Rowan fully expected to wake up with an aching body but his body was devoid of any injuries. It felt like he was better than ever. Each motion felt like it was meant to be. Moving felt like he was pushing against an invisible current before but now, the force that pushed him down was gone, like taking off a weight.
He’d seldom visited the nurse’s office at school but he knew for a fact that this wasn’t it. Even the interior of the school had changed to reflect its architecture. The concrete cube was no more and in its place stood an imitation of an ancient castle. Its residents, on the other hand, remained the same.
The surrealism of it all astounded Rowan.
He examined his hands and checked both sides. Slowly, his eyes wandered to his pathetic attempt at curling his biceps. There was a decent-sized bulge before but his new body had a small one. How he and Peter could exert that kind of strength with such puny bodies was astounding.
“The principal called for you,” said the nurse, an older woman with round glasses and a mole over her right eye. Just like in the other world, she had a white lab coat but lacked the stethoscope that hovered around her neck like a fashion statement at all times.
Rowan didn’t even question it like he often did. They encouraged him to fight in this world. It’d be absurd if he got in trouble for fighting. All of this felt like a fever dream on steroids but as long as he didn’t turn into a corporate drone, he’d take it.
Instead, he nodded and promptly left the room. Its interiors were built with the same maximalist design as the exterior and it seemed like every single inch was sculpted by a master craftsman.
The corridors were nearly empty and the sun had almost set. He didn’t know if he had a curfew in this world or could cook at all. There was no lumber in sight at home and cooking in a pot wasn’t something he’d ever tried.
Candelabras that hung from the wall every few meters seemed to be the only lighting the corridors employed whereas the nurse’s office had a chandelier that served the purpose. To the left, there was no wall, revealing the three stone platforms from before. There stood a stone rail that separated the inside and the outside and Rowan placed a hand on it.
The cold stone was refreshing.
The principal’s office was at the end of the hall if the layout was the same as the other school and that was his destination. On the door, there was a golden nameplate with Principal Lloyd’s full name carved into it.
Rowan took a deep breath and exhaled to prepare himself. After standing before the door for a few seconds, he lightly knocked on the door three times. He stopped himself after the first three, for the knocking came out far harder than he expected it to.
“Come in, come in,” came the principal’s voice from the interior. It was the fake friendly tone that adults were so competent at using. It sounded far too sweet and artificial.
He pushed the door open softly and closed it behind his back.
Contrary to Rowan’s expectations, the room was surprisingly humble. It reflected the other Principal Lloyd’s room perfectly. The building was different but the size of the room and its contents were the same. It was oddly similar to a mod in a game that changed the appearance of things.
The desk was the same but it seemed older. There was no computer on it and a thick book had replaced it. There stood a sofa that faced the desk and instead of the old one with uneven legs from before, this one was a fresh one with a leather cover rather than cloth.
“Ah, my new favorite disciple. I suppose alumni is more accurate,” said Principal Lloyd and placed both hands on the table, crossed his fingers, and laid his chin on them.
“I lost,” said Rowan, unaware of whether winning was the condition for graduation, “I didn’t graduate. I thought that was the catch.”
“Please, we’d never let go of a Cultivator. You’re a major asset to the Empire. There are fewer and fewer Cultivators loyal to the Crown each year while the Sects are gaining more power by the day,” said Principal Lloyd and gestured at the sofa with his chin, “Do take a seat. We have a lot to talk about.”
Cultivators.
Rowan had assumed that it was a term thrown around without much care but now that the word Sect was used alongside it, the true nature of his current reality became apparent. It was a world with Cultivation in it. He’d read his fair share of novels but finding himself in one of those fantasy worlds was nothing but a pipe dream, even more unrealistic than studying in Oxford.
“On paper, you have been kicked out of the Academy and your future is dim. You have no chance at succeeding in the hierarchy of the Empire so you’d obviously have turned to the Sects for guidance,” said the principal and smiled at him, “But those are merely primary procedures. There are other, secondary ways to get you into the Imperial Army.”
“And why would I join the army if the Sects are better?” asked Rowan. The principal didn’t say that outright but it was implied. If the Sects were gaining power while the Empire was losing it, then they were doing something wrong even beyond the spartan regime that was the Academy.
“Isn’t it your dream? Why else would you join the Imperial Academy, knowing all the risks and dangers it posed to one of your stature?” asked Principal Lloyd, his head slightly tilted and an eyebrow raised.
“I… changed,” said Rowan and promptly stood up, “I don’t think I want to join the army now.”
“Sit down,” ordered the principal, his voice deep, and Rowan felt his knees tremble, and unable to move further, he collapsed down to his seat. That felt like his entire body refused to move, stuck in a perpetual loop of deciding between fight and flight. With his normal voice, he continued, “I’m giving you face here, Rowan. You and your sister are mere orphans, struggling to make a living. It’d be effortless for me to make both of you disappear.”
Orphan?
Full Orphan?
“But you can’t,” said Rowan, taking a risk.
Principal Lloyd smiled and quietly nodded his head.
