Jaden emerged from the elevator onto the 18th floor of Van Boxtel Technologies, immediately sensing a shift in the atmosphere compared to his last visit. The floor was now heavily fortified with advanced security: new biometric scanners hummed quietly, motion sensors blinked with understated urgency, and uniformed guards were meticulously positioned at key points. The recent breach into their data vault had evidently prompted an intense overhaul of their security protocols.

As he made his way down the hallway, Jaden was aware of a security guard shadowing his steps. The guard had been with him since the lobby, where he had checked Jaden's ID and accompanied him through the various checkpoints. Jaden did his best to ignore the feeling of being under constant surveillance and instead focused on the task at hand.

When they reached Weston's office, the guard gave a courteous nod and stepped aside. Jaden opened the door to find the office vacant. Weston was clearly occupied with a meeting, indicated by the closed door leading to the adjoining conference room and the faint murmur of voices beyond. Jaden settled into one of the leather chairs, trying to relax as he waited. His attention drifted to the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, which displayed a flickering stream of the latest news.

The news anchor, a sharply dressed man with an intense expression, addressed the camera with a grave tone. The scrolling headline at the bottom of the screen read, Heng Qi (恒气岛) Executes Ultra-Tellurians Amid Rebellion Suppression.

"Turning to breaking developments from Heng Qi," the anchor began, "the island city-state in East Asia, under the rule of Supreme Leader Xiong Jianpei, has erupted in controversy. Xiong Jianpei has ordered the execution of ten ultra-tellurians, accusing them of incitement and attempting to stir rebellion against his regime. This brutal act has sent shockwaves through the supernatural community."

The broadcast cut to a split-screen featuring an interview with Luke Sadberry, a high-profile member of the Cataclysm Federation Governing Council. Sadberry maintained a carefully controlled expression.

"And we have joining us today is Councilman Luke Sadberry from Veridian City," the anchor continued. "Councilman, how does the Federation view these events?"

Sadberry's voice was calm and diplomatic. "Thank you for having me. It's indeed a tragic situation unfolding in Heng Qi. The actions of Supreme Leader Xiong Jianpei are profoundly concerning. However, I must clarify that Heng Qi is not a member of the Cataclysm Federation. The Federation was formed through the voluntary willingness of major metropolises around the world to join together for better governance of supernatural affairs. It's a collaborative effort—what we call joint-metropolitanism. Our role is to facilitate cooperation and establish standards, but we cannot impose our governance methods on entities that choose not to be part of the Federation."

The anchor pressed gently, "But doesn't this situation highlight a moral dilemma? Some have even suggested that the Federation is isolating itself, failing to address the moral obligation to support those with extranormal abilities who are suffering. Should the Federation not take a more active role in addressing such injustices, especially when they involve the broader community of extranormal beings?"

Sadberry's tone remained firm. "The Federation's role is to respect the sovereignty of non-member states while advocating for cooperative solutions among our members. We are committed to promoting ethical governance within our jurisdictions, but overstepping into other regions could undermine the cooperative spirit that the Federation is built upon. Our role has never been to act as an imperialistic force."

Jaden tapped his fingers restlessly on the armrests of his chair, his thoughts whirling. The disparity between the Federation's polished diplomatic rhetoric and the grim reality displayed on the screen was unsettling. Just then, the office door swung open with a quiet groan, and Weston entered, his expression a blend of businesslike efficiency and mild surprise at finding Jaden already there.

"Hey, Jaden," Weston greeted. "How's it going?"

Jaden offered a tight smile. "I think that's my line. How's your head?"

Weston chuckled, brushing off the concern. "It was just a mild concussion. I'm fine. Nothing to worry about."

"I wanted to visit you in the hospital, but the Iron Phalanx kept me out, thinking I might be involved. Then when you woke up and I was cleared, I couldn't get ahold of you."

Weston sighed, running a hand through his platinum hair. "Yeah, sorry about that. Things have been... chaotic. As you can see, we've been overhauling security. I've also had to deal with some fallout."

"Fallout? What happened?" Jaden asked.

"I'm the Director of Digital Security, so when that ninja managed to breach our systems, it didn't exactly reflect well on me," Weston explained, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice. "The guy hacked into our security, triggered a false alarm that made it look like the building was under attack, and used the commotion to sneak inside. The shareholders and the CEO aren't exactly thrilled—they think my security protocols were too weak, so they're holding me responsible for the break-in."

