Chapter 9 - Of Ferocity and Unreasonably Massive Buildings

The four of us ran into the building again, this time taking a left, following the signs into another room. This one had noticeable extension formations on the walls. The interior was just as large as the first exam center. It looked more like a lecture hall than a library.

There were some ten other students here. We quickly threw our bags to the side and took seats next to each other at the back of the room – warehouse, more like. An invigilator already waiting beside us, silently slipped answer-sheets and question papers onto our desks.

Pulling a pen out of my pocket and giving a good luck thumbs up to the rest, I quickly focused on my paper. I was still elated from the interaction and I wanted to impress.

Excerpts read. Comprehension questions easily answered. The history section barely giving me pause. I blew through geography. Maps and symbols easily remembered. I was a Mental Essence user. I excelled in this stuff. Culture questions were strange but easy enough. My years in the underground, working with Taine and Red, my first real friends, had left heavy impressions on my mind. Especially since I was immersed in it since I was young. There was nothing to trip me up here.

I checked. I reviewed. I finished in 45 minutes. It was a 90-minute paper.

I raised my hand. It was another set of staff – the first exam wouldn’t wrap up for another half-hour – so I received surprised looks, again.

I nearly sighed. It was just hitting me, but I’d have to reestablish myself all over again. I’d had a reputation in the palace and I’d done nothing to change it. It was not in my plans to even start with a negative one here.

A stout woman made her way over. She picked up my less numerous sheets and the question paper. With a kind smile she told me to head out and sit in front of the blackboard we’d been introduced to in the beginning.

I nodded silently and picked up my bag. Pretending not to see the slightly impressed looks on my new friends’ faces. But inside I was bubbling with joy. I was noticed!

Walking out of the two doors back outside, I sat in front of the blackboard, rating board is what the older student called it.

I extended a leg and bent my other knee. I laid down watching the sky. Staring at the sun from the corner of my eye. It would be lunch soon. Fishing my temporary wallet out, I riffled through my bills. I would need to hit the bank soon.

My thoughts continued in an idle direction.

A mere 10 minutes later, I was joined by 3 other figures plopping down beside me. I smiled slightly. God this was amazing! I mentally sighed happily, ‘Friends.’

Mai, too uncomfortable in any silence, exclaimed, “Boy, you’re fast. I was super surprised when you finished.”

I gave her a dry look, “You finished ten minutes after me.” I was gaining confidence fast. Maybe her genital-whack-a-mole method was onto something.

I needed to work on it though. Unless it was adversarial, like conversations with Taine and my family – previous family – I couldn’t communicate properly. Fixing that would be a priority.

God…my to-dos keep increasing.

I put a hand behind my head while my other hand fiddled with the grass. “So how was the exam?”

“Fine–Good–Super!” Came the chorus of answers.

Forn broke the brief silence that followed, “And yours?”

“Good. Questions based off of memory are never hard.”

Mai piped up, “What happens once we’re all admitted?”

“I don’t know. I’m more curious about the interview. And nervous.” I added.

“My brother attended forty years back. It’s exactly an interview. They ask you about your goals. Your purpose in coming here. Why you want to remain here. The like. Then they’ll help you set up courses and the lot, that align with whatever you want to accomplish.” Forn’s face was once again in the grass. It wasn’t all that surprising about his sibling either. Ascension sort of forced our lifespans into ridiculous numbers. Siblings separated by a century wasn’t uncommon. Relationships were sometimes separated further.

I hummed, nodding.

“Lunch?” Olivia asked, staring at the rating board and not receiving any feedback from it.

I nodded but only Olivia and I got up. Mai was lightly snoring and Forn was trying his best to fall asleep. Exams tend to do that.

I jerked my head towards the left, a sign said the cafeteria was that-away. She nodded and we started walking.

“We’ll just get them something.” I told her as we continued down the path.

“Sure.” The curt answers didn’t bother me. She was almost assuredly like me – little freedom, less interaction. Still learning and too excited to not be awkward.

