William looks around the room and ignores the stares of others or a butler beside him. The man is glaring at him, as if angry that William destroyed the door so he has to defend it with his Emblem.
William couldn't be bothered with him, so he holds himself tight, carrying his arm close to his body while examining himself. He never cared much about appearances. He is even thinking of tougher times Outside, where he hasn't washed for months. Body bloodied, mind uncaring about filth or sweat, and body tired or stressed. It was tougher at some times, so this isn't anything new to him.
In fact, it is all foreign to him, since he barely recognizes his body from half a year ago. He isn't even that old, and still, a teenager, yet the Arcanite is changing his internal and external body structure at rapid speed. This is how Awakening goes, and it is quite noticeable.
Being shirtless isn't much of a problem for him, and he doesn't want to dirty Mi-Yung's gift which he shouldn't take for granted. It is a precious gift. Even Tiberon said he could destroy, or damage it, so he isn't that upset to not wear it.
Since he used to work in the field without a shirt, a towel around his right forearm usually made the trick to cover his Emblem. It worked wonders since people thought he had an injured arm or scarred skin. That worked if people didn't know him, of course. It was a worthy excuse so most didn't care, but any time when his Walker's reality was discovered, it was always a time with various reactions.
Sometimes, people hated him for some reason, calling him names and others. Those were rare cases, but understandable ones. Probably because of how Outside effectively is its own thing, and things rarely go well for a prolonged period of time.
He knew why it is this way. Walkers can't help anyone at every moment, even though many are trying to do so. Most Outside is on its own devices, and nothing much could be done about it.
Dangers are everywhere, and many people began to dislike the Walkers and their status quo. It is for the future, however, and some sacrifices will have to happen. And being in a place set up by Walkers, the Federation is something he finds surprising and interesting.
It is also upsetting how freedom and peace go, and how such places seem to be so different from the ones Outside. He heard of it long in his youth, and actually turning the tides of his living to come to the Federation to become a Walker is something has never expected.
It is right that Walkers reach Rank 1 status at the age of 18 in usual cases. Those are common to see Outside since not every Walker can even be brought or cared for by the Federation or others. Most often than not, half of Walkers that are born Outside are on their own. Those that are not, will be just a number for the shifting stakes that the Federation or other organizations have.
In the other half, the surviving Walkers are often young and die young as well. Those who won't, are considerable talents since to survive the tides of the Dark Age without losing one's life, it is only fitting.
Some memories start to play in William's head, showing Luke who takes him out of the camp, out of the living Outside, before tossing him to the foreign lands of the Federation.
There is more to this, as he was told that by Kaufman, and then by Mi-Yung. They looked for him because of his parents and found him, so he could become a Walker. They gave him this life. This half-by-half chance that many Outside Walkers want or desire.
It is about chance and security.
Humanity has to stick together, while Outside is just a name to point to the places which have no rules that Walkers are making in the current world.
Those would be even camps, and lands infested with the dark.
Over 2 months later, William stands amidst the opportunity to follow the direction of the strongest Walker organization in this world. Calling it surprising is only fitting since he grew up well outside such a world, carrying his life and surviving on his terms. Sometimes, some people cared about his Walker status. A young one, at that. Rank 0 can't do much anyway, but some people want a better future, and it won't happen if Rank 0 Walkers aren't even getting a chance to live.
He always had his Emblem in hand, and no matter what, this status will never disappear.
It was always a matter of time before it would start, and it happened in the way it did.
Now, he stands after his 2nd Emblem Academy Trial, noticing the gaze of other first-timers. They have their past, hopes, or desires. They are like him, but also not at all. He looks at his appearance, nodding and sighting in return that this is funny.
He succeeds anyway, and there is no need to show some hesitation. He walks straight toward the sofa, aiming for the food beside it as well. His tired legs barely support him, so it doesn't look that great, but at least he can walk.
Considering the successful 2nd Trial, he is quite happy with himself and what he has.
So, he finds Rozzante on the previous sofa that was his waiting place before and leans his back far into the cushions. Of course, before doing that, he couldn't help but grab a drink, and some plates with some meal.
Those are his priorities and he is set on them like a law.
As he does so, Rozzante is looking at his injuries and him as a whole. Before, he long noticed his wide-open Emblem. Even before this whole waiting game, he figures William has some unique stakes about his Emblem because he doesn't hide it, and it seems there is a reason for that.
He saw how it acted even before the 1st Trial started, while that wild picture when he flew out of that door is still replaying in his head. If not impressive, he couldn't find the right word to describe William.
He couldn't fathom this youth is like him at Rank 1.
