The tour took a while, there were more than thirty buildings hidden behind a supposedly small underground shop in the outskirts of the city.
The initial entrance to this place was hidden by a hologram-like wall, which only designated people could see.
It was actually kind of fascinating, technology was quite out there these days. Nobody would've ever expected that behind a small antique shop, there existed an entire community and learning facility on its own.
It was quite ingenious, but it also led the teens in the group to question what those facilities were about.
Why would it need to be hidden from the public? And why did they "qualify" as examinees? Why was this shown to them, if it was supposed to be kept secret from most people?
Many questions were floating about, creating a cautious atmosphere in the group. The stunning buildings they were shown momentarily stunned them.
Although they never forgot about their initial confusion, no matter how beautiful or huge the buildings were, they knew how to keep it in mind.
The tour lasted for almost a full hour. There was a lot to say, although their guide mostly avoided talking about sensitive information, he rambled on and on about the beauty of the place quite a lot, if someone remembered how he had been at the start, then the man infront of them would be the polar opposite of the one who met them at the gate of the facility..
At one point in time, a boy with brown hair and dull purple eyes asked:
"You addressed us as examinees, right? That means we have a chance to fail at what we're about to do, right? So why are you showing us the place when we're not even sure we'll be living.. participating in activities here.."
The man let a light smile creep up to his face, then answered:
"But of course, it's so that you all learn what you'll be missing out on, if you fail. After all, most of the living conditions amongst you are quite.. bizarre, no?"
The boy opened his mouth as if trying to find words to say, but then closed it. He walked back to the rest of them and then pondered about what he was told.
"Alright then, I don't think there are any more questions before we move on to the next part?"
Someone tried to speak, but the man cut them off intentionally. "Alright, follow me."
They began walking to one of the buildings once again, this one wasn't as tall as the rest of them, however it was its length that perplexed the teens in the group.
It was the affinity center, but there was more than that, aside from affinities, there were countless other rooms and a long hallway that supposedly led to a training area.
Why such a long hallway was needed though, they did not know. The guide did not mention it so they followed his example.
Their purpose for being here, however, at least today, did not include walking through that hallway.
The guide slowly turned to them and then started to explain.
"Examinees.. today marks the start of your exam, if you manage to get a passing score, you get to enroll here and explore the world beyond technology. A world which has been left untouched for myriads of years."
"However if you fail, your memories of this place, and the letter you received– will be erased. There will be no exceptions. Understood?" the man's voice this time sounded entirely different, it had a hidden sharpness to it that ensured that it got the point across to the group of teenagers, who barely knew how the world worked.
Certainly, it sounded like a threat. Perhaps it even was one, but clearly if one only succumbed to mere threats, they were not ready for this exam, let alone this.. supposed academy.
As they moved along, getting closer to their destination, a sudden nervousness took over a few of the participants. This academy was quite known amongst rich families, and most of the teenagers were dressed luxuriously. However, they were not nervous because of the prestige of this academy.
Most of their families were in-debted to them, one way or another. This was the academy's way of making them pay for their debts, although a bit weird.
They knew that this was their last chance to help their families live happily, creating an easy lifestyle for them, while some knew that this was their last chance at success.
So, this group of random people, who didn't even know each other, competed for completely different reasons of their own. Their struggles would have all had different meanings.
Without waiting too long, they proceeded into a room that was nicely illuminated, with an even temperature. It was perfect, not too hot nor too cold.
The room had adopted a chemical fragrance to it. Which was.. all in all expected
A simple polished black box stood in front of them, it seemed to draw people's attention, almost as if it was demanding it from them.
The guide explained:
"This over here decides your specialization. It will choose from the myriads of choices coded within it, and find the one that suits you the most. It is required to do this test, so we know what exams to assign you."
The first person to enter the box, a tall man possessing a robust build, with neck-length hair of auburn color who went by the name of "Davis" stepped in with hidden determination.
He was aware of what the box did, he was aware of his future trials. He had studied before attempting to participate in these exams.
The edge of his mouth slightly tilted upwards, as a mechanical voice was heard from somewhere in the room.
[Identifying participant.. Davis Milligan. Participant has not unlocked the Flow of Avon.]
[Participant is Unawakened. Searching for possibilities of awakening.]
[Possibility of Participant Awakening: 87.9%]
[Enigma Specialization: Heavy Combat.]