We reached the cafeteria, which looked pretty standard. Grey walls, 5 floors, windows, benches. Walking in through wide doors we made a beeline towards the serving aisles.

It was just a chilled shelf of sandwiches, subs, and some pasta dishes, but we were hungry and food with meat was a must. I picked out a couple of sandwiches and two containers of pasta with cubes of salami and sausage.

Olivia and I chatted lightly – and haltingly – about the paper. We reached the register and paid after the cashier rang up our purchases. Snagging a couple of utensils and napkins, we left.

Walking back, I attempted to think of a way to get around the silence, but I wasn’t brave enough to try anything.

It was an uncomfortable affair, but I knew that it was needed. Friendships don’t progress without bumps.

…I had to remind myself of that so, so many times.

I was so far out of my comfort zone that we were leaving ‘zones’. But Mai and Forn taking the first steps was a big help.

We reached the yard, walking side by side. It was much more full. 30 students or so all clustered in groups animatedly discussing some part of the paper. What’d you expect from this group?

Olivia sat down gracefully on the far end of our group, next to Forn, and I plopped down on my ass next to her. Opening up the bag, I pulled out the tub of pasta-salad and handed her the rest of the bag.

She pulled out a sandwich and handed the bag back.

The atmosphere was much more mellow, with the other two asleep. I asked in low voice, “Any fun places around here?” I hadn't hadn't really gone out of the inn I stayed at.

After swallowing a bite, “Nothing outside of the basic. Theaters, amusement parks, museums. Nothing much. I’ve never been to Ice. What’s it like, beyond weather conditions?” She took another bite, her two long-fingered hands holding it on either ends.

I smiled slightly, “It was beautiful. The people, the culture, the food. If you ever visit, make sure to try Spicy Mess. Awesome spot.”

Olivia glanced at me knowingly and hummed her assent.

I nodded saying nothing. I wasn't blind, our circumstances were mirrored. Both of us trying to escape. To breathe without expectation. It was a guilty relief that we saw it in each other.

We ate in silence after that, but it was more natural. Almost there to comfort. It’ll come. It’ll take time, but who didn’t have time at 17?

The silence continued and Olivia settled down to rest her eyes.

I played a couple of games on my Display and reviewed the paper which was stored in my Minds.

‘I need to build a direct display for my Minds.’

I could send instructions, brainwaves were easy enough to read with a liberal application of Mental Essence, and my Minds could do so, but to send one back to parse as pure information was unfortunately complicated – near impossible. Because the brain is so vast and versatile, it wouldn’t be able to understand a majority of information sent, because the way, the when, and the how it’s received, all change. Multiple times.

I needed to build a device that I could hook up to a set of glasses or something, so it could understand information my Minds gather. As of now, I was using my Display to view everything which was hardly convenient.

It was easy enough to do so, but it would still chip away time from other projects I’d rather start sooner.

‘Add another to my to-dos.’ I sighed mentally, exasperatedly.

The road was long – but kicking my family in the balls at the end would be worth it. Something incredibly petty, and in some recesses of my mind, pathetic, but power was freedom. The chains were self-imposed.

The solution would be created by me.

Release didn’t work by saying ‘I’m done!’ and brushing your hands. Satisfaction is too ruthless for that. Too sacrificial.

When your anger came out – that was where the solution lies. People would probably coach me to think objectively, 'don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment' and all that tripe, but what kind of decision was that?

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Fuck ‘em. That’s where the satisfaction lies.

I brought my mind forcibly back to the games and lost myself in them once more.

----------------------------------------

Forn and Mai stirred about 2 hours later, their stomachs growling. Mai looked around in confusion. I was confused at her confusion, which she saw.

“It’s more of a perpetual spring-summer season back in Wealth.” She explained, rubbing her eyes and stretching with the other hand as she yawned.

I nodded. The sky color was deepening. It was only around 3, but it was January. Winter would start to recede in another two months.