Emblem's colorful vector glo is quite noticeable. A slightly glowing crimson color that bores their way in, and even protrudes from the skin? It is hard to not notice its thickness and light, so it is easy to spot, even though it is at the palm-facing side of the forearm. Rozzante noticed him on the boat too, and also their brief walk toward this skyscraper. He also figures that William can hide it poorly, as he does now.
He holds his forearm close to his chest, in the hope of easing the pain as if it is broken. And it looks quite terrible at all fronts. There are veins visibly strained, muscles tremble, and how brittle his posture seems, it is either broken or quite damaged. That or the internal structure of his hand is like this by a large use of his Emblem.
That seems more likely, so the bones may be intact, but everything else is heavily corroded by his Vectors and the effects of Arcanite.
Rozzante knows how this goes. Such an Emblem location is prone to a few problems and William knows few, while he knows few others as well.
Activation and long use of the Emblem can stress the body. That is a common truth, and the main problem is the primary part. Arm is that, in William's case.
And he feels it right now.
A lot.
The heat, pain, and nerves squeak in every little action he does. Every bite of a sandwich, gulp of water, and swallowing follows the pain. He endures it, wanting to hide his pain in food instead. It will work, he reckons. It always does.
His Emblem is like a light in a cloudless sky. It seems more noticeable now than before. Rozzante hasn't seen this kind of Emblem in his life, which isn't that surprising, since the Walkers are rare individuals. Considering their many variants and possibilities, it is rare to see the same ones twice. Emblems are unique in appearance, and the types differ in many ways.
The Vector type can have many similarities to one another, as it is how Arcanite shows and act in a certain way of Vectors. That is about the only similarity that this Vector type has since it depends on Walkers how they want their Vectors molded. Other variables would be some mild Elemental affinity, but that isn't always the case. Most often than not, the Vectors are without any element.
Those are usually known as Arcanite Vectors, with Luke being such an example.
When it comes to the Elementalists, their range of motion and care is versatile. There are a lot of elements in the world, after all, and they can make some interesting things that Vectors can't do. They are also often rich, efficient, and much more effective than Vectors since the element's power is defining such Walkers.
In Vectors, Walkers define the Vectors, not the other way around.
Though, in some cases, the Elementalists can handle their element in unique fashions. Some Earth Walkers can literary handle and carry the earth, mold some creatures, and so on. Weapons and such things can also be achieved in this way, which isn't that far off from how Vectors works. It is because Arcanite Elements are just much more expansive Vectors, with less demanding stress to cycles, and molding.
In this sense, Vector-type Walkers and Elementalists can be far or close in their powers.
Mutants are the rarest of the bunch and their specialty is uniqueness and almost unclear visions and rules. Each is so distinct from another, one can't understand them. They can include Vectors or Elements, but often nothing fine at all. It is the strangest out of the 3 types.
“What do you want? You keep looking at me for something.” William asks, looking at Rozzante to his right. He eyes him like a hungry and curious dog, so he asks.“You hungry?”
“Nah.” he shakes his head, figuring he will ask straight to the point. “What happened for you to fly through that door? It surprised some of us for sure. Me included.” Rozzante asks, amassing some glances towards this particular sofa. Onga's and Louise's are most noticeable, while the rest are minding their business.
Meanwhile, the butler announces another name, which goes toward a youth named Kiryu. He is a youth, who appears to be half Japanese and half something else. He probably has some European blood, or something along those lines, since his hair is blond, and his build is defined and neat. He looks like a hooligan, one may even say. He is close to William's body type than Zech's.
As he goes beyond the doorframe, the butler makes the same space cocoon, after sighting and figuring this will be a tiring day. He has to make sure to seal the door completely sealed, lest there be a mistake with Tiberon and his shenanigans. It is a firm wall of intangible space waves, which acts like some sort of all-around defense for himself and others.
Rozzante looks at William in curiosity, awaiting his explanation of his wonder.
William can't find any fault in him or his honest look. He finishes his chewing, a head resting on the sofa, and a sight later, he speaks up. “Listen...” He starts by patting his right arm which is on his lap. “I met a complete devil beyond that door. Can you believe it?” he says, exaggerating every single word.
“Really? Was there no Tiberon?” Rozzante follows his lead.
“Nah! I swear.” William continues. “He had a wild smile, fangs around his face like a monster, horns beyond his ears which folded around, and a series of protruding arms around his body. His whole appearance was vicious and he wanted to eat me whole.”
“That... This? Have they made you fight Devilish? I thought it was Tiberon's Trial. Wait! You don't mean Tiberon is that devil, do you?” Rozzanta catches up to Willian obnoxious try to appeal to his tired mind. He finds it rather funny. Maybe too much, considering Tiberon and his personality.
“Devilish? Never heard of that one. It is a Dark being or a name for a dog?” William says in return, not wanting to continue with the topic of his own slacking ways. “I definitely took some dark aspects to my words, but my imagination isn't as vivid, you know?”
