CHAPTER 42: [42] EYES WIDE SHUT

"That was messed up," Beppo said, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

"Where’s Naomi?" Margaret demanded.

Phantom gestured toward the corner, where Naomi sat on a bench, arms crossed and looking thoroughly annoyed.

"Ms. Phillips volunteered to help demonstrate how easily one can be removed from a situation without others noticing," Phantom explained.

"I didn’t volunteer," Naomi corrected sourly. "You appeared next to me and said ’you’ll do’ before dragging me away."

Phantom shrugged. "Semantics."

Xavier studied the masked instructor. Despite the man’s casual demeanor, everything about him radiated danger. The way he stood—balanced perfectly on the balls of his feet, ready to move in any direction. The precise control of his gestures. The way his head tilted slightly as he assessed each student in turn.

This was no ordinary teacher.

"That was a cheap trick," Kyrie said, stepping forward with his fists clenched.

"Was it?" Phantom asked, head tilting curiously. "Or was it a valuable lesson? In the field, you won’t get warning lights and announcements before danger strikes. Fear is a tool—both for your enemies to use against you and for you to harness."

He walked to the center of the room. "Essentia is power, yes. But power without control, without awareness, is worse than useless—it’s dangerous." He spread his arms wide. "Today, we begin with the basics. Not how to use your abilities, but how to sense them. How to feel the energy around you, identify threats, and respond appropriately."

His masked face turned toward Xavier. "Like Mr. Valentine here, who not only sensed my approach but positioned himself to protect his companion. Well done."

So he was also searching for potential... well played.

"How did you know where I was?" Phantom asked him directly.

Xavier considered lying, but decided the truth would serve better. "You move differently than everyone else. There’s a... precision to it. And the air changes around you."

Phantom nodded approvingly. "Excellent observation. Most people rely too heavily on sight. When that’s taken away, they’re helpless. But there are many ways to perceive the world."

He moved to the center of the room. "Everyone, form a circle around me. Today, we’ll start with a simple exercise in Essentia sensing."

The students hesitantly arranged themselves in a circle. Xavier positioned himself between Calypso and Sayuri.

"Close your eyes," Phantom instructed.

No one did.

"After that entrance? No way," Ashley said, crossing her arms.

Phantom laughed, the sound oddly warm coming from behind the expressionless mask. "Fair enough. Trust is earned, not demanded. Keep your eyes open then, but focus on feeling rather than seeing."

He raised his hand, and a subtle ripple of energy pulsed through the room—so faint that Xavier nearly missed it.

"Did anyone feel that?" Phantom asked.

A few hands went up hesitantly—Alexander, Kyrie, and to Xavier’s surprise, Sayuri.

"Again," Phantom said, sending another pulse, stronger this time.

Xavier felt it clearly now—like a change in air pressure, a momentary thickening of reality around them.

"That’s Essentia in its raw form," Phantom explained. "Not shaped into abilities or techniques, just pure energy. Every Awakened produces this energy constantly, though most leak it unconsciously."

He walked the circle, stopping briefly before each student. "Learning to sense this energy is the first step toward mastery. It allows you to detect other beings with essentia, gauge their power, and anticipate their actions."

When he reached Xavier, he paused longer. "Your ability is unusual, Mr. Valentine. Input Buffer, correct? A technical system requiring precise execution."

Xavier nodded once.

"Show me," Phantom said, stepping back and gesturing to the open space.

He stepped into the center of the circle, taking a deep breath to center himself. The pink energy meter appeared beside him, currently empty.

"My ability— it builds meter through combat actions," Xavier explained. "Different techniques generate different amounts of energy, which I can then use for enhanced attacks."

"Demonstrate," Phantom said, his tone making it clear this wasn’t a request.

Xavier nodded and began moving through a series of strikes and combinations, punching and kicking at the air. The meter beside him lit up but didn’t fill.

"Basic Combo gives me five points, but requires an opponent." Xavier said as he executed a three-hit combination. "Counter Strike gives fifteen, but also requires an opponent. Perfect Dodge gives ten."

"You need an opponent then," Phantom said. "Ms. Valentine, perhaps you’d assist your cousin?"

Calypso stepped forward, looking uncertain. "I don’t really know how to fight."

"No need for anything complex," Phantom assured her. "Just throw some simple attacks for Mr. Valentine to counter or dodge."

Calypso nodded and took position opposite Xavier. She threw a tentative punch toward his face, telegraphing the move so clearly that Xavier easily sidestepped it. His meter glowed brighter, filling by ten points.

"Again," Phantom instructed. "Ms. Valentine, put some effort into it."

Calypso frowned and threw another punch, faster this time. Xavier caught her wrist and redirected the force, executing a textbook Counter Strike. Fifteen more points filled his meter.

They continued for several minutes, Calypso growing more confident with each exchange while Xavier demonstrated his ability. The meter steadily filled to about halfway.

"Enough," Phantom said finally. "Thank you for the demonstration."

Xavier and Calypso returned to the circle. Xavier noticed several of his classmates watching him with newfound interest, particularly Alexander.

"Essentia manifests differently for each Awakened," Phantom continued, addressing the whole class again. "Some, like Mr. Valentine, have technical systems requiring specific conditions. Others have more straightforward applications. But all abilities share one thing in common—they are extensions of your soul."

He moved to the center of the circle again. "Today’s lesson is about awareness. Not just of your surroundings, but of the energy within and around you. Partner up. Alexander you go with Kyrie and Naomi. One person will activate their Essentia while the other attempts to sense it with eyes closed."

The students began pairing off. Xavier turned to Calypso automatically, but Phantom intervened.

"Mr. Valentine, you’ll work with Mr. Traore," he said, gesturing to a short guy with thick glasses. "Ms. Valentine, pair with Ms. Tanaka."