William pauses for quite a while, thinking of some possible and sensible answers to tell. The topic of girls hasn't been his forte. Never was, and probably never will be. Considering what Rozzante is talking about, he thinks of Jullieta as nothing but a vivid Walker, who seems to be a normal case of a strange Walker.
He isn't surprised by that at all.
For the topic of this question, his thinking always ends up with Mi-Yung or Ellie who are closest to what he could answer, but not how he would like. Both have no similarities and are quite distinct from each other.
Maybe it's about age? Walker status?
He isn't sure, but Jullieta isn't that far off from Ellie. Both are quite similar in age and youthfulness but mountains apart in who they are.
Mi-Yung is the same, but already older than them and much more unique in her personality and power as one would guess. Her status in the Assembly and Rank 6 goes along with her personality.
Ellie and Jullieta has also their vast differences in their personalities, which goes out of the window when one talks about Walkers. For a Rank 2 Walker, Jullieta is nowhere near excessive or strange while Ellie is a mild flick of the wind compared to her.
But for William, he doesn't seem to know much about this. A slight knock in his mind recalls a memory when he saw her this morning. It isn't even that long ago, yet this memory seems distant already.
“I can't tell much about it.. or to be precise, girls of this fierce caliber as this one, I guess,” William replies after a long time thinking so he comes up with an easy excuse.
Rozzante nods in approval as if thinking it's more than normal to never meet a girl like this in the whole world. It seems he is also somewhat clueless like William but in his own unique way. He forced Jullieta through their fight with his own powers, uncaring about the consequences that William did not follow. Seeing her complaining to him about that fight in her unique fashion isn't something he expected. It is a situation he finds unfamiliar for sure.
“Anyway, Rozzante, have you really defeated her all that easy as she proclaims?” William asks and changes the topic. “I couldn't help but notice how she talked about it, and I fought with her after she got her limits away.”
“Are you curious about that?” he replies, smirking as if he is hiding some secret, or proudness. “I may ask you the same, but it doesn't seem to be that important to you at all.”
“I have just a small pinch of curiosity about it. If you don't want to talk, you don't have to talk. Those are my rules. I won't force things to push others around, or make them uncomfortable, you know?”
“I like your honesty, William,” Rozzante tells and pushes his hand around his shoulder. Then, he whispers something to his ear, turning William into a serious frown after he goes into more details.
“You did that to her? What sort of Emblem do you have?” William asks.
“A Mutant type,” Rozzante reveals, still quietly talking to his ears as this is high-grade information, even though it wouldn't matter to anyone in this room. Everyone here is someone of talent worthy of the Academy's care or notice.
“Oh? You are one of the two Mutant types who went through the Awakening? That's quite impressive, but I don't know much about them, as I have never seen one before.” William says completely wide open with his words, surprising Rozzante who isn't used to such honesty.
But his face changes, as if in wonder and surprise as well. “Two? There is someone else here with a Mutant type? Where? Who?” he asks, looking at the other first-timers in this hallway. He couldn't tell a thing apart, nor guess even students from first-timers. Everyone has their own mind and uncaring attitude about the rest of the Walkers, forcing on professionalism, apart from a few.
Mostly, this occasion is a once-in-a-while Trial for new blood, so it is creating this sort of atmosphere.
“I don't know who or even where that one is. He or she could be somewhere else from what I've understood. That, or you are the only one who has chosen the Academy. It is a matter of choices, I think.”
“Oh!” Rozzanta slaps his forehead. “I completely forgot about the choices.”
“That's nothing surprising. We all seem to discover things in our own ways. And getting that to one's head isn't that easy at all, let me tell you that.” William says and takes a deeper breath in and out, feeling that his own experiences are just starting.
“That is right yet...” Rozzante loosens his grip over his neck and winces his head away. “You seem to know quite a bit more things than me, how's that so? I am all ears.”
“I spend quite some time getting used to this Walker world in the Federation. I learned quite a bit of what I could in the past 2 months since I could do so. You didn't?”
