Another Rotation…
The room was pretty small and filled with an absurd amount of plants. There were too many to count but some did reach all the way to even the ceiling. The smell of it was a bit unfamiliar as an assortment of several plants were blooming. Though I knew that this was the place that I needed to be in. Making my move in, all I could notice were the plants. Hanging vegetation, fruit trees on the walls, and plants with strange flowers. All of this was some kind of strange greenhouse and the person in the middle of it was looking at his notebook. He was excitedly jotting down something until he finally noticed me by the door. I moved a bit of the leaves away from my face to take a better look at the person.
It was Juxo. The person that mercilessly beat me and some students up during physical training three. Almost like a trauma, all of the bruises that healed me over time started to remember that they existed. His aura felt non threatening but something kept looming over me that I knew I could never attack him. The sensation of feeling like a predator staring down at prey didn't not want to dissipate. He looked quite excited as he started to tie his shaggy brown hair into a ponytail. It was a bit strange for a subject to be here. I was here for physical training level four and I wanted it to be from him. This place doesn't even look like the place for fighting. The air quality of this place was quite soothing. It felt fresh like some of the simulator planets I've been on. I walked closer to Juxo to see that he prepared some stuff.
Juxo: Oh wow. You actually came! I didn't think any other student would be interested in this class. At least, the Platform could give me some extra credits now. One student! I can't believe it! I can't wait!
Arc: Uh… This is Physical training level four right?
Juxo: No… This is herbology 1. You came here because this is Herbology 1 right? Why would you want to fight in this kind of environment? It's dangerous for the plants.
Arc: Then I'm in the wrong class. Excuse me…
Juxo: WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! DON'T GO JUST YET!
Arc: What?
Juxo: Don't you want to learn some new things? Things that might save your life? Types of vegetation that can be used for an advantage or something?
Arc: That sounds good but I don't think this is it. I should be in physical training level 4. This plant stuff isn't going to help. It also looks a bit boring.
Juxo: Wait! Please! Just give it a chance! I haven't had a student for a while! All of them… Well… they kinda just died.
Arc: … That's not a good thing to say.
Juxo: Wait, wait, wait. Okay, I get that doesn't sound good on my resume but you have to believe me this stuff can save your life!
Arc: Still not convinced.
Juxo: Just wait a bit okay?
Arc: I'm leaving.
Juxo: WAIT! I know it's not at all convincing but they died for different reasons. They didn't because of the subject if that's what you're asking. They went to classes and they just didn't return. But that shouldn't be a bad reason to join this subject! Flora is an amazing part of life.
Arc: Give me a reason then. So far you haven't given me a good amount of reason to stay. This plant stuff isn't that big for it to be a prerequisite either after all.
Juxo: Well, I'm from the yellow class. Isn't that something you should already take notice of?
Arc: I guess…
Juxo: I wouldn't live with what I already know. So there's that.
Arc: How many rotations have you been on already?
Juxo: 21 rotations. As you can tell, I'm still alive aren't I? Most of those classes I went on, I've lived because of this stuff. It's important to study the terrain and flora of planets we come across. It's just important apart from the basics that we're taught here.
Arc: Okay, I think I'll join. But you have to do something for me in return. I want you to teach me how to fight.
Juxo: Kid, this isn't combat training. I'm sure what you've been taught there will do you wonders. Take a good look at the top kid. She's sort of a blonde menace isn't she?
Arc: You don't get it… I want to fight just like you. Your style isn't like any other in the academy.
Juxo: That's because I wasn't taught by the Academy. This is my style.
Arc: Juxo style?
Juxo: I guess you can put it that way. But teaching this style to a kid isn't helpful.
Arc: Please! I want to know. I want to be part of the yellow squad!
Juxo: A part of the suicide class?! Why would you do that!? Kids nowadays would rather be in the red or the vanta class. Nobody wants to go to the yellow class.
Arc: Because… I just want out… But I… Don't want to die a coward… I want to die in a blaze of glory and in style rather than someone forgettable.