“Word of your breakthrough has already reached the Sects, no doubt. Even the General has no doubt heard of it. Let’s just say that the element you possess has some reputation. Some would see you dead before you grow to your full potential and some seek to prosper you,” said the principal and sighed, “I wouldn’t dare offend them, so I have a deal for you.”
“But you’re threatening me,” said Rowan and snorted, “What makes you think I’d agree to your deal?”
“That wasn’t a threat. Let’s just call it a desperate measure to keep you here for a tad bit longer. Until you hear my offer, that is,” said Principal Lloyd and leaned back on his chair, “And just because I wouldn’t dare offend them doesn’t mean that I can’t offend you. Your sister would still be stuck in the garrison of Ascot. It would indeed be a shame if she were to be sent on a dangerous mission all the time, wouldn’t it?”
“Don’t bring her into this,” growled Rowan, hands clenched as tightly as possible.
“She was a bright child. Excelled at everything. An excellent alumni, in fact. If it hadn’t been for you, perhaps she’d even be a sergeant with her own company of soldiers,” said Principal Lloyd and gave him a smile, “Now she’s stuck guarding the city gates, led by incompetent buffoons, serving alongside other commoners.”
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“What’s the deal?” asked Rowan.
“It’s simple. I recommend you to the General and you’ll be a part of the Imperial Army. I get prestige, your sister is relocated to an actually competent unit and you, more importantly, get a chance at nobility,” said Principal Lloyd and raised his eyebrows slightly, prodding for an answer.
“How do I know you’ll keep your end of the bargain?” he asked.
The offer seemed acceptable. He could become a Noble, which could be a big deal depending on how the society was structured and offer him benefits that he couldn’t get otherwise. More importantly, Liz would benefit from it as well.
Even if he didn’t know this Liz, he knew the other one and he knew that if she had a chance at promotion, she’d seize it without a second’s doubt. If their personalities were similar at all, then she’d accept the promotion with springs underneath her heels.
“I will,” said the principal and that’s all that he could think about.
“Fine,” he grunted in approval.
“Excellent,” said Principal Lloyd and clapped his hands, “I’ll get to pulling favors. Expect a messenger the day after tomorrow.”
“Wait,” Rowan said, halting the principal’s celebration, “Can you arrange it so the reason for her promotion is kept a secret?”
“Of course. That’s standard procedure,” said Principal Lloyd after a few seconds of staring at him with a blank expression. After he said that, he plastered the fake smile on his face once more.
***
The sound of the market had died down and it was replaced by the sound of tired people making their way home, dragging their wages back with them. Carts and carriages filled the rowdy street and Rowan used the marketplace to find his way home. If it hadn’t been next to something that could be easily found, it would be far harder to find his way home, even if the general layout of the city was the same.
Outside the door stood a man with a black shirt that lacked a collar, stained with oil marks in several places. It looked to be drenched in sweat and his hair looked wet. In his arms was a basket with tiny ball-shaped things wrapped in paper.
“You’re here,” he said and turned to Rowan with a big grin on his face, revealing a face that he recognized.
It was Desmond, a co-worker of her sister that had the hots for her. He’d seen her several times but in all instances, he was neat and clean, like a proper office worker. It was obvious that his status didn’t carry over to this side, or rather, it had and it wasn’t as impressive as those of others.
“How’d your graduation go?” asked Desmond and let go of the smile. He bit his lips and nodded slowly, “There’s no shame in failing if you did. You can still make a proper living here in Ascot. You even have a home next to the market.”
“I didn’t exactly fail,” was all that Rowan said before he stuck the key into the lock to unlock it. The door itself didn’t have a lock but there were two tiny steel plates, one on the door and one on the wall, perfect for the shank of a lock to fit through.
“That’s great news. That’s actually amazing!” exclaimed Desmond and gave a nod of approval. He raised a finger as if he got an idea and then dug into the basket to grab one of the paper wraps then threw one of them at Rowan.
With surprisingly little effort, Rowan caught it and unwrapped it. Within was a loaf of bread. It wasn’t the one sold in grocery shops but in a bakery. There was a golden crust around it. It looked like melted sugar was poured over it and had crystallized.
“New recipe. There were some leftovers,” said Desmond, and Rowan took a bite. His stomach was grumbling and his hopes of grabbing something from the market with his spare change were foiled when he realized it had closed down.
It was surprisingly good, and that meant Rowan devoured it within the next few moments before he even took a step into the open house. He couldn’t help but notice it was still warm, which meant it couldn’t possibly be a leftover unless he baked it so late, which would be unreasonable.
“Couldn’t get drinks this time. Wilton’s was packed till it closed down,” said Desmond and was left behind after Rowan walked in.
“Aren’t you coming in?” asked Rowan after not hearing a single footstep.
“I’d rather not. Elizabeth will break an arm if I do that,” said Desmond and let out a mellow chuckle, “Well, I’ll be leaving the basket here now that you’re home. Make sure to emphasize that the tavern was packed. I wasn’t slacking.”
“Slacking?” Liz grumbled out loud from the side.
