After finishing the General Studies class, which consisted of miscellaneous subjects, Charlie escorted Visette to the cafeteria with Arthur following close behind them.

“So, those books that came to my house yesterday were sent by you, Vis?” Charlie asked, mindlessly picking away at the food on her plate.

“Yes, I agreed to find all of the books you left behind during the evacuation. If not for being occupied for the last four years I would have already delivered them to you.”

“...Thank you, Visette.” Charlie smiled.

Charlie had long since forgotten about the small promise she made with Visette until she was reminded by the sudden delivery of children’s books. She no longer had any interest in them but the fact that Visette remembered was important to her.

“There is no need to express your gratitude for such a menial task,” Visette replied while cutting a burger into even sections and eating one at a time.

“...I heard that you’re an Abnormal, is it true?” Arthur suddenly chimed in.

“Yes,” Visette replied, giving a brief glance toward Arthur, finding his nervous mannerisms to be peculiar.

“Uh, Arty, could you give us a moment?” Charlie asked politely.

“Y-Yeah, sure.” Arthur laughed dryly before leaving the table.

Once he was gone, Charlie began to speak in a low voice, “Visette, do you still have your...sci...psi...um…”

“Psionic.”

“Yeah, that’s it. Do you still have your psionic abilities?”

“Yes.” Visette nodded.

“Wow!” Charlie shouted, causing the eyes of the cafeteria to fall onto her.

“...You know I haven’t told anyone about them and neither did my mom. It’s not like anyone would believe us anyway. So you don’t have to worry, your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you,” Visette responded.

In the first place, the only reason Charlie and Rachel knew of her abilities was her lack of knowledge about the world. Once she began to understand more, her reluctance to expose her abilities increased. If Rachel and Charlie attempted to put her at risk for their own gains, she would’ve already eliminated them.

“Moving on, what have you been doing since we last saw each other?”

“Training.”

“Training? Just training?”

“Are you seeking for elaboration?”

“Um, I guess?”

“Until now, my schedule consisted solely of physical and firearms training, sparring, and combat exercises.”

“That sounds...hard...I’m sorry.”

“There is no need to apologize.”

“Was my dad at least nice to you? I haven’t seen him much since my mom doesn’t get along with him too well.”

“...There has been no positive interaction between us,” Visette answered after thinking carefully. She found Commander Wakefield to be a prominent danger and would kill him without a single thought if she needed to.

“I...I don’t know much about him so I thought I’d try to understand more about him through you. Oh, by the way, can I ask you a question, Vis?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know anything about your own parents?”

Visette opened her mouth to say “no” but for some strange reason. The strange dream that caused the power outage of the detention facility played through her mind briefly. Theresa Hagen, the researcher responsible for Visette’s creation spoke of something relating to Visette’s parents. And now, Visette attempted to recall it as best she could.

“Vis?” Charlie chimed, softly poking Visette’s shoulder.

“...No, I have no information relating to my parents.”

“Sorry, it was a bad question to ask.”

“Is there a reason for you to apologize so much?” Visette inquired.

“I- No, I guess there isn’t…” Charlie trailed off, poking at her food. “Ah! Do you want to come to the library with me?!”

“Is there a restriction on the information I am allowed to access?”

“What? No.”

“Then I will accompany you.” Visette finished eating and stood up, waiting for Charlie to lead the way.

…

A few minutes of walking later and the two entered a sparsely populated library. The students already inside took a few glances at Visette and found it hard to focus on anything else. Of course, Visette paid very little attention to them after finding they posed little threat.

“Radio Communication Guide, A Study Of Electronics, The Book Of Anton Volume One, and...The Discovery Of Novidium. These all the only ones you want?”

“At the moment, yes,” Visette replied while her eyes rapidly scanned over page after page.

Charlie leaned closer and began to whisper, “What is it that you plan on doing with these?”

