Calypso stormed out of the apartment, not bothering to check if Xavier followed. Her silver hair whipped behind her like an angry flag as she stabbed the elevator button repeatedly, each jab carrying the force of her divine frustration.
How dare he? HOW DARE HE?
The mortal—her mortal—had tried to seduce her. Her! Calypso, Goddess of Reincarnation, who had watched civilizations rise and fall, who had processed billions of souls, who had been worshipped by mortals for centuries. And this... this assassin thought he could play her like one of his marks?
The elevator doors slid open with a cheerful ding that contrasted sharply with her thunderous mood. She stepped inside, punching the lobby button before crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
Just as the doors began to close, a hand shot between them. The sensors detected the obstruction and reopened, revealing Xavier's irritatingly perfect face.
"Cutting it close," he remarked, leaning against the opposite wall.
Calypso turned her head away, fixing her gaze on the descending floor numbers. She could feel Xavier's eyes on her—those infuriating purple eyes that seemed to strip away layers with each glance. In her full divine form, she could have turned him to ash with a thought. Now, bound to this mortal form with severely limited powers, the best she could manage was the silent treatment.
Xavier sighed. "So that's how we're playing it?"
The elevator continued its descent, each second stretching into eternity. Calypso's fingers drummed against her arm, pink nails tapping out an impatient rhythm.
"You know," Xavier said, his voice dropping to that same infuriating tone he'd used earlier, "giving me the silent treatment only works if I actually want you to talk."
A small crack appeared in the wall panel beside Calypso's head. She was too angry to even notice.
Xavier's eyebrows rising slightly. "Careful there. I doubt our security deposit covers divine temper tantrums."
The elevator finally reached the lobby. Calypso swept out without a backward glance, her pink dress fluttering around her knees as she marched toward the building's exit. Behind her, she heard Xavier's unhurried footsteps, the casual pace only fueling her irritation.
Outside, Metro City's sky was a perfect blue, unmarred by clouds—the kind of day that would normally delight Calypso and had her craving a parfait. Now, it felt like the universe mocking her predicament.
The ferry terminal was six blocks away. Calypso set a brisk pace, her platform sandals clicking aggressively against the pavement. She weaved through pedestrians, not bothering to check if Xavier kept up.
After two blocks, she risked a glance back. Xavier strolled several paces behind, hands in his pockets, looking for all the world like a model on a casual photoshoot. His white hair caught the sunlight, creating a halo effect that seemed blasphemously inappropriate for someone so aggravating. When he caught her looking, his lips curved into a smirk.
Calypso whipped her head forward again. This wasn't how her entertainment was supposed to go. She was meant to be the puppetmaster, not the puppet dancing to some mortal's strings.
As they approached the fourth block, Calypso spotted a street vendor selling ice cream. Oh, I have the most genius idea!She veered toward the cart, pink eyes widening with manufactured innocence as she approached the vendor.
"One strawberry cone, please!"
The vendor—a middle-aged man with kind eyes—nearly dropped his scoop when he looked at her. Calypso was used to this effect. Even with her powers diminished, her divine beauty remained overwhelming to mortal senses.
"O-of course, miss," he stammered, fumbling to prepare her order. "On the house."
Calypso accepted the cone with a dazzling smile, then turned to find Xavier watching her. She maintained eye contact as she slowly licked the ice cream, her pink tongue swirling around the cold treat with exaggerated pleasure.
Xavier's pupils dilated slightly, the only sign that her performance affected him. His posture remained casual, one shoulder propped against a nearby lamppost, but Calypso didn't miss the subtle tightening of his jaw.
Two can play this game, mortal.
She continued her sensual assault on the ice cream as they resumed walking, making small sounds of enjoyment that bordered on inappropriate for a public street. A passing businessman walked directly into a signpost, his attention completely captured by her display.
"We're going to miss the ferry if you keep this up," Xavier commented.
Calypso ignored him, taking another long, slow lick. A drop of melted pink ice cream slid down her finger. She caught it with her tongue, maintaining eye contact the entire time.
Xavier's pace faltered for just a fraction of a second—victory enough for Calypso. She finished the cone in three more bites, then wiped her hands on a napkin with prim satisfaction.
A crowd had gathered at the boarding area, most appearing to be students heading to Catalyst Academy. Calypso quickened her steps, suddenly eager to be surrounded by people who weren't Xavier Valentine.
As they approached the terminal entrance, Xavier caught up to her. His hand brushed her elbow—not quite grabbing, but enough to slow her momentum.
"This silent treatment is childish," he said quietly, his breath warm against her ear. "Even for a goddess who acts like she's twelve."
Calypso whirled on him. "I am two thousand eight hundred and forty-seven years old, you insufferable mortal!"
Xavier's face split into a satisfied grin. "And she speaks."
Calypso realized her mistake too late. He'd baited her, and she'd fallen for it like a newly created deity. She opened her mouth to deliver a scathing retort, but they'd reached the ticket checkpoint.
