The days flew by, between training and exploring the campus. Before I knew it, the day of the entrance exam has come along. I didn't have to participate in it of course.
I'm a special snowflake after all...
I did however get a front row seat to the other students attempting to take the exam. I wouldn't be one of the judges, but I would get to watch the new fallen children show off their skills. of course, they only had a week to train. So the physical exam was mainly just to determine the rankings of the students. All students are ranked one through however many make it through. I was told around three thousand students last year made it into Sophos Academy. At the first awakening day, the percentage of people that awakened was quite low. Around three to five percent maybe? Over the years, the percentage has gone up. The last awakening day had a whopping ten percent yield; much higher than the first year.
The increase in fallen children means an increase in students year over year. This also results in an increase of academies popping up here and there.
'I wonder how many students will make it this year...' I thought as I finished up my morning training in the dorm gym.
I stood from the machine I was using, and reached to grab my towel. I examined the gym room, noticing another person using some of the equipment. They were a male, and had light brown hair and a muscular build. Just imagine a classic meathead and you've got this guy. His bushy eyebrows were furrowed in concentration.
'Looks like another student, maybe from the upper years. Never seen them before,' I shrugged and continued out of the room.
The entrance exams would begin in around four hours, so I still had some time to train with my ichor manipulation as well. I soon made it to my room and scaled the spiral staircase. Situating myself in the middle of the training room, I began to picture an arrow once more. Unlike before, when I opened my eyes, I saw a simple looking arrow glowing brilliantly.
'Finally, I can hold it's shape consistently,' I nodded in satisfaction.
I then ordered the arrow to hit the pillar at the end of the room. Suddenly, the arrow appeared before the pillar; a loud pop followed by a sizzle rang across the room. I curiously looked at the number displayed.
'857...'
It was much higher than when I hit it with the sword, even when it was power by ichor. It had to be noted that I also tried to hit the pillar with the blob of light and only reached 242.
'I guess the shape really does matter after all,' I placed my hand on my chin.
I then sat back down and formed the arrow once more, this time attempting to keep my eyes open while channeling the ichor. I mean... I can't just close my eyes in battle in order to use my power. Therefor I had to learn to manipulate it with my eyes open.
It was quite a bit slower, and the arrow was a little sloppy. I shook my head in disappointment.
'Again.'
For the next three hours, I focused on forming the arrow now with my eyes open.
* * *
After three long hours, I finally managed to get the arrow to form close to as fast as when my eyes were closed. The arrow itself was almost as strong as the one I formed before as well. Nodding my head in satisfaction, I decided to call it here and get ready to watch the entrance exams.
Just as I was about to leave though, I had a thought...
'What if I try to form it while moving?'
I stopped, and turned back around. I flexed my legs, and pushed off in a burst of speed. My hand was held out to my side. As I was in motion I formed the arrow, and shot it at the pillar.
'348.'
Not bad for the first attempt. I then tried a different tactic. Once more, I pushed off in a burst of speed, this time however, three arrows formed above my hand at once. They looked rather sloppy compared to when I formed a single arrow. I then fired them off in quick succession, and looked to the number forming on the screen.
'hmmm, 345...'
The numbers were quite similar, but I'm guessing the force was split between the arrows.
'So, if I can learn to form multiple arrows of that caliber... then it would be multiplicative in power...'
For example, if I could form three of the arrows I make with my eyes closed; the overall number on the reader would be 2571 in theory.
'Well whatever, I can practice this later... for now I need to get ready or I'll be late.'
I quickly turned and headed towards the shower to wash the sweat off my body from the morning training. After exiting the shower I threw some of my usual clothing on and checked the time. I was told a driver would be here half an hour before the exams to bring me over, and it was nearing that time. I began to make my way to the lobby of the building.
"Oh, Jin! Have fun watching the exams!" the receptionist gave me a smile as I made my way through to the front doors.
"Thanks, Emily," I gave a small nod while wearing a slight smile.
She gave a final wave as I exited the building. I was then greeted by a guard, but a different one from when I first arrived. He has been here for a couple days now. This guard was much more cheery, he was tall, and sported short cropped blonde hair and emerald green eyes. He wore the exact same suit as the other guard though.
"Oh! Heading out?" he threw a wide smile in my direction.
"Yeah, going to be watching the entrance exams today," I continued to wear the same small smile from earlier.
"Right, right, you don't have to take it huh... but I heard they will still be testing your power there separately," the guard raised his brows and began to nod his head earnestly.
"Do they tell the staff of this building everything?" I sighed.