Jaden frowned. "That doesn't sound fair."

Weston sighed, the weight of his responsibilities heavy on his shoulders. "Fair or not, it's my job to predict the unpredictable. They're not interested in excuses. They want results." He paused, then gave Jaden a knowing look. "But I've been meaning to thank you, you know, for saving my sorry ass back there."

Jaden blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Weston chuckled, but there was a seriousness in his eyes. "Come on, Jaden. I know you've got power. I'm not oblivious. When the Iron Phalanx took my statement, they mentioned that your abilities were identified as the cause of the vault's door and wall destruction. It didn't take much to figure out you were trying to get into the vault to save me, right?"

Jaden's face heated with embarrassment. "Uh... yes."

"Why were you hiding that you've got abilities? Does it have something to do with the whole J.A.D.E.N. and ExoCellular Lab situation?"

Jaden hesitated, then nodded. "I suspected that my powers might come from something connected to ExoCellular Lab, but I didn't know for sure until... well, until you read those records in the vault."

Weston's expression softened. "You know, you could've just told me the truth from the start. If you'd let me in on why you needed that information, I would've helped you without a second thought."

"Thanks, Weston! I really appreciate it."

Weston waved away Jaden's gratitude with a casual gesture. "No need to thank me. I owe your parents a favor, and now I owe you one too. Just let me know if there's anything I can do for you."

Jaden nodded, his thoughts already drifting to the practicalities of his day ahead. "I'll keep that in mind. I should get going now though—I need to head back to Lightcrest and grab my textbooks before classes start tomorrow."

Weston raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going to school in Boston."

Jaden froze, taken aback. The lie he'd told Weston three weeks ago had eluded his mind entirely. "Well, actually..."

"You weren't honest about that too, were you?" Weston asked.

Jaden's gaze dropped, his voice tender with apology. "Yeah, sorry about that. To be fair, I didn't know you well back then."

Weston laughed and shook his head. "No worries. If you're sticking around in Veridian now, just swing by whenever. And good luck with your first day."

Jaden gave a final appreciative nod, and in no time, he found himself outside Van Boxtel Technologies, ready to make his way back to Lightcrest. The headquarters complex stretched out before him like a gleaming futuristic plaza, with glass towers catching the afternoon sun. At the center stood the main building he had just left, its steel and glass design surrounded by lush gardens and paved walkways.

To the left of the main tower was a low-rise building that housed the company's labs and research facilities. On the right, a parking structure loomed, linked to the headquarters by a sky bridge that arched over the plaza. The whole area was enclosed by security fencing, with discreetly positioned cameras monitoring every corner.

Jaden's thoughts were already on Lightcrest University, where his first day of classes would begin the next day. He was eager to leave behind the high-stakes world of corporate security breaches and immerse himself in the familiar stress of academia. He was ready to move on. After spending the entire summer overthinking his origins and the ExoCellular Lab, he was done with it. Perhaps Adam was right—whatever purpose the lab had for him was now a thing of the past.

The path to the maglev station was lined with low, manicured hedges, and Jaden could see a few employees milling about, their conversations muted by the distance. It was then that he noticed something out of place—a flicker of movement at the far end of the plaza, near the base of the lab building. His instincts sharpened, and he slowed his pace, squinting for a better look.

In the shadows cast by the surrounding structures was a figure moving with stealth. The black ninja attire and the figure's fluid movements were unmistakable; it was the same person who had broken into Van Boxtel last time.

Jaden watched the ninja's careful progress. He waited until the figure seemed to merge into the daylight shadows before following at a cautious distance. His tread was light as he trailed the ninja through the plaza. As he pursued, he couldn't help but question why he was so driven to catch the ninja. He had just decided to leave the drama behind and focus on his first day of school. Yet, here he was, chasing a mysterious figure, and something about it gnawed at him.

Maybe it was the unending stream of mysteries in his life—never knowing what to expect or fully understanding what was going on. Or maybe it was the fact that the ninja had let him take the blame for the break-in at Van Boxtel Technologies. That alone was enough to set his temper ablaze. Whatever the reason, Jaden felt an almost irrational need to get to the bottom of it, to finally have some answers, even if it meant diving headfirst into yet another perilous situation.

