Today was the day I had been waiting for. I woke excessively early in the morning, although I had slept very late last night.

I eagerly went to the kitchen and had gotten myself an early coffee. Getting to the kitchen had always been fast and easy in this tiny old house. I drink my morning coffee as I look at the crowing chickens illuminated by the sunrise’s light outside the house. After drinking my morning coffee, I took a quick shower and prepared the clothes that I will be bringing with me to the LionHeart Academy, where I will be studying and training my ability.

I was born with supernatural power. Such people are called Enhancers. People like us started to appear about 60 to 70 years ago, during the great wars. It isn’t because of the great conflicts that were the cause of the creation of our existence. But because of the mysterious creatures in different shapes and sizes had started appearing and invaded our lands, bringing death and chaos.

People like me are born with the power to use mysterious energy, called mana. We use mana to perform abnormal actions and bend rules that were thought to be impossible. These actions are called spells. There are a lot of spells that we humans had created, such as summoning fire and thunder out of our palms or curing and healing the wounded by touching them.

But some are born with even greater power. These people had awakened something far superior compared to the average Enhancers, a power unique to their family members, which they are called ME(Mutated Enhancer) or a bloodline.

If a regular Enhancer can summon and control fire, a ME user with the specialty to the fire attribute is the uncontrollable scorching fire itself.

My grandfather had told me that this city we live in used to be a military base with many Enhancers. This attracted many people, and they started moving and building their houses around the military base, slowly turning into a city. The Whalelight City, where LionHeart Academy resides.

I looked at myself in the mirror and fixed my black messy curly hair and dull, subtle looks. I look ordinary and stood below the average height. I looked at my new white uniform, and it is the one that I will be wearing in the Academy.

After preparing and had told my grandparents my farewell, I went to my childhood friend’s house. Now that we’re 16 years olds, we can attend the Academy. The reason I’m going to their house is that her mother will be dropping us off.

We had known each other since we were in preschool. We quickly became close friends, and I would often go to their house about ten minutes away from mine, just to talk to her. Because of this, I also got closer with her parents, and as years passed by, I’ve thought of them as my own too.

-Tok Tok Tok- I knocked on the door.

“Who is it?” A beautiful, gentle voice asked behind the door. When the door opened, I immediately recognized her. It was my childhood friend, Catherine Magboo. I call her Cath, though.

“Oh, it’s you. You didn’t have to knock, you know, it was unlocked for you.”(Cath). This is her now. We’re not as close as we were before, though.

People still discriminate against us, and most of them are kids. That’s why three years ago, an ordinary kid bullied me, causing me to send him to the hospital for a couple of weeks. Because we are poor, Cath’s parents had to pay for my damages and had her babysit me all the time. But I prefer to call it guarding instead of babysitting.

It’s not that I’m not guilty of what I’ve done, not about me sending the kid to the hospital. No, I’d do it again. But because Cath’s family had been helping and taking care of me, but I only caused them trouble.

“Where're your parents?”(Daniel). I asked her where they are to greet them and thank them for all these years. Not only did they give me all kinds of stuff I needed, but they also took care of my education.

“Mom is in the garage preparing the car, and dad is still sleeping.”(Cath). She said with a dull look.

I looked at her and noticed that she’s gorgeous in her uniform. She’s one of the prettiest girls I know. She has a black and long ponytail and glasses for her big round brown eyes. And she also stood a few centimeters taller than me.

She looked back at me, who are still at the front door.

“Are you just gonna stand there or what?”(Cath). She asked after turning her head towards me.

Moments later, her mom came in from the garage.

“Dan Dan, you’re here. Wow! Your uniform really looks good on you.”

She’s Cath’s mom, Carla Magboo, and she had been really kind to me.

“Thank you, Mrs.Carla.”(Daniel). I said as I scratch my head.

“Don't you think so too, sweetie?”(Mrs. Carla)

“Yea, yea it’s okay. I’ll be in the car.”(Cath)

“This crazy kid. Sigh. Don’t worry Dan Dan, she’s just shy.”(Mrs. Carla). She reassures me with her smile.

“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Carla, I don’t really mind. I’m already used to it.”(Daniel)

“I’m sure you’ll meet a lot of friends you could hang out with. And if you meet a wonderful girl, make sure to tell me, okay?”(Mrs. Carla). She said in a teasing voice.

“Ahaha,” I laughed awkwardly.

“Well, if there’s any. But we’re there to train, so I doubt that I’ll be interested in that, Mrs. Carla.”(Daniel)

After talking to Mrs. Carla for a bit, she asked me to get in the car inside the garage. There, I saw Cath inside, sitting at the passenger’s seat at the front. I sat right behind her and greeted her again but didn’t receive an answer. I always wondered how did our relationship become like this.

“Um… You look good with your uniform.”(Daniel). I commented, trying to make a conversation.

“Uh... Thanks.”(Cath).

