Watching the boy closely I assessed his fight. Sheltered are normally cowardly. They would normally plant traps to bait attackers into them and finish them off afterward. For assessment, however, we put them head-on against new cadets.
“This is unprecedented sir”
A man on my right stared at the scene in front of him, his eyes wide with surprise.
“He… he activated his emblem with no prior experience.”
‘Looks like your son is a monster Alfred’
The side of my lips lifted as I watched the aftermath of the explosion. I was hesitant to place Arthur in a squad to train but now I have nothing to worry about.
“Agent 6, assign Mr. Romanov here with squad 3 responsible for outer phalanxus.”
Agent 6 looked at me with concern.
“General, are you sure… outer-phalanxus is known for being harsh even for the experienced voidhunters.”
I stared back at the boy through the window being brought to the medical bay.
“Don’t worry, I have someone I can trust there.”
***
Watching the monster explode, green liquid splattered everywhere as its inside decided to splash out.
Falling back I held the ground trying to stabilize, gashing the floor with my metal gauntlets.
‘I can finally control it a little’ I thought to myself.
‘This still isn’t enough. I need to find out what else I can do with this power.’
Walking back to the monster I saw a small deep blue crystal sowed in the monster's organs. It was as if it was molded into its flesh.
Holding up I could see a jagged line running through its center.
{Do you wish to assimilate the sheltered crystal?}
{Yes}
{No}
I jumped back in surprise. It was as if the voice was inside my head.
A holographic screen was projected in front of me giving me two options.
The metal door opened showing a large muscluar with a red uniform on. He had an eyepatch on his left eye with a deep score boring into it. His mustache was thick and grey, accentuating his deep blue eyes.
With a smile on his mouth, he walked closer to me until I had to look up to see his face.
“I see you took an interest in the sheltered’s crystal. Well, you can have it, but do keep in mind it's useless unless you’re a runesmith.”
“Is my assessment finished Mr… “
“It’s General Thadeus, but you can just call me Thade.”
It's him. The person that allowed me to join a squad. My only chance.
Kneeling I decided to show him the utmost respect.
“I am thankful for the opportunity you have given me General.”
With a sigh, he muttered some words from his mouth.
‘Just as stubborn as you Alfred’
“Your exam seemed to have progressed smoothly Arthur and you’re set to join your squad in the coming week. For now, we’ll provide you with the facilities you need to live here until your transport arrives.”
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Lifting my head from the ground I was driven to know what the pinnacle of this world is. Just how strong I can become.
“Can I ask you a question general? How strong are you?”
The general looked at me with a serious gaze as he stepped back.
“Do you know what true strength is?”
Looking at his eyes I say nothing.
“Power is not measured by the force one wields, but by the restraint he carries. True strength lies in the choice to protect rather than conquer”
He placed a hand on my shoulder pressing against my shoulder with a weak force.
“To heal rather than harm. Your heart wavers with rage, learn how to control it.”
He then walked in front of me as he started to emanate a deep red aura.
“But if it is strength you seek let me show you a sliver of what the pinnacle can bring you”
Bringing his hands to his side he started mouthing a chant.
“alin”
Red energy started to swirl into his hand
“taqim”
The ball started to expand and contract with a randomness that spoke power.
“kawe”
A beam was sent screaming to the metal wall, emanating a heat that even I was nervous to touch.
“So become strong cadet…”
“Strong enough to defend a blast like that with ease.”
***
Crashing into the bathtub I let my body rest with my fatigue washing away from the warm water encasing my chest.
The food here was divine. Eating porridge every day does get boring at times. It's why I had this frail body anyway, I hated eating it.
I got up while picking up my towel to start getting ready for bed. Looking at the mirror I saw the emblem on my chest. Its design was complex, with lines forming different shapes and crystals. I placed my hand on it, trying to feel its power once again.
Voom
A blue screen expanded in front of me displaying information I’d never seen before.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Status:
Level: 3
Name: [Arthur Romanov]
Rank: [Freedman]
lineage: [Locked]
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Void-Arts:
Explode: A simple yet effective move. It allows the user to create an explosion in a 2m radius (increases with level)
#####: Locked
#####: Locked
Emblem: [Explosive Genesis]
Reach level 20 to evolve
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
‘My status… ‘
Scanning the screen I started to read the different variables.
‘So if I started on level one, the sheltered only gave me two levels, and my ability seems basic’.
Staring at my arms again I thought to try making a small explosion to test my Void-art but quickly decided against it. I didn’t want to destroy this room I was given by the VEA.
‘Am I the only one who has this? What happens after level 20? What is my lineage?’
So many questions but I had no way of answering them.
Ms. Cassie did tell me about a small device called a phone. I might have to get one, see if I can get any information from it.
‘But for now…’
I stared at the blue crystal on the table next to my bed.
‘Let’s see what this does’
I picked it up, watching as a familiar voice rang inside of my head.
{Do you wish to assimilate the sheltered crystal?}
{Yes}
{No}
I hit yes.
The crystal started to float, approaching my chest while spinning in a spontaneous manner.
As it started to assimilate with me. My body started to sweat while heat welled my innards. My emblem glowed blue, a shade synonymous with the crystal's color.
{ 0.02% of your linage unlocked. Continue to absorb crystal to meet the first threshold }
I sat on my bed, touching my chest again to see my status
{ lineage: [Locked] 0.02/100}
This…
I don’t think this is normal to do. General Thadues did say these crystals were only really used for runesmithing, meaning my assimilation should be considered another anomaly.
I lay on my bed, closing my eyes to hear the ringing ventilation cooling my room.
I brought my hand above me, staring at my palms.
‘Soon mom’
I clenched my hand, bringing it back to my side as my eyes started to water.