The figure's actions were deliberate and calculated, leading him toward the maglev station. When they reached the entrance, Jaden ducked behind a pillar, observing as the ninja slipped inside. The station was bustling with commuters enjoying the afternoon. The open-air station was garnished with shops and bright signage, while the maglev trains glided smoothly along their elevated tracks.

As Jaden entered the station, he caught a glimpse of the ninja's head turning abruptly, their eyes locking with his for a fleeting second before the ninja surged forward, pushing through the crowd. Jaden realized the ninja was aware of his pursuit. The figure moved aggressively through the throng of commuters, shoving people aside with ruthless efficiency. Jaden fought to keep up, weaving through the mass and dodging startled passengers. The station's expansive layout and high ceilings allowed the ninja to gain ground, but also provided Jaden with opportunities to close the gap.

In the disarray, Jaden momentarily lost sight of the ninja. He pushed through people, his gaze scanning frantically until he spotted the figure bolting toward one of the outbound train lines. The ninja had reached the platform and was now sprinting along the elevated tracks, heading for a train that was about to depart.

Jaden heard the distant rumble of the maglev train and the hiss of its doors while they were beginning to close. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat like a drum urging him forward. Desperation fueled his pace, and he dashed onto the platform just in time to see the ninja enveloped by that same golden energy he had seen before—an energy that allowed the ninja to levitate effortlessly onto the roof of the moving train. Skidding to a halt at the edge of the platform, Jaden's breath came in quick bursts. He wasn't about to let the ninja escape again.

The boy ran toward the train and shouted, "Luce stellarum!" A burst of rainbow-colored magic erupted from his outstretched hands, blasting the ground beneath him and propelling him into the air. The wind whipped through his silver hair as he soared above the platform, the shimmering energy of his magic trailing behind like a comet's tail.

The distance between him and the train closed rapidly, and with a final spurt of power, Jaden landed on the roof of the moving train, crouching to absorb the impact. The world around him blurred into a rush of colors and sounds—the cityscape speeding by, the rhythmic hum of the maglev train beneath his red Converse shoes, and the chatter of the commuters inside, unaware of the chase unfolding above their heads.

The ninja was already ahead as he jumped from one train car roof to the next. Right away, Jaden took off after the figure, his footfalls clanging against the metallic surface. Sweat trickled down his temples, mixing with the wind that lashed against his face. His legs burned with each stride, muscles protesting as he pushed himself harder.

The ninja glanced back, eyes narrowing as he realized Jaden was still on his trail. With a swift motion, the figure planted his staff against the roof of the train and propelled himself upward, twisting his body mid-air to deliver a powerful sidekick meant for Jaden. Both feet slammed into the boy's chest, and the force of the blow sent him careening dangerously close to the edge of the train roof.

Jaden's heart lurched as his footing wavered, one foot slipping off the edge. For a terrifying moment, he teetered on the brink, the ground below a dizzying blur. But his instincts kicked in, and he thrust out his hand, grasping the narrow lip of the train car just in time. His fingers dug into the cold metal, muscles straining as he held on with everything he had.

Gritting his teeth, the silver-haired boy pulled himself up in one instantaneous maneuver, spinning his body into a cartwheel to regain his balance. With a quick kick, he struck the ninja's staff. His shoe connected with a resounding impact, and the staff flew from the ninja's grasp, clattering onto the train roof and sliding toward the edge.

The ninja stumbled but adeptly steadied himself. He pivoted in a flash and directed a fist at Jaden, who ducked low and swept the ninja's feet out from under him. The ninja leaped back just in time to retaliate with a forceful palm strike executed in Kung Fu style, intending to knock Jaden off balance.

Jaden braced himself, pushing against the palm strike with his forearm. At the same moment, he chanted, "Luce stellarum!" A surge of rainbow-hued spheres blazed from his hands, blasting the ninja backward. Without giving the ninja a moment to recover, Jaden pressed his advantage. He struck out with a series of rapid jabs, each one accurately aimed to force the ninja further back. While the ninja managed to block the initial blows, Jaden's relentless assault left him little opportunity to counter.

As the train hurtled around a steep bend, the centrifugal force tugged at them both, making their movements increasingly strained. The ninja's staff, having rolled across the roof, was expertly snatched up. He swung it with practiced precision and pointed it directly at Jaden. "You're like a dog with a bone!" he huffed, his frustration audible despite the roaring wind.

