Amos, still frozen in fear, stares at the long black figure standing before him. Its presence is too oppressive for him to move.
"Looks like this form is too intimidating," the creature says, approaching Amos. It tries to appear more friendly by dimming its presence. The atmosphere in the room softens slightly, though a lingering tension remains.
"You're probably asking yourself a lot of questions. I'm here to enlighten you on a few things."
Amos, now a little more relaxed, finds the courage to speak.
"Were you the one who did that to the boy who attacked me?"
The creature, taking on a gentler tone, replies,
"Even though his aura resembled mine, it wasn't me. The difference lies in our auras: mine is black, empty, and oppressive; his is white, full, and murderous. You're too weak now to perceive the difference clearly, but as you grow stronger, your inferior physical body may eventually approach the nature of a psychic one."
Amos, clearly confused, tries to grasp the creature's words.
"Physical and psychic bodies? What does that mean? And what do you mean by 'inferior'?"
The creature responds calmly, as if expecting this reaction.
"Just remember this for now: be wary of people whose aura doesn't resemble that of a human or physical being."
The creature's comparison intrigues Amos, a curious look forming on his face.
"So, humans are considered physical beings—therefore inferior. And you… are you a physical being?"
The creature, surprised by Amos' perceptiveness, responds with a note of amusement.
"Indeed, you understood quickly. But I am a psychic being."
Amos' eyes widen in curiosity, forgetting for a moment the fear he once felt.
"So, what is the difference between physical and psychic being ?"
The creature, clearly entertained by Amos' inquisitiveness, continues speaking.
"I can't go into much detail yet, but to put it simply—it's all about the balance of power."
Eager to know more, Amos leans forward like a child hearing a fairy tale.
"And why—"
But the creature cuts him off, standing suddenly.
"I've told you all I'm allowed to. One last thing: your power is called the void. From now on, your life won't be the same. Protect those you care about. The void is a powerful ability—handle it wisely."
With these final words, the creature vanishes into the shadows, making time resume and ungrey.
Amos lies back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, overwhelmed by even more questions than before.
But sleep overtakes him, and without realizing it, he drifts off.
"Amos, wake up."
A blurry voice echoes in his head.
"Amos!"
He wakes with a start, alone in his dormitory.
"What… was that? With everything going on, it's getting hard to tell what's real or not. Anyway… where did the girl who was sleeping in the other bed go?"
The bed, newly installed the day before, is empty. Too disturbed to rest further, Amos quickly washes and changes clothes.
"It's Saturday. I'll take the chance to relax a bit."
He leaves his room, eyes clearer than the day before, and heads to the orphanage cafeteria, which is filled with children playing and chatting.
He keeps his eyes downcast. The same quiet expression he had in class returns—a misunderstood sense of loneliness. He walks over to a free, isolated spot.
As he sits, he notices someone next to him—a girl.
Amos glances her way.
"Were you the one sleeping in the bed next to mine yesterday?"
The girl, startled by anyone speaking to her, turns toward Amos nervously. She nods and replies,
"Y-yes, I think I saw you sleeping next to me when I woke up."
Her voice is shy, trembling slightly.
Before Amos can answer, a familiar voice speaks up from behind.
"Looks like you two are already getting to know each other."
It's Director Glory, the orphanage head. Amos turns to face her and smiles.
"Hello, Mrs. Glory."
Looking into her eyes, he thinks,
"She really does have the same eyes as Mrs. Nike... they really are sisters."
"Amos, this is Leah, your new roommate. Leah, this is Amos."
Both look at each other, clearly embarrassed.
"Hi Leah, nice to meet you."
Leah hesitates but responds,
"Hello Amos… nice to meet you."
Her voice still carries a trace of fear.
Director Glory, clearly pleased, places a hand on each of their shoulders.
"You're the same age, so I thought it'd be good for you to room together."
She leans down to whisper into Amos' ear,
"Also… some horrible things happened to her andd I know that only you can understand it"."
Amos, moved by empathy, nods at the director. He can feel the pain hidden in Leah's demeanor.
"Anyway, I want the two of you to head into town and buy some clothes and anything else you might need."
She hands each of them a generous amount of money.
"Take care now!"
Leah and Amos exchange a look that says, Was she serious?
They walk together through the city streets, each carrying a bag. The silence between them is heavy—until Amos finally speaks up.
"So, what are going to buy ?"
He looks up at the sky, wearing his usual blank expression.
Leah glances at him, a little surprised he broke the silence.
"I-I think I'll buy some new clothes, and maybe a few cute stuff to go with them… and you?"
Her voice trembles less than before, making Amos smile.
"I'm gonna buy things that'll catch my eyes, yeah" Amos says, looking at the sky.
Leah, hearing his simple answer, can't help but laugh a little.
Amos, confused, asks,
"Do I have something in my teeth or something?"
Leah laughs again.
"No, no—it's just… the way you take things so lightly, it's kind of funny. I haven't laughed like this in a long time."
Amos blushes slightly, both embarrassed and touched by her words. He notices she's no longer trembling. Her voice is steady now.
He turns to her, cheeks still a little red.
"I guess… that's what friends do, right?"
Leah, stunned by the word, looks at him, eyes shimmering.
"Friends ?"
Amos, realizing what he just said, smiles.
"Yeah… we're friends, aren't we?"
Leah's face lights up with joy she's never known.
"Yes… we are friends."
End of Chapter 3