Solaris Umiversity

Chapter 5: Chapter 5



### **SCENE 21: CHAOS BEGINS**

Back at the center of the party, Ryan and Jane were causing it, as always. They moved through the crowd with the confidence of those who knew they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it. Ryan, with his control over the shadows, played with darkening small areas of the party, creating zones of darkness that confused and amused the other students._

_Janie, with her super speed, was everywhere at once. She had fun playing pranks on others, knocking over glasses and causing people to trip, always disappearing before anyone could complain. Chaos was in the air, and they loved every second of it._

**Ryan** (laughing, as the shadows around his feet rippled):

— "Do you think they realize it's us?"

**Janie** (laughing loudly, grabbing another drink from a nearby table):

— "I doubt it. Everyone here is too drunk or distracted, using their powers in a disorderly way. It's the perfect party for us."

_Emily, watching from afar, snorted, but couldn't avoid a small smile. Even though she pretended to despise them, deep down, there was something about her friends that she found... amusing._

**Emily** (sarcastic, from her chair):

— "You two are impossible. And then I'm the one who's going to have to fix it all."

_Ryan smiled, walking towards her with calculated tranquility, the shadows around him moving like an extension of his thoughts._

**Ryan** (with a calm smile):

— "You know you love it. Without us, you'd be bored, Emily."

_Emily rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her._

**Emily**:

— "Maybe. But only because I like to see chaos from afar. I'm not a depraved person like you two."

**Janie** (laughing, hugging Ryan from behind quickly):

— "Ah, you just haven't found the right person to corrupt you yet, nerd."

**Emily** (cold, making ice appear on her hand):

— "Try it, and I swear you'll both end up frozen for a week."

_Ryan and Janie laughed together, savoring the tension in the air. For them, the party was just the beginning._

### **SCENE 22: CASH OF THE TITANS**

_The tension between the groups was increasingly high, and the atmosphere of the party had changed. Now, the taunts weren't just pranks; they carried a weight that promised something more intense. Jordan, who until then had been on the sidelines observing the commotion, bumped into Ryan while they were both walking in the opposite direction, which was the trigger for something that was about to explode._

_Ryan, with that typical smile of someone who thinks he controls the situation, slowly turned to Jordan. There was something menacing about Ryan's relaxed stance, a boy who knew how dangerous he was and loved to make it clear._

**Ryan** (with a provocative smile):

— "Watch where you walk, big guy. I don't want to have to teach you manners in the middle of the party."

_Jordan stopped immediately, his expression closing. He wasn't the type to take insults home, especially from someone like Ryan. Ryan's power was respected, but Jordan knew his super strength was not to be underestimated. The people around them noticed the atmosphere getting hotter and began to form a circle around the two, waiting for the inevitable collision._

**Jordan** (with a low tone, but full of challenge):

— "Why don't you try, then? Let's see who learns something today, you idiot."

_Ryan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. He loved a good confrontation, especially against someone he believed was physically stronger. Jordan was big, strong, but Ryan had the advantage of cunning and dark skills._

**Ryan** (with a mischievous smile):

— "Ah, I'm not going to miss this opportunity. I just hope you don't regret it later."

_Alexys and the others watched the scene, knowing that a fight was about to happen. Ethan crossed his arms, analyzing their aura and the situation as always, while Ema took a step forward, about to interfere, but Alexys grabbed her arm._

**Alexys** (calm, but curious):

— "Leave them. Jordan can take care of himself."

_Ema hesitated, but backed away, despite her concern. The air around the two began to vibrate with anticipation. Ryan took a step forward, his hands beginning to glow with a dark aura, the shadow around him taking shape as if it had a life of its own._

**Ryan** (sarcastically):

— "I'll even make it easier for you, Jordan. You can try the first blow. Let's see what all that strength of yours can do."

_Jordan didn't need any more encouragement. He charged forward, his giant fist moving fast like a bullet towards Ryan. The impact, if successful, would be devastating. But Ryan, with a simple snap of his fingers, disappeared in a cloud of shadows, teleporting to the side, while the shadow he controlled seemed to move like an extension of his body._

**Ryan** (laughing):

— "You're going to have to be faster than that, brutes."

