Kai followed Anya into the academy building, his eyes scanning the room with curiosity. The sight that greeted him was one he had not expected – a classroom filled with students of varying ages, their faces etched with a blend of excitement and boredom.
As they wove their way through the rows of chairs, Kai couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia wash over him. The scene was so familiar, yet so foreign, a jarring juxtaposition of the world he had left behind and the reality he now found himself in. The rows of desks, the lectern at the front of the room, the murmur of voices – it all felt like a distant memory, a relic from a time before the Silo had become his domain.
They found two vacant seats towards the back of the room, and Kai slid into the chair, his eyes roaming over the assembled students. He noted the mix of ages, from young children to older adults. The youngest must have been around twelve while the oldest may have been in her fifties.
Anya leaned in close, her voice a hushed whisper. "I didn't expect to see so many kids here."
Kai nodded, his brow furrowed. "Yeah, it's a little weird, isn't it?" He glanced around, taking in the sea of faces.
As they waited for the class to begin, Kai struck up a conversation with a young man sitting nearby. "So, how long have you been here?"
The man shrugged, his expression one of nonchalance. "A couple of days, maybe? It's hard to keep track of time in this place."
Kai felt a twinge of bitterness. "A couple of days? That's it?"
The man seemed to pick up on Kai's tone. "Yeah, that's it. The Grove found me pretty much as soon as I arrived. They're good at that, you know – searching out the sanctuaries and bringing people here before things get ugly. How about you two?"
"A few weeks, we think." Anya answered quickly, cutting Kai off.
Kai watched as Sarah entered the classroom, her presence commanding an air of authority that instantly drew the attention of the students. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension as she announced the first order of business – introductions.
A groan escaped his lips before he could stop it, the memory of countless awkward moments spent introducing himself to new classrooms flashing through his mind. Anya caught his expression and let out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement at his discomfort.
One by one, the students rose from their seats and stated their names, some with confidence, others with a hesitant, almost timid demeanor. Kai dreaded the moment when it would be his turn, already feeling the heat of self-consciousness creeping up his neck.
As the introductions continued, Sarah's gaze swept across the room, her eyes lingering on Kai for a moment longer than the others. He shifted in his seat, wondering if she had sensed his reluctance, or if she was simply taking stock of the newcomers.
Finally, it was his turn. He cleared his throat, willing his voice to remain steady as he spoke. "Kai Jones."
Sarah nodded, offering him a warm smile before moving on to the next student. Kai exhaled slowly, relieved that the ordeal was over, at least for the time being.
Once the introductions had concluded, Sarah wasted no time in delving into the day's agenda. She began by updating the class on the latest developments within the Grove, her words carrying a weight that commanded attention.
"Security is increasing its patrols in the nearby areas," she announced, her gaze sweeping across the room. "As a result, curfew has been lowered from eight to seven."
A collective groan rippled through the younger students, their disappointment palpable. Sarah chuckled, her laughter a soothing balm against the undercurrent of discontent.
Kai watched as she moved among the rows, handing out what appeared to be watches to each of the newcomers. He accepted his with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, marveling at the fact that it actually kept time – a rarity in the Silo, where the concept of hours and minutes had become little more than a distant memory.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Kai raised his hand, his voice carrying across the room. "How is it that these watches work?"
Sarah paused, her eyes meeting his with a knowing glint. "Decades ago, someone grew frustrated with their broken watch and decided to simply restart time," she explained. "They synchronized every watch and clock in the Grove, creating a new system that we've maintained ever since."
* * *
"Before I continue," Sarah prefaced, her gaze sweeping across the classroom, "I must emphasize that the information I'm about to share is based on the collective knowledge and experiences of the Grove's residents. The Silo is a realm where change is constant, and mysteries often unfold without explanation."
"Levels," she continued, "are intrinsically tied to one's progress on the echelon quest assigned to those with grades ranging from D to S. For those with F and E grades, levels are gained through the sheer passage of time spent within the Silo, roughly one level per year."