I'm tired of it all, I couldn't even see the rest of my life unlike the others. However, all the people that stay confined up here are also useless. Citizens that do not have the potential or spark to join the Platform's army. All I could do was clench my fist and gripping the side of my pants. All the physical pain will pass me someday but this mental damage will never go away. I'll always remember unlike everyone. It hurts me that I want to die. I'd rather die than live every class, mission, simulation with people that will either die or forget me. The pain is too much… That's why… I want to be remembered for what I'll do for the Platform. I'll make sure they'll never forget about me! One way or another. I'll never have a family anyway… They'll suffer the same fate as me… I'll save everyone else...
Juxo: … Kids these days, always so reckless. If you're going to join with my recommendation to get into yellow then I'm making you sign up for five levels!
Arc: Five levels! That's going to take forever!
Juxo: You want these yellow sleeves don't you kid? Then I'm going to make sure you're going to live. I'll change you into the first student of the Juxo style. But of course, I don't want a student of mine to die because of a dumb mistake like eating a Loka seed or Omen shrooms.
Present time…
It seemed like I had finally come face to face with an actual local of Plaux. I couldn't take a good look at her because I was watching from the ground. She looked at me with confused eyes but she clearly knew what a human was or at least a magic born looked like. My back was aching from the fall despite softening the landing as best I could. The ground mixed with the dirt was still too tough for me. I should've softened the ground instead of an air mine. Rookie mistakes. My legs started to stand up on their own while trying to assess the situation quickly. As I stood up, the girl did the same to me. She was almost the same height as me and she had a strange look to her. Her hair was short just like Nex except it was kept in a ponytail fashion. It was also pink! A strange hue that I've never seen on a humanoid looking local before. She also had old bronze circular goggles resting on her forehead. She was also wearing some kind of strange garb that had several colored patches. Was she poor? Or was this the outfit that the people of this city wear? However, she also seemed to have a good looking pair of combat shorts and modified boots. They were basically roller blades. However, one noticeable feature about her was those eyes of hers. Strange…
Arc: You look familiar. Have we met before, local?
Girl: My, I didn't think that I'd run into another Adamian. It must be bad luck for me! I hope my family doesn't hate me for bringing bad luck to the house!
Arc: What are you even talking about? How is it bad luck for you guys?
Girl: My dad says your species is dangerous. All that strange stuff you do with your bodies. Yucky stuff you know.
Arc: We're not that dangerous. Or at least not hostile to other species.
Girl: You use magic though! Magic is bad! Isn't it?
Arc: You have no clue what magic does, do you? It's not just made for war or fighting y'know.
Girl: That's not what my father told me.
Arc: Do you believe everything your father tells you?
Girl: Why wouldn't I?
Arc: You're hopeless then. Anyways, nice talking to you. I have to go now. I need to find my way back.
Girl: Back where? To the sky?
Arc: No, to my friends. One of them sent me here but I'm not sure why. Maybe she sent me here to save me from something but I just don't know what.
Girl: You're strange! Show me magic! I want to see what it's like up close!
Arc: Hey, didn't you just say magic was bad luck for your people. You wouldn't want bad luck for the rest of your life.
Girl: It is! But I want to see it for myself! You did say that it wasn't just for war hehehe.
Arc: Fine…
Girl: YAY!
Arc: Be quiet! I don't want the whole city to hear you.
Girl: Sorry hahahaha. My name is Olley! I got my name from my fascination with wheels. I like how they spin or move.
Arc: You get names from what interests you?
Olley: Of course! It's only fair for something that important to be something that you love. It's also only fair for something so important to be decided by you! Now! What's your name?
Arc: 24th Arc. Human or Adamian at your service. The Platform's finest.
Olley: 24? Like the number? Do you like numbers?
Arc: No, that's the designation that we have. Or at least that's what you call Adamians. We don't have a say in our names. It's simpler that way.
Olley: Sounds boring. Imagine getting a number like 100. You must be pretty weirded out by the amount of people that have the same name.
Arc: That's why we have numbers, so that we don't get confused with our other names. Only my classmates call me Arc. Though I guess you can too. It's not like you know others of the same series.
Olley: I like that! You're now unique! Just like me!
Arc: Unique?
Olley: Yep! Unique! Unlike other females in my district, I'm unique!
Arc: How do you even call yourself unique?
Olley: Because I have an Adamian friend! Also I have some other cool stuff and secrets. I'm just better, you know.