“I have discovered that my psionic energy can interfere with electrical signals. If I can learn of a way to detect radio and electrical frequencies, I would be able to manipulate them to some extent.”

“Ah…that’s amazing!” After a short delay, Charlie understood some of what Visette set out to accomplish. She’d be like a walking sat-phone in some ways and would be able to intercept messages from enemies and allies alike.

“There are many other subjects I would like research apart from that.”

“Like what?” Charlie inquired, full of interest.

“If the nanites in my blood can be affected just like other electronics.”

“The what in your blood?”

“Nanties, small machines that cannot be detected under a normal microscope. They are responsible for repairing damaged tissue and removing harmful substances from my body as well as regulating my biological functions.”

“So...They help you regenerate?”

“Yes, but I am not aware if they hold a larger purpose.” Visette closed a book and moved onto the next one.

“You’re done already?” Charlie blinked widely as Visette rapidly scanned over her new reading material.

“Yes,” Visette said curtly.

Her high levels of mental processing power allowed information to be retained at an incredibly fast rate, though it didn’t mean she would be exempt from the resulting fatigue. If took it a step further and imbued psionic energy into her neurons, her mind would operate on an entirely different level though it would rapidly wear her down. Unless she was in a extremely dangerous situation, Visette opted not to carelessly make use that particular ability.

Charlie quietly waited for Visette to finish reading by indulging in a story of her own. She hadn’t gotten past more than forty pages when Visette began to neatly stack the books up.

“You’re done?” Charlie asked.

“Yes, I’ve gained a useful amount of knowledge from the material.”

“What about Anton? What’d you learn about him?” Charlie seemed keen on getting Visette’s opinion on the mythic figure that was the closest thing to a deity on Novo Prime.

“He appears to have performed countless of inhuman feats before the emergence of Abnormals. I find it to be incredibly difficult to believe that a normal human was capable of doing the actions described.”

“Oh yeah? It isn’t that bad, I don’t think.”

“Anton reportedly severed the heads of fifty Corrupted with his bare hands.”

“Well...That is a bit…” Charlie mumbled, thinking of how odd it did sound. “Some stories are exaggerated I will admit, but Anton’s presence has been recorded all over the country.”

“It is strange...The dates of most of the battles and fights he participated in are often years or decades apart while being in different areas of the continent. It would be physically impossible for Anton to be present during those times. And even if he was I do not think he would be at an age where fighting was still possible.”

“You know, some people say that Anton was the incarnation of the human spirit. There are also a few theories that many great people have taken the name over the years to inspire others.”

“I find the latter to be the more likely scenario.”

Charlie simply stared into Visette’s still expression and before being struck with a small revelation. “You’re definitely different from how you were all those years ago, Visette. I'm sure of it now.”

“I have aged several years so it is understandable for my physique to be-”

“No, not like that...You talk, sort of, well, it’s more...How do I say it? Lively, maybe?”

“I am inclined to disagree, neither my tone or speech pattern would reflect excitement and would not cause a disruption.”

“I mean that you’re more alive, Visette.”

“I...do not understand.”

Charlie huffed with slight frustration before carefully thinking of how to describe it. “It’s like, all those years ago you weren’t alive, but now, I think you’re a bit more of a person.”

“So you are saying that the way I communicate has created an empathetic response?”

“To me at least, yes. I think people who hadn’t spoken to you before wouldn’t know.”

“I see,” Visette replied.

She began inwardly contemplating if she should put more time into researching social skills. Though it was a subject that already seemed immensely difficult.

The sudden sound of a bell caused Visette and Charlie to both stand up.

“Alright, time for our next class. Could I see your schedule? I'll take you there.”

Visette nodded and produced a neatly folded piece of paper from her jacket pocket before handing it over.

Charlie briefly studied it and then her brows rose in surprise, “You have all the same classes as me...Well, except for one. You aren’t taking piloting courses?”

“Commander Wakefield has stated that I am not allowed to. It is clear that he is cautious of me gaining an understanding of aerial vehicles as it offers a possibility for me to escape.”

