The weeks that follow are spent observing the disparity of life in Locley.

I don't give to the needy. I simply observe their plight.

The aristocracy of the region stands apart. Walls separating the slums from the rich neighborhoods.

The day I've been waiting for comes and youths in diverse clothing come through the gate to the Royal Academy.

Some are trembling with nerves while others carry an air of superiority.

We form lines as we are given placards with our numbers.

It's an experience I have never had. Waiting in line for hours on end.

My attendants are prohibited from the grounds while the examination is underway.

I am not the richest applicant. But, I am far from the poorest.

Those in shabby robes hold onto the slim hope that they can get a proper education. Most will fail.

Finally, my turn arrives. The mathematics are tedious but routine.

I find more abstract questions, requiring in-depth essays, than I expected.

5 hours and I have completed my exam.

The administrator looks at me questioningly.

"You're sure you want to submit so early? This isn't the sort of exam that favors speed."

I bow, "I have done my best, sir."

The man shrugs and puts the papers into a bin.

I exit the large room and find my way off-site.

The next few days carry tension in the air as if every youth in the city is waiting for the ground to collapse under them.

I am unconcerned as I wait for the results to be announced.

At last, the names are ordered by rank on several posters.

I'm mildly surprised to find myself ranked third.

Below my name, I see the name Siri Li ranked in the top ten.

I remember the many times I was told about my marriage partner.

Beautiful and fierce. But, I hadn't been told of her intellect.

Siri Li, my fiance, will be attending the Royal Academy with me.

Excitement and gloom carry through the crowd.

I watch as everyone gets a turn before the noticeboard. I try to memorize the faces of those who succeeded.

As the day wanes, I find my place at the inn.

The next few days will be my last chance to relax before the lectures begin.

As the Royal Academy opens its doors to successful applicants, the on-site dormitories open to us.

"Well, Leon, Jack. Thank you for seeing me this far."

I bow to my attendants.

Jack is surprised and returns my bow.

Leon just accepts it.

"Take this," I pass them two bags of coins. "Have some fun before you get home."

A slight smile takes the stoic guard's face.

"Thank you, little lord."

Pleasantries handled, we part and I face a lifestyle I feel unprepared for.

The dorm rooms aren't overly extravagant or large. They're functional spaces for rest and study.

The rooms have two beds, two desks, and a pair of chairs.

It has everything I need.

"Hello," an excited boy moves to shake my hand. "I'm Robert Astor."

"Adam Derrick," I shake his hand.

"Glad to know you. How did you fare on the exam?

I think on his question, "I did fairly well. Yourself?"

The boy beams with pride, "113th."

I nod approvingly.

Classes begin tomorrow.

Rather than going out to explore the campus, I settled on the floor.

In and out, I breathe.

My spirit seed is changing at a rate I've never seen before.

It's already larger than my peak as Meridian. But, more importantly, it looks to be dividing and forming itself into something alien to me.

My spirit circulates through my body before leaving.

Astral projection is something I never quite grasped as Meridian.

But now, I escape my physical body.

No one can see me. But, I can see them.

I float around the dorms, trying to remember each face.

After my examination of the dorms, I moved on to the school proper.

Massive auditoriums rest vacant, save for the students marveling at the size.

As I explore, I find the training field.

Despite classes not having started yet, several athletic students practice for their sport or martial arts.

I find myself thinking that I should train there at nightfall.

The final part of my tour leads me to the temple.

The beatific visage of the Buddha dominates the temple.

But, I see shrines to the gods and goddesses sheltered under the Buddha's gaze.

As I explore, I can't help but feel as if I'm being watched.

A solitary monk sits under the Buddha, his eyes tracking me.

Rather than retreating, I float down to the figure.

"You must be powerful," he says. "To project out for so long."

I simply watch as the man pulls out a rosary of large beads.

The monk is older with a shaved head.

"When you find yourself back in the real world, you should come in person.

"You look young," he says. "But, your soul is old.

I nod as I blur my focus. My spirit returns to me.

Robert is in bed when I awaken from my journey.

The monk sticks in my mind as I continue my meditation through the night.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

The first day of classes has come.

I sit in on an economics lecture. The professor is busy explaining supply-side economics.

One hour in and I find myself learning things that my tutors hadn't even mentioned.

The lectures don't have mandatory attendance. But, my instructors say, the exams can be brutal on the unprepared.

The classes are more enjoyable than I had been expecting.

The history class explains the history of the Karas kingdom.

"20 years ago, under the authority of King Michael Jal, father of King Marchus, a rebellion that very nearly tore our nation apart was put down."

I find myself restless during the exposition.

"The heretic, Meridian, rallied the 12 tribes to his cause.

"Hundreds of thousands of slaves and peasants rose in rebellion.

"It took the combined forces of the Royal Army, the martial sects, the Heavenly Way, and the Death Cult to return order to our lands."

