Cid brushed off the praise, a modest grin playing on his lips. "It was the least I could do after finding you injured in the woods. Besides, I've always had a knack for potions and tonics."
The Raven hopped closer, its ebony feathers ruffling as it fixed Cid with a piercing gaze. "There is more to you than meets the eye, young healer. I sense a great power within you, waiting to be unleashed."
Cid's eyes widened at the Raven's words, a shiver running down his spine. "What do you mean? What power?"
The Raven croaked, its voice deep and resonant, "A crimson energy is accumulating within you, gaining power as you refine your swordsmanship."
Cid's mind raced with questions, his curiosity piqued by the Raven's cryptic words. "How do you know this? Who - or what - are you?"
My name is Nyx, and I am a Raven Familiar," the bird replied. "A familiar?" Cid questioned. Nyx then educated Cid about the world of familiars and their purpose. In summary, the World of Familiars is a mystical realm where magical—ranging and mythical beings—serve as loyal companions and aides to Ability Users or adventurers.
They enhance their hosts 'abilities, provide emotional support, and protect them from dangers through a deep telepathic bond formed via a ritual contract. This contract typically involves an offering, a blood oath, and the recitation of chants outlining mutual benefits and responsibilities, such as powers granted, limitations, and obligations to nourish one another.
The bond allows for shared emotions and experiences, reinforcing their connection, but must be maintained through care and adherence to agreed terms; neglect or breach can weaken the bond or lead to dire consequences. Overall, this intricate relationship is rooted in cooperation and growth, allowing both familiar and host to explore their powers and navigate challenges together. Hearing all this, Cid was taken aback.
he then asked, " Have you made a contract with anyone?"
" No, I have not but, since you helped me out I wish to stay by your side and aid you in your journey" Nyx said.
Cid's heart swelled with gratitude at Nyx's offer. A sense of destiny seemed to hang in the air, as if their meeting was not mere coincidence, but a fateful encounter. Cid wasted no time pricking his hand with his teeth before extending it towards Nyx. She reciprocated by pricking her foot and they became blood bound. A surge of energy suddenly filled Cid.
Nyx explained, "Now that our bond is formed, you have access to my shadow Storage skill. It allows you to store any non-living item of any weight inside. Cid was about to check the system and explore its possibilities when a loud knock interrupted him. A deep, commanding voice called out, demanding "Cid Walker step outside." He quickly used his outfit change skill to transform into an attire he felt comfortable in: black cargo pants, sturdy boots, and a plain black t-shirt. Over it all, he donned a long, hooded coat with a sleek, dark design
. The coat had a fitted bodice that flared out at the back, giving it a flowy appearance. Its textured fabric added depth, possibly with a subtle pattern or sheen. The sleeves were long and fitted, with decorative elements near the cuffs. A belt cinched at the waist, creating a structured silhouette. Overall, the outfit exuded mystery and style, perfect for someone with a dramatic or fantasy-inspired aesthetic like Cid. Nyx, said I'm going to rest for a bit as a mark on you I will explain later also you will still have access to my shadow abilities, morphed into a mist and entered Cid hand and on his hand there was a spade symbol that showed up it looked like a tattoo.
Before going outside, Cid quickly used his Illusionary Forge skill to alter the appearance of his sword and conceal its aura. The once Fancy-looking blade had transformed into a striking weapon with a long, straight vivid red blade that demanded attention. Its width and sharp point suggested it was capable of both cutting and thrusting. The handle featured a circular red guard for added visual contrast, and its textured grip allowed for optimal handling. It also came with a simple black sheath, likely made of durable material to protect the blade while not in use.
Cid stepped outside carrying the sword, and a row of 10 disciplined military men stood at attention before him. Behind them was a large, sleek bus, emblazoned with the crest of the Military School. A group of students were already boarding the bus, ready to embark on their journey. Cid followed suit and entered the bus, feeling a sense of nervousness wash over him. He chose to sit at the back of the bus, away from the other students, because he was not one to easily strike up a conversation. The engine roared to life, and they were off, leaving behind his previous life and beginning a new adventure at the prestigious Military School.