Arc: Wait a minute, I've never said I was going to be your friend.
Olley: What?! I thought you were going to show me your magic!
Arc: I will but that doesn't mean we're friends! I have far more important things to do besides be your buddy. Besides, you're just a local. We don't trust any of those, especially ones from an unregistered civilization.
Olley: But what if I help you! I know the places around Hyer.
Arc: Didn't you hear me? I'm sure I can make my way around this place. It's not so big from the top.
Olley: You'll be surprised what happens here y'know. Those crazy loons up in the center are coming up with these insane mechatrons.
Arc: Interesting… But sorry, I have to leave.
Olley: You're a bit of a cold one aren't you?
I modded my boots to a jump amplifier, then started to run. A good vantage point would be really nice to have. Having the layout of the entire place will give me an easier time to decide what to do next. As I ran around, I could see that this village was quite small. There were some locals getting ready to stay inside their homes. It was starting to get dark after all. However, there was a giant tree in the center of the village. It looked like it was one of it's watchtowers. Resting on top of the tower, a giant decorated horn with paint. The tower is held by old fashioned construction on top of a tree. It also looked quite old, something they should work on when they should upgrade things.
Everyone was already starting to light up the torches as the sun started to set. This would mark the first full day of Plaux. This planet was quite huge to have two suns and still have a night cycle. The area was starting to feel depressing to me because of how stuck this place was in the past. They still didn't have electricity for proper lights. Upon getting closer to the watchtower tree, I looked to my side to see Olley keeping up. She smiled as she gave me a peace sign, then ran even faster. That was quite strange. Did she have any modifications to be running this fast? I started to increase my speed. As the tower got closer, I jumped with the momentum I've built to reach the top of the tower. There was no way she could get up here.
Olley: Hello!
Arc: Gah! Where the hell did you come from?!
Olley: I jumped like you! You were really fast! Nobody could keep up with me that fast! You must like running too!
Arc: Why are you following me? I'm in the middle of things right now!
Olley: You haven't shown me magic. You said you would.
Arc: Didn't you just see how fast I went? Or how high I jumped? That wasn't normal!
Olley: That's it? That's all you could do? Can't you do cooler things? Like I don't know, blow up an entire planet or something? That's what my dad said some could do.
Arc: What?! No! Of course not! I can do other things! I don't show everything to someone I just met, especially not a local!
This female started to piss me off, she's busy going on her own. Doesn't she understand that this has nothing to do with her. In fact, her people could be in incredible danger yet she's still talking about something that I'm not listening to. Why is she so persistent about following me! Her outfit suggests that all she does is do her own thing without a regard to everyone around her. Some adventuring types, a loose cannon of sorts. Someone with no real aspirations and lives in the moment. I wished I could be more like this but I have a duty to the Platform. Her voice sounds way too fluffy for my taste too. She sounds nothing like Terra or Nitra, she has a far more bubbly aura that annoys me. I couldn't even focus on the area because of her!
Olley: What?! But I've already decided for us to be friends! I was going to show you to my family! I can just imagine their faces when they see you. They'll be like "oh my gosh"! It's going to be hilarious!
Arc: Don't treat me like some kind of exotic creature. I'm not some strange thing. I have a name and things to do.
Olley: Well you kinda are. Just saying you know…
Arc: No, I'm not going to do any of that. I'm busy!
Olley: Busy doing what?
Arc: I have to get back to my classmates! I'm worried about them. They just sent me here but I just know I have to get back. Why am I even telling you this!
Olley: Maybe the scientist can help you! He looks quite like an Adamian yet he isn't. Maybe he knows how to find your friends
Arc: The scientist?
Olley: He's been here for some time. Everyone knows him as the guy that changed the city. Everything used to be ugly from what I've heard. What was his name again? Yes! His name is -
Arc: Peter?
Olley: Gosh! He must be quite famous for an Adamian to know him.
Arc: Seems like this is the reason why I was sent here. He probably has a teleporter to Talos, how else would Terra get back to that location. If only Nex was here, I'd be able to get back easily.
Olley: Who are you talking to?
Arc: Nothing! I was just speaking my mind. What the heck are you still doing here? Go back to your life or something. Isn't it time for you to get home? It's already dark.