As Sarah paused, Kai felt a myriad of questions bubbling up within him, his mind working to piece together the fragments of information he had gathered thus far. He had a million questions ready to fire off but did not want to interrupt Sarah as she spoke. He tried to remember them all and wished he had brought his notebook.
"The distribution of grades among newcomers to the Silo is a subject of great interest," Sarah continued, her voice taking on a more somber tone. "From our observations, the breakdown is as follows: F grade accounts for 35%, E grade for 28%, D grade for 20%, C grade for 10%, and B grade for a mere 5%. The rarest of all are the A and S grades, comprising only 2% and 1% respectively."
"As I mentioned before," Sarah began, her voice clear and commanding, "each grade is expected to contribute to the Grove's sustenance and growth in accordance with a monthly system."
"For those who may have misplaced their information," Sarah continued, gesturing towards a stack of papers at the front of the classroom, "feel free to take a copy. These documents outline the expected contributions, whether in the form of credits or equivalent services, which can be provided through the Grove's services or deposited at the administration building at the beginning of each month."
To his surprise, the watch's display revealed a calendar function, one that he had not noticed before. The date displayed was November, a big difference to the month of May when he had entered the Silo. A wave of disbelief washed over him, his mind grappling with the possibility that he had been trapped within this subterranean world for nearly six months without realizing the passage of time.
"And yes, before anyone asks, the calendar is just like the time. Someone a long time ago got annoyed with never knowing the date and just picked one. I think they started it on January first but I can't remember off the top of my head." She said, anticipating Kai's question.
Next Sarah delved into the intricacies of the class system within the Grove. He was caught off-guard as she mentioned the concept of choice. That directly contradicted his own experience of having a class assigned to him after he reached level four.
Leaning towards Anya, who sat beside him, Kai whispered, "Did you get an option to choose a class yet?" Anya just shook her head no.
Sarah, unaware of their hushed exchange, continued her explanation. "The most common classes within the Grove include foresters, gardeners, guards, bakers, and weavers," she said, her voice carrying a tone of pride as she listed the essential roles that sustained their community.
"The Grove's current needs are listed in the administration building, and you are free to choose whichever class aligns with your interests and skills," Sarah elaborated. "However, it is important to note that taking on a class that goes against your natural preferences or personality may hinder your growth and progress within the Silo."
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Kai's mind raced, trying to reconcile the information Sarah was providing with his own experience of being assigned the class of Silo Scavenger. He found himself torn between the desire to raise his hand and seek clarification, and the fear of appearing ignorant or disruptive in front of his newfound community.
Sarah continued with the deluge of information that just kept prompting Kai with more and more questions, next she delved into the subject of rare classes. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk, his gaze fixated on the speaker as she unveiled a layer of the Silo's mysteries.
"Higher graded individuals," Sarah began, her voice carrying a reverent tone, "may be granted the privilege of receiving a rare class, one that is uniquely tailored to their character or remarkable accomplishments within the Silo."
"Information regarding these rare classes is a coveted commodity within the Silo," Sarah continued, her eyes sweeping across the room as if to gauge the level of intrigue her words had ignited. "Those who possess knowledge of these unique classes are often compensated, for the information they hold is both valuable and challenging to obtain."
Kai's gaze flickered towards Anya, who sat beside him, her brow furrowed in contemplation. He could almost sense the unspoken questions swirling within her mind, mirroring his own sense of bewilderment and curiosity.
As if anticipating the inquiries that were undoubtedly brewing within the minds of her audience, Sarah offered an illustrative example. "Take Ezra, for instance," she said, a hint of pride coloring her words. "As an A-rank individual, he was bestowed with the rare class of Grove Guardian, a distinction earned through his courageous leadership during the counter-attack against the last beast wave that threatened our sanctuary."
