Lurking

The Starborn is an extremist religious group that believes in the divine nature of Quasarite and ethervores. They see the realm of Exar as a holy place and interpret the chaostaint as divine punishment.

The cult seeks to harness the power of Quasarite and the monsters of Exar to bring about a new era of enlightenment and divine rule.

This fanatical religion has spread widely across the cosmos, with members ranging from beggars on the street to individuals at the highest levels of authority in the universe.

Being sought out by this group is not something one would desire, as they are willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to realize their vision of a universe ruled by their beliefs.

Yet, Calyx had managed to attract their attention, albeit unintentionally.

After the incident with the Quasar test chamber explosion, orders were given to keep the event a secret, as even the mere speculation of a person possessing Quasar resonance was a significant matter.

Despite these efforts, news of Calyx's ability to draw and absorb Quasarite had leaked and, worse, reached the ears of the Starborn Cult. It's most likely that a cult member was present that day.

The cult is known for attempting to recruit anyone they deem useful in their quest for universal domination. An individual with Quasar resonance was more than they could ask for.

However, whether Calyx truly possesses Quasar resonance remains speculation. Speculation enough to have some lower members trying to recruit him at a chance, but not enough to have the cult's higher-ups seriously after him.

If they were, he would either have joined them or be dead—there is no in-between.

Calyx was already aware of the cult's influence and how widespread its members were, so the girl's words shouldn't have shocked him as much as they did, but he was still surprised.

"I said, what did you just say?" Calyx demanded, walking towards the girl, but he was stopped by the arm of the guy who was with her.

"Hey, I let you walk away. You're really looking for a beating, aren't you?" the muscular boy taunted, causing Calyx to glance at him.

His appearance was deceiving, projecting an image of a thug unbefitting of a student at such an esteemed school. However, wealth doesn't necessarily equate to refinement. His father was likely a prominent figure in the underworld, a phenomenon that wasn't unusual in Yang high. Consequently, he was merely one among numerous affluent delinquents.

"Leave it, Cal," Haze's words cut through the tension that was building.

With a deep breath, Calyx calmed himself down and turned around, walking away from both of them.

"Pray we don't meet outside this school, dumbass," the boy called after Calyx.

"I will, for your sake," Haze replied as the three of them turned and walked away.

"I told you both to stop trying to beat people up. Another fight, and you both might get expelled," Halaine chided as they walked.

"They keep starting it," Calyx protested.

"Exactly," Haze agreed with a nod.

"The thing the girl said, what does it mean, and why did it get you so riled up?" Hal asked, turning to Calyx.

"Ha, it's just more of their gang talk. Don't worry about it," Calyx responded, dismissing the conversation.

"Anyway, what's the project idea you have?" Haze asked, helping to divert the conversation.

"Oh yeah, that. Let's get to room D," Hal said as they began walking up some stairs.

They took a couple of turns, and not too long after, they stopped at a door. Hal scanned her school ID at the side of the door, causing it to slide open as they walked into the room.

Calyx flung his bag on the couch as he fell into it, Haze followed suit as they shifted their gaze to the large screen before them, grabbing a small juice box placed among others on a table at the side.

"So our project was to make a presentation on something universally known and respected," Hal said as the screen glowed, turning on.

"So what better topic than Quasars?" Hal revealed, causing Calyx to almost choke on his apple juice.

"Huh, don't you like it?" Hal asked, noticing Calyx's reaction.

"No, no, it's great," Calyx replied immediately, attempting to save face.

The fact that Calyx was a Quasar was a secret that very few people knew. Halaine was not one of those people. Quasars were individuals who, for many reasons, kept their identities hidden, and Calyx kept the fact that he was a Quasar from Halaine mostly for her safety, especially with the shenanigans of the Starborn Cult.

"It's a great topic," Haze chimed in, understanding the reason for Calyx's unease.

Quasars were things they rarely discussed, a rule set in place to avoid unnecessary revelations.

"Right? I mean, it's a very unique topic. Most people don't talk about it much because of the darker aspects, but this will be a good way to educate people on how great Quasars really are," Halaine said, a bit of excitement bubbling in her voice.

"Have you done research on them?" Haze asked.

"A lot, but I plan for us to go for the Quasar HQ tour tomorrow," Halaine said, unable to hide her excitement.

"Wow...that's great," Haze said, sharing a look with Calyx.