The next day…
Jason was at school, walking through the hallway. The hallway was vacant as most students were still in class. Jason stopped in front of his locker. However, instead of opening it, he turned around and leaned against it. He moaned in frustration.
Jason (to himself): I know that there's a trick. Why won't she tell me? I mean, it's not like I'm going to use it against somebody.
Suddenly, a bell rang and all of the doors to the classrooms opened up. Students began walking out of the rooms, talking to each other. In moments, the once-empty hallways were filled with students. Jason suddenly saw something outside the large window in front of him. He walked over and saw something flying around outside. He couldn't make out what it was because of how fast it was moving. Suddenly, it stopped in the air and it was revealed to be a young girl. Noticing the familiar golden hair and the radiant smile, Jason realized that it was the same gorgeous girl from earlier in the week.
Jason (thinking): It's her again.
The girl spun in place which showed off how much grace and beauty she had as she almost appeared to be dancing in the sky. Her hair and skirt appeared to be shifting in slow motion as she spun in place.
Jason (thinking): I can't get over how beautiful she is.
As she stopped, she suddenly locked eyes with Jason.
Jason (thinking): Shit!
Jason felt uncomfortable as he was afraid she would get mad at for him staring at her. However, to his surprise, the girl lifted up her hand and gave Jason a friendly wave. Jason was about to do the same when he heard the sound of someone racing down the hallway towards him.
Girl: JASON!!!!
Before Jason had the chance to turn towards the sound, he was tackled strongly by the person rushing towards him.
Jason: ARGH!
They both went flying across the hallway; nearly hitting nearby students. They then crashed right into the wall at the end of the hallway. Jason was laying on the floor, stunned by the impact. As he opened his eyes, he saw a girl who appeared to be slightly older than him. Her eyes were a deep Aqua blue and her hair was a dark brown. Her hair appeared to be tucked underneath itself at the ends and had a cowlick at the top. Her skin was a clear white and she seemed to have an excited smile. She wore a yellow tank-top that appeared slightly too small on her chest and blue jeans that were torn up. She sat on her knees right on top of Jason's chest.
Jason (angrily): Valerie! Get off!
Valerie affectionately rubbed her face on Jason's chest.
Valerie: Aw, but I missed my baby brother!
Jason looked around and saw people staring at them. His face turned red as he felt humiliated from what his sister was doing.
Jason (angrily): Come on! People are watching!
Valerie got up off of Jason and stood up. She then grabbed Jason's arm and effortlessly pulled him up on his feet. Valerie then hugged Jason very tightly.
Valerie: Look how big you've gotten!
As Valerie hugged Jason, he felt a lot of pressure on his spine from her arms. It felt like it was about to snap in two.
Jason (panicking): THAT'S TOO TIGHT!!!
Valerie let go of Jason and he nearly fell over.
Jason: Why do you always have to be so extreme?
Valerie (happily): Because it's the power of my love!
Jason (exasperated): God damn.
Jason and Valerie then walked side by side through the hallway.
Valerie: So, how are the tests?
Jason: I think they are going well. I have one more though.
Valerie: The technique test right? Mom told me that you have been practicing the Volt Cannon.
Jason: You don't seem that shocked. Everyone else was.
Valerie: Well duh. I know it too.
Jason: Mom taught you?!
Valerie: About a year ago. I even learned how to use it at max power
Jason looked down in disappointment.
Jason: Aw man!
Valerie: Hey don't put yourself down! It took me quite a while to figure it out. And this was a full year after I graduated. You're very talented, you know.
Valerie suddenly punched Jason on his right hip. Jason felt a sharp pain as she hit his hip. Jason stumbled towards the left and covered his hip that Valerie hit.
Jason: EASY!
Valerie: You can take a hit pretty well!
Jason (sarcastically): Thanks.
Jason and Valerie continued to walk down the hallway until they arrived at the courtyard. They then stopped in front of a nearby tree.
Jason: So what have you been doing this whole time?
Valerie put her hands on her hips and smiled proudly.
Valerie: I'm an adventurer! It's great! You should become one too!
Jason: An adventurer?
Valerie: An adventurer is someone who explores dungeons and fights bad monsters! It's great! I'm pretty much one of the strongest adventurers out there!
Jason (shocked): Really?! You're one of the strongest there?!
Valerie (awkwardly): Well….
Jason (suspiciously): Well what?
Valerie (awkwardly): The thing is, the majority of adventures are humans.
Jason: So competition isn't very stiff.
Valerie: Yeah but, these humans can use magic and martial arts!
Jason: I also can use martial arts. As well as you.
Valerie: I'm pretty sure anyone who knows how to throw a punch can learn martial arts. But not everyone can launch fireballs and shoot ice from the ground. Unless you can do that too.
Jason: Well no.