The bus rumbled on, its wheels humming a steady rhythm against the pavement. Cid's heart pounded in anticipation of the unknown awaiting him at the Military School. As they continued their journey, the landscape outside shifted gradually. Tall buildings gave way to open fields, and the horizon seemed to stretch endlessly under the vast expanse of the sky.
Suddenly, as if someone had flipped a switch, the bus plunged into darkness. Cid's pulse quickened, but as he glanced around, he realized he could see with perfect clarity despite the absence of light. His new Halfling abilities were at work, allowing him to make out the faint outlines of his fellow passengers and the interior of the tunnel they were travelling through.
The tunnel seemed to go on for hours, its walls slick with moisture and streaked with shadows. The air inside grew cooler, tendrils of mist dancing in the beams of light that filtered through small openings. Cid's mind raced with questions—where were they headed? As he was thinking this, he could see a light approaching in the distance. The tunnel was ending. As they exited the tunnel, he was shocked by what he saw.
The Base was nestled within a sprawling valley, the futuristic military base was a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and the vibrant beauty of nature. Towering, sleek structures made of lightweight, transparent materials reflect the sunlight while blending seamlessly with their surroundings. The architecture features flowing designs, inspired by the organic shapes of the natural world, with multi-layered terraces covered in lush flora.
As you approach the base, automated drones that zip overhead greeted you, surveying the perimeter and ensuring security without disturbing the tranquility of the environment. Bioluminescent plants, genetically engineered for their light-emitting properties, illuminate pathways and gardens, creating a soothing ambience during nighttime.
The heart of the base is a vast central plaza surrounded by a modular command center that can adapt to different operational needs. Holographic displays provide situational awareness and tactical information, floating above the ground, while strategically placed solar panels and wind turbines power the base sustainably.
Lush vertical gardens climb the walls of every building, providing fresh produce and enhancing the air quality. Water features, such as serene ponds and cascading waterfalls, not only contribute to the calming atmosphere but also serve as natural hydration systems for the base. Researchers dedicate areas to exploring advanced botanical technology that benefits both military personnel and local ecosystems.
Training facilities incorporate augmented and virtual reality, allowing soldiers to engage in simulations that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Enclosed biomes feature diverse environments, from dense forests to arid deserts, where troops can train in conditions that mirror real-world challenges while being surrounded by green-tinged, artificial landscapes.
In clearings throughout the base, comfortable seating furnishes the rest areas, shaded by large, leaf-like structures that provide natural cooling. Here, personnel can unwind amid the serene beauty of strategically planted trees that frame breathtaking views of distant mountains and rolling hills.
Hydroponic labs and indoor gardens contribute to the base's self-sufficiency, while conservation areas safeguard local wildlife, fostering a commitment to protecting the very ecosystems in which they operate. This military base stands not only as a bastion of defense but also as a beacon of environmental stewardship and advanced technological innovation, illustrating that the future of security can coexist harmoniously with nature.
After arriving at the base, someone took the students off the bus and led them through a winding path that meandered through the lush gardens and serene ponds. Cascading waterfalls and gently rustling leaves from the vertical gardens climbing the building walls filled the air with soothing sounds.
They took each student to a designated area in the open grassland field, where bioluminescent plants illuminated the space, creating a symphony of colors and scents that surrounded them. The sun was setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the futuristic structures of the base and painting the sky in hues of pink and orange.
As they stood in silence, a hush fell over the students as they awaited further instructions. Suddenly, a voice boomed through hidden speakers embedded in the landscape, welcoming them to the Military School's Abilities Assessment.
A large, burly man strode to the front of the students and spoke with authority. "Welcome, cadets. I am General Sebas from Group B Military, which is where you are now. Before being assigned to your rooms and homeroom teachers - who will be one of the seven individuals behind me - we will conduct an ability assessment to determine your abilities and AB cell levels. If you do not possess an ability, you are free to choose between water or stone as we have the crystals for learning those abilities. I would now like to call upon General Abby to explain the Ability Assessment."
