The two teachers took a moment to digest what the teen was implying, long enough that Maik had started to regret lowering his auric effect. Having insight into their emotions at the moment would have been useful. Mental note. In the future we should keep that effect up until the end of the conversation. Well sorry dad. Testing the theory to see if it even worked was the priority we discussed so if you wanted to keep spending our limited supply of Chi to keep the effect up you should have submitted the request in triplicate so that me, Primal and Body could have reviewed it before hand. I am submitting it now.

The Chi instructor even considered paying the cost of putting the effect back up by the time Boyd spoke again. “Was it worth it ? Has spreading out the load with Miss Koenig here been worth the effort or would you have been better off focusing on your own ability to train the new people ?”

Of course it was. The benefits of this approach aid us in ways that go far beyond simply training the new people but I don't think we should focus on that. Hes fishing for our motivation. Stick to the reasons relevant to training the new people. Don't so much as hint at anything else. Hint a little. Let him know we are onto him.

While still in the meditative pose none of those internal thoughts were apparent on the teens face and his voice was equally devoid of any such discord. “Objectively its hard to say what could have been verses what is. I can only compare progress before and after and I can say with certainty that with her help there is an ever so slight increase in the efficiency with which I am managing this task. Not significant enough that I would feel comfortable doing larger sessions, or doing them more frequently. More that I think I will actually make it through the day now. Although poor Stacy here may not.”

The middle aged man, who himself was looking younger and thinner now that Maik had a good look at him, went on to question what the Chi instructor meant about her not making it. The teen explained where his Chi control level was at and how he hadn't noticed do to filtering it, how much less efficient her use of the skills were compared to him as a result and his theory about calories to Chi point ratio. Both of the teachers flatly demanded that Maik not overdo it again today so that he could attend the evening meetings after dinner where such information as he pointedly mentioned not being told would be shared and so he could share what he had found as well. Before they left though, the lilin still had one last thing to add. “By the way. Stacy, indeed I fear everyone who will be using Chi based skills, is probably going to need extra rations to compensate for the extra energy used.” The teachers promised that the matter would be discussed after dinner but that both Chi instructor and Chi healer would be afforded extra at the evening meal regardless.

With that out of the way Maik checked with his friend to see how her Chi reserves were after two sessions. She groaned when she looked at the bar, a pitiful sound that only came from truly knowing just how far behind one is when compared to their peer. “The damn thing was full when we started but damn it. Its at less than one fifth. God I really don't want to get up off this floor.” A hint of a question enters her tone. “I don't wanna do anything really ?”

The Chi instructor clarifies for her. “I believe this is a result of being low on Chi. I experienced the same thing yesterday. My... Motivation simply became weaker and weaker the lower my Chi reserves got. By the end of the day my Chi was well below 10 percent and I just about curled up in a corner to sleep. Boyd and James had to carry me to bed.” The students were listening with rapped attention as word had started to spread that Maik was now also teaching higher skills and any little tidbits were prized. The teen ignored them and continued his explanation. You should probably meditate and rest for this session. I can handle this one myself.”

With furrowed brows she voiced an interesting question. “I know your stats and skills are highers than mine. Way highers, but I'm not really seeing any recovery to my Chi bar. Is there anything else I could be doing to improve my recovery ?”

Maik thought for a moment and answered honestly. “I would tell you to cultivate but you don't even know what a cultivation technique is, much less how it works or even where in the body it would be so don't worry about such things. For now, stick to what I've taught you. Work on the basics and when their a higher level we can discuss more advanced methods for recovery.”

Apparently question time was not over, her even more thoroughly furrowed brows making that evident. “Is that how your managing such good recovery ? This cultivation technique ?”

Maik frowned, scratched his head and offered the best answer he could. “I haven't had the time to dive down into my center and try to cultivate. I barely had time to patch together the bare essentials of a Chi flow network within my body. But before this all went down I did practice a cultivation technique multiples times a week.” The teen shrugged. “So maybe. When I finally have the time to dive into my body and really clean thing up, I'll let you know, but were probably talking about days of work to reach that point. And...” he gestures to the class awaiting instruction. “As you can see, there is a lot of demand on my time at the moment.”

Actively cycling her Chi proved to be the right choice as not only did she recover enough Chi that the bar was half full, but she was far less hungry by the time they started the next session. Only there wasn't another session as it was 5 minutes till 6 O'clock and well into dinner time so they made their way to the mess hall. School cafeteria Beefaroni never smelt so good and, as promised, they were afforded extra portions. Stacy seemed hesitant at first. “I don't know if I really need the extra food. I mean the meditation technique really helped take the edge off my hunger.”

Maik considered that and came to a decision on the spot. “Your going to need to use those new abilities, probably sooner and more regularly than you would like. Think of it like your trying to put on muscle. Right now your probably burning your gains from the days efforts to fuel your body. I know I gained a few stat points over last night. So eat up and grow stronger.” She took the full extra helping and was thankful for it by how she started wolfing it down like a starving man after the first bite.