Valerie: Exactly. Plus humans are very fun! And plus, there are Elves and Dwarves in parties as well!
Jason: I'll think I'll pass on being an adventurer. Being an Apex Guardian is more important to me right now.
Valerie put her arms on her hips.
Valerie: What's the difference?
Jason (confused): The difference?
Valerie: The difference between an Apex Guardian and an Adventurer? It just seems like an Apex Guardian is an Adventurer with a fancy name to make themselves look better.
Jason: That's because they are.
Valerie: What?
Jason: Look, I'm not trying to be arrogant or anything. Yes, Apex Guardians and Adventurers have the same jobs with the difference being that Adventurers do more exploring while Apex Guardians have more rescue and bodyguard jobs.
Valerie: You've done your research.
Jason: Well it's not like I'm going in this blind.
Valerie: Wait, so you know what an Adventurer is already?
Jason: Yeah.
Valerie threw her arms up in exasperation.
Valerie: Well thanks for stopping me. NOT!
Jason: What I'm more concerned about right now is how to put more power into the Volt Cannon.
Valerie suddenly stood up. Her eyes were filled with excitement.
Valerie (excitedly): Oh I know how!
Jason (shocked): You do?! But mom said there was no trick!
Valerie: That's what she says so you don't learn too fast. Trust me, there's a trick to it. Wanna hear?
Jason (excitedly): Yes! Tell me!
Valerie put her finger to her lips.
Valerie (quietly): Shhhhh! This is a secret!
Valerie started to lean towards Jason and started to whisper in his ear.
Valerie (whispering): The trick is to dig your feet in the ground.
Jason: That's it?!
Valerie (putting her finger on her lips): SHHHH!
Jason (quietly): That's it?
Valerie (quietly): Yep, it's simpler than you think. Just make sure your feet are really planted into the ground. That will give you more support for your legs and will allow you to have better control over the Volt Cannon.
Valerie then leaned away from Jason.
Valerie: Well, looks like it's starting.
Jason looked towards the end of the field and saw students lining up.
Jason: Oh shit, it is. Okay, well thanks for the advice!
Jason started to walk towards the field when Valerie suddenly slapped Jason hard on his rear.
Jason: OW!
Valerie: Good luck!
Jason (angrily): DON'T SPANK ME!
Valerie giggled.
Valerie: Just giving you a bit of a push.
Jason (angrily): You slapped the shit out of my ass! That's not a "bit of a push"!
Jason, whilst rubbing his rear, headed off to where the students were gathered. On the horizon, he could see a massive mountain. He could see the snow that blanketed the cliffs and the tiny trees that surrounded the bottom. As he got in line at the far end, he saw many different stations ahead of him. These stations had punching bags, turrets, giant boulders, targets, and a lot more. There was also a large racing track that went around the whole arena as well as several large rings above that seemed to be floating. Jason looked down the line of students but couldn't see Ethan or Hana.
Jason (thinking): Guess they are in a different class this time.
As Jason stood standing, many other students were looking at Jason. Jason had quite the reputation for being a star student however Jason was completely oblivious to this and didn't notice the students staring at him. Standing in front of Jason and the other students was Mr. Gravin. He had his usual blue vest and long pants that were neat and proper. He was holding a clipboard with many papers attached to it.
Mr. Gravin: Good afternoon students. As many of you know. My name is Mr. Gravin. Normally Ms. Cynthia would be in charge of the fitness and technique portion of the tests but she is occupied with some other tasks so I will take over for her.
Some of the students groaned.
Mr. Gravin (offended): Come now! That is no way to act in front of your teacher!
Mr. Gravin took his clipboard and looked at it.
Mr. Gravin: Now then, all of you will perform various tasks. Your score will be based on accuracy and performance. Regardless of those of you who are signing up for the Apex Guardian program or not, I advise you to do your best. That is all.
The students stared at Mr. Gravin in a confused way. Mr. Gravin noticed this and looked back at his clipboard. He then looked up and had a slightly embarrassed look on his face.
Mr. Gravin: Oh, my apologies! I am supposed to explain the testing stations.
Mr. Gravin quickly looked through the papers while the students looked at each other, unsure about Mr. Gravin being the one to test them. Mr. Gravin then looked up and the students faced him instantly.
Mr. Gravin: Okay! You will be doing a variety of different tests. Striking strength, weight lifting, running speed, endurance, and more. There are some tests such as the floating rings and the turrets that are exclusive for certain types of Electrens. Such as the rings are for Blue Electren who can fly and the turrets are for Yellow Electrens with high durability. There will be a one hundred grade point for a top score but you need more than fifty to pass. Take a look over there.
Mr. Gravin pointed behind the students. The students turned around to see a massive Jumbotron behind them. There were student's names listed in alphabetical order with "PTS" to the right of their names. On the left of it was zero.
Mr. Gravin: Your points will be displayed there.
