"The year is 2032, April 19th. German scientist Friedrich Auflich makes an incredible scientific breakthrough. He created a machine called the Cross-Dimensional Warper that could travel between realms. Suppose he could access uninhabited realms. Earth's worldwide resource and land deficit would be nothing but the past. Unfortunately, during a test run of the Cross-Dimensional Warper, disaster struck. The Cross-Dimensional Warper malfunctioned and started ripping a hole between dimensions. Monsters from different dimensions started hopping out the tears between dimensions. The tears grew bigger, eventually fusing with our dimension and corrupting it. These monsters then started attacking humans at random. In just 3 months all of the European continents were uninhabitable."

"Luckily, the reality distortion never made it over the oceans. And any land that had a sizable body of water between never got corrupted. And in just 12 years a sense of normalcy returned to the world. However, the fight was still on. A Japanese scientist Mira Tachibana extracted a new material from the distorted lands called Aether. Those injected with the power of Aether were able to manifest Aegis. Aegis is a manifestation of one's soul. Those who had an Aegis were called Linkers. Linkers fought any monsters that swam or flew outside of the corruption. They are also responsible for fighting the corruption with the hopes of destroying the Cross-Dimensional Warper."

With that, the big screen shuts off as the room brightened. I and at least 800 students then direct our attention to the young lady walking to the front of the podium. She taps the microphone making sure it's on. Then begins to speak.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! If you are standing here then it means you've passed the Aegis aptitude test and have chosen to enroll here at the Garden of Eve."

She looks no older than us, yet acts so mature.

"our institute will make sure to raise each and every one of you into fine Linkers! As long as you're willing of course. Slackers get the boot, no exceptions. That is all."

She swiftly turns around and walks off the stage. Afterward, each of us is called to line up.

"Yuya Tsumi please come up to line 2-B"

My name is Yuya Tsumi. I'm 15 years old. And I'm one of the few who passed the Aegis aptitude test.

----------------------------------------

I get up and walk over to line 2-B before lining up in the back. A staff member hands each of us a bag. That has "Do NOT open!" written on the front. After a while, we settle into our classroom. A middle-aged man walks into the room. He introduces himself.

“Yo, I’m your instructor for the rest of your time here in the Garden of Eve. Call me Sir Rex, Let's get along now everyone.”

Rex says while scratching the back of his neck.

“Rex…”

I mutter. He was one of the first Linkers. He had quite a reputation, he has more than 100 thousand monster bodies under his belt and was part of the Table of Rounds. Elite Linkers who pretty much single-handedly protected the Earth for the 10 years humanity spent rebuilding civilization.

“First, I’ll start with a general rundown of stuff not covered by the introductory video. Also, we will be referring to the dimension monsters as Oni from now on. Rolls off the tongue better this way. First, you may now open the box in front of you.”

I and the other students silently open the box. Inside there is a weird cube-shaped device with 2 holes. After waiting for everyone to open up their boxes.

“Now that everyone has their boxes out. I want you all to stick your non-dominant hand's ring finger into the left hole. And your dominant hand's index finger into the right hole. Keep them in until you hear a ding and the LED goes green.”

Strange as it sounds we comply, After sticking my finger, I can feel something tickling my finger. After a few minutes, I hear a ding sound followed by the LED turning green. I slowly pull my finger out. My right finger has a black tattoo going around the base of my finger extending up to the tip. My left finger also has a black tattoo going around the base of my finger.

“This is your Link Ring. It’s a tattoo made out of special ink. Everyone, I want you to hold out your left hand with your palm facing up. Then flick your ring finger inwards twice.”

Upon doing so, a holographic display appears there's one main screen that says “No Data” and little sidebars.

----------------------------------------

[Engager]

[Account]

[Messages]

[Announcements]

[Notes]

[Search]

[Settings]

[Map]

----------------------------------------

“Now then everyone, use your right index finger and tap the accounts tab”

I do as he says, when I go and press the Account tab I can feel a sensation on my index finger. It felt like I was touching something but when I apply pressure nothing changes.