Desmond squeaked and jumped.
“Well, it was a busy day at Wilton’s and I couldn’t get drinks today,” Desmond explained, gesturing wildly as his ears reddened, “I absolutely could go and pull some strings to get some now if you want to, though. It’d just take a bit.”
That reminded Rowan of breakfast. They had bread and ale and it was becoming painfully apparent that she wasn’t the one that ran the errand.
“Whatever. Come in,” said Liz and dragged her feet as she came in, the basket in one hand. She was visibly tired, just as she was when she returned from her office job in the other reality.
The parallels between the two realities were astounding in some people while Desmond looked like the exact opposite of his other-self. He looked like a knowledgeable man that seemed like he made six figures in the other world but he was a mere baker.
“What? Really?” asked Desmond, eyes raised and pressed his lips together.
“It’s payday,” whispered Liz and collapsed on one of the chairs. From the basket, she grabbed a loaf of bread and slowly took the first bite.
“It’s not the end of the month yet, though,” said Desmond and pursed his lips.
“How much was it this month?” asked Liz and pulled off her belt. The pouch landed on the table after she shook it rigorously. It was the same type as the one that Rowan had, with straps through which the belt ran through.
“Isn’t it simpler to pay me after the month ends?” Desmond asked and added after a bit, “I’m not the brightest when it comes to arithmetics.”
Liz sat silently for a minute before she finally opened her mouth.
“I won’t be staying in Ascot for much longer,” she said.
“That means- that means you got promoted!” Desmond shouted out in glee, eyes wide open and palms clasped together, “That’s amazing.”
“So how much was it?” asked Liz and that reassured Rowan a slight bit. Even if he was running errands for her, she at least paid him.
“Fifty-six coppers so it’ll be five silvers and ugh… six coppers,” said Desmond and reluctantly walked in.
Liz fiddled inside her pouch and produced six coins from them, all of them silver. That reminded him of the coins he had in his purse. He didn’t know of their value yet but he at least knew that a silver coin was equal to ten copper coins. That meant he wouldn’t be scammed like a moron.
“The excess is for tomorrow,” said Liz and buttoned her purse shut, “I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow.”
“Okay, then,” said Desmond and grabbed the coins. He put them in a pocket-
He had a pocket!
It was less a pocket and more a miniature bag sewn into his shirt. It was clearly visible from the outside and had a lace that tied the top to discourage any pickpockets.
Before Desmond walked out the door, he stopped and turned on his heel. He turned to Liz and with a slightly tilted head, he asked softly, “Which city will it be?”
“The Capital,” said Liz.
Desmond slowly nodded a few times and left after flashing her a smile. He didn’t forget to close the door and lightly closed it behind him.
“Such a loser,” mumbled Liz and finished her loaf. She stood up, walked over to a barrel, and with the empty cup from before, scooped some water and gulped it down.
There was no sink nor a boiler so it seemed that they drunk water straight from the barrel, which was from the well. He’d seen several wells across the city. All of them had buckets attached to ropes, giving off a surreal feeling.
“I heard that you broke through during the ceremony,” said Liz and gave a curt nod of approval, her scowl deeper, making it apparent that it was exaggerated. Rowan gave her his own nod for a response and she asked, “How?”
“I got pissed off,” said Rowan and raised an eyebrow, “Why?”
“Pissed off? That’s all you had to do?” asked Liz, her eyes narrowed.
“I got really pissed off,” he corrected.
“I see. Seems easy enough,” said Liz and leaned back on the chair. She sat for a while and leaned forward again, but this time, her eyes were staring deep into his, “You’re officially an adult now. Congratulations. I’m guessing you’ll be joining a Sect now.”
“Not quite,” said Rowan and exhaled. The mere thought of the principal made him want to strangle someone, “I’ll be joining the military via a recommendation.”
“Recommendation, huh?” Liz mumbled and nodded. Her scowl turned into a thin smile and she climbed up to her feet, “Come and meet me every once in a while. I doubt we’ll have the time to meet much even if we’re in the same city. I heard that the Capital is at least a hundred times the size of Ascot. We’ll be close, yet so far.”
“Stop acting so melancholic. We’ll manage,” said Rowan and exhaled as well.
The prospect of leaving home had crossed his mind far too many times but back then, he expected to be able to take a four-hour ride and visit home whenever. Now, he didn’t know how advanced the roads and transportation were, making it a mystery.
Not that he’d need to visit Liz now that she was being sent to the Capital, which was also where he’d be sent to. That brought his thoughts to their mother —where was she? It seemed like the two of them lived by themselves and Principal Lloyd referred to them as full orphans rather than half ones.
“Sis,” started Rowan but changed his mind halfway through.
“What?” she grumbled.
“I’ll miss you,” said Rowan and gave her a tight hug after she turned around.
To think that he’d be living away from her was saddening. For some, the fact that they’d be leaving home would be more drastic but he was already too far from home. Even if he was in his home in another reality, it wasn’t the house he called home.
“I’ll miss you too,” mumbled Liz.