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."