_Jordan turned quickly, already prepared for the next move. He knew Ryan could be agile, but his brute strength was still his biggest advantage. Without hesitation, he charged forward again, trying to use the environment to his advantage. He picked up a metal bench that was nearby and threw it towards Ryan, who once again teleported, reappearing behind Jordan, his shadows already preparing the next attack._

**Ryan** (in a mocking voice):

— "See? Strength isn't everything, friend. You need a little more brains to catch me."

_Jordan huffed, frustrated, but not intimidated. He spun around and tried another strike, this time a kick, which made the ground shake around him. Ryan once again disappeared, but this time he wasn't just dodging. He appeared behind Jordan, but Jordan, with a strong instinct, throws a punch in Ryan's face that sends him to the wall, the students are amazed and applaud Jordan, Jordan goes to him and lifts him up holding his shirt and starts to blast Ryan. with a lot of punches to the face and stomach, butRyan was also quite resilient, grabbing Jordan's fist and teleporting, and with a teleportation boost, used the impact to throw a series of shadow-driven punches, each blow landing with a force that was unnatural for someone of his size. ._

_Ryan's blows were precise, and his shadows helped to amplify the power. Jordan hit him with punches too but it seemed to have no effect on Ryan, and despite his resistance, he began to feel the weight of Ryan's attacks. Every time he tried to counterattack, Ryan disappeared and reappeared somewhere else, always one step ahead._

**Jordan** (breathing but determined):

— "It won't last forever, Ryan. One day, you'll stop, and I'll crush you."

**Ryan** (smiling, almost joking):

— "You know what's funny? I don't even need to be stronger. I just need to be smarter."

Ryan's shadow suddenly grew, wrapping around Jordan's arms and trapping him for a moment. Ryan took advantage of the opening and teleported directly above Jordan, delivering a powerful kick to his opponent's shoulder, making him stagger back. devastating_

_The surrounding public let out murmurs, surprised by how the fight was going. Jordan was known for his unbeatable strength, but Ryan was demonstrating that intelligence and strategy could overcome even the strongest._

**Ryan** (whispering as he approached Jordan, who was trying to compose himself):

— "You're strong, Jordan. But brute strength doesn't mean anything when you can't even touch me, are you going to get up or not, bully?"

_Jordan, with a furious look, stood up again, but before he could attack, Ryan teleported once again, this time appearing directly in front of him. He grabbed Jordan's arm and, using shadow momentum and teleportation, threw him away, causing Jordan to crash into a nearby table, breaking it in half._

_Alexys, Ema and Ethan watched in silence. There was tension in the air, and despite everything, Alexys knew it wouldn't end there. The rivalry between the two groups had just been made official._

**Ethan** (with an ironic tone):

— "I think we have a problem from now on."

**Alexys** (smiling):

— "Problem? I think it's exactly what we needed. Things were getting too calm."

_Jordan stood up, clearly shaken, but not defeated. He looked at Ryan with fire in his eyes, knowing this was far from over. Ryan, in turn, smiled victoriously, his shadows still dancing around as he casually walked away, as if nothing had happened and the audience roared applauding Ryan._

**Ryan** (from afar, with a mocking smile):

— "Better luck next time, big guy."

_Alexys approached Jordan, offering her hand to help him get up._

**Alexys** (with a knowing smile):

— "Next is ours, it doesn't stay like this, now they have a problem with us."

_Jordan shook her hand, his expression hardened. He wasn't the type to give up, and this defeat only lit a bigger fire inside him._

**Jordan** (determinedly):

— "This isn't over."

_After all the fun of the party and the fight between Ryan and Jordan, the event came to an end, with all students returning to their dorms.