"But," a young woman from the audience speaks up, "No reforms were initiated. The peasants are still oppressed. Aren't we just sitting on a powder keg that's ready to blow?"

The instructor patiently waits for her to finish her question.

"Miss Li, was it? The royal family and the aristocracy have made significant efforts to ease the economic hardships experienced by the lower class.

"Indeed," he says, "some members of the student body are examples of how anyone in our country can rise above their station."

I look at the girl. He said Li. Is it possible that she is my fiance?

She is pretty and looks passionate.

Even after the professor had answered her question, she still fought to express herself.

For my part, I simply absorb the wisdom being presented.

I realize, now, that as Meridian I had too narrow of a worldview.

I thought that overcoming the system could be achieved by fighting conventionally.

I hadn't expected all the forces to ally and break my insurgence.

The thing I wonder is if it's worth doing anymore.

Then, I remembered the hundreds of indigent people I had passed coming into the city. And, I feel shame.

"What kind of reforms could we initiate to stem the poverty that plagues Karas?"

My question stirs the instructor from his speech.

"Mr. Derrick?"

I'm surprised by the man's memory.

"Mr. Derrick, that is an excellent question." He pauses. "I suppose it's possible to tax the land. Have the wealthy subsidize the poor. But, that does nothing to ensure the stimulus brings real economic growth.

"If I had to say how to raise the poor. You would need to increase the demand for jobs. Work is the solution. But, jobs need to be created. And, that is the fundamental dilemma."

The lecture carries on and I make my way out of the auditorium.

Jobs? I wonder.

It's an answer easier said than done.

Meridian had several jobs throughout his life. But, I'd be at a loss for how to create them.

"Adam," I hear from behind me.

As I turn, I see the lady Li.

"This is our first meeting," she looks calm and composed.

"I am Siri Li."

I find myself at a loss for what to say. "Uh, hi."

She waves aside my greeting.

"Did you mean it?"

I'm at a loss.

"About reforms. Do you want to help our countrymen?"

"I don't," I stall, "know."

Her lips form a line.

"I heard about you and Marshal," she says.

"Find me on the training field after classes end today."

As sudden as she came, so too does she leave.

I'm left dazed as I go through my lessons.

The final class passes and I find my way to the training field.

She waits at the gate with two wooden swords.

Without a word, Siri puts a weapon in my hand and leads me to a quiet corner.

I watch as she puts up her guard.

Matching her, I wait for her to strike out.

Immediately, her skill becomes apparent.

When she attacks, her moves are laden with contingencies.

She's not just trying her luck as her brother Marshal had.

I have to be careful I don't fall into her traps.

Her eyes stare defiantly into mine and I feel my heart skip a beat.

This is my fiance. A skilled warrior who takes nothing for granted.

As the minutes pass we clash time and again.

"You're not giving this your all," she accuses while testing my defense.

I smile, "Neither are you."

A smirk takes her face until I get serious.

I advance into her bubble, my sword batting hers.

She rapidly retreats as my routines push her.

Anger stirs in the young woman as she falls back.

But, I don't relent. My sequence of strikes can go on forever with the right improvisation.

Finally, her grip on her sword gives.

My sequence stops with her disarmed.

Her lip twitches as she bends down to pick up her weapon.

"Who taught you?" she asks.

"Syrio Milan."

Surprise registers on her face at the name.

"The man is reputed to be very difficult to contract. He only works with students who are already excellent."

I hadn't realized he had such a reputation.

Siri steadies her sword as she comes at me again.

Over and over, we cross swords.

Her anger gives way to excitement.

We carry on until night falls.

"Come back tomorrow," she says.

I look into her eyes. Black hair bound in a ponytail, and her brow beaded with sweat.

"Yes," I respond as she leaves before me.

I think I like her.

I wipe the sweat from my forehead.

I find my way to the communal bath.

Before getting into the hot water, I cleanse myself.

A towel protects my dignity as I dip a toe into the water.

I've never actually experienced a bath like this.

Several other students enjoy the water around me.

Somewhat awkwardly, I step in.

The water is buoyant as I rest my sore muscles.

Even Syrio doesn't push me as hard as Siri did.

As I warm up, I think of what my plans will be going forward.

It's still early and the factions have yet to form.

I think on such thoughts till I rise from the bath.

The night air is crisp. But, I am warm as I walk across the courtyard to the dorms.

Robert is sleeping when I arrive.

Settled on the floor I find my peace.

The days that follow are eventful as various clubs market themselves for potential recruits.

The Royal Academy is on a 2 year program. And, the fresh meat from last year gets to hunt down the new batch.

I find nothing interesting in go and chess clubs. The sports teams are similarly unappealing.

But, then I find something with an appeal for me. The spiritualists' club.

I separate my mind from my body and observe my spirit seed.

It's a grander sight than I have ever seen before. It pulses as if it were a living organism.

