Talon moved on from the Insight room, his mind still spinning with the questions it had raised. He cast one last glance over his shoulder, wondering just what other secrets the journal held, then continued down the hallway. On either side, doors lined the walls, each identical except for slight differences in color and design. He tried each one, hoping for more answers, but they all remained stubbornly locked.
Noah walked alongside him, watching with mild amusement as Talon jiggled each handle. "Only so many open, you know," he said, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "This is the lobby, not a maze."
Talon rolled his eyes, but he wasn't ready to give up. "What's the point of all these doors if they don't lead anywhere?"
"Ah, you'll figure it out," Noah replied, his grin widening.
Talon shot him a suspicious look. "You know… for someone who says they don't do much, you sure act like you know a lot more than you let on."
Noah chuckled. "Fair enough. Maybe I do."
Talon considered pressing further, but something told him he'd only get more of Noah's vague answers. Finally, they came across a door that opened with ease. Inside was a small, softly lit room, where rows of polished shelves lined the walls like a gallery. Each shelf was empty—except for a single modest trophy sitting on the first one. Curious, Talon picked it up, tilting it in the light to read the engraving:
Die for the first time and come to the lobby.
He let out a huff of laughter. "Really? This is my reward for dying?"
Noah leaned in, inspecting the trophy with exaggerated fascination. "It's your first accomplishment, Talon. Think of it as a memento—a reminder of progress."
Talon eyed the empty shelves around him. "So all of these will eventually fill up with my… accomplishments?"
"Every choice, every life," Noah replied, glancing over the empty shelves. "Each trophy serves as a record of what you achieve—and what you leave behind."
A strange mix of pride and dread settled in Talon's chest. The room's empty spaces, waiting to be filled, left an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Guess I'll have plenty to look back on," he muttered, placing the trophy back.
Leaving the trophy room, they returned to the living room, and Noah turned to him. "So… what's the plan?"
Talon leaned against the back of an armchair, tapping his fingers as he considered. "To be honest? I don't have much of one. My main goal before all this was always to escape my family's influence as quickly as possible. Originally, I thought I could do that by either awakening and striking a deal with the Solaris Concord, or by scoring high enough on the exams to qualify for Officer's training with them." He paused, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Since it seems I won't be awakening anytime soon, I guess exams are the logical choice."
Noah nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. But you're missing something."
Talon raised an eyebrow. "And that is…?"
Noah leaned in with a glint in his eye. "Since you're already awakened, once you start your new life, you'll be able to control your energy. With enough practice, you can manipulate the orb to show a different color."
Talon's eyes widened as he caught on. "Which means… I can still take advantage of an awakening and gain all the benefits of military enrollment." His voice grew more eager. "I'd get access to their techniques, training, and resources without tipping off anyone of my true rank."
"Exactly," Noah confirmed, clearly pleased.
Talon's mind started racing as he imagined the possibilities now opened to him. The chance to finally step away from his family's reach was within grasp. He could take his own path sooner than he'd hoped.
Still, he knew that whatever his ambitions, checking the Achievement book for the next goal was the best place to start. If he was to uncover more about the journal—and himself—then completing achievements would be key. He pulled the book from his coat and opened it, flipping to page two.
In the center of the page, gray and bold, was the next hint: Leadership position.
A small smile crept onto his face. "Looks like I can knock two birds with one stone: Get into Super Academy, and then head into the military for an officer's role."
Noah raised an eyebrow, watching him closely. "That's a tall order, Talon. Are you sure?"
Talon met his gaze, resolve hardening in his expression. "It's worth it. Besides, if I'm going to figure all this out, I may as well take the path that gives me the most freedom."
Noah nodded, a satisfied smile playing at the edges of his mouth. "Then it sounds like you know where to start."
With the next step clear in his mind, Talon closed the Achievement book and took a deep breath, feeling the flickers of excitement replace the uncertainty.
---
They soon found themselves standing before the exit. The door stood open, revealing nothing but pure darkness stretching out beyond the threshold. Talon half-expected radiant light or a swirling portal, but instead, he was greeted by a vast void.
"So, I just walk through this door, and that's it? I'm back?"
Noah nodded with a smile. "That's right. Are you ready?"
Talon took a steadying breath. "Ready as I'll ever be. And… thanks, Noah. You've really helped me today. Having some company is nice."
Noah's smile softened. "Of course. Good luck."
With a final nod, Talon stepped through the door and into the darkness. Immediately, he felt a strange tug, as though all his senses were slipping away. The pure blackness swallowed him whole, an odd, disorienting sensation that made him feel like he was suspended in nothingness.
For a moment, panic clawed at him—had something gone wrong? But then, just as quickly, the sensation faded. He felt the familiar roughness of the academy sparring mat beneath him, a loud, brash voice ringing in his ears, and a sharp sting from the side of his head.
"WAKE UP, CADET! NOW ISN'T THE TIME TO BE TAKING A NAP!"
As he blinked his eyes open, a faint smirk played on his lips.
I'm back.