“No shit you haven't heard of those,” Rozzanta says. “Even the Federation has no access to everything, and there is no way the archives of the Federation don't have it, but it sure is not for you to hear. It should be a beast around the middle east or parts of some desert lands. Not Africa, but further east. That's the place where it's usually around.” Rozzante explains, remembering the case of the Devilish from some stories.
Though, he doesn't forget the topic about him, flying away through that door. “So? How did it all happen with you and your flight? Have you pissed Tiberon off that much? I had a fairly easy time if I say so myself.”
“Why do you know about it then?” William asks as he not answers his question.
“I've got the chance to see one myself. That is why. So?”
“Nothing... You are pretty much right in your words, and also...” William says. “Tiberon was curious, I bet. Something along those lines. That, or he wanted to see more of my Emblem? Anyway, how were you so fine afterward? He pushed me around like a fool. He didn't test you that hard, or are you so tough on going against that Gravity Domain or whatnot?”
“Heheh,” Rozzane smirks, appearing mysterious and enjoying this moment quite a bit. “Yes.” is his quick, and simple answer, although he isn't sure what he means by the Gravity Domain. In his case, Tiberon hardly talked.
“Was that a yes to what? Everything?”
Rozzante nods, feeling proud of himself, but not revealing more than he wants.
William sighs, going back to his meal since not much can be done with him, not wanting to reveal his secrets. It's the same with him too. Rozzante doesn't ask him too personal questions either, so he is polite to not change this status quo.
Surprisingly enough, after a couple of minutes that William uses to feed himself, someone appears before their sofa. It is Louise. He looks at William with a questionable look, leaving Stark behind on the sofa since he isn't interested in making this conversation. After all, Stark is yet to come into the bunker, and he has a hunch he will be next after Kiryu, so he waits for his chance by reading his mind and body.
“Can I do something for you? I haven't talked to you since the time on that ship.” William asks, not forgetting this boy in the slightest.
“You are quite something, aren't you?”
“Not really. You appear stronger, or better than me anyway. You walked out of that door as if you went for a walk,” William argues.
“I am glad you told it this way. That means you feel I am stronger?” Louise asks, smirking at him in some form of meaning. “That is surprising, but who is stronger or not, doesn't means shit Outside. When one walks in success, one can even crawl if it means a victory. I like that.”
“I don't know about that. Tiberon was a devil if you are asking what went behind that destroyed door. Rozzanta has already shot me with dozens of questions about it. Do you want to finish me off?”
Louise chuckles. “You sure appear fine as far as I see that. Tiberon isn't one to destroy us like that, so what have you done? Attacked him? Taunted him?”
“You sure he isn't just a devil?” William says, pointing to his forehead, temple, and some parts of his upper body that have many bruisers. Many parts aren't obvious to be self-inflicted but caused by others. Louise can see that.
“Err.. when you show it like that...” Louise pauses, glancing at his body much better at this distance than before. He could see his kind neat muscles around his body, while his shirt is still around his shoulders. It exposes his arms a little and shows his chest.
He can see he has some firm muscles for his age. It's not like his own, or Stark's who already went through years of harsh body training to achieve a better physique to guard his Emblem's effect. His is... rough, in some strange form of the term.
His gaze lingers longer on his right forearm, which has a lingering feeling of Vectors and his arm looks like beaten to a pulp. It appears the Annihilation within his Emblem is yet to calm down after the previous outburst. It leaves many strands of Vectors traveling around the Emblem, but only up to 4 to 5 inches.
William knows how it feels and how Louise looks at him. It appears Louise also notices it. It is just... William has no idea what he wants for coming here. He knows he is done with the 2nd trial, so does he wants to talk?
“So can I do something for you or not?” William ask. “You stare at me as if you want something.”
“How poor of myself. I don't like being too rude, but I am really intrigued by the prospect of your Emblem. My family has a history of Elements, so they would be interested in hearing more about the Annhiation Element.” He explains himself as politely as he could. That is one of the good qualities that Lousie has, which is surprising, considering his long friendship with Stark, who isn't... that.
Hearing his words, William is kind of surprised, and so is Rozzante. Neither knows what family Louise is from, but it sounds like a good invitation. In fact, any Walker family is a big deal. It means the walker bloodline managed to reproduce, or change, and pass to the next generation. That is what it means when one mentions anything about Walker families. It means a connection and a certain standing in this world.
William is yet to get to know Louise all that well, even though he talked with him for quite some time.
“So?” Louise gestures with his palm forwards, hoping to gain some information or confirmation.
