Two weeks had passed since Aedan's initial meeting with Lin, and he had spent his time on the station wisely. The days were a blend of rigorous training sessions and absorbing lessons about the Enigma Engine. He had grown more adept at controlling and using his Enigma, his abilities sharpening with each passing day.
The station, was quite comfy and a lot more populated compared to Seph's interior, which to this day is the most impressive sight Aedan had ever seen. Within the station's vast halls and interconnected modules housed a diverse array of beings from different corners of the galaxy. He made acquaintances with several of the station's residents, including Jara, a sly yet amiable technician who always had a story to share, and Koro, a gruff but kind-hearted engineer who seemed to have a soft spot for Aedan's earnestness.
Aedan often found himself in the company of these new friends, sharing meals in the bustling dining halls or engaging in friendly competitions in the station's recreation areas. It was during these moments of camaraderie that he learned more about the galaxy beyond Esethia, each story and anecdote adding to his growing sense of wonder and excitement.
The training sessions with Lin were intense. Aedan's mornings often began with physical conditioning, followed by sessions trying to get used to the Enigma Engine which helped him record all of his different abilities. In the afternoons, he practiced combat techniques and learned to handle various weapons, including the EM pistols and the Sonic Dagger.
During one particularly grueling session, Aedan activated his Heartspark Armor, combining six sparks for maximum protection and power. Lin, however, seemed unfazed by his efforts, effortlessly countering his attacks and demonstrating a mastery that left him in awe.
"Your progress is commendable," Lin remarked, her tone as blunt as ever, "but you have much to learn. Power alone isn't enough. Control, precision, and strategy are equally important."
Aedan nodded, panting heavily. "I understand. I'll keep working on it."
Lin's eyes softened slightly. "Good. Now, show me your Heart auras again."
Aedan concentrated, summoning the familiar auras of Anger, Joy, and Fear. Lin observed him closely, her expression unreadable.
"These auras are tied to your emotions, correct?" she asked.
"Yes," Aedan replied. "The belt feeds on heightened emotions, both mine and those of others."
Lin seemed to contemplate this for a moment. "Keep that knowledge close. Your Enigma is powerful, but it's also dangerous. Use it wisely."
While Aedan was open about the basics of his Enigma, he kept certain aspects hidden. He didn't mention his ability to feed on all emotions or influence the feelings of others. It was a heavy responsibility, one he wasn't ready to fully disclose.
He had made an oath to himself never to abuse his power. The effects of his auras, though mild and hard to detect, were potent enough to alter someone's emotional state. Anger could incite rage, Fear could paralyze, and Joy could induce happiness. These abilities, he decided, were secrets he would guard closely.
Lin, recognizing the potential dangers of Aedan's abilities, had him promise to keep his Enigma a secret from everyone, even after they left the station. She encouraged him to focus on other methods of combat and self-defense. Under her guidance, Aedan became proficient with his EM pistols, which automatically recharged their ammunition, and the Sonic Dagger, whose blade could emit a potent sonic blast capable of shattering concrete walls.
The day of departure arrived, and Aedan stood in his room, donning a lightweight white and gold suit. With his white hair, eyes, and immaculate skin, he resembled a human angel. Rick, unable to resist teasing, called him just that, laughing heartily.
"Take care, Aedan," Rick said, his tone more serious. "Stay safe out there."
"I will. Thank you for everything," Aedan replied, hugging the older man briefly before joining Lin and the others.
The ship, sleek and efficient, was ready for departure. Alongside Aedan and Lin were several crew members and Lin's subordinates, familiar faces from the station. The journey to the Earthen Hall began smoothly, the ship cutting through the void of space with practiced ease.
Their destination was a neutral planet in the Alpha Centauri system. As they approached, Aedan gazed out the viewport, his eyes widening at the sight. The city spread across the entire planet's surface, a vast urban sprawl that dwarfed any city he had ever seen. Though the planet was only 1/100th the size of Esethia, the sheer scale of the metropolis was staggering.
"Welcome to Nexus City," Lin said, her voice tinged with pride. "This is where the Earthen Hall is based."
The ship glided gracefully through the bustling airspace of Nexus City, weaving between towering skyscrapers and bustling traffic lanes. The view from the viewport was breathtaking; Aedan marveled at the sheer scale of the city, which stretched as far as the eye could see. The city was a testament to the technological advancements and architectural prowess of the galaxy's civilizations.
As the ship approached a designated landing pad, Aedan felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The city was unlike anything he had ever seen on Esethia, a sprawling metropolis that promised both opportunity and danger.