Kai's mind instantly conjured the image of Ezra, the formidable figure who had welcomed them into the Grove's embrace. He recalled the aura of authority that seemed to emanate from the man, and the respect with which he was regarded by the Grove's residents. Suddenly, the weight of his rare class and the accomplishments that had merited such an honor became palpable.
After another half hour or so, Sarah dismissed the kids and then turned her gaze towards the remaining adults, her expression taking on a more grave countenance. "Now that the children have departed," she began, her voice low and measured, "I understand that many of you may have questions that extend beyond the scope of what we typically share with the younger generation."
"Life within the Silo is a constant struggle," Sarah continued, her eyes sweeping across the room, as if to gauge the reactions of her audience. "We strive to shield our youth from the harshest realities, for their innocence and hope are what fuel our collective determination to persevere."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered adults, their expressions etched with a profound understanding of the burdens they bore, a weight that seemed to settle upon their shoulders like an invisible mantle.
"However," Sarah pressed on, her voice rising in intensity, "ignorance is a double-edged sword. While it may offer temporary respite, it also breeds complacency and a false sense of security that can prove detrimental in the long run."
Kai found himself nodding in silent agreement, his mind harkening back to the harsh lessons he had learned during his time in the Silo's unforgiving embrace. The scars he bore, both physical and emotional, were a testament to the fact that ignorance was a luxury he could ill afford.
"So, I implore you," Sarah said, her gaze sweeping across the room, "to voice your concerns, your doubts, and your questions. For it is only through open discourse and the sharing of knowledge that we can hope to navigate the challenges that lie ahead."
It was Anya who broke the silence, her voice tentative yet laced with a steely resolve. "Sarah," she began, her gaze fixed upon the instructor, "you mentioned that the distribution of grades among newcomers to the Silo is a subject of great interest. Could you elaborate on why this is the case?"
Sarah's expression softened, and she nodded in acknowledgment of Anya. "A perceptive question," she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of admiration. "The distribution of grades is a matter of profound significance, for it is believed to be inextricably linked to the nature of the cataclysmic event that precipitated our relocation to the Silo."
"According to the historical records we have access to," Sarah continued, her voice taking on a more solemn tone, "the initial wave of arrivals to the Silo consisted predominantly of individuals with higher grades, S, A and B far more common in the early days. It is common thought that the earlier days of the Silo required far more powerful members to survive, thus the higher grade curve. The Grove itself was founded in part by five S grade individuals who banded together to establish it during a time when strife against beasts, fellow humans and others….was the norm rather than exception."
* * *
Kai felt a chill run down his spine as Sarah uttered the word "others," her voice laden with a weight that hinted at a profound revelation yet to unfold. Before anyone could voice the questions that were undoubtedly brewing, Sarah sighed deeply and lowered herself into a chair, her fingers massaging her temples as if to alleviate the burden of the knowledge she was about to impart.
"As a woman of science," she began, her voice carrying a tremor of disquiet, "this is the hardest part to reconcile with, but we are not alone in the Silo." Kai's breath caught in his throat, his mind reeling at the implication of her words. "Six other races live inside its confines alongside humans."
A hush fell over the room, the weight of Sarah's statement rendering the gathered adults momentarily speechless. Kai exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Anya, their shared bewilderment a palpable force that seemed to hang in the air between them.
"Grekhul, Withurn, Hlijar, Rekha, Tordi, and Valorn," Sarah continued, her voice regaining its steadiness as she listed the enigmatic names. She raised her hand, a gesture meant to forestall the deluge of questions that were undoubtedly brewing within the minds of her audience. "Information is freely provided in the library for those who wish to learn more. It's too much to cover in one month, let alone a day."
Sarah's words carried a weight of foreboding as she pressed on, her expression tinged with a hint of sorrow. "Only the Valorn still remain on the first echelon, the rest having ascended."
