"And that's how we get superpowers… or boosts, as you like to call them."
Mr. Port glanced over his students as he finished his lesson.
"Any questions?" he asked.
Silence.
"So none?" The students remained quiet.
"Okay then, I'll ask some questions."
The mood in the classroom shifted instantly. Most of the kids tried their best to disappear into their seats. The confident few sat up straight, smiling and making direct eye contact.
Then there was Ulim—completely zoned out. He wasn't even in the same universe as the rest of them.
Mr. Port flicked his finger. A piece of chalk flew from the table and hit Ulim right in the forehead.
"Ouch," Ulim groaned, snapping back to life. The class burst into laughter.
"Using your powers to abuse students is illegal, sir," Ulim said as he wiped the chalk mark from his forehead.
"Not abuse," Mr. Port replied with a cheeky smile. "Just putting a student back in line."
A hand suddenly shot up. Mr. Port turned to it. "Yes, Siri? What's your question?"
"Sir, you have the same boost—I mean, superpower—as Mystica of the HDF?" she asked with a curious glare.
"Well, yes and no," Mr. Port exclaimed. He sat on the edge of his desk and crossed his legs—the lecture pose. The students braced themselves; they knew they were about to be hit with a wave of information.
"Well, yes, Mystica and I share the same superpower, but not the same intensity. You see, boosts aren't equal. Some people get superhero-level powers, and some just get enough to make their daily lives or jobs easier."
"So how do I make sure I get cool powers like the HDF heroes?" Delis asked.
"Well, you don't," Mr. Port said without hesitation.
"But… but…" Delis stammered, shocked. The rest of the class looked equally stunned.
A maniacal laugh erupted from the back of the room. It was Mark.
"Well, sir, there *is* another way to make sure you get a superhero-level boost," he exclaimed.
"HOW???" Delis begged.
"Most of you won't get it anyway," Mark snickered.
"You see, dimwit," he said, turning directly to Delis, "boosts are random. But you have a higher chance of inheriting the one from your paternal side."
"That's right," Mr. Port added.
"Well, you all know who my father is, so I'm basically guaranteed to get a superhero-level boost. Specifically, super strength," Mark smirked. "Jealous?" he added, looking around the room.
"Hold your horses, muscle brain. It's just a *chance*, not a guarantee," Ulim shot back. "You might end up with a low-level boost, like a functioning brain."
The class erupted in laughter. Delis made sure to lock eyes with Mark as he laughed.
"Oh, you think you're funny, huh?" Mark said, his face scrunching in anger.
"Look here, stupid. I have the chance to become one of the most powerful people on this planet. You? You might end up a lowly locksmith," he sneered.
"Your father's a locksmith, right, Ulim? So your boost is probably going to be unlocking doors… faster."
The laughter died down. The tension in the room thickened.
Ulim jumped from his seat, ready to punch Mark.
With a flick of his finger, Mr. Port froze Ulim mid-step.
"Both of you, settle down—or do you want me to turn this into a parent-teacher meeting?"
Both boys deflated quickly and returned to their seats.
"Well—" Mr. Port began, but the school bell rang, cutting him off. The day was over.
He tried to get their attention, but even with his powers, he couldn't stop the stampede of students rushing out.
"Remember the school field trip tomorrow! Come prepared!" Mr. Port shouted after them.
Delis caught up with Ulim as they walked home.
"Thanks for avenging me back there," Delis said.
"Wasn't really avenging since I didn't get to punch him," Ulim muttered.
"Well, I got to laugh at Mark's ugly excuse for a face, so I feel pretty avenged," Delis grinned.
"So what boost do you think you'll get?" Ulim asked.
Delis suddenly stopped, put a hand on Ulim's shoulder, and said, "I don't give a fuck."
They both burst out laughing as they continued walking.
"Wanna hang out tonight? Maybe find some chicks?" Delis suggested.
"Nah, I've got plans."
"When you say plans, you're not talking about watching *Bumbo the Dinosaur*, are you?" Delis cut in.
"You've got to be kidding me," he groaned. "Dude, we're sixteen. We're in the prime of our lives, and you're watching a children's show?"
"I just think it's funny. I like it," Ulim shrugged.
Delis stared at his friend. "You need help."
"Anyway, I gotta go. See you tomorrow. Don't forget the field trip!" Ulim called as he broke away and headed toward his house.
Delis just smiled and kept walking.
"That boy is not right in the head," he muttered to himself.