A comparative study of abilities—just the thing to ruin his semester. His initial reaction was one of fascination, as he had never taken the initiative to figure out the possibilities out there. The spectrum ranged from the conventional super strength and flight to the more exotic venom secretion and regeneration. He began to regret situating himself in the backmost row of seats, not wanting to miss a word the professor was saying. Unfortunately for him, what appeared to be a straightforward research project ended up becoming a collaborative assignment.

He buried his face in his arms as he was assigned a partner, some Haywood guy. No amount of consolation could put an end to his misery as he imagined himself following the project guidelines, which forced pairs to not only analyze one another’s abilities and limitations, but also develop and test methods of pushing those boundaries. Not exactly the safest standards, considering how dangerous some powers could be, but in Yaron’s case, it was a matter of self-esteem. For him, divulging the details of his techniques was the utmost worst thing that could happen to him. He didn’t know which deity he had insulted, but he was ready to get down on his knees and beg for forgiveness regardless.

No amount of begging, however, would save him from the forecasted humiliation. He could hardly look his partner in the eye as he asked to meet up right outside campus, where he could at least minimize the number of prying eyes and ears. The city was crowded enough, and he dared not risk having a passerby pick up on the discussion.

Sitting on an isolated bench, he checked his watch. On his lap was a notebook and pen, primitive devices compared to the modern doodads of the day, but reliable nonetheless. If they wanted to meet the deadline, the two would have to begin preparing right off the bat.