panic as a result. However, seeing as the danger seems to be concentrated at the city centre and seeing as we are several miles away from said attack, I will not condone the departure of any student from the school.

At that point, he paused as several murmurs started. All of them going something along the lines of, "Is he for real?", "Man, I'm leaving." and "Yeah, screw him."

And then, like clockwork, as the murmuring quietened down, he continued.

Richard: It is well known to all of you that as the Principal of Hypercity High, it is my duty to ensure that nothing happens to you. As a result, no one will be allowed to leave the vicinity of this school without the escort of a trusted adult. Speaking of, I have already sent messages to all of your parents to come pick you all up. There will be no more lessons as of today, and all punishments such as detention have been overruled for now. And effective immediately, Hypercity High is officially on lockdown. For now, I advise all students to calm down, finish their meals, and prepare for their parents' arrival.

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The microphone was turned off, and almost immediately, everyone started murmuring again.

Voice 1: Alright, I guess that's fine.

Voice 2: Yeah, I've just texted my mom. She's on her way.

Voice 3: My dad says he's on his way, too.

All the students immediately started conversing with their parents on their phones and with each other.

To Max and his friends, one thing was clear. Getting out of school was going to be difficult.

Max: What is "lockdown" anyway?

It was at that moment that a distinct locking sound was heard all around the school. The sound was mechanised.

Ken: Considering that, that would mean that all the doors of this school have been locked remotely.

Max: Woah.

Ken: I did once say that the principal was trying to booby trap the school, didn't I?

Max: Huh? (thinking: So he was serious that time.) Neat.

Luke: Alright, alright... maybe you had a point.

Ken: Hmph.

Tiffany: Irregardless, getting out of here won't be easy.

Ken: True. On top of all the locked doors, we've also got to worry about the cameras and the fact that the entirety of the student body is still here with us. Being seen escaping by even one person could be devastating.

Luke: Right.

Rose: Hmph.

Max: Ok, so what then?

Tiffany: So, we'll need to get past them. We'll need a distraction.

Max: A distraction?

Tiffany: Yeah. Ken?

Ken: Way ahead of you. Just say when.

Tiffany: Alright.

Max: Wait, what about the cameras and doors?

Ken: Oh, dealing with those will be childsplay for me.

Max: Huh.

He immediately remembered what his powers were. The ability to connect to the internet at will. He then rationalised that that ability must be in some way behind his plan. Max was quite surprised to hear as to how quickly they'd already made up their minds.

Max: That actually sounds like a good plan. Hold on, when did you come up with it? Was that a part of the psychic convo?

Luke: Hmph. Let's just say that this isn't our first rodeo.

Max had just then come into the full realisation of the fact that they were a team and were therefore used to working together.

Max: Alright then.

He let out one burp before continuing.

Max: What are we waiting for?

Max repacked his lunch.

They all exchanged glances, and in the midst of the chaos that was the mess hall, they made their way to the exit and to the hallway.