The Guide would nod, most of the teens in the group were not aware of what Avon nor an Enigma was, so they couldn't help but wonder.
"Uhh.. What is this thing? Where is that voice coming from? Enigma? Avon? What..?"
A question flew from the crowd.
The Guide answered in only a few words.
"You will learn about that soon enough."
That did not help ease the nerves of the group, however. Whatever was unknown was dangerous. It was a mindset most adapted to.
Slowly, the rest of the group walked into it and waited to be scanned, some fiddling around with their fingers.
When most of the group had gone, and there were about 5 people left to go, something changed, however.
A blonde boy with a slightly muscular build stepped into the box, indifferent to its mysterious nature and effects.
[Identifying Participant. Vasil Schester. Participant has not unlocked the Flow of Avon.]
[Participant Unawakened, calculating chances for awakening.]
[Possibility of Participant Awakening: 99.9%]
[Enigma Specialization: All Rounder.]
As the mechanical voice finished speaking, a shocked silence took over the room. The guide couldn't quite process what had just happened.
A 99.9% chance of awakening. There have been prodigies in the past with very high chances of awakening before, but never.. never this close.
Normally, the higher the chances to awaken, the more blessed you were by "Avon".
Avon, was the mysterious energy that humans came to possess way before the age of technology. Although its origin is unknown, many believe the Gods have granted us the ability to utilize it.
So, to be this blessed by Avon was both a blessing and a curse, a blessing because Vasil would adapt to his abilities faster, and develop them quicker.. and a curse because of the thirst for knowledge mankind had come to possess.
Nonetheless, this teenager will have a bright future. Being a lab rat for those scientists would pay a lot.
"99.9% Chance of Awakening.. this has never been seen before! Is this a gift from the Ones Above?!" The guide could not keep quiet any longer.
The group of teenagers were not as knowledgeable as the guide, so they mostly kept quiet.
However some more educated ones made bewildered expressions at the revelation.
The guide brought the boy, Vasil, to a separate room for further inspection, while he appointed another person to take over the evaluation of the teenagers.
As Vasil and the guide exited the room, another boy started walking towards the black box.
As he stepped on it, it buzzed as it did when the other teenagers stepped on it.
[Identifying Participant. Loki Demnfield. Participant has not unlocked the Flow of Avon.]
[Participant Unawakened, calculating chances for awakening.]
[...Possibility of Participant Awakening: 50%]
[Enigma Specialization: Magical Enhancement.]
The newly appointed evaluator eyed Loki for a bit, then turned back to the device he was holding. After typing something on it, he slightly shook his head.
There were many people that had low awakening chances, however not many had a 50% chance or less. Most of the people evaluated here, at this place.. seemed to be favored by Avon.
None of the teenagers paid him much attention. He was slightly below average, nothing too bad.
There was still a good chance that he would be able to harness Avon normally, like everyone else. Fate is unpredictable, after all.
Loki went back to the group, silent as he was before.
As he did, another boy walked up to the black box. While the boy had a neutral expression, his gaze.. did not feel right.
It felt as if somewhere in his gaze, there was something more than what it seemed.
[Identifying Participant. Cole Halen. Participant has not unlocked the Flow of Avon.]
[Participant Unawakened, calculating chances for awakening.]
[Possibility of Participant Awakening: 75.9%]
[Enigma Specialization: Assassination.]
..Average. In every sense of the word.
75% was what most people scored, and Cole found himself in that group of individuals.
The evaluator nodded and typed something on his device. After doing so, he gestured for Cole to go back to the group.
Cole did not seem too bothered by it, instead.. it seemed as if his lips slightly curled upwards.
As a matter of fact, whenever someone would gaze at him, it would be hard to concentrate on his figure.
Finally, it was time for the last person to get evaluated. Someone who went unnoticed in the group, but was written down in the evaluator's device.
As he walked, some people stared a bit longer, due to them not even noticing him.
He had brown hair, which was tied into a ponytail. Well, whatever could be tied. His hair wasn't long enough to fully tie his hair.
He had unassuming and dull purple eyes and did not really pay attention to what was going around, showing no curiosity to the odd room they were in.
He walked onto the black box, and soon enough buzzing was heard.
After that, the mechanical voice spoke once again.
[Identifying Participant. Yoel Voldren. Participant has not unlocked the Flow of Avon.]
[Participant Unawakened, calculating chances for awakening.]
[...Possibility of Participant Awakening: 0.2%]
..Shit.