Kren waved his hand, summoning a crackling orb of light in his palm. He grinned over at Astor, watching him.

"My magic's getting stronger every day!" Kren said excitedly. Ever since surviving the portal's awakening process, he had new lightning abilities. Fournier Enterprises was helping him develop these powers, and Kren was eager to show Astor his progress.

"That's great, Kren," Astor said, giving him an encouraging smile that didn't reach his eyes. He still seemed troubled, though Kren wasn't sure why. Shouldn't they be happy gaining these talents together?

Dissipating the glowing orb, Kren walked over and sat beside his friend. "What's wrong? You know you can talk to me about anything."

Astor fidgeted uncomfortably. "It's nothing, don't worry about me. I'm just tired from training today."

Kren nodded, though he sensed Astor wasn't being totally open with him. They were so close now, thanks to Astor's mentoring - Kren wished he could relieve whatever burden his friend was shouldering.

"I know the program is difficult," Kren said sympathetically. "But it will help us do great things! Just imagine how we'll get to aid portal expeditions."

Astor simply stared at the floor. Perplexed, Kren continued on brightly, "I for one am so grateful for all Fournier has done for me. We're lucky to be a part of this!"

At that, Astor shot him a stricken look. "Kren, you can't mean that. Not after everything they've put you through..."

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Kren furrowed his brow. "Put me through? But my training is a privilege. Fournier gave me purpose."

"No, Kren, listen-" Astor began urgently. But just then a guard appeared in the doorway.

"Lights out boys. Get some rest for tomorrow's lessons."

With an apologetic look, Astor rose and retreated to his bunk in resigned silence. Kren watched him go, more confused than ever. Why was Astor so conflicted about their caretakers? Fournier had given them security, instruction, affection...

Kren shook off the uneasy doubts swirling in his head. He was worrying too much, he decided. Fournier knew what was best for them. With their guidance, he and Astor would find their rightful place in this new world.

Humming contentedly to himself, Kren summoned another orb of light and made it dance above his palm. Everything was going to work out, he was sure of it. As long as they had each other, he and Astor would be just fine.

Astor sat rigidly across from Ava, the only adult portal survivor and current guildmaster of Fournier Enterprises' Frontier Guild. As an Odds user, her mind was immune to his psychic abilities. But she treated him and Kren with kindness, even as she casually disregarded the other youths' suffering.

"More tea, dear?" Ava offered gently. Astor mutely accepted the cup. Her genteel manner felt jarringly at odds with the cruelty she enabled.

"I must say, you and young Kren show such promise developing your powers," Ava continued. "You both may go quite far in the guild someday."

Astor stared down at the swirling tea, struggling to contain his churning emotions. "The others have potential too, if you gave them a chance," he said quietly.

Ava laughed lightly. "Oh Astor, you're so compassionate, it's admirable. But we must focus resources where they're most fruitfully utilized."

She peered at him intently. "You understand difficult choices must be made. Progress demands sacrifices."

Astor's throat tightened, but he held Ava's calculating gaze unflinchingly. "They're still children. They deserve protection, not exploitation."

"Tread carefully, boy," Ava said, steel entering her tone for the first time. "You walk a dangerous line with that attitude. Our generosity has limits."

Swallowing hard, Astor looked down, not responding. He had to choke back the curses and outrage clawing at his chest. A direct challenge would only make things worse.

After a tense moment, Ava smiled pleasantly again and changed the subject, as if the matter were settled. Astor responded only with monosyllables, stomach churning.

For now, there was no choice but to bow to her power. But silently, Astor vowed he would never become as callous and complicit as Ava. And someday, somehow, he would free himself and the other youths from this woman's clutches.

Her velvet glove hid iron claws, but Astor refused to yield his principles. He would find his moment, or die trying. Only the faintest flicker of defiance remained - but that was enough. It had to be.