### **SCENE 23: THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

The Solaris University medical center was always a quiet place, but today the atmosphere was heavier. White lights shone in the clinical environment, and the smell of antiseptic filled the air. At the end of the corridor, in one of the wings reserved for "special" cases, was Jordan, lying on a bed, still somewhat dazed from the injuries from the recent fight.

Alexys, Ethan and Ema were around the bed, exchanging worried looks, but disguising it with the usual trickery and irony that was already characteristic of them. Alexys was standing next to Jordan, with her arms crossed and an expression that mixed concern and a slight provocative smile, while Ethan maintained his typical calm and calculating posture, analyzing the situation. Ema, despite being shy, was next to Jordan, the only one who showed genuine apprehension in her eyes.

Alexys (jokingly, but with a tone of concern):

— "You know, Jordan... I didn't think you'd be taken down so easily. Where's that indestructible heartthrob we know, huh?"

Jordan smiled weakly, still trying to adjust herself in bed. He always tried to maintain the pose, but it was clear that the pain was bothering him.

Jordan (trying to maintain humor):

— "I'm still the heartthrob, Alexys. I'm just... taking a nap after sending some guys flying."

Ethan, who was further away, leaning against the wall, observed everything with that air of someone who always sees beyond the surface. He exchanged a look with Alexys and smiled slightly.

Ethan (with a friendly but calculating tone):

— "Next time, try to avoid taking a blow that almost knocks you down, Jordan. We need all of you for these insane parties."

Alexys (laughing, looking at Ethan):

— "Oh, come on, Ethan! If we avoided trouble, it wouldn't be so fun. Part of the fun is seeing who survives in the end, isn't it?"

Ema, who until then had been quiet, finally spoke up. His voice was shy, but carried a touch of firmness.

Ema (with a slight tone of concern, but with courage):

— "I just think we should be a little more careful... It's not every day someone ends up like this. This is starting to get serious."

Alexys looked at Ema, still with that mischievous smile, but there was admiration for her friend's courage in saying what everyone was thinking.

Alexys (provocative but soft):

— "Hey, Ema, you're starting to sound like the group's voice of reason. That's dangerous, you know?"

Ema blushed slightly, but kept her gaze steady.

Emma:

— "Someone needs to be."

Jordan (interrupting, still with his humor):

— "Hey, guys... I'm alive, right? Just a little bruise or two, nothing I can't get over. Besides, the party was too good for me to stay out for long."

Ethan (calm, but with a slight sarcasm):

— "Yes, Jordan, because you being thrown against a wall was the 'best' part of the night."

Everyone laughed, including Jordan, although he felt the pain in his ribs with each laugh. The tension in the room was dissipating, even though the gravity of the situation still hung over them.

The bedroom door suddenly opened, interrupting the conversation. A young woman, looking about 21 years old, entered. His posture was relaxed, but there was something almost insolent in the way he walked. Her nurse uniform was a little disheveled, and a sarcastic smile was permanently plastered on her face.

Nurse (with a provocative tone):

— "Well, well... What do we have here? The school heartthrob getting into yet another mess? What a surprise."

Alexys, always ready to respond, crossed her arms and smiled sideways.

Alexys (provocative):

— "And who are you, the savior of the country? Are you going to heal our friend with your miraculous touch?"

The nurse gave a low laugh, clearly amused by Alexys' attitude. She approached the bed, taking a quick look at Jordan.

Nurse (sarcastic):

— "You can call me Bianca, but, yes, I'm the miracle worker here. And before you ask, my healing power is a little... peculiar. Maybe a little painful. Depends on his mood."

Jordan raised an eyebrow, clearly confused but maintaining his charming smile.

Jordan (with a slight but suspicious smile):

— "Painful? What do you mean?"

Bianca smiled even wider, taking out some kind of small bottle from her bag. It was transparent, but with a liquid inside that gave off a faint blue-green glow.

Bianca (with a mischievous smile):

— "Well, let's say that the healing process requires... a small adverse reaction before it takes effect. You can handle it, right, big guy?"

Alexys looked at the vial and laughed, clearly more intrigued than concerned.