“Nah. I just got to this part of the world recently. Few days prior to the Awakening, in fact. That was brutal timing and time in itself, which I didn't think would go the way it did. Even then, the travel here was insane! I didn't expect to see an island in the middle of the ridiculous ocean. It's straight up from fantasy, let me tell you that.” he says, feeling quite apprehensive about this whole ordeal, even though it's long in the past.
William nods, as if he feels nothing more true has even been more truthful.
As Rozzante continues blabbering about his own time, uncaring about the majority of the people, the remaining people arrive too. This includes the rest of the first-timers, butlers, and everyone who should be here. That is apart from an Overseer and Agatha that are yet to arrive.
Noticing more people, William looks around, uncaring about the neverending barrage of Rozzante's words. He cares about it still, but also the surroundings. There will soon come an end to this waiting time that seems to pertain to this hallway. He doesn't welcome it as much, feeling still tired so he hopes things won't be some intense exercises or fights back to back.
In these few glances, he notices all the remaining 10 first-timers. That is Louise, and Stark, 2 girls he doesn't know apart from that acrobatic one. There are also a few lone and hidden figures outside of his ability to see them that well. There are dozens of people around him, and all of them are talents of the Academy and a few butles. He notices Ruger and jullieta in the distance, talking with students about the Trial.
He thinks and considers this situation, yet doesn't feel nervous or anything. He finds his heart and mind calm, yet this moment in time is nothing that his past self would've expected.
What would his struggling Rank 0 self think if he would see himself now?
William thinks of it for a second, and perhaps he should feel included here and not think of himself as an Outsider as he did many times before.
After all, he has the talent to remain here, considering what he has achieved. His Emblem ends up being quite good, albeit strange. The System he has will have to become his next priority, however, but he is yet to care about it to full capacity. For most problematic ways, he knows about 30% of what the System is even about.
This includes his own approach to Skills, while progression itself is out of the picture. That isn't too bad at all. Most young Walkers of this time of age should be lucky to get some touch of their powers, summons, and so on. After all, it is about 10 days since he got the Rank 1.
And as far as anyone should be concerned, he isn't one bit worse than most Rank 2 students.
Looking around, he also thinks of the quitters. As far as he sees, among those 3 who gave up, he doesn't recognize who quit, nor should he. At least it is no Louise or Stark that he interacted with. They are still there since Stark is hard to miss out on with his loud voice.
Wiliam is here for himself more than anything, and out of this group, more Walkers will have to go away soon. Eliminations are ruthless, and it is all for the sake of the Emblem Academy and their required talents. For example, he could be the next to quit, or Rozzante will do so instead. Perhaps even Stark with his big wide mouth will never shut up about it, but even he could end up failing.
After all, this 1st Trial seemed strange enough, so who knows what will Tiberon prepare next?
Those who are familiar with the past ones may have some advantages to start with. That is Louise and Stark to be precise. Most others are clueless about what is before them, or what are most correct and often topics in the trials.
But it is a wrong approach. Knowing a trial doesn't prepare one for the actual challenge. It would mean some better strategy, but overcoming it isn't that easy. Stark and Louise act as a team for a good reason, and because of the limits and their power, they do have not many issues.
In the following minutes, a person appears at the end of the hallways, walking alone, in wide and long strides. His clothes consist of a long bathrobe that doesn't look like one. It may be a weird cloak or long coat. Underneath that is a bare chest, revealing quite a spectacular 8-pack, with chiseled muscles and many scars. Other than that, he has some basic trousers, but that's about it. Not even shoes are on his feet, which is... strange?
Who is to judge him?
Not many, but some indeed do that in regular intervals. Though, why would he care about such nonsense as fashion or clothes? After all, he is Rank 8 Walker, Tiberon who is in charge of these Trials.
Stopping before the group of dozens of Walkers of young age, and a couple more butlers aside, Tiberon's gaze pierces the first-timers more so than others.