Upon landing, Lin led the group through a series of checkpoints. Nexus City was heavily regulated, and all newcomers had to undergo a thorough screening process. Identification checks, biometric scans, and various security protocols were mandatory. Aedan presented his ID, which had been modified to reflect his new alias, Adam(Aedan) Heart which combined his given name by his true parents and the ones from Esethia with his Enigma. The process was lengthy, but eventually, they were cleared to enter the city proper.
Lin turned to Aedan as they walked through the final checkpoint. "Humans are considered a lowly race by many of the major forces here. Because of this, we can't own property outside the slums, known as Human District 4."
Aedan frowned. "So, humans are confined to a specific area?"
Lin nodded. "Yes, and the treatment we receive from other races can be harsh. But as long as you stay within the slums, you'll be mostly safe."
The group boarded a transport vehicle that took them deeper into the city. As they traveled, Lin explained more about the dynamics of Nexus City. "Humans who can endure the treatment of other races often choose to live in the slums. It's not ideal, but it's a community where we can support each other."
Aedan gazed out of the window, watching as the glimmering towers gave way to more dilapidated buildings. The contrast was stark; the slums were overcrowded and run-down, a far cry from the gleaming cityscape above. Despite this, there was a sense of resilience among the people here.
Reaching the walls separating the slums from the rest of the city, Lin led the group to a door hidden between two large buildings. Two tall figures in full armor stood guard. Upon seeing Lin, they nodded and opened the heavy metal door, revealing an elevator.
The elevator descended deep into the earth, opening into a vast underground facility. It was more like an underground city, its architecture reminiscent of the ancient temples on Esethia. The scale was impressive; the facility extended far beyond the area of the human district above.
Aedan turned to Lin, curiosity in his eyes. "This place is incredible. Who built it?"
Lin smiled. "This area was built in conjunction with the Bogar, a race known for their exceptional crafting and manufacturing skills. They're short and bulky, with skin as hard as metal, and they have fiery hearts passionate about their work."
As they walked through the underground city, Aedan noticed a significant number of humans, many with unique features from unions with other species. Some gave him strange looks, likely due to his pure white hair and eyes, which made him stand out and not quite human. However, his immaculate and almost angelic appearance captivated some of the girls, while the boys looked on with a mix of jealousy and awe. Despite this, Aedan maintained his composure.
After parting ways with Lin, Aedan joined other youths gathered for the recruitment process. The atmosphere was tense, with many sizing each other up. Despite the tension, Aedan managed to strike up a conversation with a young man with dark blue hair and webbed feet.
"Hi, I'm Aedan. You here for the recruitment too?" he asked.
The young man nodded. "Yes, my name is Golmer. My father's a human merchant here in the slums, and my mother is a Platyponius-Sapien."
Aedan smiled. "Nice to meet you, Golmer. I've never met anyone from your mother's race before."
Golmer chuckled. "We're not very common, but we're around."
Their conversation was cut short as a representative from the Earthen Hall stepped forward to address the recruits. The representative, a stern-looking man, outlined the recruitment process: three main tests to assess their physical and combat abilities, medical fitness, and intellectual capacity.
The first test was physical and combat-oriented. Aedan demonstrated his conditioning and stamina, his reflexes sharp and precise. He excelled in shooting and hand-to-hand combat, though his abilities with his Enigma remained concealed.
During the combat tests, tensions flared. One recruit, a burly young man, intentionally hurt Golmer. Anger surged through Aedan, and he pounced on the bully, but the staff quickly intervened, separating them.
The medical tests were thorough, ensuring all recruits were in good health. Finally, the written test assessed their knowledge, ambitions, and opinions on various topics. Aedan answered thoughtfully, showcasing his intelligence and strategic thinking.
When the results were announced, Aedan was pleased to find he had placed third, behind only a pair of sisters whose combat skills were astounding. He overheard whispers about them being Thunderbloods, a rare mutation that turned their bodies into beings of pure blood, giving them incredible combat abilities.
"So that's why Instructor Lin is so tough," Aedan mused, recalling how he had broken his wrist during a sparring session with her.
All accepted recruits were gathered in a room and offered contracts. The terms were clear: work hours, salary based on Ninth Heaven Bank credits, days off, benefits, and a significant bonus for those who ranked in the top ten. Aedan's eyes widened at the sight of the 1,000,000 Credits bonus for his third-place finish.
He scanned the digital document, and after receiving confirmation from Seph, he signed it with his alias, Adam(Aedan) Heart.
As Aedan left the room, contract in hand, he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and anticipation. He had proven himself worthy, but the real journey was just beginning. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but with the knowledge of the Twelve Enigmas and the support of the Earthen Hall, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.
For now, he would rest and gather his strength. Tomorrow, he would begin his training and preparation in earnest. There was much to learn and even more to discover, but Aedan knew that he was on the right path.