‘Well, creating a conversation just failed.’(Daniel). How do I create a conversation with a grumpy teenage girl?

While thinking of what to say, Mrs. Carla got inside the car. I didn’t even notice her getting into the garage. She got into the car and started the engine.

“It’ll only take us about an hour. If there’s no traffic, we’ll get there in half an hour. Dan Dan, are you nervous? This will be the first time you meet other Enhancers other than us. I hope you make a lot of friends.”(Mrs. Carla)

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Carla, I’m good. Even if I don’t make any friends, Cath will still be there.”(Daniel). I reassured her. Which she only smiled gently at me.

After an hour of uneventful travel, we reached a military checkpoint. There’s a giant thick gate right in front of us, with thick walls traveling as far as miles away. Inside is the LionHeart Academy. It’s a small city within a city. The small city itself is called LionHeart.

The giant gate opened after Mrs. Carla talked with the soldiers, and inside wasn’t any different from the outside. There are stores, restaurants, and pedestrians everywhere.

Upon reaching inside LionHeart, I couldn’t help but get curious about how there are still many people inside.

“Mrs. Carla, is there any reason why there’s still a lot of people inside the city? Are they not restricted to enter the city?”(Daniel)

“Well, there’s a lot of reason. But probably most people who are inside are those who work for UDA or their family members living with them. There are more ordinary humans work for UDA than Enhancers, after all. That’s why Enhancers are usually accompanied by soldiers when going into missions. Those soldiers live and also trained here.”(Mrs. Carla)

‘Oh. I didn’t even think about that. I feel dumb now.’(Daniel).

“But there are also those who have special permissions, like store owners. They need special IDs to set up a store in the area.”(Mrs. Carla)

We stopped by a small building, where we will be getting our evaluation.

“After this, I’ll drop both at you at the Academy’s dorms. But remember, you can’t get out of the Academy during class, training. And since the both of you will be living in the Academy’s dorms, neither of you are allowed outside of your dorms by 7 pm.”(Mrs. Carla)

“Mom, we know.”(Cath)

Inside the building, we are greeted with a large lobby packed with people but short waiting lines. We went into one of the lines and soon reached the front. Mrs. Carla showed her ID and told the staff asked evaluation tests. We had to wait for about ten minutes before getting called. Soon two women in scrub suits asked us to follow them, but our destination wasn’t in the same room.

“The tests will be quite quick. It usually only takes ten minutes to an hour.”(Doctor Lady). She said as she reached for her syringe.

I gulped unintentionally.

“Don’t worry, I’ll just have to check for your bloodline. If there’s no reaction or result, it still not a problem.”(Doctor Lady)

“Okay….”(Daniel). I felt that my response just now was rude. I hate my introverted self. I can’t even respond appropriately without getting nervous. It’s easier to say it inside of my head, but saying it was hard.

As I was cursing myself, she sat right next to me. She’s so close that I could smell her hair conditioner that she probably used this morning.

She took my arm and told me to relax.

“Didn’t hurt, right?”(Doctor Lady). She said as she’s taking my blood.

Please stop saying that. I may only still 16 years old. But I’m not a kid anymore.

I nodded. Why did I nod?

She got up and took my blood sample inside a machine. She came back with a document in her hands.

“Now that’s done, now I’ll ask you just a few questions. Where you live, your guardians stuffs like that. But nothing personal.”(Doctor Lady)

“Name?”(Doctor Lady)

“Daniel Be……………..

Five minutes later, the questions finally ended. I thought I was being interrogated for a crime I didn’t commit, yet I knew the answers. She stood up and took the blood result with her.

“Hmmm.”(Doctor Lady)

“Is there anything wrong?”(Daniel)

“Unfortunately, it came back negative, meaning you don’t have a bloodline. And your mana control and power seem to be on the lower side. But you don’t need to worry since your mana capacity is above average. This means as long as you train hard to the point you drain your mana, you will increase control and power normally.”(Doctor Lady)

“Okay…”(Daniel). No bloodline, huh. I know that Cath has a bloodline which she got from her mother. This feels frustrating, but I don't have to worry since I have a higher mana capacity.

The Doctor Lady then gave me the document and a customized one for easier understanding. It says.

Daniel Bernal

ME/Bloodline: None

Mana Power: E

Mana Control: E

Mana Capacity: B

And some other bunch of kinds of stuff such as my address and blood type. After getting out of the room, I went back to the bench we were sitting on before. Cath’s already there with Mrs. Carla petting her head with a big smile on her face. For some reason, I felt weird.

They saw me going down the hall. Mrs. Carla waved her hand at me.

“How is it?”(Mrs. Carla). She asked me, her smile still on her face.

“Well, it’s alright. I don’t have a bloodline though, and the results are also alright.”(Daniel)

By the time I reached them, I have already hidden the documents at my back, being held by my pants.

