CHAPTER 44: [44] GOLDEN CRACKS

"Mr. Valentine," Phantom’s voice came from directly behind him, causing Xavier to spin around. The masked instructor stood mere inches away, having approached without making a sound. "You’ll be working with Ms. Martin next."

Xavier nodded, trying to hide how the instructor had caught him off guard. As Phantom moved away, Xavier spotted Ashley Martin approaching from across the room.

"Looks like we’re paired up," Xavier said as she reached him.

Ashley looked him up and down. "So it seems. I hope you’re taking this seriously, Valentine."

"Always," Xavier replied, offering a slight smile. "I take everything seriously."

Ashley’s expression didn’t change. "Somehow I doubt that." She gestured to the space between them. "Shall we begin?"

"I can go first if you want."

"It’s okay. I’ll demonstrate first," she said. "My ability is more straightforward than yours."

Xavier nodded, studying her more carefully. Her eyes were the most striking feature—an unusual shade that hovered between pink and purple. They weren’t contacts; the color shifted subtly with the changing light.

"Sure," Xavier said. "What’s your ability called?"

"Guardian Covenant," Ashley replied. She took a step back, creating space between them. "It’s an Enhancement-type with a protection specialization."

"Protection, huh? So you’re a tank?"

Something flashed across Ashley’s face—annoyance mixed with resignation. "That’s a simplistic way of putting it, but yes. I absorb damage meant for others."

She raised her hands, palms facing upward. Golden light began to shimmer across her skin, starting at her fingertips and spreading up her arms. The light formed intricate patterns like golden cracks running through porcelain.

"I form connections with people I want to protect," she explained. "When they’re attacked, I can intercept the damage and take it myself. The pain converts to power, temporarily enhancing my abilities."

Xavier watched the golden light dance across her skin. It was beautiful in an unsettling way, like watching something precious break in slow motion.

"Sounds painful," he said.

"It is." Her answer was matter-of-fact, without self-pity. "But pain is temporary. Losing someone you care about lasts forever."

The intensity in her voice caught Xavier off guard. This wasn’t just rehearsed heroism—she meant every word.

"Your turn," Ashley said, letting the golden light fade. "Show me how your meter works."

Xavier activated his Essentia, the pink energy meter materializing beside him. "Input Buffer. I build meter through combat techniques—the more precise the execution, the more points I gain."

He demonstrated a quick combination of strikes.

"So it’s like a video game," Ashley said. "You fill your special meter to unleash bigger attacks."

Xavier stopped mid-combination. "Exactly. Though I’m still figuring out what those bigger attacks are."

"You don’t know your own abilities?" Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"It’s... complicated," Xavier said. "The system evolves based on my fighting style. I know the basics, but the advanced techniques reveal themselves over time."

Ashley didn’t look convinced. "That seems inconvenient."

"Tell me about it," Xavier agreed. "But it keeps things interesting."

He continued his demonstration. "Counter strikes give me the biggest boost," he explained. "Fifteen points instead of the usual five."

Ashley watched his movements with the careful eye of someone who understood combat. "Your form is good. Where did you train?"

"Self-taught, mostly," he said, which wasn’t entirely a lie. "Picked things up here and there."

"Hmm. Well, your ’picking up’ has been effective. Your technique is too refined for someone without formal training."

Xavier shrugged, shifting to a more casual stance. "I’m a quick learner."

"Clearly." Ashley tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a small crystal earring that caught the light. "Now, for the sensing exercise. Would you like to go first?"

"Sure." Xavier closed his eyes. "Go ahead and activate your Essentia."

He heard Ashley take a deep breath, then felt the change in the air around them. The se nsation was warm, almost comforting—like standing near a fireplace on a cold night. The energy didn’t push outward aggressively; instead, it created a sphere of influence that felt protective rather than threatening.

"I can feel it," Xavier said, eyes still closed. "It’s warm. Steady. Like a shield, but not rigid—more like something that bends without breaking."

He opened his eyes to find Ashley looking at him with mild surprise.

"That’s... accurate," she said. "Most people just say it feels strong or solid."

Xavier shrugged. "I’ve always been good at reading people. Guess that extends to Essentia too."

Ashley’s turn came next. She closed her eyes while Xavier activated his meter through a series of quick movements.

"It pulses," she said immediately. "Like a heartbeat, but mechanical. Each pulse corresponds to a specific movement." Her brow furrowed slightly. "There’s something else—a kind of hunger to it. Your Essentia wants to be fed."

Xavier let his meter fade. "That’s pretty spot-on."

Ashley opened her eyes. "Not my first time doing this exercise."

"So," Xavier said, taking the opportunity to learn more about his classmate, "Martin Pharmaceuticals, huh? That’s your family?"

Ashley’s expression cooled several degrees. "Yes. My father is Richard Martin, CEO."

"Big name in the industry," Xavier said. "They make treatments for Essentia-related conditions, right?"

"Among other things." Her tone made it clear this wasn’t her favorite topic. "My father specializes in finding profitable applications for Essentia research."

"Not a fan of the family business?"

"I didn’t say that. The company does important work."

"But?" Xavier pressed.

"But nothing. It’s a family legacy I’m proud to be part of."

"Right," he said, not bothering to hide his skepticism. "And I’m sure being heir to a pharmaceutical empire had nothing to do with your acceptance here."

Her eyes flashed—actual anger this time, not the annoyance from earlier. "I earned my place here through ability and aptitude, not my last name."

"Hey, no judgment," Xavier raised his hands. "We all use what advantages we have."

"You don’t know anything about me, Valentine," Ashley said, her voice dropping to a dangerous softness. "Or what I’ve had to do to get here."

Xavier noticed how her hand clenched briefly at her side, the knuckles whitening before she deliberately relaxed her fingers.

"You’re right," he conceded. "I don’t know you. But I’d like to."

The statement seemed to catch her off guard. "Why?"

I want your power. "You interest me."

"Time’s up. Everyone return to the center of the room." Phantom said from his spot in the middle.

As they walked back to join the others, Xavier noticed how other students automatically made space for Ashley. It wasn’t fear or even respect exactly—more like unconscious deference to someone they perceived as above them.

"Hey," Xavier said quietly as they reached the group, "I think your ability is impressive. Taking pain for others... that takes guts."

Ashley glanced at him. "It’s not about guts. It’s about responsibility."

"Same thing, different words," Xavier replied.

"No," Ashley said firmly. "They’re not the same at all." She paused, then added, "But thank you anyway."