Reincarnated as the Starborn

Chapter Six: Outlined Path

As Globby's voice uttered my name, emerging from the sea of students, it dawned on me that I had unintentionally created quite a spectacle. Glancing beyond his shoulders, I noticed a cluster of onlookers observing our interaction with keen interest. In stark contrast to the protagonist of our story, Emirah, who effortlessly connected with others, I found myself relegated to the role of an outcast, a perpetual stranger in this unfamiliar realm.

Lost in my despondent contemplation, I scarcely registered Globby's attempt to re-engage my attention. A brisk slap on my back jolted me back to the present. "Hey! Listen," he insisted. "I understand you weren't expecting this. I may not be able to stand by you right now, as I've committed to some promises with my friends. However, I'm still planning on choosing the same elective. I'll catch up with you later." And with that assurance, he navigated back into the social currents, leaving me to navigate the complex tapestry of my own solitude.

As he sprinted off, seamlessly reintegrating into his newfound circle of friends, their camaraderie enveloping him, I watched the distance between us grow. The reassurances he offered them about his association with me lingered in the air. Witnessing my closest companion gradually distance himself, the solitude that enveloped me seemed more pronounced than ever. While I once believed solitude to be acceptable, having forged connections now made extricating myself from this emotional rut a formidable challenge.

Navigating through the array of tents, my determination to fulfill a singular objective was evident. Most fellow students either ignored my presence or, when attempting to approach, were met with a deliberate aversion or a swift change of direction. I was adamant about preventing new friendships from forming; the intricate social dynamics of this world held situations I knew how to sidestep, none of which involved the imminent demise of the entire world, a cataclysmic event slated for two centuries hence. By then, my trajectory would have led me far beyond this solar system, absolving me of any responsibility for its fate.

Interrupting my contemplation, an upperclassman's exclamation caught my attention. Startled, he approached, a mixture of shock and fear etched on his face. "Woah," he uttered, taking me by surprise. Silently closing the gap between us, he spoke hesitantly, "Can we talk, Oceus?"

Halting my departure from his proximity, I couldn't help but question the apparent breach of my mental fortress. "How do you know my name?" I inquired, irritation coloring my words. My mind, fortified by the anchoring of my soul, should have rendered me impervious to telepathic intrusions—a fact well-established within the series. Yet here stood Ligo Vuilumlinas, a stranger who seemed privy to information he shouldn't possess.

"I'm sorry," he began, swiftly regaining composure. "My name is Ligo Vuilumlinas. I'm in the early senior division term, your senior. While I can't delve into your thoughts, I possess the ability to grasp and comprehend the inner perspectives of one's life. It's a profound, elusive skill, manifesting randomly once in my lifetime, focusing on a singular moment before fading away."

His explanation hung in the air as I listened in silence. He continued, a smile breaking across his face, "For instance, I clarified myself to alleviate your hostile perception, given your recent reserve. In your worldview, I witnessed something deeply unsettling, prompting me to make my presence known rather than shadow you. It's challenging, considering the multitude of abilities you possess." His voice tapered off, and he turned to observe the bustling crowd of students and staff navigating the surroundings.

Ligo's unique ability didn't involve traditional mind-reading but rather an uncanny ability to perceive the layers of reality as I saw them. The thought of someone unraveling the very fabric of my perceived reality was, in truth, a disconcerting prospect. Unlike abilities tethered to truth detection that could be bent to one's will, his gift laid bare the entirety and angles of sanity within one's truth.