Jaden tried to catch his breath as he locked eyes with the ninja. "What do you want with Van Boxtel Technologies?"

"You're meddling where you don't belong. Van Boxtel Technologies is tainted with blood, and I'm determined to wipe out every last trace of that den of technokinetics."

Jaden's mind whirred while struggling to piece together the ninja's words. "What do you mean 'tainted with blood'?"

"You might want to ask your friend Weston Whitlock about how the company he works for is involved in the subjugation of millions."

"Who are you exactly?" Jaden questioned.

Before the ninja could answer, Jaden glanced toward the approaching station. The train was entering the Lightcrest University campus station. Instantly, the ninja's staff began to vibrate with golden energy as he struck it against the train roof. "I am Gale of the Rebellion," he announced. His body flared with a radiant aura, and without another word, he levitated off the train.

Jaden moved to follow but was caught off guard as the train roof started to glow with the same golden light. "Oh, crap!" he yelled. The energy pulsated violently, and before he could react, the roof shattered into hundreds of fragments. The pieces crumbled away, sending Jaden tumbling into the train car below.

Passengers gasped and recoiled in shock as Jaden landed with a thud among them. He scrambled to his feet, trying to reclaim his composure. The train was coming to a complete stop at the Lightcrest University station. The sudden halt jolted the passengers, and Jaden could hear murmurs of confusion and alarm. The silver-haired boy glanced around, realizing the gravity of his situation. The ninja had made his escape, and now he was left amidst a horde of bewildered commuters.

As soon as the train doors opened and the passengers began to disembark, Jaden let out a sigh. He needed to get away before the Iron Phalanx arrived—he didn't want any more trouble before his first day of college tomorrow. Taking one last look at the chaos on the train roof and the inquisitive stares of the passengers, the silver-haired boy exited the train car and melded with the crowd.

In a moment of brief respite, Jaden noticed the towering structure of the Lightcrest Union Building nearby. The sight of the building, with its large windows overlooking the tranquil lake, offered a calming contrast to the scene he had just left behind.

He entered the building, the cacophony of the busy campus falling away as the droning of conversations and the clinking of coffee cups from the café greeted him. As he crossed the threshold into the bookstore, located in one corner of the Union Building, Jaden paused to catch his breath, the last remnants of adrenaline ebbing away. Surrounded by the comforting familiarity of academic life, he felt his thoughts begin to realign.

Bookshelves soared to the high ceiling, filled with textbooks and scholarly resources, while the mingling aromas of paper and coffee created a soothing atmosphere. Jaden's gaze settled on the section for his upcoming courses: Field Studies in Thaumaturgy, Interdisciplinary Magic Studies, Ethics of Magic, and History and Politics of the Cataclysm Federation. He picked out all the required texts and placed them into his basket.

The boy meandered over to the clothing section, where a selection of Lightcrest University merchandise was displayed. One item caught his eye immediately—a sweater in royal blue and gold, the university's colors. The sweater featured a distinctive emblem: a torch set against a book, surmounted by a winged sword and encased in a crest shield. Below the emblem, the motto "Lumen Ad Apicem" was emblazoned, translating to "Light to the Summit."

A wave of nostalgia washed over him. A year ago, coming to Lightcrest University had been the pinnacle of his aspirations. But with everything that had transpired in his life, he'd nearly forgotten the simple pride and excitement he once felt. Now, however, seeing the emblematic sweater reminded him of the significance of this moment—his long-awaited arrival at the university he had hoped to join.

He decided to grab the sweater in a small size and added it to his basket with the textbooks. As he turned toward the checkout, a book on a nearby standalone shelf drew his attention. Titled Beneath the Surface: The Van Boxtel Chronicles of Order and Innovation, it featured a cover with bold contrasts of deep reds and greens and an embossed emblem of Van Boxtel Technologies at its center. The author's name, Wilton Van Boxtel, was elegantly scripted below.

Intrigued, Jaden picked up the book and flipped it open. The first few pages contained an introduction by the CEO himself, outlining his vision and the founding principles of Van Boxtel Technologies. He read aloud softly to himself:

"My role as CEO has always been more than a position; it is a destiny forged by the unique convergence of my abilities and ambitions. As an ultra-tellurian gifted with technokinesis, I have embraced the responsibility to shape our technological landscape in a way that preserves and enhances order. Our innovations in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are not merely advancements but are critical components of a meticulously orchestrated system designed to ensure stability and control within the Cataclysm Federation."