I put my Display away. They said the top 50 would appear on the rating board but it hadn’t yet and I wanted to get the interview portion out of the way today.

…And my ass was starting to ache.

‘Hurry up,’ I grumbled in my head.

As Forn fully woke up I tossed him a couple of mints and a sandwich.

The mints were swallowed with a quaff of water. Nodding to me gratefully he tore open the sandwich and munched on it ravenously.

Mai left to the bathroom with her bag instead. Boy's methods, apparently, didn’t meet her standards. Olivia left with her.

We smiled cheekily to each other. Forn was a casual guy. There was strength in our friendship just by it existing. I was more than happy with that.

He finished off his sandwich just as the rating board lit up. Lights and other pixilations appearing on it as it starting listing through various guidelines, like don’t touch the board and others.

I groaned, this was going to take even longer.

Before I could retreat back into my games the coordinators came out, equipped with coats this time. Quickly checking the forecast it read, ‘High Chance of Rain.’

I groaned louder. This was getting rich.

Once again, tapping their throats in a warning to us that they were enhancing their vocal cords.

“Good evening hopefuls!” Mr Redding seemed much more excitable now. “The top 50 will be following us shortly into the main campus. Trust me, that one is so much better.” The – for some reason – required dig at those who couldn’t cut it. “Also, side-note: the physical exams are postponed till the next week, further if the bad weather persists. Now, if you could direct your attention to the rating board…”

It started from the bottom. Expanding and fitting back into frame.

A mechanized voice called out, “Wilt Mant - Rank Fifty.” –– “Gerome Red - Rank Thirty-Two” –– “DeCart Rens - Rank Eighteen” There was a cheer from the back at that. And it continued. I had lost interest 10 minutes into the procedure, but I refocused now. “Mai Erudin - Rank Six” –– “Forn Turman - Rank Four” –– “Olivia Theoli - Rank Two” I looked askance at that.

For two separate reasons. One, ‘Theoli’ was a noble’s surname of the Thunder Fist's bloodline, one of the closest to the main branch. That was an extremely important development. Pushing that aside for now. I had enough to deal with.

And two, my final answer didn’t warrant a first place! Let's push that aside. I ain't complaining.

I was happy for my new friends. They got in, and in pretty distinguished places.

I got a bump from Forn who seemed delighted at my position. Olivia and Mai, who had walked back into the yard from the bathroom around the 30th place, were both pretty happy with their positions. Mai was smiling and hopping foot to foot. Olivia with a smile and a friendly, challenging glint aimed in my direction.

I couldn’t have asked for better friends. They had met me all of four hours ago and they were supportive. I don’t know if this is how it normally works but – in-fucking-credible. Friends were awesome!

I felt a little pride bubble up in my chest. I was censored to not reacting to accomplishments. Ingrained by my family. But this was cracking it a little. I had friends to share it with. They were happy for me.

I smiled.

Forn and Mai cheered.

The robotic voice came, “Rale I–Smith.” There was a small wait where I completely and utterly freaked out. The system recognized me! Mr Redding raised an eyebrow at the Rating board in confusion. Consulting his Display for a moment he shook his head without even glancing at me. “Rale Smith - Number One.”

I wasn’t even focusing on that anymore. The system fucking knew. Redding might start digging, knowing there was something off.

I calmed down slightly knowing no one would access it without reason. Accessing an administrative system was a risk at any moment other than something scheduled, it would be considered highly suspicious. I wouldn’t be found out – this second.

A month from now? A maintenance crew coming in? There was too much unknown.

I have some serious hacking to do.

Add another to-do.

Fuck.

‘It’s gonna all be alright. Breathe in ––– breathe out.’

That didn’t work.

Fuck-fuck…fuck.

----------------------------------------

“Alright, well done to those who passed. Those who didn’t, there is a carriage behind you that will take you back to Rhid Center. Top fifty, follow me.” And Mr Redding walked off. Those who failed slinked off.

