After Director Kaelen's scathing speech, the atmosphere in the lobby was electric. The students dispersed into nervous groups, with lively conversations revolving around rankings, expeditions, and upcoming duels. Hakime, Arthur and Conor were redirected, along with about twenty other students, to a laboratory with cold, metallic furniture, where technicians in white coats were waiting for them.
On displays, aligned with military precision, were the Etheric Watches. They were more robust than civilian models, with a matte alloy case, a strong fiber bracelet and a slightly curved touchscreen.
"You will be equipped with your personal watch," announced a technician in a monotone voice. "It is linked to your unique energy signature. Once activated, it will only respond to you."
When his turn came, Hakime held out his arm. The technician fixed the watch around his left wrist. A subtle tingling, like a faint static discharge, ran through his skin as the sensors came into contact with his ether. The screen lit up, displaying his name and number.
"The basic features are simple," explained the technician. "Display time, level and ranking points. But its main function is to monitor statistics. Focus and say "Statute."
Hakime obeyed. "Status."
The screen changed immediately, displaying a clear list:
Name: Hakime
Level: 1
Blessing: Monarch of the Light (SSS)
Points: 0
Statistics:
Strength: 2
Agility: 2
Endurance: 3
Willingness: 5
Perception: 5
Points Available: 0
He studied the numbers. A basic distribution, reflecting his summary training at the orphanage. His Will and Perception were naturally high, probably related to his blessing. He now understood why controlling the light was so difficult: his body was not yet strong enough to properly channel the power it housed.
"The watch will measure in real time your ether expenditure, fatigue and injuries," the technician added. "It is waterproof, shock-resistant and has a distress signal that will alert instructors in the event of a critical situation. Don't take it off under any circumstances. It's your vital connection to the academy."
As they left the lab, their new bracelets twinkling on their wrists, an instructor was waiting for them in the hallway. It was not the scarred veteran who had guided them the day before, but a man in his thirties, with a piercing look and a laid-back posture who could not hide a wild-natured vigilance.
"I am Master Rylan," he introduced himself, his voice calm but full. "I will be your head teacher for the next three months. My role is to teach you not to die foolishly."
He took them to an empty training room, smaller and more intimate than the main arenas.
"Look around you," he said, stopping at the center. "You are twenty. At the end of the year, if all goes well, you may be fifteen. The others will have given up, been seriously injured, or died."
He crossed his arms.
"I know your records. I know what grades you've awakened. But here, in this room, I don't care." His gaze rested on Hakime, then on another student whose blessing was ranked A. "A high rank with poor control is more dangerous to his own camp than to the enemy. A low grade with excellent mastery can save lives. So we're going to start with the basics. Always."
He pointed a finger at Hakime.
"You. The orphan. You have brute force in you. I feel it. But it's messy. You'll learn how to keep her on a leash."
Then to Arthur.
"The quick. You have energy to spare. You will learn how to channel it, not waste it."
Finally to Conor.
"The solid. You count on your skin. You will learn that even rock has weak points."
Rylan walked through the other faces.
"You're going to form teams, help each other, and sometimes face each other. Competition is healthy, betrayal will not be tolerated. If I catch one of you sabotaging a comrade, it's immediate expulsion. We are a chain. We are as strong as our weakest link."
He approached the wall and tapped his etheric watch.
"This tool is your truth. He will not lie. He will show you your progress, or your stagnation. Use it. Analyze yourself. Identify your weaknesses and work on them."
He took a step back, his gaze embracing the group.
"The first lesson begins tomorrow at dawn. Theory course on the etheric system and history. Then, basic combat. Be prepared."
As Master Rylan left the room, Hakime looked at his watch again. The numbers flashed weakly. It was a photograph of his current state, the starting point of everything. He looked up and met Conor's gaze, which slowly nodded, as if he understood the challenge that awaited them. Arthur was already tapping on his screen, exploring the menus.
They were no longer just students. They were data, statistics in the making, and the path to improving them was now beginning.