Jaden's mind reeled with confusion as he stared at the book in his hands. The ninja's cryptic remarks echoed in his thoughts. "Tainted with blood," he had said. Jaden's gaze shifted back to the introduction by Wilton Van Boxtel. The CEO's vision for stability and order within the Federation seemed noble. Could the ninja be just another revolutionary, like the Inugamis Jaden had clashed with alongside Adam? Or was there something deeper, more insidious at play? The disparity between Van Boxtel's public persona and the ninja's vehement hatred left Jaden grappling with haunting ambiguities, his mind swirling with more questions than answers.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice, "To ensure stability and control within the Cataclysm Federation? That guy is a fraud."

Jaden turned to see Skylar Song, one of Adam's friends and housemates. As an East Asian, Skylar's physique was toned but still lean compared to some of his broader friends, like Adam or Chase. He wore a crisp white button-down shirt that contrasted with his black pants, his polished appearance making him easily recognizable.

"Skylar?" Jaden exclaimed, surprised to see him. "What brings you here?"

Skylar's tall figure stood against a nearby shelf, his raven-black hair styled into spiky tufts that gave him a rebellious edge. "Just picking up some textbooks for class," he replied. "What about you? Is that book part of your reading list?"

Jaden shook his head, placing the memoir back on the shelf. "No, it piques my curiosity is all. But what do you mean by saying Van Boxtel is a fraud? His technologies are everywhere in Veridian City, and he and his company are widely respected."

Skylar flashed a smirk. "You know, Jaden, there's a Chinese proverb from the island where I'm from," he began. "表面看似平，深处藏玄机。不信外表真，内里别有意。It means—"

"The surface may seem calm, but secrets lie deep within. Don't trust the outward truth, for the inner meaning is hidden," Jaden finished the proverb.

Skylar furrowed his forehead. "You speak Chinese?"

Jaden shrugged. "Chinese, Korean, French, English, Latin. Languages come easy to me."

Skylar nodded, impressed. "Nice. Well, that proverb sums it up. What looks good on the surface can hide some pretty dark stuff. There are people who think Van Boxtel is more than just a tech mogul. Some people say he's a war profiteer, selling his technologies to dictators and boosting techno-authoritarian regimes."

"Some people?" Jaden frowned, skepticism creeping into his voice. "That sounds like conspiracy talk. I mean, every powerful person has rumors swirling around them. Remember when people thought Bill Gates was implanting trackable microchips through vaccines?"

"This isn't the same," Skylar muttered, his expression darkening as his gaze dropped to the floor. "There are those who've experienced firsthand how dictators used Van Boxtel's tech against them. Kids put in re-education camps, thought crimes punished by death, entire societies controlled by social credit systems."

Jaden noticed the sudden shift in Skylar's tone, his concern growing. "Skylar... is everything okay?"

For a moment, Skylar was silent, his eyes fixed on the ground. When he looked up, he forced a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine. Just got lost in my thoughts for a minute there. I tend to ramble sometimes."

Jaden wasn't completely convinced but chose not to press further. "Did you get everything you needed?"

"Yeah, all set," Skylar said, adjusting the stack of books in his arms as they approached the checkout station.

The robot cashier, silver with a luminous display on its chest and a pair of animated eyes, greeted them with a mechanical yet friendly tone, "Welcome. Please scan your items."

As Jaden began placing the books and sweatshirt on the counter, he asked, "I've been meaning to ask—what's your ability? Are you an ultra-tellurian or a thaumaturge?"

"Oh, I'm just a low-level ultra-tellurian," Skylar stated with a shrug while watching the robot's eyes flicker as it scanned each book. "I can manipulate bioenergy."

"That is a pretty cool ability," Jaden remarked, handing his payment card to the robot.

The robot's eyes glowed briefly as they concentrated on the card's chip. A beep confirmed the scan. "Payment processed," the robot announced.

Skylar smiled, a bit more genuine this time. "Yeah, but all I can really do is heal minor injuries and sense life forces. That's why I'm here, though—trying to get better."

"That's why we're all here."