"Huh," Alex says thoughtfully. "Interesting question. I think most likely it'd just suppress them for a second and make it turn into a different hobgoblin, but it might unravel it completely and make the magic dissolve back into the ether. We don't know enough to be sure."

"We will leave to test under controlled circumstances. Oh, could you do this again for Ariel? We can do it for her on our own way, but it's messier."

Sandy shrugs. "Sure."

"You know, I'm psychic too," Gavriil points out.

"I'm better at it," Sandy points out in turn. "And I've already done it twice."

Gavriil pouts. Kostas pats him on the head.

"Aw, sorry dude. Maybe we can get Morty to summon more people so you can work your not-magic on them?"

"Please don't," Jack sighs.

They don't feel particularly inclined to argue the merits of summoning people. They finish breakfast and head to class.

Their first class is Intro to Superpowers, specifically Powers Theory. The instructor talks about Manifestor powers, and the difference between close-range and long-range Manifestors.

This sounds potentially interesting and Herod pays attention. What's the difference between the two kinds besides reach?

Sounds boring, but Gavriel will pay attention as well.

(Is this the sort of class with practical demonstrations?)

Apparently the difference is that typically, close-range Manifestors are ranked by the toughness of the material they manifest, whereas long-range Manifestors are judged by volume and manipulability of their material.

It is the kind of class with demonstrations! The teacher calls down two students, Xan and Alice, to demonstrate their powers. Xan creates a fountain of human blood, alarming the front row, then makes it do various tricks including crystallizing and catching on fire. Alice generates a suit of power armor around herself and lifts into the air.

Gavriel applauds. He catches Xan's attention and winks at him.

"One third of your age," Herod whispers.

Xan raises an eyebrow at him before being told to return to his seat.

The lecture continues: a third class of Manifestor exists as well, which creates entirely independent creatures which can act on their own. Regrettably there's no example in this class. While the professor is explaining the power of someone called Generator, the bell rings and the students pour out the door.

Herod and Gav are sufficiently unused to the concept of modern high school that they startle at the bell. But they follow the other students and pour out.

Gav approaches Xan. "Hey, you're Ariel's friend, right?"

"One of many, yes. You're... new?"

"Yeah, we got here via interdimensional fuck up."

"Herod and Gavriel. We don't have codenames."

"Xan. Sanguine. Is there a reason you wanted to talk to me?"

Shrug. "Just wanted to make friends. Since I am new to this world and Ariel mentioned you and how you can probably toss me around."

"One third."

"You ruin all my fun."

Xan snickers. "Oh, lord. Listen, you're cute and all, but I've got classes and presumably so do you. If you want me to toss you around, you can meet me in Poe."

"Oh, right! The classes, see you in Poe then."

Yes, the classes. They should get to those.