"Since Nora's death, there have been four humans selected by the elites and the general public as gods. Two have already died due to old age, one is retired, and the final one has been serving as our current God. Compared to the other three, our current God didn't come from the elites. He was rumored to be selected for his ability to hear and see everything in the world. This gives him power over the eight elite groups."
Ven explained. "If I'll rank them according to influence and accomplishment, Nebula is the most powerful group in the elite. It's lead by Orion's Clan. Rumors says that he uses life-threatening sets of training just to produce the best assassins and soldiers. Only 12 from their thousands of trainees worldwide are official members. You can challenge any owner of the official seat, but unless you're another monster, it's impossible to infiltrate."
"Usually, each elite group is required to work with police departments and guilds but since all of the members of Nebula are a walking disaster, they only worked on special cases just like the raid performed on Bia island."
I gulped. So that is the name of the group that killed my people? I clenched my teeth.
It has only been one year since I arrived in the Avhelle, the southern capital of New Earth. Everything is new to me. The technology, the floating structures, the sea train, the teleportation portals, I can make a thousand lists but none of them looks pleasurable.
This place is very different and strange compared to where I came from. The air is different. The buildings are very tall and low. You'll rarely find free animals. If I describe it to their terms, I can say that everything looks artificial? Although there are traces of nature from here and there, they look so foreign as though they're something that can only exist in dreams.
The old me would be thrilled to see all of these if only I didn't pay a hefty price in exchange for my freedom.
Is this what I bargain my tribe for?
"The second strongest group is Asteria. Asteria has 850 members worldwide and has 1,779 police stations under its care. It doesn't discriminate compared to Nebula. It accepts various kinds of people as long as they have talents in the field or administrative works. It's lead by Rei. Because of the difference in beliefs, Asteria and Nebula aren't in a good relationship."
The third strongest group is the Public. Most members of the public are righteous. However, since they came from noble families, they lack sympathy for the poor. They're knowledge and judgment are by the book. In short, their sense of justice is flawed just like their brain.
If the Public is full of rich righteous, Flamingo is the opposite. They're rich yet problematic. Since they're supported by the retired god, the current God and the other elites have nothing to say about their bad behavior.
There are still other groups but one you should be wary about is the Prosecutor. Prosecutor is only composed of two members, one if the daughter of the chief of Nebula. She's labeled a national treasure for her ability to see auras. If the conditions are met, she can tell if you're curse or not even if you don't know it yourself. Well due to the rareness of her power and the threat she might receive from the terrorists and loved ones of the persecuted cursed, she rarely shows herself on the public. This doesn' mean that you have to lower your guard, though. After all, she's the daughter of the most feared person on Earth before god.
I nod. I'm glad that Ven and Lee are patient enough to teach me about modern Earth. I'm currently staying in their office called Axum. Rather than an office, it's their home. It's quite big. It has three bedrooms, one working station, a kitchen, and one big living room.
Due to my trauma, I have a hard time trusting them before. I always thought that they're just waiting for the best time to sell me to the authority. I was wrong. They're just idiots, kind idiots to be specific. They give me time to think about my situations. They provided me different kinds of books which they have collected from various clients during their odd jobs.
I can still remember my first stay here in Avhelle. The entire world is celebrating. It's all over the news. They're holding a week festival for Nebula who had successfully killed my people. I buried the suspects smiling faces shown on the TV on my mind, as they received rewards and interviewed from different media outlets.
Reporters praise their excellent performance as they replay videos of the raid. I saw my island engulfed in fire. I can hear the children's cries. Although the face of the final victims is blurred, I can fully recognize her dress. I'm certain. It was Raquel. She was mercilessly thrown in the burning ground by one of the Nebula's members.
I breakdown. I even tried to storm to the station once but luckily, Ven and the president stop me.
"Idiot, we didn't pick you up just so you'll put us in danger. You know that you're powerless right now. You don't have any power much alone knowledge!" I still remember that time when the president pinned me on the ground while Ven stumped my head with his foot.
"We already talk about his right? Don't be so childish."
"I-I thought I could stay quiet for a while, but how could I when these evil elites or whatever are celebrating my family's death?!" Again, I found myself in great despair. I could only cry. I could only scream. Unfortunately, none of these won't even bring back time.
"One year. We'll let you do whatever you want after one year, as long as you'll help us read from time to time. Before that, you need to learn more about our ways. You can't just go to the battlefield without knowing your enemies' weaknesses."
