Chapter 1: The Selection
The airship engines emitted a steady hum. Kade Varis sat in his cabin, reviewing the terminal screen in front of him. Five options were displayed in bold text:
[Elementa. Arcanis. Vitalis. Mechana. Umbra.]
His application to the Academies of Essence had been processed. Selection was the next step before official induction.
---
The Essences represented distinct specializations:
[- Elementa: Mastery of natural elements, including fire, water, earth, and air. Primary applications in military strategy and environmental manipulation. Admission requirements: moderate physical aptitude and basic elemental alignment.]
[- Arcanis: Manipulation of arcane energies, including spatial distortion, temporal manipulation, and theoretical constructs. High cognitive aptitude required. Practical use limited by energy consumption constraints.]
[- Vitalis: Control over biological systems. Healing, regenerative techniques, and necromantic applications were standard practices. Requires extensive biological conditioning. High demand in medical and warfare sectors.]
[- Mechana: Integration of technological systems with magical cores. Focus on invention, infrastructure, and automation. Requires mechanical proficiency and advanced mathematical comprehension.]
[- Umbra: Specialization in shadow-based manipulation, including infiltration, mental influence, and psionic disruptions. Recruitment limited due to high mortality rates during training. Minimal public data available.]
---
Kade spoke into the terminal, maintaining a monotone voice. "List requirements for Umbra candidates."
The screen displayed data immediately:
- Psychological resilience above 87%.
- Cognitive pattern deviation within 15% of baseline normality.
- Recommended exposure to high-pressure, low-visibility scenarios.
- Mortality rate: 43% in the first year.
Kade noted the mortality statistic without reaction. "List survival probability for a candidate with my profile."
The terminal displayed: [73.6%]
Kade tapped his finger on the console for a moment before proceeding. "Confirm."
---
The terminal interface issued a final prompt: [Umbra Selected. Welcome to the Obsidian Veil.]
The airship altered its trajectory. Altitude adjustments were marked by slight turbulence. The cabin's external interface projected current flight data: wind velocity, temperature, and terrain proximity. Sub-zero temperatures and dense atmospheric pressure were recorded.
Kade observed the external feed briefly before rising from his seat. He secured his personal belongings in a shoulder bag and exited the cabin.
---
The airship docked at a high-altitude platform. External lighting was minimal, providing no clear visual of the surrounding area. Figures stood in formation at the edge of the platform, partially obscured by shadows and the swirling snow. No audible commands were issued.
Kade approached one of the figures. "I have arrived for induction. Confirm location."
The figure, dressed in dark robes, responded without inflection. "Obsidian Veil. Induction commences immediately. Follow."
Kade followed the figure into the darkness, maintaining his pace. The wind's intensity increased as they traversed the platform. The absence of ambient noise beyond environmental conditions was notable.
They entered a stone corridor carved into the mountain. Dim, flickering light emanated from embedded crystals. The figure gestured toward a door at the end of the hall.
"Induction briefing occurs inside. Wait until summoned."
Kade entered without hesitation. The room was devoid of furniture aside from a single metallic chair bolted to the floor. A display panel was mounted on the wall, inactive.
He sat in the chair, resting his hands on his knees. The door closed automatically behind him. Time elapsed without further instruction.
After precisely seven minutes, the panel activated, displaying text: [State name and selected Essence.]
Kade spoke evenly. "Kade Varis. Umbra."
The panel's text changed. [Why did you select this path?]
Kade considered the question momentarily. "Statistical survival probability and potential for growth aligned with my objectives."
The panel remained active but offered no response. A faint vibration indicated movement in the walls.
---
The metallic chair locked Kade's wrists and ankles with sudden mechanical clamps. He remained still as the panel displayed additional text: [Initiating Compatibility Scan]
A surge of energy coursed through his body, measurable but not painful. The text shifted: [Compatibility: 92%. Proceeding to Phase Two.]
Gas filled the room. Visibility reduced to near zero. Kade adjusted his breathing rhythm to accommodate the foreign atmosphere.
A new voice issued from unseen speakers. "Describe the concept of loyalty."
Kade responded after two seconds of thought. "Conditional alignment of goals with an external entity, contingent on mutual benefit or adherence to predefined parameters."
No feedback was provided. The gas began to dissipate, revealing two figures standing in front of him. One held a datapad, the other a black insignia.
The insignia was placed on Kade's shoulder. "Welcome to the Obsidian Veil. Your training begins immediately."
Kade stood as the restraints disengaged. "Understood."
