Chapter 505: Ally?

Chapter 505: Ally?

The Federation had only begun releasing fragmented details about the supernatural world in recent months, leaving the public more aware—but still far from grasping the full scope of the powers at play.

Of course, if Michael had gone out of his way to search the Supers Forum for information, he would have found articles, speculation threads, and even some fairly accurate details about the major supernatural families. But he had never even thought to do so—because, in all honesty, it had never concerned him.

It wasn’t that he was unaware of the existence of such forces. He just… hadn’t been interested enough to care.

And so, while Kael Veyren and Ryn Calder might have expected awe, respect, or even guarded caution at the mention of their names, what they got instead was Michael’s indifferent “Michael Norman”—a name devoid of weight in their world, yet delivered in a tone that made them wonder if perhaps it was heavier than they realized.

Kael was the first to break the moment of silence, his gaze still lingering on Michael with open interest. “Level forty, huh?” he said, a faint note of admiration slipping into his voice. “Not bad. Really not bad.”

Ryn nodded in agreement, his eyes narrowing as if measuring Michael again. “You’ve clearly been putting in the work.”

Michael offered no verbal reply, but his expression remained steady—until Kael casually followed up.

“I’m thirty-eight,” Kael said, his lips curling into a small, confident smile.

Ryn’s tone carried its own quiet pride as he added, “And thirty-six.”

Michael’s brow arched slightly despite himself.

His mind moved immediately to the question of how.

Not everyone could replicate his pace of growth, after all, and certainly not without the unique circumstances that had fueled his own climb.

That little flicker of curiosity was all Kael and Ryn needed.

To them, the raised eyebrow wasn’t a polite acknowledgment—it was recognition. Proof that even someone at Level 40 had to admit they weren’t far behind.

Inwardly, they both felt a flicker of satisfaction. Yes… he should know they weren’t inferior to him in any way.

If anything, this was a silent reminder that while his level might be higher, they were breathing right down his neck—and with the right opportunity, they could close that gap.

Though Michael didn’t appreciate the tone they’d used, he found himself—if only slightly—more interested in hearing what they had to say.

So, without a shred of hesitation, he simply asked them directly, “What do you want?”

The bluntness hit them like a slap. Black lines might as well have appeared on their foreheads.

Was this how people conversed?

Weren’t they supposed to start with polite flattery, maybe a few well-placed compliments to grease the wheels?

Where was the expected praise?

Kael blinked at the abrupt question before letting out a short breath that might’ve been a laugh.

“Straight to it, huh? Fine. We want to talk about the next segment of the exam—how it’s supposed to take place in a virtual space.”

Michael tilted his head slightly. “And?”

Ryn leaned in a fraction, his tone carrying a trace of curiosity. “We think it’s going to involve combat.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed—not in doubt, but because the thought had already crossed his mind.

“Why?” he asked, though his voice carried a hint of agreement.

Kael shrugged. “If the college exams for supernaturals didn’t include anything physical, it would be strange. This is the second day already, and so far, no direct contact tests.”

Ryn nodded. “Exactly. And if you look back at previous years, there’s usually at least one combat-related trial. If it’s not this… then what else would they need a virtual space for?”

Michael’s gaze flicked briefly between them. He shared the same suspicion.

Combat in a controlled, simulated environment made sense. No risk of death, but still enough to measure skill.

Still, he kept his expression carefully unreadable.

“There’s one day left,” Michael said after a moment, his tone even. “Who’s to say the combat test isn’t tomorrow?”

Kael and Ryn exchanged a glance before nodding.

“That’s true,” Ryn admitted. “We can’t make assumptions. Every year there are small changes to the college exams.”

“It’s not a bad thing to be mentally prepared,” Kael added.

Even now, new Awakeners were still trickling into the hall—but there wasn’t a single staff attendant in sight yet.

Michael thought what they said made sense but was still puzzled on what this had to do with him.

Surely, they weren’t just here to talk about this right?

And as expected—

Kael leaned forward slightly, resting one hand on the edge of Michael’s table. “We figured… if it is combat, then forming a temporary team now might be smarter than scrambling for one when the test starts.”

Ryn crossed his arms. “You’re strong. We’re strong. It’s simple math. The way we see it, we’d have a better shot if we joined forces—at least until the segment ends.”

Michael regarded them in silence for a beat longer than was polite, his expression unreadable. On the surface, their offer made sense.

Michael leaned back slightly in his chair. “I’ll think about it,” he said at last.

It wasn’t a yes. It wasn’t a no. But it was enough to keep them from pushing further.

Kael’s lips curled into a faint smile. “That’s all we ask.”

The two of them stepped back, giving a short nod before turning away. Michael’s gaze followed them only until they rejoined their previous seats.

Michael exhaled quietly, the corner of his mouth twitching upward for the briefest moment.

On some level, Michael could acknowledge that what they said made sense.

If the next phase really did turn out to be combat, going in with a coordinated group would offer an edge.

Of course, that was if this option was available.

It was still too early to be making plans—at least, not with people he’d known for all of five minutes.

Besides, he preferred to see what the actual test entailed before deciding anything.