It has been 4 days since I obtained my vessel and things have mostly returned to normal.
School has been more diverse lately with most of the class now having their own vessels, leaving more time for other activities. That time is currently use for common sense classes.
"There's a ranking system universally used by most people. This system helps distributing the needed tasks for the right person.
For example, after you all have your vessels and can control Karma properly without help you'll be officially recognized as a Rank 10." [Lucien]
"Excuse me. I still don't get how they rank each person. Do we have to take tests and be judged by examiner?" [Harold]
"Right. The ranking system doesn't actually depend on anyone but yourself.
The moment you create your vessel is the moment your growth start. After growing for a certain time your vessel will hit a wall. This is considered the ranking test.
You can break through this wall either by slowly accumulating Karma and powering up your vessels or use special artifacts, medicine or higher beings to help you directly break through.
As for why this happen no one is sure yet, research on the subject yielded little results. Anything else?" [Lucien]
"No teacher." [Harold]
"Alright. That's it for class everyone, hope you have a good day and I'll see you tomorrow." [Lucien]
Sounds of chairs and table filled the classroom. While leaving I bumped into a few people in the hallway. From their looks they seemed to be teens? They also look pissed too.
Suddenly a gust of wind blew me back onto a wall.
This is... Karma control?
Harold and Shina were also pushed back leaving Jester standing in front of those teens.
Wait I remember them! They were those teens from earlier in the gate!
"Ugh... what the heck?" [Harold]
"Harold you ok?" [Shina]
"Make sure they don't call anyone and shut their mouth." [Teen 1]
I could feel the Karma sliding up to my mouth, sticking it shut. I couldn't move and I couldn't speak and it seems like the other are in similar situation.
Dammit, where's other people? It's in the school hallway!
"Heh. Remember us? You thought you were so tough back there weren't you.
Listen here, you got here by accidents but we were meant to be here! And the differences between us is my connection.
You should have left while you can dumb kid!" [Teen 1]
"That's right. Here's an officially recognized Rank 8. You won't be able to do anything." [Teen 2]
The man in front of them scoff as if looking at something dumb. Still he close his palm and threw a punch at Jester.
Strangely enough, Jester had a big smile on his face.
His hand moved only an inch before an explosion happened on the man face.
Jester moved again but was stopped by a young man in black. The man has cold eyes and an emotionless face.
"Who are you. This level of strength is not that of a Rank 10 nor Rank 9." [?]
"I am a rank 10. You can check it with the officials." [Jester]
"No need, I'll check it right now." [?]
The man took out a glass to check and was briefly surprised.
"What's that mister~ didn't I say so? Or did your pride hurts because a kid scares you mr returnee Gremlak?" [Jester]
"How did you-" [Gremlak]
"I heard the rumors. Anyway you go deal with those fellas for me and I'll go have fun with me friends." [Jester]
"Tch." [Gremlak]
Before I noticed it the restrain on me have already come undone. I was however more interested in what happened.
* * * * * * * *
In the coffee outside.
"What was that?" [Shina]
"What was what?" [Jester]
"Oh c'mon don't play dumb! Your strength."
"Ahhh that. Well I just have it." [Jester]
"Just have it? No one 'just have' that sort of strength." [Harold]
Jester ignored our pestering and happily continued drinking his cup of hot chocolate.
I was more interested in another problem.
"How did they allow it to happen in the school?"
Surely if this is the only school then security would be a lot tighter wouldn't it?
It wasn't Jester who answered my question but Lucien.
"Sigh... technically it isn't breaking any rules." [Lucien]
It seems like Lucien is also rather bothered by this whole ordeal. We all wait for his explanation.
"The school prohibits any type of violence during school hours.
However after school hours, fights between students are often allowed with teacher's intervention only when necessary." [Lucien]
I was baffled at how ridiculous those rules are.
"I'm surprised too. It's the first time I have been a teacher here so I don't really know much." [Lucien]
What a troublesome situation. Just thinking about how they allowed those fools to obtain power makes me angry.
"I'll keep an eye out for you all but this isn't good." [Lucien]
"What's the problem though?" [Harold]
"Well Jester is being re-evaluated and will possibly learn under a private teacher instead. And that guy isn't happy with him..." [Lucien]
I could roughly guess how things would go. Jester seemed to really enraged the person called Gremlak and it's likely that he's a teacher here.
Jester didn't really mind it all that much, continuing to munch on our snacks with full focus. Perhaps I'm worrying too much.
"Also Lucien where were you when it happened? It's not too long since class ended after all."
"Ah I was helping out with the 'school trip preparation. There will be an official announcement tomorrow so you can check it later." [Lucien]
We called it for the day and each one of us went on our way. I wandered around the beautiful forest once again.
When I got lost here, I didn't have a good grasp at Karma. Now that I was better at it, the way out the forest was relatively simple. I just need to follow the place with the most Karma in it.
It has become a habit of mine to walk around the forest whenever I have something to think about.
I currently have 6500 points. A rank 9 ability is only 500 points and my [King of luck] is currently rank 9. I think it's time to get another guaranteed ability.
It might be a waste but I believe this was the best path for me. What I lack I can make up with abilities.
What I need the most now is ability related to controlling Karma.
[King of luck activated.]
[Points deduced. Rank 9 [Karma's control] obtained.]
[Karma's control: As human first discovered a force beyond their own, a part of them managed to gain control. This talent was rare and only appeared in those fated. (Rank 9)]
The description didn't help much but I can guess what it means from the name alone. Testing out it's effects, I start activating the Karma inside me. The Karma inside me start connecting with the outside creating a dome.
