I looked at the figure in shock as my very life crumbled before my eyes. I could only take 1 Teaching. That was unheard of, even the average peasant when awakened had at least 5 or 6 but one of the scions of the families? I had heard of people being shunned and disowned if they had less than 10, but 1, I’d probably be sent out to the dogs or be made a servant. My family is prominently known for their high Teachings rate, even relatives with less than a drop of our blood gets around 15 and that’s on the low end. But I, I am of the main line, expected to have at least 20 even though I am not the successor.
The successor is my sister, the prodigy, the star of our generation. My Father, a man of 32 Teachings himself said that she had more than him, that would make her be able to rival the Asclepius family, the rulers of our kingdom.
Trying to match up to my sister with even 30 Teachings would be hard but with 1 I’d probably become one of those dummies that sister uses her sword to practice on.
“Surely there’s a mistake,” I whined. “Surely you jest?” The figure stared at me before uttering,
“There is no mistake, you can only learn from 1 Teaching, now begone and be grateful that you were Awakened.” I was about to protest before thinking better. Unexpectedly, a door materialized from the walls and before blinking twice to make sure I wasn’t dreaming I hurriedly grasped the handle and disappeared.
[The Figure]
I stared long and hard at the door before calling for the next Hopeful in a monotone voice. That boy, I could see that he was destined for great things. The very way that the particles in the air seemed to tremble when he drew near. He seemed to emit the aura of the old Conquerors that I had hear my mother telling me, the men and woman that could split the very fabric of Space and Time. This boy could be the one Arya used to talk about all those years ago, he could be the Second Coming.
The fools sitting on their lofty thrones, indulging in their power and glory were about to be scared shitless. Their seats of power stripped, and the manacles of their slaves severed.
Things are about to change.
[Arden Dalathar]
I seemed to lose consciousness before appearing in the market square, the streets were bustling and were as busy as they could be for a Sunday. Shouts and jeers could be heard from the alleyways as youths and children played their lighthearted games, I smiled slightly remembering the days when I was the one shouting and jeering towards Scarlet and Cran.
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My brief respite was broken when I remembered the events of a few minutes ago, perhaps I would become like one of these merchants, selling their wares using their Marketing Teaching or perhaps I could become a handyman using a shoddy Strength Teaching.
The crowds abruptly parted to reveal a group of 4 people, I was confused as to why they were given such a wide berth before seeing their insignias, they were dungeoneers of the Silver class. Dungeoneers were rarely seen around these parts as the nearest dungeon was a few miles away and the nearest Dungeon office in Brisbane village, the village 3 miles away from ours.
I was interrupted from my daydreaming when I was jostled by the parting crowd, I quickly moved to the side, uneager to welcome the party’s disapproval, Silver dungeoneers were considered an entity of their own, even above the Houses, the only authority they listen to is their party and the Dungeon itself.
I turned towards the Noble’s Quarter but not before I heard a snippet of the dungeoneers’ conversation,
“Did you hear? Apparently a Transcendent Teacher was seen in Brisbane dungeon!”
“Bah! You always hear of a lucky person who apparently ‘finds’ an ultra-rare teacher, its probably just some gossip to make people want to go into Brisbane, after all, who would want to go into that death trap?”
“But it’s been confirmed by the Association!”
“Just shudup, stop gossiping like peasants or we’re gonna be late!”
My steps faltered but I feigned it off as I had tripped.
A Transcendent Teacher? I had only heard of those being attainable by members of Royalty, even my Father only had the highest of his Teachings at Above. Having being taught by a Transcendent Teacher would be a prize that even Kings would give their right arm for, having one would make one easily breeze through the Minor, Mediocre and in some cases, even Complete stages.
I constantly thought of the conversation as I made my way to Dalathar Hall where I would tell my father of my abysmal Teachings limit, I could only hope that he would be lenient, but knowing my Father, he would send me away without batting an eye.
[Miriam Dalathar]
My footsteps echoed on the pristine marble floor as I slowly made my way towards the main hall. My brother, Arden, should have arrived by now and be one of the Awakened as I am.
He should have at least 25 Teachings if not Father will be displeased. I doubt he will get more than 30 though, not even mentioning my 37.
My [Mind Sense] picks up 3 brain signatures converging towards the main hall, 2 being vastly stronger than the other 1. As I enter the Hall I see my brother, he is still seemingly small and weak. With a thin stature and slouched back. His black, stringy hair fall around his shoulders.
Father’s deep, rich voice fills the hall as he addresses my brother,
“Arden, I see you have come back, tell me, have you been Awakened?”
My brother quickly lifts his gaze towards Father and tries to mimic the dignified way he holds himself before replying in a stuttering voice,
“Y-yes Father I-I have been A-awakened.”
Father raises an eyebrow and looks at Mother who stared intently at Arden.
“Pray tell Arden, how many Teachings have you graced our noble House with?” Father asks.
My brother seems to fall deeper into his misery with every word that Father says. He looks at me with a pleading gaze before returning his attention toward Father.
“F-father, I have 1 T-teaching.”