Those stern yet kind words from Lee had led me here. I'm very thankful for that day. Since then, I've started calling him president to show my respect.
"Now that you know how the governing system of Avhelle works, let me tell you about the different types of powers." Ven continued.
From what I heard from the book of Zilla, all of the abilities that people have today were derived from the first generation's wishes. Despite the differences, they can still be categorized into two types, the Blessing and the Curse. The blessed people are classified into 8 types, according to their god given gifts. They are the environmentalist, thinkers, warriors, artists, specials, healers, and spies.
The environmentalist is capable of manipulating nature. They can manipulate the rain, lighting, plants, or water. They're very in demand, especially in countering global warming, in resolving food shortages, and doing other public works. Thinkers are capable of making deductions, strategies, and other intricate jobs involving the use of the brain. The warrior is blessed with power good for attacking or defending.
People that extraordinarily excel in arts, music, and literature are called artists. Specials have a very rare blessing worthy enough to be called as national treasure. People that have healing ability, whether it has something to do with faith or Science are called healers. Spies are highly valued too. They can be as powerful as specials but since they're not as rare, they're labeled as a spy. They can read minds, do telepathy, and have abilities suitable for infiltration.
"I notice that the classification of the blessing is so vague. A person with an environmentalist blessing can be good at attacking too right like what we saw from Nebula? One of their members has a lighting ability but it's definitely a power created for attacking."
Ven looked at me grinning.
"That is because these are just labels created by the first-generation. It hasn't been updated until now. To ensure that you really fit the category, you can hire certain people that work on the elite to verify your blessing type. This is very helpful, especially if you're applying on related field, entering a prestigious school, or getting into an organization. Of course, your type matters since it serves an identification of your power, however, this isn't the only thing the public looks at during the assessment. They'll also check the degree of blessing you have. For example, you might be an F class environmentalist or an SSS class spy. Unless you belong in the special category, you have to be classed by the officials. If you're wondering what those classes are, they are F, E, D, C, B, D, A, S, SS, and SSS, SSS is the most powerful."
"I would like to add that even if those powers are born from the first-generation's wishes, it doesn't mean that it'll give the holder's happiness. After all, those wishes aren't theirs." Ven continued.
"Since special blessings are very rare, what would happen if they discover a group of people who have it?" I asked out of curiosity.
"We don't know. It never happened before, but depending on the situation, I think they'll start putting classes on special blessings too or they'll demote the holder to another category."
Since this doesn't concern you, let's move on to another category which is the curse. Curses are powers created only to harm. The cursed are classified into two types. They're Grim Reaper and the Beast. If you're a grim reaper, you can instantly kill someone or wipe out a whole city with your ability. The only difference they have with the beast is that the grim reaper curse can be controlled by its holder. That's the main reason why some of them are still alive, reserves for the war."
"This is just common knowledge, though. Since we can't read, we just shared whatever information we have remembered from our clients."
"Ah, two more things, don't expect that all outsiders have powers. Only 40% of the population has them. According to theory, this might be because their ancestors wish for the foolish stuff when the miracle to grant prayers occurred. Some may only be praying to find coins under a vending machine."
"Since power can be passed down through genetics, there are instances that some people have two or more types of blessings. It's also possible that they won't have it. Think of it like cancer. Some people in the family have this disease while others don't."
"I'm happy that you're studying well." The president was sitting just across the table. He was sipping his tea. In fact, for the fast few days, I never saw him leave that seat beside sleeping or taking a bath. Despite Ven's nagging about the growing bills, he refuses to work and just stay at home. Well, it's not the first time.
"By the way, what category your blessing belongs, Ven?"
"I-I don't really belong to any category." Ven firmly replied which puzzled me. Is that even possible? He looks like he doesn't want to reveal it.
"As of me, it's a secret." I'm surprised. I thought the president doesn't have any power. He never let it shows even once.
It would be great if they can tell me more but that would just be presumptuous of me. They helped me enough. They give me food and shelter. It's not like they promised to help me reach my goal. Considering their survival instinct, they'll rather play dumb if I got caught by the authority. This might be the reason why they don't want to reveal their blessings.
"I have another question, have you heard a man named Tim Green. He plays a great part in the success of the raid but he was never shown on the TV or any news." Just remembering his face makes me mad.
"If he's an insider, then, his status must be classified."
That would make sense.
"He's ability is scary. He can control the time." I'm shaking again when I remember the weird sensation of unable to move fast fast.
Their eyes widen.