Kade followed the two figures through a narrow corridor, its walls marked with faint carvings resembling runic patterns. The space was devoid of unnecessary adornments, the only sound being the synchronized footsteps of the group.
---
The figures stopped abruptly at a reinforced steel door. One of them scanned their palm over a sensor, triggering a mechanical hiss as the door slid open. Beyond it lay a large chamber divided into sections.
The chamber featured three distinct zones:
1.Physical Conditioning
2.Mental Calibration
3.Practical Exercises
---
The datapad carrier spoke without turning. "You are now designated Initiate #47. Report to the assessment station in Zone Two."
Kade nodded. "Understood."
He proceeded directly to the mental calibration area. The booths were arranged in a grid, each emitting faint light from within. A terminal at the entrance displayed the current session's metrics.
Session Metrics:
- Trainee Success Rate: 67%
- Average Neural Strain: 52%
- Total Failures: 4
Kade stepped into an unoccupied booth, the door sealing behind him. A neural interface headset descended, aligning itself with his head. A flat voice issued from the internal speakers: "Initiate #47. Calibration test commencing. Objectives: Focus retention, cognitive flexibility, and decision-making under pressure."
---
The booth's interior transformed into a simulated environment. Kade stood in a desolate urban landscape. Static-filled announcements echoed faintly.
"Task One: Neutralize designated threats. Precision required. Time limit: 180 seconds."
Three humanoid figures materialized, each marked by a faint red outline. Kade moved swiftly, his hand instinctively finding the standard-issue energy blade at his side. He dispatched the first target in under 2 seconds with a calculated strike to its core.
The second and third targets adjusted their movement patterns, increasing unpredictability. Kade recalibrated his approach, leveraging environmental cover. Both were neutralized within the remaining time.
---
"Task Two: Solve logical sequences. Complexity increasing per completion. Time limit: 300 seconds."
A series of puzzles appeared, combining numerical patterns, spatial manipulation, and linguistic decoding. Kade worked methodically, prioritizing efficiency over speed. Task completion occurred at the 285-second mark.
---
"Task Three: Decision-making simulation. No predefined solution. Observe and act."
The environment shifted to a scenario involving a collapsing structure with trapped individuals. Two options were presented: rescue five injured persons with significant risk or secure valuable data archives critical to ongoing operations.
Kade scanned the scenario parameters rapidly. Estimated survival probability for the injured was 28%. Data archive retrieval was 94% viable. He proceeded with the data retrieval option without hesitation.
---
The simulation ended. A text summary appeared before him:
Calibration Results:
- Threat Neutralization: 96% Efficiency
- Logical Sequences: 88% Accuracy
- Decision-Making: Optimal Choice Based on Parameters
"Assessment complete. Neural compatibility confirmed. Proceed to Zone Three."
The booth released Kade, and he exited without pause.
---
Zone Three's arena featured modular platforms, shifting to replicate various terrains. The instructor, a tall figure clad in black, gestured toward Kade with a practice blade in hand.
"Initiate #47. Combat evaluation."
Kade stepped onto the platform, adopting a neutral stance. His opponent, another trainee, entered from the opposite side. The trainee's stats were displayed briefly on a hovering terminal:
[Initiate #12. Specialty: Umbra. Combat Efficiency: 82%.]
A signal sounded, marking the start of the match. Kade observed the opponent's initial movements. Light footwork and reliance on speed. He calculated the trajectory of the first strike and countered with minimal effort, disarming the trainee within seconds.
The instructor observed without comment, signaling for a second bout. The process repeated, with Kade adjusting his tactics to prevent predictability.
After the third match, the instructor spoke. "Sufficient for preliminary evaluation. Proceed to the debriefing chamber."
Kade nodded. "Understood."
---
The debriefing chamber was sparse, containing only a central terminal and a single chair. Kade sat as the terminal activated. A voice issued from the speakers, distinctly more authoritative than before.
"Initiate #47. Your performance exceeds baseline expectations. You are now eligible for integration into specialized training sectors. Specific allocation pending further evaluation."
Kade remained silent. The voice continued, "Initial integration period begins tomorrow at 0600 hours. Dismissed."
He stood and exited the chamber, walking toward the dormitory section. The corridor was quiet, illuminated by faint, pulsating lights. A room was marked with his new designation: [#47.]
Kade entered and closed the door. The room contained only essentials. A bed, a storage compartment, and a terminal. He placed his belongings in the compartment and sat on the bed, staring at the blank terminal screen. Time elapsed without further action.