Alexys (jokingly):

— "I said, Jordan, you always end up on the fun side of things. Take advantage of Bianca's magical healing massage. But how do you make that strange liquid with your powers?"

Bianca (smiling mischievously and looking at the wall):

— "That's something I know and you don't know, girl. Just keep quiet and watch the magic happen."

Ema, despite being shy, couldn't help but glance curiously at the bottle in Bianca's hand. Ethan, in his calculating way, looked closely, as if trying to uncover the contents of that strange liquid.

Ethan (watching closely):

— "And what exactly does that do? I need to know if we won't have to heal you after healing him."

Bianca (laughing, leaning over Jordan):

— "Relax, aura boy. This will make the big guy good as new... But he'll feel like he got hit by a truck before he got better."

Jordan let out a laugh, albeit hesitantly.

Jordan (facing Bianca):

— "you can do it. I'm tough."

Bianca shrugged, as if it were a common procedure, and began to apply the contents of the bottle directly to Jordan's wounds. Immediately, he flinched, feeling an intense pain that made him let out a surprised groan. The glowing mixture seemed to burn momentarily, before it began to act.

Alexys (laughing):

— "Look at his face! He looks like he's trying to hold back his scream."

Emma (worried):

— "Is this... normal?"

Bianca (completely calm):

— "He's going to be fine. He just needs to hold on for a few minutes. Soon it will feel like nothing happened."

Jordan clenched his teeth, enduring the pain as the liquid took effect. Little by little, his breathing calmed down, and the healing glow dissipated, leaving renewed skin where the wounds had been.

Jordan (in a hoarse voice, but relieved):

— "I'm... whole again. It worked."

Alexys (jokingly, patting her on the shoulder):

— "See? It wasn't even that bad. You're ready for another round at the next party."

Ethan smiled, shaking his head in slight disbelief, while Ema looked relieved to see that everything had turned out well.

Ethan (sarcastic):

— "At least we know where to send you next time you decide to fight another guy again, Jordan."

_The group of friends go to their respective dorms._

### **SCENE 24: ALEXYS' NIGHTMARE**

_Later that night, Alexys slept soundly in her bed, but her sleep was far from peaceful. She tossed and turned between the sheets, sweaty and restless. In the dream, she saw herself in a dark and foggy room, surrounded by very sinister failed experiments carried out on humans. With every step he took, the ground seemed to disintegrate beneath his feet._

_And then, she saw him. In the middle of that darkness, his father. His figure was shrouded in shadows, but she could feel his presence. His back was to her, but his voice echoed everywhere_

**Alexys's father** (distant, and a little breathless):

— "Alexys... you have to help me. I can't fight alone anymore."

_Alexys tried to run to him, but she never caught up, it felt like she was running in an infinite room. She screamed, but her voice was lost in the darkness. His lungs burned as he desperately tried to get closer._

**Alexys** (screaming, frustrated):

— "Dad! Where are you? What's going on?"

_He didn't turn around. He remained motionless, but his voice, closer this time, was almost painful to hear._

**Alexys' father** (coldly, but urgently):

— "You need to be stronger. Faster. Time is running out, and you... you're not ready yet."

_Alexys tried to run again but now the ground seemed to melt beneath her feet, as if the dream itself was collapsing. His hands reached out, but it was useless. He was out of his league._

**Alexys** (desperate):

— "Dad! What do I need to do? Tell me!"

_The man turned slowly, and his eyes — the same as Alexys — shone with a strange, cold light. Her face was marked by pain and exhaustion, but there was a coldness there that made her shiver._

**Alexys' father** (dark):

— "Help me... before it's too late."

_Alexys felt a sudden cold, as if all the air had been sucked out of the dream. Her father's figure began to disappear, being swallowed by the surrounding darkness, and she woke up panting, covered in sweat. His breathing was heavy, and his heart was beating frantically in his chest._

_She sat on the bed, looking into space, trying to understand what had just happened. There was something wrong. Something very wrong._

**Alexys** (whispering to herself, still panting):

— "What are you trying to tell me, dad? What's going on?"