Ascended. The word reverberated through Kai's mind, carrying with it a sense of mystery and intrigue that ignited his curiosity. Before he could give voice to the myriad of questions that were bubbling up within him, Sarah raised her hand once more, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Once a person completes their final echelon quest, the next morning they ascend to the next echelon. It is not a choice; it is triggered automatically by the Overlay."
Kai watched as the others filed out of the classroom, their minds no doubt whirling with the revelations Sarah had shared. He remained seated, his fingers drumming an erratic rhythm against the desk as he waited for the opportunity to speak with her privately. Anya, ever perceptive, caught his eye and gave him a subtle nod, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
Once the last of the stragglers had departed, leaving only Kai and Sarah in the room, he rose from his seat and approached her. Sarah regarded him with a warm, inviting smile, her eyes holding a depth of knowledge that hinted at the countless stories she had yet to share.
"Sarah," Kai began, his voice tinged with a hint of trepidation, "I have one more question, if you don't mind."
Sarah's smile broadened, and she gestured for him to continue. "Of course, Kai. Ask away."
Kai took a deep breath, steeling himself for the question that had been weighing heavily on his mind. "Back in the world above, before I found myself in the Silo, I was investigating a cult called the Children of the Eclipse. They were rumored to have conducted dark rituals and sacrifices, all in pursuit of some cosmic event."
Sarah's expression grew pensive. Kai pressed on, his voice gaining a sense of urgency. "I can't help but wonder if there's any connection between this cult and the Silo. Is it possible that their beliefs or practices had something to do with how we all ended up here?"
For a moment, Sarah remained silent, her eyes downcast as she mulled over his question. Kai held his breath, the anticipation building within him as he awaited her response.
Finally, Sarah met his gaze, her expression inscrutable. "The Children of the Eclipse," she murmured, the name rolling off her tongue with a sense of familiarity that sent a shiver down Kai's spine. "I'm afraid I don't have any definitive answers for you, Kai, but I can share what I know."
She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "The Silo's origins are shrouded in mystery, and the details of how we all came to be here are scarce. However, there are whispers and rumors that suggest the involvement of various cults and organizations, each with their own beliefs and agendas. Many years ago, closer to the founding of the Grove, there was a war between the human factions."
"One of those factions was led by a man known as The Shepherd. His faction believed that the Silo was the great savior of mankind and worshiped it like a living God. They dove deeply into dark rituals and beliefs. When the other communities rose up against them it was a bloody affair, each faction was led by S and A tier individuals, capable of great, and horrible things."
She paused, "I don't know how, or who, but it is written that some of these S tiers banded together and banished The Shepherd and his commanders from the Silo. Exiling them and destroying their faction to the man, woman and child."
Kai felt his blood run cold as she continued, "we have received reports from those such as yourself that detail activity of the Children still occurring on Earth. We add the information but we have little ways to confirm it."
Kai absorbed Sarah's words, his mind grappling with the weight of the revelations she had shared. The notion that the Silo's origins were intertwined with the beliefs and practices of cults like the Children of the Eclipse sent a shiver down his spine. He couldn't help but wonder if the cult's pursuit of some cosmic event had inadvertently led them to this underground realm, a place that seemed to exist outside the boundaries of reality itself.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, as Kai processed the information Sarah had imparted. Then, a thought occurred to him, a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that had enveloped his existence since his arrival in the Silo.
"Sarah," he began, his voice laced with a mixture of trepidation and cautious optimism, "is there a way to leave the Silo? To return to the surface, to the world we once knew?"
Sarah's expression grew somber, her eyes reflecting a depth of sorrow that Kai had not seen before. For a fleeting moment, he regretted voicing the question, fearing that he had somehow overstepped an unspoken boundary.
Then, to Kai's utter astonishment, Sarah spoke, her words carrying a weight that belied their simplicity. "Yes, Kai. There is a way to leave the Silo and return to the world above."
"How?" he managed to utter, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might somehow shatter the fragile reality that Sarah had revealed.