"Not really, but the professors like to gossip every now and then," he returned to his usual smile.
"Aren't you guys all adults? Why are you gossiping like school girls over some kids?" I wore an exasperated expression, although I was just messing around.
"Oh, come on kid! Cut us some slack! We get bored too..." he replied, putting on a hurt look.
We then both let out a short chuckle after a slight pause. I then noticed a silver car pull up in front of the building.
"Well, that looks like my ride, see ya later," I then gave a small wave and made my way towards the car.
"Have fun!" the guard called from behind in a light cheery voice.
As I came close to the car, the window rolled down. I observed the driver briefly in this moment. She had long brown hair and hazel eyes. Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, and she wore a white military style uniform with white gloves covering her hands.
"Hello there sir, may I please see your student card for ID?" she said as she put on a smile.
"Yeah, sure," I pulled my golden student card from my pocket in a practiced motion.
Couldn't have an accident like last time after all... that was disastrous.
"Thank you, please enter the vehicle," she motioned towards the back door.
I quickly climbed into the car and we began to move towards the testing ground. It was a silent drive as I looked out the window at the passing buildings. Soon we arrived in front of the main academy testing building.
"Here you are sir, I'll be here to pick you up as well once you're ready to leave," she then handed me a card and continued. "Please just use you student phone to dial the number on there and I will arrive to pick you up promptly."
"Okay, uh, thanks," I took the card, a little shocked internally.
'Since when did I get a private chauffeur?!?'
I exited the car and quickly gave my head a shake. After placing the card from the lady into my pocket I began to make my way into the building. There was many kids my age around me also doing the same. I could hear nervous murmurs, and confident boasting all occurring at the same time from different groups.
I rubbed my eyes and let out a yawn. I was quite tiered from my morning training, as I went a quite a bit harder than usual today. I immediately felt eyes on me and heard many hushed voices.
"Did he just yawn?"
"Who is that?"
"He's probably just tiered because he didn't get any sleep, he is probably super nervous!"
Suddenly I felt the urge to let out a heavy sigh. I feel as if I've been doing that too much lately...
I ignored the gossip and headed towards the area of the testing grounds. Once there I saw a long line. Walking past the plebs in the line I stopped in front of the guard that was standing I front of the door. I didn't actually think of them as plebs, I just thought it's funny to think like that...
"Uh, hello, I'm Jin... I was told to come here."
"Jin, ah yes. Please head inside," the guard gave a shallow bow and opened the door for me.
Angry voices ran our behind me.
"Hey, what the hell?! He just skipped the line and went in!"
"OY, guard! Do you even know who my parents are?!? Let me in too!"
"Hey, why'd the edgy kid get in?!?"
My brows twitched at the last one, and I made sure to commit the voice to memory.
'Looks like I'm popular already!' I shook my head as I continued into the room.
The panel of four judges turned towards me after noticing I entered. The room was large, with the door I entered being behind me. There were doors to my left and right. The judges panel was straight ahead and above them seemed to be some sort of spectators booth.
"Ah, Jin Cliff," the judge in the middle on the right greeted me.
This judge wore a lab coat, with a light green shirt and jeans. He had scruffy stubble, as if he had been living under a rock for a few days. His light green hair was a bit of a mess and he wore a pair of large round glasses.
I gave a salute, "that's me."
"Please come, we have a seat in the booth above for you to watch from," he continued.
"Oh, sweet!" I then made my way up the stairs behind the judges and into the booth.
'I wonder if they have popcorn?'
I then settled into my seat and began to watch the other possibly soon-to-be students take the test. To my left and right were different screens that showed me what I assumed to be the other two rooms through the left and right doors. Some of these screens also showed me different testing areas if I fiddled around with the remote that I found in the room with me.
There was many different testing grounds, as every year there was upwards of six to seven thousand applicants, which grew every year. The one I was in was for the 'big shots' kids and the like. You know, those whose parents are either rich or have high positions in the United Government. Therefor this room would be done the soonest as there was the least amount of people lined up here.
After a few hours of watching some fail, and some succeed, I finally noticed a familiar face.
'Anna?'
The same girl I met on awakening day now stood at the centre of the testing hall. She held the same unwavering confidence, her hair shimmered a brilliant ruby in the overhead lighting. Her eyes shone the same vibrant blue as she gazed up at the judges. She seemed to be carrying a small rod of metal, maybe about eight inches long and three inches in diameter.
"Hello, my name is Anna Jonathan," Anna stated to the judges.
I watched all the judges, except the one who greeted me, eyes go as wide as saucers. I gave a small chuckle at the sight.