His eyes to be specific, are the crazies kinds William has ever seen. Unhinged, relentless, or wild are the right words to describe them. His demeanor and look are about what a Greek god would look like if William would describe one. His lightly trimmed beard makes his face rather muscular. His tall, over 7 feet tall body also acts as a menacing point of interest. His hair is also slightly curled up, but straight regardless of it.
“Greetings, new blood,” he says, his voice echoing in this long hall. “1st Trial is officially over, so how about doing 2nd right now, before doing the 3rd one tomorrow, as it should be?” he asks, speaking as if nothing matters. No rules, reasons, or tiredness of the Walkers before him are a problem in his eyes. As if the matter of fact is more than insignificant, his choice is what matters, and he can do whatever he can with the 2nd Trial too. It means potential anger on the Academy side, but it isn't as if it will cause him a problem.
Though, before continuing, a figure walks behind him, slapping and pinching his cheek. An unlike figure of Agatha, who happens to be quick and able to get close to him, has enough.
“How about doing things properly, s-i-r Overseer.” She tells him, figuring he would care less about some form of etiquette so she thinks of spelling it to him like to a child.
Scratching his chin with his palm, Tiberon sights and force her hand away, as if he is a child, who did something wrong.
“Very well. I take your silence as if you know, Tiberon...” Agatha voices before him, and steps beside him.
“Anyway, I am Tiberon, Overseer for the 3 parts of the Academy Trials. 13 first timers made their way here, while the 10 remained after the 1st. As for the 2nd Trial, I have some special and unique plans to let all 10 finish the 2nd part as well.”
Silence and a bit of a murmur spread among the students.
“It all depends on your willpower, of course. Heheheh.” Tiberon changes his speech, appearing much more serious, albeit it goes out of the window when he giggles mysteriously at the end.
Before continuing any further, Agatha walks past him and stops before him. She is a bit annoyed but otherwise, quite understanding that she would expect nothing better from him.
“Alright, you all should remember me as Butler A. I am mostly apologizing on behalf of this muppet since the 1st Trial was quite hectic with its rules and ongoing problems. It was the first of its kind that took place in this building. Some problems occurred but otherwise, we are happy with the results. For the 10 of you who didn't give up, I am glad for you to do so in the name of the Academy. Each of you—while some less than others—went through some obstacles that are the official students of the Academy. In fact, as some of you may know, they are Rank 2s who are the previous batch of Walkers from the last Trial.”
“You probably wonder why even force Rank 2 against the first-timers who have their Emblems awakening for less than 2 weeks? That's a completely understandable statement, but fret not, things can become much insensible and harsher in the real world. It is a warning and undeniable truth of reality. Dark won't ask for proper ranks. They do things regardless of any sense and we aren't some easy academy or institution. Things are harsh. We are the toughest part of the Walkers in the world and we had to act and be as tough as we could get. Everyone else is weaker when it comes to military powers, but that doesn't matter. What do we face? Can someone tell that?”
“Dark beings, of course,” Louise answers as if knowing Agatha is asking the 10 of them a question.
“Exactly. No amount of power in the organization is enough to secure endless power. We aren't making a competition out of having more powerful walkers than the others. There is no such competition. That would be completely outside of our purpose that needs talent and power combined with the experience of old Walkers. This is a marathon, not a sprint, but if some of you are talented enough, then I will gladly change my words.”
“You are making this rather melodramatic, Agatha,” Tiberon adds behind her back.
“Oh, so you are the one who wants to talk like this? No. You don't, so shut up since I am talking.” She barks at him in return, shutting his mouth for the foreseeable future.
“Anyway, with that done, I will talk about the Trial next, since the insensible Overseer behind my back has his own ideas. The purpose of what will happen next as he said, is simple The first 2 Trials are always held back to back, and with Overseer behind it. The 3rd is always the same but first things first. I had to wait for this after the 1st one, so you would have a gist of what I am actually talking about, understand?”
Some first-timers nod their head. Most do not.