“That’s really what my dad said? Then why do you have classes with me?”

“He ordered me to protect you during your time in this academy.”

Charlie’s expression turned bitter after hearing Visette.

“So, he’s just using you as a guard?”

“I am under his command, yes.”

“Well at least I know I'm safe with you around...now, come on, we’ll be late.” Charlie forced a smile as she tugged on Visette’s arm.

She hid the complicated feelings that began to sprout as result of her father. A little part of her began to understand what drove her mother away from him but an even bigger part wanted to believe he had the best in mind for Visette.

…

Visette's first day at the academy ended without an incident to her credit, and as students began to leave, she was left standing at the front gates with Charlie and Arthur.

“I heard that there’s already stories of Visette going around on the Social Net.” Arthur spoke up after the three waited in silence.

“What about?”

“Social Net? I am unfamiliar with that term.”

Arthur alternated his gaze between the two girls before answer both questions, “There is stuff talking about how she looks and a few people want to bring cameras so they upload photos. The other cities don't seem to believe it otherwise. And to answer your question, Visette, the Social Net is like a forum. It’s a way for citizens of cities that are far apart to interact. Its popularity is growing and it seems that more cities are joining every day.”

“I understand.” Visette nodded, resuming her silence. It seemed that the information capabilities of Novo Prime were growing which could prove useful.

“Ah...There’s also our own New Mayhall Report, which talks of all the important events and rumors going around.” It was clear that Arthur wanted to continue the conversation but Visette’s assumed that classified or military information wasn’t included so she didn’t want to discuss anything more.

“Arty.”

“What?” Arthur asked in response.

Charlie just shook her head meaningfully before a black truck with a 3 letter insignia stamped on its hood stopped in front of the gate.

“Ah, that’s the DSF truck, I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Charlie gave a hug to Visette and a smile to Arthur before running toward the truck.

“Yeah, see you.” Arthur waved.

Visette silently observed the truck while sending a psionic pulse over it, discovering a sole driver who didn’t appear to be a danger.

“Well, I should get back to the dormitory, Visette. I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, goodbye.”

Arthur departed soon after, leaving Visette standing alone while students began departing. Heading to the dorms or being driven off by a parent or escort.

“Um…” A voice full of nervousness caused Visette to look to her side, discovering a boy of a similar age grasping at his pockets with incredible uncertainty.

“Yes?” Visette scanned over his body and he seemed to shrink a little more.

She turned her body to face him while one hand began to stealthily reach for the knife sheathed in the small of her back.

“Well, I…” The young man began to speak, inadvertently glancing back to a group of boys who snickered in delight. “You...um...I-I just…”

Seeing him ramble on, Visette decided he didn’t come with the intention to attack and put away her thoughts of slicing open his throat.

“Are you in need of medical attention?” Visette asked, stepping closer to investigate him.

“W-What?!” The young man reflexively took a step back.

“Your reddening face and the sweat covering your forehead signifies a fever or infection. In addition, your manner of speaking indicates that you may have suffered from a concussion or are possibly going through shock.”

“N-No, that’s not, I just...I wanted to exchange information so that we could, um, talk more-”

“Hey, what’s going on here?” Lyn’s annoyed voice cut the young man off.

“You arrived faster than I anticipated,” Visette noted before turning back to the young man. “I think he is need of medical assistance.”

“Oh?” Lyn’s lips curled into an amused smirk. “And what makes you think that?”

“He is growing increasingly erratic and appears to be short of breath.”

“Yeah, I think he’s having trouble with his heart, am I right, kid?” Lyn inquired with a satisfied laugh.

“N-No, I just…”

“So you’re ok, is it? You don’t need to be nursed back to health by Visette here?”

“N-No, Ma’am.”

“Then could you kindly fuck off?” Lyn shooed him away with her hand. “She has other plans you see, and your botched confession is holding them up.”

