Chapter 20: Synchronization

Afterward, they parted ways so Edith could properly synchronize with her Neural Path.

Kenan was now opening the door to his room only to find Cole on his bed with a panicked expression.

“They're going to kick me out of the academy, bro; there is no way I passed that test.”

Kenan kicked his shoes off and got in his bed. “Nah, they'll probably just make sure not to give you too many troops to command in the future. Not everyone can strategize with 10+ people to account for with different abilities.”

“Yeah, that's true. still, I'll have to shine in other areas the next chance I get.” Cole said, hitting his fist in his hand.

“Oh, hey, would you like to help me pick out a Neural Path at the library?”

“I had just come from there. How come you didn't go after class?” Kenan says, putting his shoes back on.

“Because I was hungry and decided to go get food. Wait, why were you there? As they both were getting ready to walk out of the door.

“I went to help Edith pick out her Neural Path,” Kenan says, walking past Cole and out the door.

Cole raises his eyebrows and tucks in his lips while nodding his head, “So you help out your love interest before your own brother?” Cole crosses his chest with his arms and leans back, slowly falling on Kenan dramatically. “My own brother has forsaken the code.”

Kenan pushes him off trying to contain his laughter. “This is why your mom told you to stop watching anime. You're way too dramatic already.”

***

Neural Path Archive: Optic blast

Available Neural Path Options:

Earth Elemental Augmentation

Air Elemental Augmentation

Fire Elemental Augmentation

Water Elemental Augmentation

Thunder Elemental Augmentation

Light Elemental Augmentation

Dark Elemental Augmentation

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Cole looks back at Kenan wide-eyed

“My mind will explode if I have to choose one. You do it!”

“You can't ask me that this is the base of your abilities. You might as well ask me to pick out what woman you will marry; it would be no different.” Kenan explained.

They started arguing for nearly 10 minutes before an unexpected individual arrived in the blink of a golden light. Immediately, Cole and Kenan saluted Marshal Solomon.

“As you were cadets,” he says in his deep voice. “I may have a solution to all problems. He is holding up a memory device and then handing it to Cole.

“Lazer?” Cole asked, looking up from the label on the finger-sized device.

“It's a Neural Path,” Kenan says, snatching it from his brother and offering it back to Marshall. “We're not interested. We know there is no such thing as a free lunch.”

The Marshall smiled, revealing his sharp, canine-like teeth. Kenan could have sworn he saw his eyes glow and look like those of an animal for a split second, but it was hard to tell behind the thick circle sunglasses he always wore.

“I like your caution, young man. That will surely save you in the future. But you are right; there is a condition I will add to bless Mr.Justus with such an extraordinary path.”

“We'll. I'm listening.” Cole stiffened.

“Become my appearance and-”

“Deal” Cole says, snatching the memory device back from Kenan.

“He doesn't mean that,” Kenan said.

“Yes, I do. Are you serious? This guy is crazy powerful and the Director of the academy. If he's not worthy of being my master then who is?” Cole argued.

Kenan couldn't find any fault within his brother's logic, but the last thing he wanted was for his brother to get tied up with any Elder family or Aristocrats. Marshall, could I ask what your surname is before my brother accepts?”

“It's Judah.” Marshall Solomon responded.

“Mhm, well, alright then, seems alright to me,” Kenan says, shrugging his shoulders. If he were an Aristocrat, I'd never have heard of that family name, that's for sure. Maybe he's an independent party.

“Well, now that's been sorted, let's have you synchronized to that path,” Marshall Solomon says as he snaps his fingers, and he and Cole disappear.

***

It took Edith an hour to figure out how to synchronize with her Neural Path which was terrifying by normal standards. She was completely unaware of that fact. Instead of testing out her new Augmentation, she thought about Kenan. He was smart, calculating, and charming.

They have flirted a couple of times, but no one has made a move. “He's probably not even thinking about dating right now. With his family stuff going on. Who was that girl? His supposed childhood friend? I don't think they are romantically involved but I don't like how handsy she is with him.”

“Sister Edith, remember to remain focused on your studies and avoid courting. It will strip you of your ambition,” Edith recalled the words of one of the Nun Sisters at the orphanage.

“Ok, yeah, sure, but what am I supposed to do with my attraction to this “young man?” she threw up quotations with her hands. She then flopped on the bed straight into her pillow.

“Whatever, I won't worry about it unless he makes the first move. All these other guys aren't that cute. Well, maybe . . . Never mind, it's either Metal Boy or no one, at least for now.”

***

Cole was currently at Marshall Solomon's office. They had just teleported and sat in their respective seats, and we were staring at each other in silence.

“I would think you would be asking questions in regards to what being my apprentice would consist of.” Marshall Solomon spoke.

“The details aren't too important for me unless you're trying to get me to kill someone, which I wouldn't do.”

Marshall Solomon's eyebrow furrowed. “You're a child, why would I ask that of you?”

Cole started to panic. His mother meant this when he said he watches too much anime.

“Anyway, let's just move on to the Neural Path Synchronization process for now. First and foremost, Cole Justus, your heat vision that you listed isn't correct. You actually have an Optic blast, which isn't tied to any affinity. This is quite a rarity. Your eye power is suited for almost any affinity.”

“Yeah, I figured as much; I honestly didn't know what Neural Path Affinity I should choose. I'm glad you came along and made it much easier for me.” Cole said scratching the back of his head.

“I can see that being stressful for you given the background you have. Being a first-generation Sentient can be stressful, and you need to be guided correctly if you truly want to advance.” Marshall Solomon then held up the memory drive.

“I'm not going to hold you Cole. The cost of this Neural Path was extremely high. It's a rarity, and I doubt you'll find anyone with it. Not at least for a long time.”

“So what is all this going to cost me?” Cole's hands slightly went up while speaking.

“As your master, let's just say my enemies are your enemies and vice versa. Marshall Samson's eyes flickered purple, and his pupils became slit like animals.

“Are your enemies the Oguns?” Cole asked

with tension and seriousness in his voice.

“No”

“Then we're all good; what is Laser Energy anyway?