I was supposed to ask Rika to take me to the principal's office, but Yutang stopped me. As he left, he gave me a lewd grin.

Left with no choice, I went alone. The principal's office was in the Council Building. Our student council was probably there too.

The Council Building was huge. None of the rooms had signs. Searching each one would waste time. I decided to ask someone.

Ahead, a glasses-wearing boy carrying files walked toward me. I stopped him. "Excuse me, classmate. Where's the principal's office?"

He looked at me. "Ah, you're Cold Creek! That kid who throws money around!"

"Please don't call me that," I begged. "It makes me sound like a walking meme. Do you know where the office is?"

He adjusted his glasses. "Of course. But I'll tell you only if you take a photo with me, Cold Creek."

Reluctantly, I agreed. He set his files down and pulled out his phone. "Closer, Cold Creek." Do two guys really need to be this close? Is he into men?

After enduring his photo antics, I finally got the office location. I knocked on the door. "Come in," a mature female voice called. I pushed it open.

A golden-haired mature beauty came into view. Her poised features, silky hair, professional suit, and black stockings made me swallow hard. She was brewing tea.

She must be the secretary. "Was the principal expecting me?" I asked.

She gestured for me to sit. "That's right. I summoned you."

No way. I pictured a stiff, old-fashioned principal. Yet here was this stunning woman. She must have connections. Still, she was easy on the eyes.

"Thank you." I sat upright opposite her. "Principal, why did you call me here?"

She seemed unhappy with my formality. "I'm Yueyue Shenlian. No need to be stiff, Cold Creek. Call me Yueyue or Shenlian."

She even acted cute at the end. It felt unfair. "That's not right," I said awkwardly. "We just met."

"I'm not much older. Call me Sister, or I'll get angry." She smiled, but a chilling aura filled the room.

"Sis-ter Shenlian," I said slowly, syllable by syllable. The chill faded. She playfully ruffled my hair. "Good boy."

"So, Sister Shenlian, what's this about?" She leaned close. "I'm an Ability User too."

Honestly, my eyes were stuck on the purple lace at her chest. She noticed and tapped my head. "Oh, Cold Creek. Such impure thoughts."

Embarrassed, I looked away. "Why me? Because you think I have abilities?"

She nodded. "Exactly. Have you heard of 'K'?"

K? Heh. More than heard—it's my darkest shame. "The paranormal research organization?"

She looked surprised. "You've encountered K?"

I nodded. My voice turned icy. "They never treated Ability Users like humans."

Her playful act vanished. "Then you know why I called you. You're exposed. K will come for you. As an Ability User, they'll hunt me too. I'm forming a resistance alliance."

Her tone was firm. "Join us."

I glanced at her. "How many members?"

"Four, including you."

She seemed sincere, but I hesitated. "Fine, I'll join. But what are your abilities? Can you really fight K?"

She sipped her tea, relieved. "Start with me. My ability is 'Silent Domain.' I nullify all paranormal powers in a range. But it has a one-minute cooldown."

Are you Kamijou Touma? Though different from that Index protagonist.

"The other two aren't here," she continued. "Their abilities are 'Mind Control' and 'Insight.' Mind Control works on one person at a time. Insight shows everything within 1000 meters on an object."

I understood why they wanted me—their powers weren't combat-focused. "My ability is 'Motion Acceleration,'" I lied smoothly. "I speed up anything I touch, including myself."

"Can you share what you know about K?" She knew little—just that it was a ruthless research group.

I glared coldly. Mentioning it made rage flare. She caught her mistake. "Sorry. Forget I asked."

I didn't want this anger. But that past still hurt—body and soul.

She switched back to playful mode. "Oh, Cold Creek. I'm new here. I want to connect with everyone. So, I'm planning a school festival. Any ideas? Chinese folk culture, maybe?"

"Sorry, I'm clueless about that. But I fully support your festival, Sister Shenlian. Lunch break's ending. I'll go." I pushed the door open and left.

K? I'd let you go. But if you dare show up again—I'll tear you out by the roots, no matter the cost.