Ali stared at the ceiling as he laid on his new bed. The bed was a metal frame with a bed sheet on it. Compared to the cave floor he was used to, the bed was an immediate upgrade. Unlike the cave, the airship interior was heated, removing the need for a blanket. Following the welcome from Kasym, he was introduced to a girl around his age who hastily led him down the maze-like hallways to his room. The room consisted of a bed and a small chest. The walls and ceiling were dull gray due to their metallic properties. The teenager was told to stay in his room until the following day. At some point, Ali fell asleep and woke up later only to hear snoring from the nearby rooms.
Now I have to figure out what Dhad gave me.
<
Scanning now….
Still scanning…
Detecting possible errors….
Scanning results:
Relic: Unknown
Type: Unknown
Subtype: Unknown
The relic doesn’t match anything within the database. No power signature can be detected. Markings on the relic cannot be deciphered either. Relic is currently unknown and offers no benefits to the user.
There are two conclusions of the relic:
A: The relic is worthless and should be tossed out.
B: Until certain requirements are met, the relic’s secrets are hidden.
>
Huh? If Dhad gave it to me, it must have secrets. He wouldn’t waste his last breath giving me this.
<
Timer up!
Due to your delay in unlocking the reward, your reward is now doubled. Further delay won’t result in additional rewards.
Would you like to unlock your rewards now?
( Yes / No )
>
Yes.
<
Determining reward type for Reward 1….
Permanent Stat Boost….
Rolling stat boosts….
Strength: 0
Constitution: +3
Intelligence: +2
Survival: 0
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Wisdom: +3
Updating user info….
Name: Ali Cissoko
Level: 1 ( 15 / 26 XP to Level Up)
HP: 20/20
MP: 4/4
Strength: 1
Constitution: 5
Intelligence: 3
Survival: 3
Wisdom: 4
User info fully updated. Now moving onto the second reward…
Determining reward type for Reward 2….
New Ability….
Rolling 2 Abilities to pick from….
Ability options are:
Air Serpent
OR
Air Blade
Uploading ability information…
>
“What are you zoned out about?”
Ali nearly jumped out of his bed. He turned to see the girl who led him to his room. Her intense gaze made him back away until he was leaning against the wall.
“Do you always show up unexpectedly?” he asked angrily.
The teenager wanted to learn a new ability but the interruption stopped him. To make matters worse, she caught him completely off guard and he never wanted anyone to see that side of him. The two of them engaged in a short staring match before the girl broke the silence.
“It’s time to get breakfast. Either you come with me or you can starve. Your choice.”
The girl began making her way to the door. Ali, knowing better than missing a meal, jumped off his bed and chased after her. From what little he gathered, the airship was made up of several compartments and they were in the sleeping quarters compartment. For a new recruit like him, he was assigned to the lowest level of the compartment which was made up of small cell-like rooms. Due to how small and cramped the rooms were, there were enough rooms for several dozen people. When he asked the girl the previous day, Ali learned that higher levels of the compartment consisted of cabins with the highest ranking officers owning the largest cabins.
“What’s your name? I told you mine yesterday but I still don’t know what to call you.”
“Belen.”
Ali couldn’t tell if Belen was the silent type or if she didn’t want to converse with him. He had to initiate the conversation with a question every single time and she would respond with the fewest number of words possible. His thoughts were interrupted when, as soon as the two of them exited the compartment, a bell went off.
“Is that the bell used to wake everyone up?”
“Yes.”
The bell was very deafening from where he stood but, as soon as the two of them entered another compartment, the sound was muffled. Ali learned very quickly the benefits of getting up sooner than the others. There was no lineup for the restroom or the cafeteria, resulting in a much smoother morning. By the time he and Belen finished eating, there were still people streaming into the cafeteria.
If only I have a way to wake up early everyday.
<
You may set an alarm through me and I will wake you up consistently on time.
>
Once Ali confirmed the time of the bell and set up his alarm, he followed Belen out of the cafeteria. When asked, Belen said they were going to the training compartment on the airship, stating that an evaluation awaited him. Yet, she refused to elaborate on what the evaluation was for as she claimed that he needed to go in unprepared. The two of them were then greeted outside the training compartment where Belen left Ali with one of the instructors.
“Good luck!”
Sweat started dripping down Ali’s forehead when he noticed the emotions Belen placed in her two words. Up until this moment, she expressed very little through her words and facial expressions. Her tone and eagerness to leave the instructor only made the teenager wonder what was awaiting him.
This is most definitely not a simple evaluation, is it?
“You must be Ali,” said the instructor. “You may refer to me as instructor Bardanes. I will be in charge of your evaluation. I recommend you to do your best as your ranking within Dark Cult is determined on your performance. Let’s begin!”
Ali followed instructor Bardanes until they were at the lowest level of the training compartment. During the walk, he tried to get a better look at the instructor but the man covered his entire head and body in a black uniform, revealing none of his features. The instructor opened the door and gestured for Ali to enter. As soon as the teenager stepped inside, the door was shut behind him. Bardanes’ voice could then be heard through a small opening beside the door.
“Your task is simple. Find the key within the maze and then escape through the door at the other end. You may use anything and everything to get you through this trial.”