"IDs, please," the attendant requested, barely looking up from her terminal.
Xavier smoothly produced two crystal-embedded cards from his pocket, handing them over. "First year Hunter course. We're heading to orientation."
The attendant scanned the IDs, then nodded. "Proceed to dock three. Ferry departs in five minutes."
They moved through the terminal toward the indicated dock, joining a stream of other students heading in the same direction. Calypso noticed many of them stealing glances at her and Xavier. Their appearances were striking enough individually—her with silver hair and pink eyes, him with white hair and purple eyes—but together, they created a visual spectacle that demanded attention.
"You planning on sulking the entire ferry ride?" Xavier asked as they stepped onto the boarding platform.
Calypso tilted her chin up. "I don't sulk."
"Could have fooled me." His shoulder bumped hers as the crowd pressed forward to board. "Look, about earlier—"
"Don't." Calypso cut him off. "We're not discussing it."
Xavier opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by someone crashing into his back. He turned to find a tall young man with spiky blue hair.
"Sorry, man!" The newcomer clapped Xavier on the shoulder. "Got shoved from behind. This crowd is wild."
Xavier's posture had shifted subtly—shoulders squaring, weight redistributing to his back foot, hand twitching toward where a weapon would normally be hidden.
Such ingrained habits for a mortal.
"No problem," Xavier replied.
The blue-haired student extended a hand. "Kai Nakamura, Class 1-C. Let me guess—you two are heading to Catalyst?"
Xavier accepted the handshake after the briefest hesitation. "Xavier Valentine. And yes, first year."
Kai's attention shifted to Calypso, his eyes widening appreciably. "And your girlfriend is...?"
"Not his girlfriend," Calypso interjected before Xavier could speak. She offered her hand. "Calypso Valentine. We're... cousins."
"Cousins, huh?" Kai looked between them, clear disbelief on his face. "Cool, cool. What class are you guys in?"
"1-D," Calypso answered.
"Ah, Valdez's class." Kai nodded sagely. "Tough break. She's supposed to be a hard ass."
The ferry horn blared, signaling final boarding. The crowd surged forward, carrying them onto the vessel. Calypso ended up pressed against Xavier's side as they navigated the packed deck, his hand settling at the small of her back to guide her through the throng.
She should have pulled away. Should have maintained her righteous anger.
Don't get comfortable mortal, I am only using you to not get pushed.
They found space along the railing, the cool ocean breeze offering relief from both the heat and the press of bodies. Kai followed, joined now by a petite girl with cropped red hair and a face full of freckles.
"This is Mina," Kai introduced. "Class 1-B, enhancement type. We met during the entrance exams."
Mina offered a shy wave. "What's your Essentia? I'm guessing emission for you—" she pointed at Calypso, "—and maybe enhancement for you?" Her finger shifted to Xavier.
"Enhancement with technical elements," Xavier corrected. "It's a hybrid system."
"And mine is emission I think," Calypso added.
The ferry's engines rumbled to life, and the vessel pulled away from the dock. Metro City's skyline began to recede, crystal towers glinting in the midday sun. Ahead, Academy Island grew larger, dominated by the central spire of Catalyst Hunter Academy.
"So what made you apply to Catalyst?" Kai asked, leaning against the railing beside them. "Besides the obvious prestige, I mean."
Xavier's eyes tracked a seabird diving for fish. "Fresh start," he said simply.
"Family tradition," Calypso answered simultaneously.
Kai and Mina exchanged looks. "Well, which is it?" Mina asked.
Xavier's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Both, actually. My side of the family needed a fresh start. Her side has the tradition."
"My parents were both A-rank hunters," Calypso improvised, enjoying the creative freedom of her fabricated backstory. "They expect great things."
"A-rank?" Kai whistled. "That's intense pressure."
"You have no idea," Calypso muttered, thinking not of fictional hunter parents but of the Divine Council, who would be very apoplectic if they discovered her current predicament.
The ferry cut through the waves, salt spray occasionally misting over the deck. Calypso's anger gradually subsiding, replaced by nerves. This would be her first time at an actual school!
"There it is," Mina said. "Catalyst Hunter Academy. Where legends are born."
"Or where dreams go to die," Kai added with a nervous laugh. "I heard they fail out twenty percent of first years."
"Just don't be weak," Xavier commented, his purple eyes fixed on the approaching island.
The ferry docked with a gentle bump. Students began gathering their belongings, excitement and anxiety creating a palpable energy on the deck. Calypso and Xavier joined the disembarking crowd, Kai and Mina trailing behind them.
The academy entrance had a massive crystal archway inscribed with the school motto: "From potential to power, from power to purpose." Beyond it lay sprawling grounds dotted with training facilities, research buildings, and residence halls.
A woman with blonde hair pulled into a bun stood at the base of the steps, clipboard in hand.
"Catalyst first years! Gather here immediately! Orientation begins in five minutes, and tardiness is not tolerated at this institution!"