Maik couldn't help but comment. “Told ya.” Eugene was actually taking dinner at the same time and so was seated with them and had to chime in. “Is it really such a drain ?” The lilin nodded and went on to explain his theories bout calories to Chi stat point ratio. He then elaborated on how much more efficiently he managed to use the points due to his high 'Chi manipulation' skill vs what Stacy could pull off. There was longing in the super sized Mexicans voice when he spoke next. “Would be nice to have some Tier 4 skills we could be using out in the field.”

Maik considered his skill list and picked the one that should fit the big man perfectly, if a little over kill in his case but, as creative is fond of saying. There's no kill like over kill. “Actually there is one skill I figured out that might help. Its called 'Chi body infusion' and it enhances bodily functions. You might even be able to use it to boost your strength for a short time.”

Eugene gave Maik a dubious look. “Might ?”

The Chi instructor put his hands up in surrender. “Hay man, I've been one very busy bee. There is all kinds of thing I have yet to even try out yet but I just don't have the spare Chi to go testing these things. Half the reason I helped Stacy lean those tier 4 skills was because she could help me with training up the new people.”

The Mexican gave his friend the side eye. “Half ?” Stacy was equally curious as to the answer this question would provide,having actually stopped eating, spork full of food raised half way to her open mouth, to watch Maik's reaction.

The Chi instructor started nodding in an exaggerated fashion and started out with a sheepish tone. “Well yeah and well, shes my friend.” His tone changed as he struck a heroic pose, head raised and looking off to his right and into the distance while placing his fists on his hips. “And as such I know she will use these powers for truth, justice and the American way.” The teens friends just shook their heads and laughed at the display.

Stolen story; please report.

Eugene went on to describe the real excitement of the day. “Lucky's what we were. He was a crazy man. Way crazy you know. Its good he couldn't shoot though. Missed all 4 times when he started shooting at a patrol, out on the perimeter. Its was good that he missed but still scary as hell. Our guys goaded him in close and took him down. Coach questioned him after. Teachers are real hush hush about the whole thing. Don't none of it sound good man. None of it.” By the end the big Mexican was shaking his head. “People working the perimeter are spooked now. Nobody wants the job so their drawing straws.”

Maik was stone faced at hearing the news. That was very disturbing news indeed. The teen made his friends a promise that he would discuss the topic with the trilogy at the evening meeting and see what could be done.

Speaking of which, it was just about then that James strode up to greet them and to inform that the evening meeting was starting soon. “Hay Maik.” He nods to the other two in turn before directing his attention back at the Chi instructor. “Stacy, Eugene... I'm here to inform you that the trilogy with be holding the evening meetings at 6:30.” He glances at the clock. “So in about 5 minutes, and I'm to escort you there.” That didn't give the Chi instructor much time to prepare talking points or even get any notes in order but there was nothing to be done for it now.

Ohh how every formal. We should totally poke fun at James. about what a good soldier hes turning into. Have you forgotten about the madman who wandered onto campus and started shooting at people already ? This is no time for jokes. Serious business. Sorry. Ohh, I know. Ask James to send Elisha in with some presentation stuff and note paper so that we can make some notes. Brilliant. Good idea.

As he got up though, the Chi instructor motioned for Stacy to join them. “I'm going to be presenting my finding on our interactions and your input might we useful, so you should probably come along. Lets also grab some note pads. I would appreciate it if you could compile a set of notes while I dictate to the trilogy” She grimaced but acquiesced.

The meeting was just as sober a gathering as you would expect given the events of the day. The principle was there and some, but not all, of the deans, as well the the trilogy, the head coach, more teachers Maik had yet to meet and a few other seniors like himself. The teen set about greeting people and shaking hands as that just seemed the most congenial thing to do. He stared with the Boyd, half for the familiarity and half because the not so middle aged man any more had come up to him with the same idea. “Boyd. Good to see you again. I apologize for my lack of attendance last night.”

The teacher brushed it off. “You were pretty warn out at the time and we didn't yet understand the greater effects of using a lot of Chi but I'm hoping you'll be able to shed some light on that subject ?”

The Chi instructor nodded and moved on to making greetings with everyone else in the room, being especially diplomatic with the principle. “Principle Waber. Its good to see you here. I know we got off to a rough start yesterday but I understand you were very busy at the time.” The old woman's demeanor brightened a little at the teen respectful and understanding tone though she winced a little at his use of her title.”

Seating arrangements were dictated and or selected by the assembled members. The meeting was under way. Its started with those who had already been helped by the Chi instructor directly, their vitality an inspiration to all that the trilogy had a good handle on things. Leavery gave reports on encounters at the perimeter. “So in summery, the crazy gunman was the worst encounter but only one of 5. Him the woman with the bloody kitchen knife and the 3 dog attacks. Fortunately there was not injuries needing medical attention due to sports padding having been provided to the patrols before hand and the sloppy accuracy of the gunman, but the students are shaken and volunteers for the perimeter patrol are getting sparse. The gratitude for helping them get back up and feeling normal is wearing thin and we need incentives. But the worst part is the reasons the gunman gave for attacking. He literally claims that killing other people makes you stronger by allowing you to gain, Get this, levels.” There were a few pointed glances sent Maik's way and he swallowed.