Olley: I don't need sleep.
Arc: No way, a growing one like you needs to rest.
Olley: Not really, I'm quite mature already. I mean my chest hasn't really developed yet but -
Arc: Stop talking already!
Olley: Oh my~ Are you shy or something? Just because a girl talks about these kinds of things doesn't mean it's pervy or anything. Though I guess some guys can be quite shy hehehe.
Arc: No, I just don't care. Please just stop talking, I need to think. I need to analyze my next move and you're being… unhelpful. So please, stop talking.
Olley pouted as I took a big look over to the city, it seemed like I couldn't understand much of this place. There were large walls stopping me from getting a better view of the other side. The material didn't look quite strong like concrete. However, I could see some guards patrolling. These guards didn't seem to have the same garments as the other locals on this side of the wall. I kneeled down on one leg then started to fix my contacts. The light was starting to fade away and I needed to see through the dark. I could barely see anything on the other side of the wall. However, I noticed that there were some lights.
This district didn't have any lights? There was another thing that I found strange. The district adjacent to this side of the wall also didn't have lights. Instead, it looked like fields. Looking at these, I had no clue where to go. Where was the capital? After a while, I felt a finger pestering the side of my cheek. Seemed like Olley still hadn't left and incessantly touched my face to get a reaction from me. The districts didn't seem to have power but far ahead there was. However, before I could figure things out further, out of frustration, I grabbed the finger with a tight grip. It made Olley wriggle around in pain as she tried to set herself free by punching my hand.
Olley: Hey… Hey… Hey.. H- OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! Let go! That hurts! I was just trying to get your attention!
Arc: I'll only let go if you promise to not annoy me or disturb me while I'm thinking.
Olley: Fine! Mr. Grouchy pants. I was just trying to tell you that it's time for dinner.
Arc: I don't eat dinner.
Olley: Adamians don't eat!? That's amazing! How do you guys do it? Magic? I mean it has to be right. What kind of way can I live without eating? Can you produce magical foods out of thin air? Or perhaps you can- OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! STOP! STOP! STOP! I GET IT! GET IT! PLEASE LET GOOO!
I released my grip on her two fingers then she dropped on the ground. Are the locals really like this? Are they that annoying? Why do she keep following me and asking dumb questions? Damn it, now I'm asking too many questions. Finding the capital area should be my first priority because then I can regroup with my friends if I find a teleporter. Maybe I can also found out what I can from the people around this Peter guy. Eliza might want to know what he's been up to. My watch didn't seem to be working anymore either, I must be too far away from Nex or Nitra to see their tracking location. As I looked on some more to see anything strange on my watch, pink hair suddenly came into vision. Some of it even touched my nose which made it itchy! I grabbed the girl's head with a crushing grip. But wait, I should be able to use Eliza's communicator! I pressed the button to my ear to hear a bit of a frequency.
I kept tapping it over and over until suddenly something finally came through. A voice came from the other side of the communicator bud. It was Eliza! The signal was a bit scruffy but could hear some of the things going around in the room.
Arc: Eliza, come in! Do you read me?
Eliza: I can just barely get by but I can hear you loud and clear. Finally, I thought you forgot to reestablish the connection. The communicator is still locking onto your location. Seems like you've jolted quite the distance too.
Olley: Hey, are you okay, Arc? You're talking to nothing you know.
Arc: Shut it! Don't you know what a communicator is?
Olley: Nope… Should I be aware that it does exist?
Arc: Be quiet for a bit please. I need to talk to the other person in my ear.
Olley: Okay?
Eliza: Did you make a new friend there? Is it another human?
Arc: No, she's a local. Though I don't think you'll be able to understand what she's saying. I'm not around to be able to give you the auto translator.
Eliza: That is true. Though, I'm mostly glad that you all haven't died.
Arc: I can't say for the rest.
Eliza: Oh my… Did they…
Arc: No, we were split up for reasons that I cannot express. It's confidential. However, that's not the important bit. I'm in that civilization that we've basically talked about. Not sure if this was purely coincidental but…
Eliza: That son of a bitch is there isn't he.
Arc: Yes, I'm looking to confront him.