“The ink on the tip of your finger can simulate touch. However it’s still a hologram, so you cant apply force.”

I look at my account tab. Theres Points, shop, and recently bought.

“The Garden of Eve uses a point system. Submitting assignments, among other things can increase your points. Points can also be converted into cash. Of course, points can and will be deducted if you misbehave. You can use points or any currency in the shop to buy pretty much anything. And yes boys, anything.”

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Some of the boys chuckle, myself included.

“Of course, alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes being the exception. Then there's recently bought, it's self-explanatory so I’ll skip it. Next, go to messages.”

Once more I follow his directions. In it, I see that Rex was already in my messages.

“This is the message tab, you can message me if you have any questions. Of course, don't message me for trivial things or I’ll block you and deduct points. To add someone all you have to do is shake their hand. And that's it! I’ll let you all figure the rest out yourselves.”

“U-um Sir Rex? What's the Engager tab for?” One boy in the back with round spectacles raises his hand.

“I’ll get to it. So, does anyone know why we’re called linkers?” Rex asks.

“Because Linkers fight in pairs of 2?” I answer.

“Correct, we Linkers fight in pairs of 2, no more no less. We call our partners Engagers. Once you’ve been linked with your engagers you and them must become closer than friends, family, or lovers. You and your engagers bond are essential to being a Linkers. Your engager is in this room right now. We’ve selected the people with the best compatibility to be your engager.”

After finishing his sentence Rex snaps his fingers. Suddenly, the lights turn off and belts shoot out the side and strap me to my seat. Followed by us being slowly shifted around eventually we stop.

“Now then I want you all to look to the side of you as that person will be your engager.”

The lights turn on and staring at me is a girl with long black hair, sharp red eyes, with a scar down her left eye. Holy crap she’s a bombshell! She’s going to be my engager?! I strike a victory pose in my head. Unaware of the face of utter disgust she was making.

“Ugh” She groans snapping me back to reality.

What the? I can feel her eyes judging me as she stares me down. Who pissed in her cheerios? My elatedness quickly fell flat. My guts telling me that she’s going to be a pain.

“I hope you all get along since there aren't any takebacks.”

What!?!? Instantly she furrows her eyebrows and starts glaring holes into me. I get it lady I see and feel your discontent loud and clear! I find myself breaking out in a cold sweat. How uncomfortable…

“U-um, sir?” Once more the spectacle kid strikes.

“Why is everyone paired up with an engager of the opposite sex?”

“Ah, how astute of you. It’s simple really, people of the opposite sex can get much closer than people of the same sex. Emotionally, and especially physically.” Rex says as a matter of factly.

“Ooooh!” Some of the boys in the class raise their voices in expectation.

“But what about things like privacy?”

"Tsk, nice going spectacles..." I hear some of the boys mutter."

“Now that's for you to work out. Oh, but no worries girls. You can enable an anti-harassment option that shocks anyone that touches you in your no-no zones.”

“Ooooh…” And just like that, their mood takes a total 180. You know what they say, the world never goes your way.

"Also, also, there’s going to be Engagement Days thrice a week in random order. Where you and your Engager are required to stay at least 20 meters close to each other. If you stay apart for longer than 10 minutes points will be deducted.”

As Rex finishes his explanation the bell rings.

“Right, that's the end of class, you can go to your dorm rooms or explore the campus. Up to you, see you later.”

There's an awkward silence in the room for a moment after he leaves. Then murmurs fill the room, then finally full-blown conversation havoc. In an instant, the room is full of rowdy voices and nervous dudes. Can't blame you guys. Suddenly I feel a warm and familiar arm wrap around me.

“Yo Yuya!”

“Takeru?! What are you doing here?!”

“Huh?! We’re in the same class numb nuts! What are you doing here all by your lonesome?”

“Eh?”

I look beside me. The black-haired rude beauty has vanished into thin air. She must have slipped away while my attention was directed elsewhere. No matter.