_Alexys recovers herself and goes back to sleep. _

### **SCENE 25: CLASS ON RANKING

The sun shone brightly through the windows of the Solaris University classroom. The atmosphere was livelier than usual, with students murmuring about the events of the previous night's party. Professor Mitchell, a middle-aged man with a serious expression and a rigid posture, entered the room. His sharp gaze made the noise subside immediately.

Professor Mitchell (with an authoritative tone):

— "Good morning everyone. I hope you are well. Today is reality day. Let's talk about the school ranking and the mandatory activities that you will need to carry out. I repeat, they are mandatory"

Some students looked at each other, and the excitement was replaced by slight apprehension. Alexys, Ethan, Jordan, and Ema were among those who listened most closely, curious about what would come next.

Professor Mitchell (opening a tablet and projecting a presentation on the screen):

— "As you know, the ranking is crucial here at Solaris University. It not only determines one's status, but also influences future opportunities. The ranking is not just a list, it is a way of measuring the performance and creativity of students."

Jordan (raising his hand, with a challenging tone):

— "So, what exactly do we have to do to climb the rankings? Is it just competing in activities or is there a trick to it?"

Professor Mitchell looked at Jordan with a mixture of disdain and admiration.

Professor Mitchell (seriously, but with a touch of sarcasm):

— "Great question. It's not just about competing, Jordan. It's about excelling at a variety of activities. Being creative and innovative is crucial. You'll have to demonstrate your skills in unexpected ways."

Alexys (with an ironic smile):

— "Great, so in addition to controlling the wind, I'll need to transform into a circus performer. What about activities? Do we have any scope for... creativity?"

Professor Mitchell (putting his hand to his chin, pondering):

— "Exactly. Creativity is what differentiates leaders from followers. The activities will be a mix of practical challenges and situations that require quick thinking. You have no idea what will be asked of you, so you better be prepared for anything."

Ethan (thoughtfully, with a slight tone of doubt):

— "And how will teachers evaluate this? Is there any specific criteria or is it more a question of 'impressing'?"

Professor Mitchell (with an enigmatic smile):

— "Both. There will be objective criteria, but there's also a lot of subjective evaluation. We want to see not just how you perform, but how you think outside the box. If you think you can use your skills in an innovative way, that's what we're looking for ."

Ema, who had been quiet until then, raised her hand shyly.

Ema (in a soft but firm voice):

— "What about timing? Will there be a timeline or will it be something that could happen at any time?"

Professor Mitchell (in a more serious tone):

— "There will be deadlines for activities, but challenges can arise at any time. Flexibility is an important part of the process. You need to be agile and adaptable."

Jordan sat back in his chair, looking defiant.

Jordan (with a mischievous smile):

— "So, if I decide to do a strength trick in the middle of a class, will it help my rankings?"

Professor Mitchell (laughing softly):

— "That depends. If it's a trick that impresses and fits the challenges, it might even help. But remember, there's a fine line between creativity and recklessness."

Alexys looked at Jordan and Ethan with a knowing look.

Alexys (jokingly):

— "It looks like we have a new challenge: creating chaos in an innovative way. It's going to be fun."

Ethan (with a tone of irony, but also motivation):

— "Or maybe we should just try not to get kicked out while we're at it."

Professor Mitchell turned to the screen again, moving to the next slide.

Professor Mitchell (finishing):

— "Prepare for the unexpected. If you are creative, dedicated and adaptable, you can excel. But remember, rules are there to be challenged, not ignored."

As the students began to disperse, Professor Mitchell made one last comment.

Professor Mitchell (with an enigmatic smile):

— "Oh, and one last thing: the best performances are not only the most impressive, but also the most memorable. Don't forget that."

With that, the class ended, and the students began to stand up and talk about what they had heard. Alexys, Ethan, Jordan and Ema left the room, even though they weren't that interested in this ranking, they had a mixture of excitement and apprehension, ready to face whatever came next.


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