“I-I’m sorry, Ma’am.” The young man bowed his head before hurriedly retreating.

Visette eyes followed him as he returned to the group of laughing students.

“...I am confused, Lyn.”

“About what?”

“What could trigger a biological reaction like the one he experienced? Was there a possible use of a poisonous substance?”

“It's more of a feeling, not a substance. Though, I guess it is poisonous in a non-lethal way,” Lyn said with a nod before placing a helmet in Visette’s hands. “Come on, my Grandfather is already at the restaurant and I don’t want to keep him waiting.”

Visette put on the helmet and climbed onto the nearby motorcycle before Lyn began to speed away

…

In one of New Mayhall’s finest restaurants, located in the Upper Wards. Demetrius sat a table dressed in an expensive suit, although there was a violent glint in his eye, he seemed like an important diplomat. Especially since he was surrounded with other well-dressed men.

“So why do you fucks need to come along?” Demetrius’ rude speech didn’t fit well with the atmosphere of the restaurant but no one seemed to overhear him.

“We will ensure the job is completed, you’ve been known to produce some unwanted results. And please be more careful when discussing the nature of our assignment. You can’t be too careful after all.”

“Unwanted results? What does that even mean?”

“It means that when you were asked to capture an Abnormal without killing him, you chose to beat him to an inch of his life, rendering him useless to us.”

“You should’ve been more specific.” Demetrius took a sip from his glass with an unperturbed expression.

“In any case, please show more discretion when speaking about our assignment. If people began to pry, our cover will be blown.”

“Not my problem.” Demetrius shrugged, turning his eyes to the rest of the room.

Not too far away, an old man in a wheelchair sat alone with two extra plates of food and a corresponding number of chairs at his table.

“Who is that?” Demetrius asked curiously.

A man wearing glasses peeked up at the old man before returning to studying a blueprint layout of a house. “That’s Morris O’Hara, although he’s in a chair now, he used to be something special according to the people of this city.”

“Is that really him?” Demetrius seemed to find the name familiar. “I heard crazy stories of him and his son, what was it?”

“Reed O’Hara.”

“Yeah, him.”

“Unfortunately, his son died in a robbery and he was crippled a few years back. The only one left unharmed was Morris' granddaughter, Lyn O'Hara.”

“That’s odd...Real odd.” Demetrius stroked his chin finding the event to be too suspicious but soon lost interest.

The door to the restaurant opened and his eyes instantly flickered over only to discover a dark-haired woman wearing a casual outfit that didn’t fit the attire worn by those in the restaurant. He switched his gaze to the young woman behind her and instantly paused just as he was about to raise his glass. He locked eyes with the emotionless gaze of a white-haired girl wearing the uniform of New Mayhall’s academy.

They only stared at each other for a second or two at the most, but it felt like longer to Demetrius. He was the first to break away as he felt Visette’s gaze growing more intense the longer he stayed within it.

“And just who the fuck is that?” Demetrius nudged his companion who reluctantly looked up only to fall into a daze after observing Visette.

“She’s...beautiful…”

“I asked who she was, not what you thought of her.”

“Yes- Yes...The first woman is Lyn O'Hara and as for the other...I don’t know anything about her but I’m sure if we poke around there’ll be something. No one who looks like that can keep information about themselves hidden.”

“Tell me as soon as you do.” Demetrius finally raised his glass and took a sip. It was then that he discovered there a strange feeling of caution that he had rarely felt before.

He closed his eyes and began to savor the sense of danger that the white-haired girl gave him, but after a few minutes, he became a bit unsettled as the feeling dwindled.

“You know what? I think I’ll go talk to her myself.” Demetrius suddenly stood up much to the dismay of the group.

“Don’t,” A man whispered, grasping Demetrius’ wrist. "We have an assignment to get ready for. You drawing unwanted attention doesn't help it in any way."

“Too late.” Demetrius snatched his arm away and approached the table where the white-haired girl sat.