"Anna Jonathan, potential rank... superior..." the head judge stated with an exited undertone. "Please head into the right room to begin the test."
I watched as Anna walked through the door, I then turned my attention towards the monitor that displayed the room.
"Please use your instinctual power now," the judges voice came through the speaker in the room.
Anna nodded her head, and held the small rod out in front of her. Her eyes then firmly shut closed, a look of deep concentration laced her delicate pale face. My eyes widened a little as I watched the rod burst into particles, it then reformed in her hand as a small crude looking dagger.
'Deconstruction and reconstruction?!?' I was quite impressed.
That power seems quite scary after all, I wonder if she can use it on living matter...
"Now, please hit the pillar at the end of the room if your power allows it," the judge continued.
Anna gave a sharp nod, and approached the pillar. She then swung hard at it, resulting in a loud ring throughout the room.
"Hmm, I see... please exit the room."
"Yes, judge," she then proceeded to return to the main testing hall.
"Now please enter the room to the left if you would miss," the judge stated without looking away from the data in front of him.
'That judge guy seems a little too excited about data...'
Anna then quickly entered the other room, and awaited instruction. After a little while, she was done the physical as well.
"Overall, very good scores. You will be awarded the grade E for your test," the judge said confidently.
The other judges nodded their heads in agreement.
To describe the 'grade' system, it went:
F for failure.
B for basic.
S for satisfactory.
E for extraordinary.
So, Anna just achieved the highest grade possible.
"You will be placed at rank two for the first years," the judge continued with a nod.
Now it was Anna's turn to be shocked.
"Number two?!?" Anna asked, surprised.
"Yes, the number one slot is already filled."
"By who?!?"
"I'm not at liberty to reveal that information yet."
Anna's brows furrowed, and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Okay, thank you for your time judges," she gave a shallow bow and began to take her leave.
Not much she could do about the ranking in the end. I wore a slight cheeky smirk on my face, just slight...
"Jin, you may come down now," the judge then turned towards the booth.
'Oh, looks like it's my turn...'
I made my way out of the door and down the flight of stairs until I was one again standing in front of the judges.
"we will now test your power to determine what you have awakened."
"Sure," I casually replied.
"Please, step into the door to your right. We will then commence the test," he stated.
I gave a light stretch as I made my way over towards and through the door. The room looked very similar to my personal training room in my apartment. I observed a speaker and camera in the corner of the room, presumably for them to communicate and observe me with.
"Okay, Jin, please channel your ichor. Utilize whatever instinctual power you awakened with."
I closed my eyes and began to channel my ichor to form the arrow I imagined. Soon it gently floated above my hand.
"Great, now, there is a pillar at the end of the room. Please if you can, use the power on the pillar," the man instructed.
I willed the arrow to hit the pillar, soon a pop and sizzle followed. I waited for the next set of instructions.
"U-uh... Jin, can you do it once more?" the male voice once again rang throughout the room from a speaker.
"Sure."
I once again formed the arrow, and shot it at the pillar.
"O-okay, please exit the room now..." the man sounded a little... flustered.
I scratched my cheek and exited the room. Once again faced with the judges. Silence filled the room as they seemed to be looking through data.
"So... what is my power?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"Well, that's the thing... this is some thing we have never quite seen before," the man answered me once again. "Your power is very unique, can you form other shapes?"
"Yes I can, but it takes practice to get it right," I responded.
"I see... it would appear, Jin, that your power is to manipulate light and give it some sort of physical substance..." the mans eyes began to shine, it had to be said not once had he looked up from the data.
"Manipulate... light?"
"That's correct! This data is truly intriguing... and with only a week of practice, you can already channel your ichor that quickly... also not to mention the speed of the attack... if we could...." the man continued to ramble on very enthusiastically.
'Glad I'm being looked at as some science experiment now...'
The man then suddenly snapped out of his ramblings, and looked towards me.
"You truly deserve the number one rank, your power is quite impressive when you consider you only had a week to practice!" his eyes still shone with curiosity and wonder.
*Ahem*
One of the other judges finally decided to intervene, "head judge sir, we need to wrap up his tests..."
"Ah! Right, now for the physical test," the man then directed me towards the room on the left.
Once inside the room, I saw another camera and speaker. Along with some odd looking devices.
"Okay Jin, we will go through the physical tests one at a time," the man then lead me through each physical test.
Once I finished the final one, I was breathing quite heavily.
'W-what the hell, is this a test or a bootcamp!?!' I internally screamed.
"Please exit the room now," the head judge instructed.