Next came a Miss Foster, the head teacher for Botany who presented a report on their prospects for agriculture and food production. “It will take some time but we have a decent amount of land if in the middle of and around the track to expand production. We could be supplementing those freeze dried goods with fresh produce in about 4-6 months.... of the student work force gets other their current afflictions that is. The longer that takes the longer it will take to get production scaled up to what were going to need.” Her glance went Maik's way a couple times, her implications clear that she wanted more students with the 'Mind & body' skill helping her department.

After that was the tailor teacher, who offered to make actual armor for the students if the needed Kevlar and armor plates could be provided. That of course was on top of the demand of clothing that she assured was being managed with much greater speed now that they had a well work force.

The work shop and engineering teachers came next, updating the group about what they would need in order to provide the tailors with what they were requesting. Apparently you could make some damn good body armor out of the right kinds of epoxy and sheets of fiberglass. Just a quick trip to the hardware store and they could start churning out level 2 and 3 ballistic armor plating, though the level 3 stuff was kinda thick.

The tech Teachers informed us that the public broadcast hadn't changed. There were even more conspiracy theories floating around but now there were 2 locations out there claiming to be safe havens that welcomed all that were willing to be a part of their community, both of them churches and both of them warning that they were armed and that there would be an initiation test before you any would be allowed to join.

One of the deans was up next and with her was a healthy looking student whom Maik hadn't helped. This peeked the teens curiosity. “As you have heard these churches seem to be doing as well if not better with the current situation as we are. Mister Smalls here has shown strong progress in dealing with the present situations and has, like the trilogies own Maik, Been helping students to achieve greater enlightenment.”

The Chi instructor didn't think the statement was any form of challenge to his way of doing things but the way that everyone in the room looked at the teen in that moment sure made if feel that way. Maik was taken aback for a heart beat but cleared his throat as a way to give him time to recover before addressing the statement with his own contribution. “In spirit science, it is believed that all sentient being, those made in the divine creators image, are endowed with a spark of the divine creators power. It further teacher that all sentient being have a direct link to the divine, thought which they may find inspiration on how to progress. This connection dose not outright give answers mind you. At least not as I understand it, but the connection will, for those who cultivate an ear to listen, guidance on the path one seeks.”

The young man besides the dean nods along before speaking in the picture perfect tone of a monk. “You speak from a different point of view but of the same guiding light.”

The Chi instructor nods but adds. “I am a firm believer in the promise that the divine will meet me half way...” The teen pauses for a moment to collect and then structure how to phrase this next part. “...Its just that... In spirit science, there is a plateau all on the path of enlightenment reach. The point where they first touch the divine. The first point where the two meet half way. But that is not the end of the journey. Only proof that one has finally taken but the first of many steps.”

Again the young man nodded but this time with a more contemplative look on his face. “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”

The meeting moved on to the former principle publicly relinquishing command of the school to the trilogy, and over view of current supply stores, with projected time times for how long said stores would last, proposals on how to supplement those supplies when they ran out and then finally the attention of the room shifted back to Maik.

The Chi instructor stood and began his haphazard presentation, Stacy promptly prepared to take down notes on what was about to explained. The Chi instructor started with confirmation that levels were indeed a thing and that he had gained 2 of them last night. He went into the mechanics of how Chi related skill used and acquasition provided progress and that more alteration points were provided based on the tier of the race when gaining level and the tier of the skill either learned or advanced.

Next came the theory on how much energy was in the Chi bar by elaborating on his deductions for calculating calories to Chi stat points by using Stacy as a comparison point. She, of course chimed in when prompted to explain her part. Her explanation on the effects of low Chi levels vs high Chi levels were a nice touch which Maik backed up with more context.

The teens estimation on how many Calories were being used up for the different tiers of Chi skills being used was touched upon and he further elaborated on the subject based on his Chi control skill vs that of others at the lower levels of mastery akin to what he had observed with Stacy. That segued into Maik's description of how he was able to impart the tier 4 skill unto the woman and how much energy it cost him to do so.

Maik then began to lay out prospective ways to use this information, first by describing the 'Chi body imbuement' skill and what it could do for the patrols, not to mention the 'Minor healing' skill for any medically inclined persons. Of course that brought up the Chi instructors findings regarding the increased calorie intake but that it seems meditation would mitigate that need somewhat. Maik concluded his presentation with an insistence for time in the day where he could try new things. He had a lot left which he hadn't experimented with, much of it even more advanced than what he was presently using. The lilin took the extra step to spread and auric effect over the assembled group to encourage them to agree.