"Fellow brothers and sisters," one of the acolytes calls on all the passing students. "The path of the soul lies before you. Join the spiritualists' club and develop the ability to grow beyond your mortal constraints."

I measure their spirits. They're above average.

I remember so long ago when I took up spiritualism.

It took me years to refine my spirit to the point I could fight with it.

"Hey," I say as I approach.

The young man smiles at me. "You look ready to venture down this path."

I return his smile. "I would join. But, I have another matter to deal with after classes end."

His smile falters, "Brother, the path of the soul is the true path to power. We can help you grow in ways you've never imagined possible."

I nod my comprehension.

"Actually," I say, "I was wondering if the monk at the temple was part of your club."

"Yes, brother Yuan studies with us," the man looks conspiratorially at me. "He's not a student. He just minds the temple and enlightens us about the path."

I nod my thanks, "Good luck."

I part with the youth who didn't get a start on spiritualism as early as I did.

There's still time before my next class and I find my way to the temple as I enter it.

The souls of the gods and goddesses measure me with every step.

I believe in gods. But, I know them to be capricious.

Their favor can come in a moment and depart just as quickly.

More than divinities, I place myself before the Buddha.

You can always depend on Buddhas to be either for or against you. They make their beliefs clear.

I can hear the gods whispering to one another. Each measuring me.

The monk sits with his eyes closed.

A smile takes his face, "I am glad that you have come."

I sit across from the man.

"Not sure what we should talk about," I say.

His eyes come open, deep brown pools that seem to suck you in.

"There is so much to talk about, old soul."

He chants a brief prayer.

"I see in you proof of the cycle of reincarnation."

I chew on my lip, "How do you know that?"

He smiles reassuringly. "The gods have been watching you."

I look at the shrines with even more distrust.

"Please, old soul, teach me how you transcended death."

"It's no small thing that you ask of me."

"Yes," he sobers from his excitement. "To pass from one life to the next and retain the spark of who you were... It is a prize that one could never buy."

He hardens his heart.

"But, I must ask for your grace."

I sigh.

"I don't know how I did it. It might have been one of the Death Cult's secret rituals.

"I don't even remember most of them."

His eyes widen, "To have been of high enough rank to practice the Death Cult's secret arts... is remarkable."

"Yeah," I scratch my head. "Something like that."

The man's eyebrow raises.

"You must have been renowned before you died. Please, tell me, who were you?"

I smile sadly, "It doesn't matter anymore."

He watches me for a moment.

"Your soul is truly powerful. Were it not for the boons of the gods, I would have been blind to your projection."

I nod as I comprehend how he saw me.

"I envy you, old soul," he looks bitterly at the floor. "To get the opportunity to be young again."

"You're not that much older than me," I point out. "And, your spirit seed is significantly larger than mine when I was your age."

Hope sparkles in the man's eyes.

"Well," I say, "I have class. Talk to you again."

"Any time, old soul."

I wonder how he would have reacted had I told him my identity.

The lesson is an in-depth examination of the popular doctrines of the land.

This philosophy places rigid guidelines on the citizens.

At its core, filial piety forms the family unit. Fathers are the decision-makers.

This philosophy extends into the bureaucratic structure of our society. With King Marchus Jal as the paternal figure over the kingdom.

This deference to those above oneself builds a pyramid on the backs of peasants and slaves.

I make many notes, gleaning insights into why we are who we are.

As the day passes, I make my way to the training field.

She's waiting for me, swords in hand.

"Good afternoon, lady Li."

She looks at me impassively before tossing me my weapon.

I learn more about her personality as we fight.

Her style is blunt and honest. There is no deception in her blade.

I can't help feeling that she sees through me.

She knows my blade can be deceptive.

"How long did you train under Syrio?" she asks.

"Four years. Why?"

She grunts as our blades come together.

"He's reputed to be an honorable man. But, you, his student, have many secrets."

We circle one another.

"Is that a deal breaker?"

She keeps her silence as she cuts into my defense.

I wish I could say that I won every contest. But, she scores points on me.

An exultant look comes over her face every time she gets the better of me.

We settle and I hand her back the wooden sword.

"Till tomorrow," she says as she walks away.

I find my thoughts turn to Sandra, my lover.

There weren't as many rules with her. I could be who I was with her.

And, Siri sees through my mask.

Then, I wonder, does that mean that Adam is a mask?

I shake myself from my thoughts and I clean up for my nightly meditation.

My roommate is out this night. Likely drinking at one of the wine houses in Locley.

I focus inward as I examine my spirit seed.

The seed keeps dividing and pulses with chi.

The Heavenly Way texts I had stolen claimed that the spirit seed was a progenitor for a higher form of spiritual life.

I hadn't given the words any thought before. But, now, I wonder if those words aren't true.

Regardless, I keep my spirit busy as I meditate.