Once out of the room, I once again stood there in silence while they observed the data.
"Hmm, hmmm... yes, very good... yes..." the head judge nodded several times while overlooking the data. "Jin, it seems like you worked out quite regularly even before you became a fallen child. Your results are quite good even in the physical!"
The man seemed quite happy for me... for some reason.
"Yeah, I trained every day for around three and a half years."
"Hahaha! Yes, you're quite the anomaly... in the three year history of the academy we have never seen results quite like yours... Jin, I herby grant you grade M on every test," the head judge declared.
The other judges gasped, their eyes widening.
"B-but sir! grade M is..."
"Quiet," the head judge silenced them before they could refute. "How can you not agree after what we witnessed... his power alone is already remarkable. Need I also remind you that he is an 'unreadable' after all."
The other judges quickly shut their mouths.
"Uh, head judge sir... what is grade M if I might ask?" I tilted my head in curiosity.
"Grade M, stands for 'grade Monster'... it is only given to the most stunning testers in theory. You are the first in this academy to ever be granted this rank," the head judge nodded his head in with a prideful look.
'Great, I'm a monster now!'
"I thought that grade E was the highest?" I inquired.
"Yes, well, since we have never given out grade M it has never been on record."
"Oh, I see, great..."
"Although you had already technically passed the exam before we began, you will still be placed on the posted rankings as rank one. Your grade will be set as M," the judges then began to rise from their seats. "We are done now, please be on your way now, mr unreadable."
The head judge gave me a wink, and exited the room. The other three judges followed behind him, I joined them as well. After I left the room, I took out the card I was given and dialled the number.
"Hello?" a female voice rang on the other side of the phone.
"Uh yes hello, this is Jin. I'm done now," I told the driver lady.
"Alright sir, I'll be there in five minutes."
*Beep* *Beep*
I then looked down at my phone.
'Guess I should tell my parents.'
I opened my fathers number on my contacts, and shot him a quick text:
-Hey dad, just wanted to let you know that I got graded as 'M'... so I'm a full-blown monster now! Also, I'm rank one for the first years. Oh yeah, and my power is to... uh... control light and give it 'some sort of substance' or some thing like that. Just giving you an update, love you dad.
And send.
*Ding!*
'What the hell it hasn't even been two seconds?!?'
-Hello, my genius son. Of course, nothing less was expected of my pride and joy. So, what does being graded as 'M' even mean. Also control light? Now that's badass son. Love you lots from me and your mother! HURRAH!!ᕙ( * •̀ ᗜ •́ * )ᕗ
I face palmed at the 'HURRAH' and emoji at the end. Also what's with the super fast response time? It's like he was waiting for me to text him.
Soon the silver car pulled into the busy parking lot, and I walked up to it and entered.
"Back to the dorms please," I told the driver.
"Right away sir."
We then began to drive towards the large dorm building.
'Hmm, and I guess I'll be getting some neighbours soon. That's exciting... I wonder who else ranked in the top twenty.'
I obviously couldn't look at all the examinees. So naturally I was curious about who would be living in the dorm with me.
'I should try to make some allies while I'm here. Because although individual strength is the most important in this world, I'm not arrogant enough to believe I can solve everything alone.'
With these thoughts running through my head, we soon pulled up to the large dorm building.
Soon, I would meet some of these neighbours of mine...
* * *
Ragnvaldr's office in United Government HQ
Behind a large desk, sat a massive man. This man is known as Head of Governance, Ragnvaldr. He sifted through piles of paperwork, but was interrupted from his task by a ringing phone.
"Hello, Ragnvaldr here," Ragnvaldr answered the phone with his deep baritone voice.
"Hello sir, we have finished testing Jin the unreadable's power..." the voice replied.
"Oh really, do tell."
"It seems his power is to... control light and grant it some sort of substance."
"Oh-ho, that is interesting indeed... what were his overall test results?" Ragnvaldr inquired.
"Rank M, sir," the voice on the other end stated matter-of-factly.
There was a brief silence before...
"HA HA HA HA!" Ragnvaldr let out a powerful laugh and slapped his knee. "Brilliant!"
"Yes sir, we have never seen results like this on a first exam before. Not with the other unreadable's.... and not even... with yours."
"Yes, I'm quite aware," Ragnvaldr wore a smile. "Thank you for the report, you may go back to your regular duties."
*Beep* *Beep*
"So... Jin Cliff. You truly are incredible!" Ragnvaldr proclaimed to his empty office. "I cannot wait to see how you grow, young genius."
-Chapter Eight End-