Walking out of the training hall, Eiden was met with the disapproving stare of his best friend.
The blond let out an inaudible sigh as he prepared himself for the inevitable nagging he was about to receive. He knew just by looking at his face that he messed up, bad and he wasn't going to get away with it this time.
A slap in the face was already enough punishment, I really don't need more from this guy. He thought.
As Eiden approached Herys with a smile on his face, the young man swung his fist, hitting Eiden square in the jaw. Eiden's head flew back from the sheer force of the hit as he felt excruciating pain from the punch.
"What the actual fuck!" He exclaimed, his eyes going wide with shock. He had just thought about how being slapped in the face was already enough punishment, and now Herys was subjecting him to even more pain.
Herys had packed quite the punch, not at all holding back as his fist collided with Eiden's face. What made matters even worse, was that he had purposefully struck him in the area Kenneth had delivered that powerful slap in their earlier fight.
Though his entire face was throbbing in excruciating pain, Eiden didn't get angry, considering how Herys hadn't actually used his full strength when hitting him. He knew Herys had held back somewhat and he was internally grateful.
"What the actually hell man." He yelled, his eyes turning a darker shade of brown as the veins on his temple started to form.
"Not only did you not listen to my warnings, but you had the nerve to use your glare on me." He growled.
Eiden rubbed his now bruised jaw as he looked into Herys eyes that were filled with anger and hurt. He could vaguely recall that moment, his mind was already far gone, and he didn't care about anything else, his only focus was on fighting Kenneth. He had unconsciously let out a glare and it happened to be directed towards Herys, causing the brunet to fall back unwillingly.
A Fera's glare was used as a defensive and oppressive tactic to intimidate a fellow Fera. It was an unpleasant feeling to be on the other end of the glare, making even the most powerless Fera's feel vulnerable and defenseless, unable to overcome its dominant effects.
"I'm sorry Herys, I know I messed up, I don't know what came over me." The young man admitted.
Looking at Eiden's face, Herys could tell he was being sincere. His anger subsided and was now replaced with concern.
"This isn't the first time you've acted out, but this time you took it too far."
"I know..."
Herys titled his head to the side as he observed his friend. Though he looked apologetic, he could see an inkling of a smile in his eyes.
Herys sighed out loud. "So, how was it?"
Eiden who had his head hung low, immediately shot up as he looked at Herys. Closing his eyes, he started to recall the fight he had with the fiery little girl. That exhilarating feeling he felt rushed back and he shivered at the thought of having to fight her again.
"...It was amazing." He admitted, which made Hery's brows shoot up in surprise.
"Amazing?"
"Yeah. I don't think I've ever felt so excited when fighting someone before."
"...It was that good huh?" He said while looking at him. "Must've been, especially with that nasty mark left on your face." He chuckled.
Eiden's eyes widened as he brought his hand to his right cheek.
"I'm glad you had fun Rowan." A deep voice said behind them.
Eiden knew without having to turn around who the voice belonged to. Standing before them with his arms crossed and an angry look on his face was none other than their Captain, Lucien Canmore.
Eiden let out an audible gulp as his body started to shake. They could both feel the Captain's aura, heavy and suffocating, the pressure making it hard for both men to stand upright, but the one who took it worse was Eiden as he felt his knees buckle from the force.
"C-Captain, it's good to see you." Eiden said in a brittle voice.
Lucien's eyes darkened, his amber eyes taking a yellow glow. "Unfortunately I can't say the same. What you did back there Rowan was not only reckless but incredibly unprofessional. As a member of the Ventures you're behaviour was deplorable. I only let the fight happen because I knew it was important for Kenneth Greywater to demonstrate her strength so people would know that she deserves to be here just as much as anyone else, but had anything gone wrong..."
The two young men could only stand there as they listened to their Captain's reprimanding but something stuck out to Herys. Captain actually did something to protect someone? A first year student at that? That didn't sound right.