We all followed Mr Redding, his steps were quick and I kept up, the sky was darkening with clouds and I had no desire to get wet.

Following him through the path the older student had taken, into a large square.

Filled with red brick, raised pentagons with statues on top, and complete with a fountain spewing in the middle.

I followed the group into one of the increasingly common mammoths of buildings. The stone and metal making beautiful spires and arches.

The inside was like a bank, in decoration. Ostentatious. Spacious. Gaudy.

All marble and gold.

Mr. Redding stopped in the rough middle of the building and turned to face us.

“Number One! Mr. Smith!” He shouted.

I stepped lightly through the ranks of the now-students.

“Sir?”

He gestured with a pen behind me. “Door at the very end. Find it and knock.”

He turned away, yelling for number 2.

Preparing mentally, I walked down the marble-floored corridor. My footsteps tapping loud.

The hallway was floored with smooth marble, blue-grey veins running throughout. Lights on both ends of the hallway reflected off the floor’s glisten.

With my long strides, I reached the office quickly. I raised my hand to knock on the dark, heavy, double wooden doors.

The raps went out and a ‘Come in!’ came from inside.

Pressing down on the latch, I shouldered the door open and stepped into the room. It was fairly generic, with a desk, files, and papers stacked on a chair. The layout was pretty standard.

The mess was, likely, not. Chalk boards and screens scribbled with massive conversions and equations. Formulae written down in the margins of books strewn about. There were three books with pages ripped out that were taped to the wall. The books in question, lying face down on a slanted couch pushed against the wall. Half the other pages loose and haphazardly tucked back into the books.

A massive man, shoulders as wide as a bear’s, chest like iron bellows, and with hands wide as buckets was scratching out a Rellian Analysis on a board. The chalk was puny in his hands.

The equations were something I had trouble deciphering. And that was something I worked on extensively with some of my learning algorithms.

Squinting at the board, I attempt to riddle my way through it. Before I get past the second line, the behemoth of a man shuffled around.

His face set in a frown. He took short, lumbering steps towards his desk.

Sitting down in a wooden chair that started creaking loudly, he finally regarded me.

“Sit.” His voice was gruff, unused.

I sat.

“The first. The top scorer. Don’t you think it undeserved?” His eyes pierced into me. No introduction, no preamble.

I relaxed. It was strange. I was so tensed, on a hair-trigger about to pull at the smallest unpredictability, in front of my new friends. But this was something I had experience with. I was too molded, too fitted into a position against. Falling back into my mold wasn’t something I wanted to do.

Didn’t change the fact I was comfortable in it.

I settled back into the chair. But before I could speak, he interrupted me.

“That look in your eyes. You wish to do battle with me. Perhaps it was too difficult a question.”

I opened my mouth to speak in defense, but he cut across again. “Again. You take it as if I attack you. This is not good for a discussion."

He shifted his position. “Very well. We will talk again next year.” He sighed. “I am Commander Vaelin Roy of the Cumulative’s armies and you will be the newest member to my Cohort.”

My face lied neutral, but my toes curled. I was shocked.

‘THE Commander Valein Roy!? He is a fucking LEGEND! A literal legend! There are books about him!’

I used to be completely and utterly enraptured with his exploits. I put him on a pedestal, like so many other boys, my entire adolescence. There was still a small part of my identity that was built towards him. A small part that still idolized him.

Before he could move on, I let some of the mask I wore fall away. I didn’t want to disappoint such a figure. Not just for some repercussion down the line, but for an innocent corner of my self that still thought I could look up to something other than solidarity.

Minor twitches and tells now visible to him, I asked, “What do you mean undeserved?”

He smiled slightly at me. “Better.” He leaned against the desk. “An exam to judge worth. An exam with questions not applicable in much life, as the key to knowledge? Ridiculous, don’t you think? Necessary? Not likely. Traditional? Yes. Archaic – yes. Your question tells me that you do not know of the workings of this institution. Let me tell you. Higher you score, more you may access. More resources. Don’t you think it something so undeserving? I know this, thus, I get more. You will keep climbing, others will stagnate. Something skewed.”