Not like this makes a difference for Agatha, who continues with her statements. “The 1st trial is considerably easier than usual, but some of you may think otherwise. It was arching tide to go up and up, fight with more experience Walkers than yourselves. You probably felt unfair on some occasions. That's understandable since this is a very subjective thing in your powers and the students you fought with. Each of you is a talent in your own right, while we can only assess your abilities under harsh and bothersome circumstances.”
“That's one of the things we had to make sure of as adults who saw the Dark Ages like none of you ever did. Anything out there isn't easy. Any dungeon, lair, or nest is full of dangers that don't care about some rules or hindrances. A system or Emblem within our possession can only gift us enough help. In the end, it is up to the Walkers how to use them, learn the ways, and not end up dead. They want to kill you all, eat your emblems and bodies alike. Each of you had the Scoreboard of your accomplished fights, where you scored 0 out of 5 points. Those points were decided by the students who fought against you. It's a small variable, while we observed most fights through cameras and careful use of Butlers.”
“While the 2nd part of the Trial isn't about that, nor is it that important by itself, I hope you will give the 2nd Trial once more your everything, as well. I am sure if you do, then you can make it to the 3rd one, which will be the last. Back, to you Tiberon.” Agatha explains, patting Tiberon's shoulder in return after making sure some sense of the Trials goes to these youths. That has been one priority over the many trials. First, get the youths to the location and starts immediately without much preparation and rules. It can lead to confusion, but not every time.
“Right. What she said is basically how this works. Power is very important, but experience and skill are nothing to scoff at. I hope you will work hard on yourself no matter if you succeed or not. Take the notion of dangers and rules to your heart. For now, you all will follow me to a special room that is prepared for me especially. That will be a place for the 2nd Trial which will go under my direct supervision. After we reach it, I will explain the 2nd Trial, which can take a couple of hours to finish, but is significantly harder than the 1st. You will get it when you will hear it, but it is possible that each and every one of you can succeed regardless of hardness, depending on your heart and will.” Tiberon says, giving the first-timers last harsh glare before walking away.
Official students of the academy don't follow the first-timers, so this trial is only for them and Tiberon alone.
William follows his lead beside Rozzante, who is quite intrigued by the Overseer and his words. Like William, he doesn't know much of Walker's world and grew up Outside.
“Hey, William,” he whispers to his ears as they walk.
“What? Do you have time to be curious at this time?”
“Of course,” Rozzanta says as if this matter is more important than some common sense.
Sighting, William accepts this curiosity since he gets it. Probably more so than he is willing to admit it. For some reason, he sees himself in Rozzante's shoes to some extent, which isn't bad, but familiar instead.
“Do you know something about this man? I heard he is Rank 8. That's a crazy good ranking in the world of Walkers as far as I know.”
“Of course it's good, but I don't know much about Rank 8, forget even ranks below that. I am new to this as is. You should wait for some teacher, or ask those two over there.” William tells, pointing towards Stark and Louise. Partially more towards Louise who he finds more normal, but considering Stark, he isn't sure about him.
“Maybe they will be a little rough with you, but they may answer some of your questions,” he adds. “They are sons of some Rank 8 Walkers, from what I've gathered, and must know a few things around this and all. It's just a suggestion, so perhaps it's better to ask them than ask an Outsider.”
Noticing his pointing finger, Rozzante makes a small note about those two and also noted William's Outsider status. He will remember them, so he plans to talk to them at some point. But not now. It seems the situation doesn't steer his way, and 2nd Trial is about to start. So he waits for his time, walking side by side with William in a good mood. He doesn't regret his curiosity.
“Thanks, I appreciate this help,” Rozzante tells, patting William to his shoulder.
“Don't mind it. We are fellow comrades in a sense. I heard making friends is a good way to go around the world of Walkers, so what do you think about it?” This time, William asks with some form of curiosity, unbothered by any kind of listening ears of other Walkers in this group. His eyes already wander around them, and for the first time, he pays more attention to them.
He saw them all before the 1st Trial, but back then, he was a bit preoccupied with his mind. Now, he feels he can focus on them and get to know his peers.