A tall, striking woman stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. Her long, platinum blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders in perfect waves, framing her sharp features. She wore a dark gown that hugged her figure, adorned with intricate golden patterns that spoke of elegance and power. The high collar and long, flowing sleeves only added to her regal appearance. A decorative belt cinched her waist, emphasizing her strength and grace. In one hand, she held a majestic staff, its ornate details reflecting her powerful abilities as a leader. She spoke loud and full of confidence : "Today, I'll explain the Ability Assessment Test, which is designed to evaluate your unique powers and prepare you for future military challenges."
The air was thick with anticipation as the candidates gathered, each one acutely aware of the purpose that brought them here. This test was not merely a series of challenges; it was a crucible designed to reveal the depths of their abilities—how strong they were and how adaptable they could be in the face of adversity.
The assessment unfolded in multiple stages, a blend of individual trials and collaborative endeavors, interspersed with practical simulations that mirrored the chaos of actual combat.
First came the individual ability evaluation. Each candidate would face tests tailored to illuminate their unique skills. An aura analysis would delve into their essence, revealing both primary and secondary abilities. In the ability activation test, they would step into a controlled arena, where an AI or a magical entity would analyze their powers as they showcased them. The stamina challenge loomed next, a grueling test of endurance that demanded they maintain their abilities while tackling physical tasks.
As the candidates progressed, they would encounter situational scenarios, challenges that demanded strategic use of their powers in lifelike situations. A rescue mission simulation awaited, where they would navigate a labyrinth of obstacles to save a simulated victim. Combat training would follow, pitting them against classmates with diverse abilities, testing their adaptability in the heat of sparring.
The trials of team cohesion would reveal how well they could collaborate, harnessing their powers in unison. In the team strategy challenge, they would work together to accomplish missions that required seamless cooperation and the blending of their unique abilities. The obstacle course would further test their mettle, demanding they assist teammates using specific powers like flight or teleportation.
Next came the evaluation of control and precision, a phase that would assess their mastery over their abilities. Target practice would measure their accuracy, forcing them to hit various targets with precision. The focus challenge would push them to their limits, requiring them to respond to prompts while distractions swirled around them.
Finally, the overall strength assessment would quantify their capabilities. Power calibration would involve strength tests, such as lifting heavy objects with their powers, while instructors would provide feedback and scores, evaluating not just performance but potential for growth. Instructors would score each candidate on a scale from one to ten in every category, combining these scores into a total that reflected their overall capabilities. Instructors would also note specific attributes like creativity and teamwork, recognizing that these qualities were just as vital as raw power.
This comprehensive test was more than a mere evaluation; it was a journey of self-discovery, designed to illuminate both strengths and weaknesses. It aimed to prepare them for the challenges that lay ahead, honing their personal skills while fostering their ability to work as part of a cohesive unit.
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds as the final assessment drew to a close. The candidates stood in a line, their faces reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and determination after enduring the rigorous trials that tested every facet of their abilities.
General Abby stepped forward once more, her gaze sweeping over the assembled candidates with a mix of pride and assessment. "You have all shown resilience and potential today. Your performance in these assessments will shape your path here at the Military School and beyond. Remember, it is not just about your powers but how you wield them with purpose and precision."
As the instructors tallied the scores, a sense of camaraderie settled among the candidates. They had faced challenges together, pushing each other to excel and showcasing their abilities under pressure. Bonds had formed through shared victories and defeats, laying the foundation for future alliances within their cohort.
General Sebas stepped forward again, holding a scroll that listed each student's name and their assigned homeroom teacher, after the scores were completed. General Sebas assigned each teacher a number, representing their class number from one to seven. Sebas called out the names of each student, telling them their class number and instructing them to go stand before the corresponding teacher.