I did think it undeserving. Society was creating situations for those already powerful to become more powerful. And I wasn’t blind, I saw the parallels with my situation. More talent, more resources, the farther you traverse on the Road to Primordial Ascendance.

I had the talent, but my Meridians weren’t there to support it.

He straightened and sighed, “You understand, but it makes me curious why. Others give me excuses and reasons why it is there, but the fact remains it is unnecessary and unfair. Others, worse still, refuse to show enough earnestness for us to even discuss.” I grimaced slightly. I was acting all stoic too, just a minute ago. He moved on from the topic. “Let us continue. However much I may dislike the system, it is the system we work with.”

“I am Commander Vaelin Roy, the one you will report to. Here at the Inalisan Academy for Essence Formations, our structure is...different. Every student has a single Head. A senior will explain you all the nuanced functions we perform for you, but in simplicity, we act as your sponsors. Every month you will report to me. We will go over what you have done, and what you will need to complete. Autonomy will be earned. You will receive some 200 goldbacks from me, of a stipend annually. This may go towards finer lodgings, research, or higher-level classes. There is a quota of classes you are allowed access to, other must be purchased. This is not something to limit your progress, but a regulation. Quantity will interfere with quality.”

Commander Roy paused, looking at me to confirm I was following along.

‘Pretty simple – money and reputation. I cultivate those and I’ve got everything I’ll need. I came here to learn how to Enchant. I’ll need both if I want access to the highest level of it.’

I nodded at him to continue.

“Each of us Heads, have Cohorts. You will be the only first year in our Cohort. I have only selected one student from every year. Others will have different formats, more students, or something else. It is their prerogative. Cohorts are not segregated, you may mingle with others, but for team challenges, you will participate with and only with your Cohort. Most challenges are mandatory.” He stood up and walked around the desk. I started to get up too, thinking this was an abrupt end or something, but he motioned for me to stay sitting.

Folding his eyes, he looked down at me. “There is only one reason I’ve taken you in. Because of your final answer. You may be smart, and you may be powerful, but some questions only have one answer, ‘Fuck off!’ Backbone! Backbone is what I require if you are to be part of my Cohort. Lose that, lose your spine, you are worthless. You will be crushed underfoot. Even still, I do not see enough in you. Others have shown more than you, your saving grace – the rest of your paper and answers. There is some intelligence in you, others come across as bullheaded – a stubborn cheek, you do not. However, your entire final answer, disguised in pretty words. Ferocity! You must be ferocious! I’ll boot you out before you become meek.”

That rubbed me the wrong way. Fucking hell, me? Not enough spine? What the fuck is he talking about? I’ve stood tall for years, weathering insults. I’ve never strayed from my goal. Discouraged – yes. But giving up, crumpling?

I didn’t care if this was the Great Commander Roy. Like he said – some statements only have one answer.

I stood up, straightening my shoulders, I wouldn’t sit or bow. I faced adversity by turning my cheek and giving them their best shot. Because I’d repay it, 50 times over. I stood up in front of a man who’s destroyed Celestials in droves. I looked up and in his eye. “Fuck off.”

He smiled fiercely. “Good.” Commander Roy swept back behind his desk. “You will do well if you keep that fire.”

Scooping up his chalk from his desk, he kicked his heavy wooden chair back under his desk and strode back over to his calculations.

“Leave, we will see each other tomorrow over breakfast. Go back to Mr. Reppling. He will finish the rest of your registration.”

I piped up before leaving at a quick pace. “Mr. Redding.” Hey, he wanted boldness.

I heard Commander Roy chuckling right before I shut the door.

As soon as I got out, I fell against the door with a whoof, my breath leaving in a big exhale.

‘I’m in.’

//Next chapter fleshes out the Cultivation and where Rale stands on the Road to Primordial Ascendance.