The students turned back around towards Mr. Gravin.
Mr. Gravin: You are free to start at any station you like but you have to complete them to receive points. The most points you can score in one station is about ten. Also remember that we have cameras hidden that are observing your progress. So just because I'm not watching you, doesn't mean you can get away with cheating or sabotaging others. Understand?
The Class: Yes Mr. Gravin.
Mr. Gravin: Okay then, now you may begin.
The students started to scatter across the field and towards different stations where the testing fields were.
Jason (thinking): I should probably start with the stations that are easy for me. I'm going to go for a high score!
Jason headed towards where the turrets were located. He lined up with the other Yellow Electrens right in front of the turrets. They all crossed their arms to brace themselves.
Male AI Voice: Readying Arms!!
The turrets suddenly pointed at Jason and the other students with him.
Female AI Voice: The turret station is designed to test the endurance of the individuals. Non-lethal lasers will be fired at you and your job is you endure them without letting yourself get overwhelmed or moved from your original spot. Points will be determined based on the distance between where you end up and your original spot. To ensure safety, please keep your eyes closed throughout the test to avoid visionary damage. While any type of Electren is allowed to take this test, it should be noted that the test was made with bulky types of Electrens such as Yellow and Green in mind so if you are not confident in your endurance, it is recommended that you pick a different test facility.
Jason (thinking): Perfect. This test was designed for me.
Female AI Voice: Force fields, barriers, or any defensive techniques will not be permitted during this test.
Male AI Voice: Begin testing!
The turrets began firing lasers at Jason and the students. Everyone withstood the incoming blasts. However, many students were knocked away from the lasers or got pushed back. Jason however didn't move an inch from his stop. After the turrets stopped firing, they pointed down and smoke began to flow from the backs. Jason and the students turned to the Jumbotron. Jason saw by his name, ten points.
Jason (excited): Hell yeah!
Jason then hurried to the next station. This station had several machines with a soft pad that stuck out at one end. Jason saw everyone there standing in front of the pads so he did the same.
Female AI Voice: These machines will calibrate how much force your punch will deliver. Simply strike the pad sticking towards you as hard as you can. Remember that these machines are for punching so please, no kicking, headbutting, or electric projectiles. Also be noted that the machine will examine the force of your first punch so no punching more than once as well as increasing your punch with electricity.
Male AI Voice: Get ready!
Jason and the other students reared up their fists.
Male AI Voice: Now strike!
All at once, Jason and the students punched the machine at full force. The impacts almost sounded like gunshots as the machines reacted to the hits. Jason looked over to the Jumbotron and saw that his points went from ten to nineteen.
Jason (thinking): One point short…
Jason continued with the other testing stations. He had to throw large rocks across a field, lift a large weight that was three times his own size on his back, and even generate electricity through a machine so it could measure his output. Jason then had to run around the track. After Jason completed the run, he looked over to the Jumbotron and saw that he only got two points from the run. Jason kicked the ground out of frustration.
Jason (angrily): God damn it!
Mr. Gravin approached Jason who was breathing hard from the non-stop tests.
Mr. Gravin: From what I've heard from Ms. Cynthia, speed is not a strong suit of yours. Or rather, getting from one place to another quickly.
Jason (exhaustedly): Yeah, it's because of my weight.
Mr. Gravin: I am obviously not an expert when it comes to combat, but I do know this. It is not uncommon for a Yellow Electren to weigh so much. It's because your muscles are so dense that it makes you very heavy. It's also the reason why you aren't capable of swimming. That density costs you buoyancy. However, there's nothing to be ashamed about. This is normal for a Yellow Electren.
Jason: I'm not ashamed of it. It's just that I wanna get the best score possible so I can get into the Apex Guardians.
Mr. Gravin: But your score is eighty seven. That is far beyond what is required for a passing grade.
Jason then looked at Mr. Gravin. His face was red from exhaustion but his eyes were determined.
Jason: You told me that I should always strive for excellence, right?
Mr. Gravin (bewildered): Well, I suppose I did say that.
Jason (assertive): That's what I'm doing. I'm not going to settle. I'm going to keep reaching higher! I'm striving for excellence!
Mr. Gravin stared at Jason for a moment. Seeing Jason's eyes filled with determination made him smile a bit. Mr. Gravin felt a sense of pride in his student. Mr. Gravin then took out his clipboard and looked through the papers.
Mr. Gravin: You want to reach a hundred correct?
Jason: Yes!
Mr. Gravin: You've already completed all of the stations except for one. The targets. You will receive ten points if you hit the target's bullseye but you will also receive bonus points based on how much damage you do to it.
Jason (excited): That's what I need! Thank you!
Jason raced over to the station where there was a long bar spreaded across from Jason. Jason then stood at a deck which was several feet away from the bar and waited for the AI voice but nothing happened. He looked around but noticed that no one else was here.