The effects of having a vessel is also shown as I can now 'feel' the Karma even more clearly. I could clearly see the differences after getting the ability. Unlike before where I can only feel the Karma in the dome, now I can see it. They were little particles flowing around me, glistening like a star in the sky. Even though I enjoy the mystical scenery, my eyes couldn't handle the changes.
It was similar to a 6th sense except it's constantly overriding my sight making me dizzy. One good thing was that I can still feel it after closing my eyes.
Beside the visual representation I could also understand the flow of Karma now. It was chaotic but predictable, going everywhere but always returning back to me. I controlled the Karma following the flow. It was no longer as heavy as before and I could use it to pick up pebbles on the road now.
Anderson said that when I managed to pickup any object that's more than a kilogram I'll fully be able to control Karma. Considering the rate right now it shouldn't take more than a month. Since the class is just starting to have control lessons I would say I'm making good progress.
Shutting down my Karma I went back to the gym. It's only about 7:30 pm now, plenty of time before going to bed.
I stumbled across Harold and Shina going with another girl. They also noticed me as Harold is waving his hand like an idiot.
"I can see you."
"Heh you would have just gone to the gym if I don't get your attention." [Harold]
"So what's the matter? And who's the girl."
"It's Lena!" [Shina]
I look at the girl with interest. She's the girl who has a private teacher and an ability.
Unlike Shina who has a slightly shy and childish demeanor Lena was more calm and mature. She looks the oldest out of the 2 of them.
Lena has long black hair, different from Shina's short hair, and brown eyes. Her figure was well rounded and her tan skin fit in with her appearance. All in all she's good looking.
"Hello, I have heard a lot about you from them."
"Yes, I have too. It seems that you are quite the hardworking person." [Lena]
"You're visiting?"
Lena looked at me confused. I don't think there's anything to be confused about though?
"Aha about that. She lives here too you know. I forgot to tell you about that. We have been meeting everyday." [Harold]
"Lives here? I thought private teacher is meant to teach outside of school?"
"Well Shina and Lena are sisters. She wanted to follow to make sure her sister is doing well." [Harold]
Now that I look at them... it's true that they are similar to each other.
"I see. Well nice to meet you but it's time for me to.."
Turning back I intend to return to my original destination but was hold back by Harold.
"Aw c'mon come join us. We intend to have a meal at the restaurant over there." [Harold]
"I planned to go to the gym though..."
Harold look at me with a serious face, his grip tightening. His expression was that of disbelief and concern. Concern?
"Lavender. Since coming here I have seen you in the gym every morning. You also either run at night or go to the gym again. It's good to practice but you shouldn't overdo it. Take a break every now and then, it's good for you." [Harold]
Now that I think about it, it's true that I have been doing a lot of training. Because it was necessary for me to train if I wanted to be stronger. I guess I'm still stressed about meeting someone like that clown.
"Alright, you got me. But you'll pay the bills."
"Hehe sure." [Harold]
Harold has a big grin on his face despite knowing he'll have to pay. Sigh, he's a really nice kid.
Inside the restaurant, tables were packed with people. I was really surprised considering how many people are inside this island. There wasn't that many at the gym...
"Wait we're eating hot pot?"
"Yeah." [Harold]
"It's not winter yet though?"
"We were craving it. And it's quite cold today too!" [Harold]
After waiting for sometime the meal was ready. We readily eat it all along with some beer.
It's been a long time since I drank some. I didn't dare to get intoxicated before. If I wake up with a terrible headache and have to deal with the plushie rambling I would have easily get sick.
Enjoying a cup of cold beer was something I appreciated a lot more than expected. Perhaps it's the atmosphere that reminds me of my family, we never had much chance to eat together...
Wait family? Shit! I forgot about my parents!
"You ok?" [Lena]
"Oh uh, I'm fine. Say what do you guys tell your family when going to this place?"
"We didn't do much. Our instructor said it would be taken care of and when I called to ask them they congrats me on going to such a prestigious school. You were the same right Lena?" [Harold]
"Yup." [Lena]
As expected of a place like this.
After our third cup, Harold and Shina was starting to get red but they look like they can drink further. I can hold my liquor well enough and Lena seemed to be a strong drinker.
"How old are you Lena?"
"S-she's..hic... 19. Twee- years oder thannnn me." [Shina]
I take back what I said, they are totally drunk. Harold didn't said anything but he keeps laughing like an idiot. I gave a troubled smile to Lena.
"Sorry, they get drunk easily." [Lena]
"It's fine."
It's truly is. Since I couldn't get drunk before I often has to deal with drunk people instead. That is mostly Lucien though as we were roommate before.
"So how about you Lavender? You don't seem too old either."
"They didn't tell you?"
"They didn't know." [Lena]
Ah I never told them my age didn't I.
"I just turned 20 last month."
Plop.
Harold managed to fall asleep right on his dirty plate. It's time to go home I supposed.
Looking at Lena she expressed her agreement by taking out her wallet.
"Let me pay."
Luckily I still have my wallet with me. So much for paying for me huh Harold?
After saying goodbye and parting way with Lena, I dragged the sleeping Harold back to his dorm. He was lighter than I expected and after bringing him back it's still only 9:30 pm. I didn't feel like sleeping and went around the facilities.
The place here was clean. Living here for a month I have forgotten how nice everything is compared to outside. And yet all I do is train all day.
The moon is beautiful...
I really had fun today.
"Hahahaha."
I couldn't help but laugh a little. My time with the supernatural was small but I have already made so many memories.
I silently wished to the moon. I wished everything would be so enjoyable like today. That after many ups and downs, I would still be able to laugh so happily.
And the moon shine brightly.
* * * * * * * *
Author's note: I realized there's a lot of dialogue. It's mostly for information but I'll try to use less dialogue.