“Same can be said about you. Where’s your Engager?”

“Oh, her? She was a nervous wreck. She started freaking out and then just up and left.”

“Ohhh… Just your type then Takeru!”

“Hehe, you know it! What about your Engager?”

“Hahaha…”

I give a dry chuckle.

“The second she saw me she started giving me the stink face. Like ‘Who pissed in her cheerios?’ You know?”

“I see I see… Could they possibly have made a mistake?” Takeru puts his hand to his chin and starts doing the “Thinker” pose.

“Maybe…” I imitate him.

“Or… You could Just be a huge masochist! …Ow!”

In response, I jab him in the side with my elbow.

“I’m not a masochist!”

“Welp, you’re the best sweet talker I know! You’ll get along with her just fine!”

“Hah~ I sure hope so…”

I do genuinely hope he’s right. I mean I can't believe a beauty like her is going to be my engager! If we can manage to get along then I may end up living the dream!

“Welp I’m going to go explore the school, I’ll see you later Takeru!”

“Ok, later dude! I’m gonna wait for my Engager here.”

Just when I was about to open the door handle the door slides open. Once more I’m face to face with the Black-haired rude beauty.

“Come with me.”

She says in a firm tone. I could hear a noticeable but not strong german accent.

“S-sure” I stutter slightly off put by the suddenness of this.

Me and her walk together with me slightly lagging behind.

“Ugh…”

I shiver, not from the cold. But from the mood, It’s dead silent. Only the sound of our breath and footsteps can be heard.

“Um…” I attempt to start a conversation.

“We’re here.” She stops by a behemoth door. On it, there's a plaque saying.

“Principals office…” I mutter.

She sends the 2 doors flying open. She brazenly walks over to the principal practically huffing. I peek beside her to take a look at the principal's face.

“The little girl?!” I unintentionally blurt. I quickly covered my mouth with both my hands.”

The little girl at the starting ceremony was the principal?! But she’s so young!

“Little girl how rude! I’ll have you know I’m Mira Tachibana, I’m by far the most renowned scientist in the world!” She buffs out her chest, not that there's anything to puff out…

“Mmh!!!” She glares at me

Holy shit! Is she telepathic?! My body forces me to step back a bit.

“Mother!” The black-haired girl yells.

“How do you explain this?! Why is THIS guy my Engager?!”

I keel over a little as a mental knife jabs me in the back.

“Look at him! His face screams sleaze bag pervert! Why should I be Engaged with a guy!”

“Sleazebag pervert?! Who gave you the right to label me that?! You know what, what's with your attitude?! I’ve barely even said a word to you and you think you can just treat me like trash?!”

“Grrr~”

“Grrr~” 

Both of us stare daggers at each other while gnashing our teeth.

*Clap* *Clap*

“Calm down now kids. Let me guess, you want new Engagers right?”

“YES!” Both of us exclaim in unison.

“Sorry to say, but your fates were sealed the moment you got your Aether injected.”

“What?!” Once more we’re in unison.

“The aether in your blood has been tuned to each other. Of course, you can always just drop out. If you do that then you won't have to see each other again.” She shrugs.

“Drop out?!” again in unison.

“Well, from the looks of it, you guys are already in sync with each other.”

“What do you mean?!” And again we are in unison. This is starting to tick me off.

“Oi, stop copying me mongrel!” She yells at me.

“Mongrel?! Shut up you gremlin!” I yell back

“Grrr!~”

“Ghk!~”

Once more we’re glaring each other down while pulverizing our teeth.

“Hmph!”

She turns her head away from me and crosses her arms.

“HMPH!” I do the same but louder trying to one-up her.”

“Hahaha… Well just try to get along… Okay?”

We both storm off in unison while ignoring each other.

“Oh boy…”

Ms. Tachibana puts her hand on her face while she stares at the ceiling.

“Seems it’ll be a long way till the ‘Messiah’ is born…”