"Eek, that's absolutely scary! No wonder the state will be hiding him. It's game over if anyone meets him. He's ability must be a special blessing!"
My hands are shaking. Tim Green isn't even the final boss. Can I truly defeat them? Can I do this? I have to do this.
I must have unconsciously stared too much on the transparent table for I grab the president's attention.
"Isn't she lovely?"
Puzzled, I asked.
"Who?"
My table. Her name is Akuji. You'll never find someone like him in this world." The president grinned.
"Something, not someone." Ven corrected. "Don't mind him. Akuji is crafted by his late sister, that's why it has sentimental value."
"What's wrong with that?!" The president snarled. Although Ven respected the president, they often bicker. I'm used to it now.
As I fixated my gazed on the table, I saw some lines crafted on the left sides. I wonder what those lines work for? Are they just there as designs?
"You said that the elites worked with guilds. How many guilds are there in this city?" I asked Ven.
"Yup, they work with guilds to gather information and get immediate help, especially on cases that can't be handled by the police. This isn't surprising, since many police handle regular community conflicts and other recognized elite members are working in other countries. If I remember correctly, I recognize 10 buildings in the city that have popular guild symbols. This is a very big city so there should be more. Are you hoping to join one?"
"I do while working party in Axum. I think it's the fastest way to interact with the elites and destroy the current god."
" Pfft. Did you hear what he said Lee? Destroy the current god?" Ven gave me a judgmental look. Truly, even I agree it's absurd.
"If someone with blessing like me is swimming in debt, how could you do that? Pff." He teased.
That is a fact.
"Listen kid, you don't know if you have a blessing or curse yet. Even if you're lucky enough to be blessed by the power, entering a guild is like a suicide mission. It's only composed of small fries. Why enroll in a guild if the powerful ones can directly apply for the elite group? There are only three reasons why people work for guilds. They're in for an apprenticeship, they wanted easy money, or they're desperate. Either way, all of them are just sacrificial lambs."
That makes sense.
"They have high high-turnover rate not because of resignation but because of death. Unlike the police that is in charge of apprehending normal people, guilds take part in dangerous missions. They're elite wannabes that are run by a profit-based organization." He smirked.
"Thanks for the long-speech but you won't change my mind. I'll find a way to get there somehow." I firmly replied.
Ven eyed the president, as though he's begging him to do something about my stubbornness. I know the reason why. After staying here for three months, I have been very useful to them. I learned that they're creditor has been taking advantage of them since they can't read the contract. Since I can navigate outsiders' basic technologies like computers, they never have a problem watching their favorite shows online, marketing their odd jobs, and getting good deals online.
"I told you, I'll still be working here as a part-time." I reassured them.
"President!" Ven protested while giving me a disgusted look. His eyes are saying that we raise you and you should be grateful you traitor.
"But I don't think that there's a need for you to leave. After all, Axum is already a guild."
We both turn into stones. Silence fills the room.
"HUH?" Ven and I both uttered in unison. Can't believe what he had heard, Ven elbowed me.
"I must be hearing things nowadays. Can you repeat what he said?"
"He said that Axum is already a guild." I repeated.
"He's delusional. Every guild pays a tax. We never pay tax. This is also my first time hearing it!"
"Ah, right, I never told you Ven. We're actually are a guild, a gold licensed one to be précised. That's why we're tax-exempt. Ah ha ha ha ha."
The president smiled awkwardly but obviously, Ven isn't amused. He went to his seat, took a deep breath, before choking the president beside him.
"Stop. Stop. I'll explain ok. I'll exksss—explain!"
"Do you think it's time for a joke?"
After Ven let go of his neck, President gasps for air. While massaging his neck with his hands, he explained the situation.
"It's true Axum is a guild. That's why we're allowed to run an odd job without getting questioned by the law unless of course, it's illegal. When I was young, something big happened that allows me to have a gold guild license. There are only three holders in the world so I have a lot of privileges. One of those is owning this beautiful unit. Well, that was a long time ago. I never recruited any members since it's a pain in the ass. I wanted to work on the time I want so I use the licensed for running an odd job company, Hahahahaha. "
After hearing his explanation, Ven still choked him.
"If you said it on the very day you employed me, maybe we won't be swimming in debts! We'll be able to contribute to the betterment of the world by employing dedicated bless holders who are willing to become the heroes of our generation."
Look at this man. A while ago, he's just calling guild members as sacrificial lambs.
"We couldn't both read so what's the point? We'll be scammed by our members either way" Silence filled the room. The president might be talking about his experience.