“Why now, or even here? I doubt Trial is a good place to discuss these sorts of things, don't you think? If your family is curious, you sure aren't one to look around for recruits, aren't you? Or, is it just talk? Really?” William argues, showing quite some view on this topic, since it seems Louise wants something from him, and he doesn't know what.
A talk could mean a lot of things. It usually doesn't end here, since it is about his Emblem, so they would want to know it personally, or internally. It could even mean something completely different than William thinks. Like research into his element, or straight-up recruitment as he says.
A deep ponder appears on Louise's face. He knows William's words sound reasonable, and so much so, he couldn't find anything wrong with this logic. In fact, he is at fault for digging into personal matters, which are a kind of unspoken rule about Walkers in higher societies. Outside, it doesn't matter when one is an asshole, rude, or quite direct.
“Alright. I won't bother you, but I still insist on this in the future. I spoke without any malice or hidden meaning by the way. If you still hesitate, I can fetch you some Rank 2 to 3 Vials for this exchange of information. It is for my family, and I need to provide something for my family. It is a privilege and how trades work.” Louise gives him an interesting offer, hoping William will bite the bait.
Sighting, William is unbothered by his offer. He heard the stuff of Vials for the second time, and he doesn't know them at all. Instead of asking about his offer further, he gives him a deep look.
“Look... Do you know where I am from?”
“More or less. Outside.” Louise answers, not understanding his hesitation. “Not sure which part. USA or Canada, considering your voice and English, is my guess.”
“So you know a gist of it, but Outside is Outside. Camps in the Medling Outskirts of Canada and the US borders. All life spent there, so no clue about Walkers is in my head.”
“Is that so? How many camps you went through?” Louise decides to be a bit forceful and tries to dig for more information.
“Didn't count.” William scratches his hand and thinks for a second. “5 or 7? Not sure why it's important, since I have no bloody clue what even those Vials are. Some form of currency? Credits? Even some girl who I fought with talked about them as if they are important.” he argues, but not that loud to alert everyone in this big hallway.
“That? Do you mean Vials? I thought you made some research in the library of the Federation.”
“How do you know about that?” William looks at him, unsure if he was spying on him or not.
“I actually met you before there, but that's not important.” Louise dismisses this issue since it is more than insignificant detail. Back then, he thought this boy was weird, but in the end, he finds him more interesting than he thought.
“I guess that's not surprising, but what are you getting at? I never found any information about some Vials or something.”
“Have you not been in the 1st room of the beginner Rank 1? Rank 1 staff and beyond is talked about there to some extent. Though, you need special permission for that if you are getting into Academy, so...” Louise stops speaking, realizing his mistake that William indeed doesn't know much. “...you don't know about that. Right. I am sorry for assuming...”
“... that I am stupid? Great stuff.”
“I never said that and it isn't bad as you think. Do you want some explanation? Vials are a fairly important subject in the Academy and the whole world of Walkers in general, but it's not talked about in the general public outside of Walkers.” Louise forces himself into a space on the sofa.
He doesn't even wait for their reply, before going over the facts and all kinds of explanations that both, William nor Rozzante, doesn't know about.
Vials are an important part and essence of Walker's System, range of possibilities, and Skills. They appear to be a form of rough currency in the poor sense of that term, but it is much more complicated than that. They range from high interest and less influence in the Walker world for many reasons.
1st, it's a resource that is for middle to upper Rank-Ups and many kinds of things within the System.
2nd and most importantly, it's the blood of Dark beings, which is a fact that shocks William because he doesn't know about that at all.
3rd. They are not natural, but products that need a lot of work and care. One can't just find or create a Vial, but take care of it by actual hunts and killing the Dark beings. Though, there are more things about it since Vials aren't the only thing that serves some interest for Walkers.
Vials include extracting the blood, meaning, that it's a very hard, and often extremely dangerous process. One shouldn't kill or completely maul and destroy the Dark being before the extraction. It would be a waste, but it isn't that important when one's life or other interests are in danger.
Vials also form into many ranks, according to the ranks of Dark beings. There is one factor that is undeniably good. Their blood can be distilled, making even higher sort of Vial from lower-ranked beasts achievable.
Louise also includes one fact which is surprising to both of them as a bonus. This sort of distillation process, and even making the Vials viable is something that comes from Academy alone. Still, it is such a huge beneficial discovery, that any force in the world has access to it too.
Though, it can be done in limited quantities and qualities, while factories for Vials are still yet to outstretch the expenditure. It will take longer for that if it is even possible since blood is a limiting factor in this topic, rather than the ability to distill or form Vials. Almost all proper Walker settlements have some form of management around the Vials, which makes them a very important resource.
Their worth and value are often as valuable as some lives if their Rank is high enough. It's nowhere near the value of credits, however, which most Walkers have enough of.