“Oh, it’s unfortunate that you don’t have a bloodline, but if the results are still alright, does that mean it’s good?”(Mrs. Carla). She asked me with a concerned face.

Now I feel bad for souring the mood.

“Yes! My mana power, control, and capacity were said to be good enough.”(Daniel). I forcefully smiled, it’s a good thing that I’m good with my facial expressions, so it doesn’t look fake.

“That’s great! Where’re your documents?”(Mrs. Carla)

“They said that…. They’ll send it to the Academy…”(Daniel)

“I never heard anything about that…. Do you want me to ask them to bring your documents here right now?”(Mrs. Carla)

“No need, I’m sure it will be alright.”(Daniel). I said while still holding the smile on my face. I can’t let them worry about me. I already worried them enough. I decided I will become wealthy to pay them back for their kindness.

“Then, do you want to see Cath’s result? It’s right here.”(Mrs. Carla). She handed me Cath’s results.

Catherine Magboo

ME/Bloodline: Classified/Hidden

Mana Power: B

Mana Control: A

Mana Capacity: A

What….. I’m was proud of my mana capacity… Yet… I shouldn’t be jealous. I can’t be. I can’t pay their kindness with hostility. If this is how it goes, then I can accept it. But… this still.

“Is there anything wrong?”(Mrs. Carla). She asked me confusedly as she saw me just staring at the paper blankly.

“No-nothing, I’m just amazed how I got an amazing best friend. Cath, your amazing.”(Daniel). I said as I cover what I really feel, frustration. She was born with everything.

She smiled and looked away but didn’t answer.

“Then let’s get into the car. I need to drop both of you to the Academy. Then I still have to attend a morning meeting. If I can still remember correctly, they hand over the map to new students. That way, you can find your way around the whole LionHeart.”(Mrs. Carla)

The gate and walls surrounding the Academy are also big, about half of that surrounds the city. But there are still soldiers at the gate. The difference is, there are more AE(Enhancers that serve in UDA officially) that also guards the gate.

We went into the faculty and gave them our documents, but I secretly handed them mine. A while later, they gave us our IDs.

“You got your ID too, Dan Dan? But what about your documents?”(Mrs. Carla)

“Ahaha. I don’t know. Maybe they rushed it since tomorrow is the first day?”(Daniel). That was a good excuse. I would get fooled if I was her.

“Hmm, maybe.”(Mrs. Carla). She stared at me and continued.

“You’re right. It’s rush time after all.”(Mrs. Carla)

I feel glad she took my excuse.

I looked at our cards, and it says.

Daniel Bernal

Class: E / Lower

-----------------------

Catherine Magboo

Class: A / Higher

Even the Academy had to let us know that we’re losers.

They asked us to hand over our uniforms, and when they gave them back, there’s something engraved on each shoulder.

For Cath, it’s a star. But for me, it’s just a circle. I saw other people getting their uniforms back. Some have a star engraved, some have a flower, and there are also those with a circle. Most of them have flowers, there are those with stars, but we with circles are few, even compared to the star students.

I heard some people talking.

“I heard that it depends on your class what your allowance will be.”(Random A)

“Lucky for us, we’re Bs.”(Random B)

‘I’m E, so I get a lower allowance?’ I thought feeling even worse about it, but still better than before since now I know that I would get an allowance.

“I have to go now. Both of you stay safe here, got it?”(Mrs. Carla). She said as she hugged us both.

“Thank you for helping me, Mrs. Carla. Please tell Mr. Mag that too. It was unfortunate that he wasn’t with us today, but please tell him that too.”(Daniel). She nodded. She kissed us on our cheeks and hugged us again before leaving.

I call her dad Mr. Mag, but his full name is Dante Magboo.

After she was gone, both me and Cath went outside to look around the Academy.

“You didn’t speak much today again. Ahaha.”(Daniel). I jokingly said.

“Dan… You know that I care for you, right? But since we were kids, I had to take care of you, and you would always follow me. It was fun, but we’re in the big leagues now. I can’t stay with you here all the time.”(Cath). She looked at me and said with a severe expression.

“It’s not like you had to feed me.”(Daniel)

“It’s not that. But here, I want you to be independent. I’ll tell you here right now that I’ll ignore you inside the Academy. I don’t want you to expect me to help you. Of course, this doesn’t mean I won’t. But unless necessary, I won’t take any action. Sorry. But I hope you understand.”(Cath). She said with an apologetic look.

Of course, I understand, but it still hurt. I don’t follow you because I can’t do anything without you, but because I was astonished by you. You’re pretty, athletic, and intelligent. And I know you are going to be something big, and I just wanted to be a small part of that. But now. I’ll just smile.

“Of course, I didn’t expect you to do all that. In fact, I was planning to become a different person here! Don’t worry!”(Daniel). I said brightly, hiding what I really feel. She looked at me and smiled before going into her dorm.

But I just stood there watching her silhouette slowly disappear.