Eliza: Arc, as much as I want to deep fry him, I don't think going alone is your best option. You're usually part of a team. I think it's best that you just find your way out of there and regroup with the rest.
Arc: I don't even know where to start. Nitra sent me in directions for hours. I'm basically a quarter planet's trip away from them. I need to find the teleporter here.
Eliza: What makes you think there's a teleporter there?
Arc: Peter had to find a way to Talos and so did Terra. They have a teleporter here. There's not a shred of a doubt that they have one.
Eliza: I have my comments about this plan but you're the one on the field and I'm not your CO. What's the play?
Arc: I've said it before. I'll find Peter and take his teleporter back to Talos then find the rest. That's our prime directive for now.
Eliza: Understood. If you ever need some advice or help, feel free to log in through the communicator.
I tapped the earpiece one more time then took a breather. Almost if a ton of weights had lifted from my shoulders. It was nice finally listening to a calming voice. Though this technology is peculiar as it still needs a signal range. This is nothing like mind magic, in other words, an imitation of one. Before I could do anything else, I turned to see a smug girl's face looming over me.
Olley: Who's got you smiling like thaAAAHHH! THIS HURTS MORE! PLEASE STOP!
Arc: None of your damn business. Why are you still talking? More importantly, why are you still here?! It's almost like you want to get hurt? Is that right? You must be some kind of masochist to want to get crushed.
Olley: AAAHHH! I'M NOT A MASOCHIST! PLEASE THIS REALLY HURTS! I'M GOING TO DIE!
Arc: No, you're not going to die. Don't be dramatic.
Olley: I WILL IF YOU DON'T LET GO! AAAHH!
Arc: Geez, what a baby. If you can't even withstand that kind of force, imagine what other planetary gravities will do to you.
Olley: OOOHHH! You've been to other planets too? Can I come? I'd love to see other planets. There's this one planet I've really liked hearing about! It was ….
I jumped off the wooden platform to head to find another safe place to scout the walls. This wasn't a good enough place to understand the lay of the terrain. Maybe if I get on top of one of the walls I could find a better place. There was no way that girl was just going to stop talking. As I reached down to the ground, she was already there! It was as if she teleported! She also didn't skip a beat talking!
Olley: As I was saying before we jumped down. There's this one planet too that said that it had huge creatures. Bigger than any Moliaths here in Plaux! And I have to say that Moliaths are wicked huge! I once rode on top of one and it didn't even notice me! Imagine being so huge that you don't even notice small creatures like - AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
This has gone off long enough. I can't let anything get in my way anymore. I need to finish this class's mission directive! Everything needs to be perfect or I'll lose everything. Nitra, Nex, and Eliza are waiting for me to finish this mission. The air is already telling me that the temperature is dropping. However, it didn't seem as though this might be a big hindrance, just something to take note of. But before I can do my tasks, I need to let go of this girl's head that I'm currently trying to crush with my right hand. I must've instinctively tried to defend myself.
Arc: You're starting to get on my nerves, Olley! Don't you have friends and family to go back to! It's already nightfall. I need to get moving. I might get into some big trouble. A local like you doesn't need to be involved.
Olley: OUCHIES! How many times are you going to keep doing that to my head? That's where all my thinking comes from.
Arc: I'll stop, when you stop talking. Can't you tell that I'm busy? I don't need any distractions right now. I'm Adamian! Don't you think that should be a signal that I'm not safe to be around with.
Olley: I'll decide on that one bucko! There were so many times when people said it was dangerous. OH! Just like that one time I said I was riding on top of a Moliath! People said I was going to die but - AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Arc: What the hell is even a Moliath! Could just shut up for a while! I'm having a really bad fucking day. Now I wish I'd gone deaf because of Terra.
Olley: But it's cool! Well at least seeing a "Moliath" is cool. You just haven't seen one yet.
Arc: No, it's not. So please. Keep quiet.
Olley: Okey dokey!
She gave me a big smile and salute as I let go of my grip on her head. She held her head to soothe the pain then she still smiled at me. Who was this girl? Why is she so interested in Adamians? I got back to my senses to continue on. Cleaning out my uniform for a bit, I stepped on the dirt hard to get the feel of the ground. This area certainly feels like a civilization that hasn't dabbled in atomic yet. It's locals aren't making it convincing either. If it weren't for Eliza's voice I might have flipped off.