Jason: Huh? Why isn't it starting?
Mr. Gravin came from behind Jason though he was out of breath from trying to chase after Jason.
Mr. Gravin (exhausted): Young…. Jason….
Jason turned around and faced Mr. Gravin.
Mr. Gravin (exhausted): The test won't begin….. until the other students arrive.
Jason (disappointed): Oh come on!
Mr. Gravin (exhausted): You just…. need to have… patience. Good lord, I thought you were exhausted! And what happened to speed not being your specialty?!
Jason shrugged his shoulders.
Jason: I just needed a moment to catch my breath. I can also move very quickly in bursts.
Mr. Gravin: To be young and still growing. How I miss those days.
As Jason waited, he saw the massive mountain on the horizon and stared at it for a while. After about five minutes, nine other students lined up to the left of Jason. Mr. Gravin was watching from behind them.
Mr. Gravin: This will be the last test. Be sure to strive for excellence!
Female AI Voice: It's time to begin the projectile test. When it's your turn, fire an electrical blast at the target. Points will be determined based on how close your attack is to the bullseye. You can also receive bonus points based on how much damage you do to the target if you are able to. Though be aware that the main point system is based on accuracy and that the targets are made of a tungsten titanium alloy. You only get one shot so if you miss the target all together, you won't receive any points.
Male AI Voice: Begin from the left!
A target suddenly emerged from the far left. The student who was facing directly in front of the target started to charge red electricity in his hand and held it towards the target.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
The student fired the electricity at the target. The blast hit the edge of the target.
Female AI Voice: One point!
Jason (thinking): I need to remember. Focus my energy to my core.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Six points.
Jason (thinking): Valerie said to dig my feet in the ground. I forgot to ask her if she meant literally or not.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Five points.
Jason (thinking): Maybe I should take it literally just in case?
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Zero points.
Student (disappointed): Aw man!
Jason stomped on the dirt until his feet were completely submerged in the dirt. The student next to him noticed this and looked at him in confusion.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Four points.
Jason (thinking): Gotta focus. This energy is mine and mine alone.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Eight points.
Jason began charging energy to his core. He felt the power begin to grow.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Three points.
Jason's hair began to glow yellow as he was surging with electricity.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: One point.
Jason looked at where the target was going to appear. His eyes glowed yellow with all the power going through him.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Female AI Voice: Nine points.
Jason opened his mouth as electricity began to glow from inside. Suddenly, the target emerged from below.
Male AI Voice: Fire!
Jason (shouting): VOLT CANNON!
Jason unleashed the blast at full force. The recoil of the attack pushed Jason away. He felt himself about to fall over. Even his feet which were dug into the ground were dragging through the earth. The Volt Cannon was roaring and ripping through the air. The beam was so bright that Jason struggled to keep his eyes open. However, Jason kept the attack steady and the beam hit the target and obliterated it. As the attack dissipated, Jason fell over and landed on his back. He breathed heavily as all that took a lot out of him. He sat up and looked at where the target was. The only thing left was the pole that held the target which melted at the top. Not a trace of the target was seen anywhere. The wall behind it also had a massive hole to where you can see the open sky. All of the students paused and stared at Jason and the station he obliterated.
Jason's heart was filled with happiness. He turned around towards Mr. Gravin. His once neat and proper suit was now messy and wrinkled. His hair was sticking out from everywhere. His glasses were crooked and the lens were cracked. He looked like he got hit by a tornado.
His face was shocked as he stared in disbelief at what Jason did. Jason got up and eagerly rushed to Mr. Gravin.
Jason (excitedly): So? I destroyed the target. That means I get extra points right?
Mr. Gravin (dumbfounded): Um, I suppose so. But don't you think you went a little too far?
Jason looked over to his station where it was completely destroyed.
Female AI Voice (glitching) Please cover your….. points….. seven…..Do your…. Do your…. Points…
Students were pointed to where Jason fired. They had looks of complete shock and disbelief.
Jason (embarrassed): I guess that was a little much. They are shocked that I broke the machine.
Mr. Gravin (awkwardly): Um, that's not what their looking at.
Jason turned around towards Mr. Gravin.
Jason (confused): What do you mean?
Mr. Gravin: I uh… Well…
Mr. Gravin pointed towards the sky in the horizon.
Mr. Gravin: Look.
Jason looked to where Mr. Gravin was pointing. All he saw was a clear blue sky. He looked back at Mr. Gravin confused.
Jason: What am I supposed to be looking at? All I see is the sky.
Mr. Gravin: Exactly. Wasn't there a mountain there a minute ago?
Jason looked back at where he was looking before. Suddenly Jason realized what Mr. Gravin was talking about. The large mountain that was there before was gone. Jason's eyes widened as the gravity of the situation started to sink in.
Jason: Oh. Shit.