"Brauer you can return to your pavilion and get some rest, as for you Rowan, you will no longer be overseeing the screenings and won't take part in any missions for two weeks. Don't even think about joining us in Lapis either. That is all." Lucien said, giving him one last threatening glance before leaving.
Herys glanced at Eiden who hadn't uttered a word since Lucien left, his expression blank.
"...At least you didn't get a demerit. That's worse than getting a month off of missions." Herys said in an attempt to cheer up his friend.
The demerit system at Toleran Academy was an important and severe punishment especially for Ventures. Because they hold a lot of power in the school, the Headmaster thought it would be fair for their punishments to match their high status. Demerits were organized in five ranks, each indicating the severity of the infraction.
Rank A which was the least severe of the five results in one month without a mission. Rank B results in two months without a mission, Rank C results in three months without a mission and they no longer have access to their privileges. Rank D is even more severe with suspension on the line and Rank F can result into immediate expulsion.
These punishments are detrimental to Ventures because they have responsibilities they need to accomplish, especially for those working under them. They need to complete a total of five mission per month and failing to do so can set not only the person involved back, but also those working under their guidance. For Ventures, receiving even a Rank A demerit means missing one month of mission. This could largely affect their progress, training and standing in the Faction.
The demerit system at Toleran was designed to maintain discipline and accountability for all students but especially for Ventures.
A Captain has the right to give out demerits to their subordinates if they deem their behaviour or infraction unacceptable. What Eiden did was wrong and he could have very well received a demerit for his actions but Lucien was lenient and only gave him two weeks off of mission.
Sure it would be a set back for Eiden, but it was not enough to cause him major problems, especially considering how fast he worked. He'd be able to catch up to his peers soon if he worked hard enough.
"Right. But my little one's won't be happy about this. Especially Andes." He sighed.
"You're damn right he won't be. C'mon let's head back and get some rest. We still have classes in the afternoon." Herys said as he pulled Eiden towards the exit.
*
Kenneth still incredibly sore from her fight was now on her way to an afternoon class, the only one on her schedule that wasn't held in the morning. Labeled as optional, it had puzzled her on her first day at the Academy, but she soon grasped its purpose. This General Studies course wasn't mandatory since nearly all students had learned the material from a young age, often without formal schooling.
According to Kenneth 1.0's memories, attending school was not required for most children between the ages of four and seventeen; they typically received homeschooling from parents or private tutors. This approach was quite different from her previous life, where education was compulsory. Understanding the world's history was crucial, especially as the government aimed to instill a sense of duty in the next generation as they approached adulthood. Kenneth had always disliked school, finding the constant stream of propaganda tedious. Even as a child, she recognized the nonsensical information intended to brainwash young minds into loyalty. It was all complete and utter bullshit to her, but as a child, she wasn't allowed to stop attending.
Now, as Kenneth adjusted to her new environment, she felt intrigued by the class and was eager to learn anything that might help her navigate this life.
The instructor, a petite woman in her late forties, had kind eyes and taught with infectious enthusiasm, making the class engaging.
"As you all know, there are significant differences between the three races in Eternis," she began. "As I mentioned last time, the physical distinctions among Feras, Empaths, and Humans are vast, but their cognitive differences are even more profound."
She continued, "Feras grow physically through training and exercise, while Empaths develop their abilities by engaging their senses. An Empath's powers become denser with more stimuli, enhancing their self-control."
She explained how stimuli—like light waves or specific molecular touches—transform into electrical signals sent to particular areas of the brain, allowing Empaths to perceive emotions around them more effectively. "They are quite extraordinary in that way," she added, her voice filled with wonder.
Kenneth sensed several pairs of eyes on her, the students watching with curiosity.
"Regardless of our differences, it's those very differences that make us unique. We should take pride in ourselves and in one another," the instructor concluded.
Her words resonated deeply with Kenneth, bringing a small smile to her face.