The streets were now pretty empty as the night continued to roll through the darkness. These roads were still using rough stone tiles too. What is up with this place? It can't be that primitive. At least no one could ask me some weird questions. These houses were huts, most of them still made out of improperly cut lumber. Some even had straw rooftops. Strange how this place is some kind of trip simulator to the past. Getting closer to the enormous wall, someone was still next to me. Olley just continued smiling while walking with me. What a strange citizen. I'd personally never follow some random stranger especially if the person was Adamian or human. Yet, her ever changing eyes were still something to look at.
Olley: You were looking at my eyes weren't you hehehe?
Arc: Was not.
Olley: It's okay to look at them. I personally like it when I give people some eye contact. It sometimes feels like… nevermind. I feel like my head is in danger again.
Arc: You learn quickly.
Olley: Geez, why are you so cold! We just met!
Arc: It's better that you don't mess or stay with an Adamian. It's in our rules not to interact with the locals after all.
Olley: I don't mind…
Arc: Why don't you just be perfectly honest. Why are you following me?
Olley: I want to see magic!
Arc: Is that really it?
Olley: Well the second reason is a bit embarrassing hehehe.
Arc: You are a strange one.
Olley: Well it's because it's just a personal thing. I think you look pretty hot to me at least. Imagine seeing a hottie falling from the sky. Wouldn't you want to follow them?
Arc: No, it sounds pretty dangerous. You should stop doing that, especially with me. I don't care if you find me hot. My temperature is quite fine anway.
Olley: What? Hahahahaha. You're funny too?
Arc: No… If you check my temperature, my body heat should be average. Though I wouldn't know what an average core temperature on this planet would be. But for humans, I'm quite average. Strange that you follow heated things.
Olley: Wait a minute, you're serious. That's not what I meant, Arc.
Arc: What do you mean? Or is that something only a local knows about.
Olley: No, when I mean hot. I mean you're quite attractive to me.
Arc: I don't have any magnetized magic if that's the case.
Olley: Are you just dense?! I'm handing myself like a silver platter here!
Arc: Geez, all of these local talks. I don't understand any of it. Though I'm not really interested in it either. Whatever it is, you should reconsider it.
Olley: This is actually a first for me. I've never met someone so weird! It makes this boring place a bit more exciting!
Arc: I'm not exactly interested in why you're bored.
Olley: That's not what I meant! Dummy!
Arc: Why am I the one being called a dummy? You're the one who's following people because of their temperatures. Though forgive me if that's just a cultural thing. I don't mean to be rude, I'm just quite confused.
Olley: Wait, stop here! I want to bring you to my parents. They won't believe me if I said that I meant an Adamian.
Arc: Didn't you say that my people bring bad luck?
Olley: A lot of my people say some weird things! But come with me anyway! We'll have dinner. Just spare some time please!
She already held my hand trying to pull towards a direction. What kind of girl is this? It must be because of her upbringing. Some people might have different people raising them. Though I wouldn't know because I don't remember a thing about my parents. Seeing her aggressively pulling on my arm while I stand still makes me feel a bit curious. What kind of upbringing did this girl have to feel so natural with strangers? Would her parents even be scared of me? I'm not quite sure. I can't ignore my directives. Not when everything is on a needles edge. All I've been thinking about lately is about Terra, killing, and increasing my power. Thinking of what the Platform wants of me, Eliza home planet, and if Nex was alright. I could feel myself slipping away into a monster. Someone other than myself. These thoughts are what's killing me slowly. If it weren't for my classmates, I don't know what I would've become. Perhaps somebody utterly cold and unfeeling. A proper soldier for the Platform… That's why I shouldn't be wasting time…
Arc: I'm sorry. I just can't keep my friends from waiting too long.
Olley: Please…
???: Please…
Arc: Ouch! My head... That stung… Who was that!?
Olley: Did something happen!? I'm sorry I couldn't see anything. See! You must be tired! Come with me for now!
Arc: Errr...Fine! But only for a while…
??? & Olley: Thank you!
Arc: I'm really starting to lose it huh...