After offering her prayer and speaking with the entity of Thallerion, Xurien rushed to board a floating transport mounted upon the back of a massive fish. Driven by a man wearing goggles strapped to his forehead, the vehicle hovered off the ground. Xurien collapsed into a seat, indifferent to the driver's presence.
Staring blankly ahead, the face of Martheuw Ceréun continued to play in her mind. If there's a secret war... how can Orion help Thallerion when he's imprisoned himself? she whispered under her breath.
The driver called out to her. "Young lady, where are you actually heading? I've been talking to you for a while now, but you haven't answered," he said, his tone serious. "Do you even understand the Thallerion language?"
Xurien snapped out of her internal reverie. "Oh! Sorry, sir—just to the Mintaka Celestial Gene Academy, please." The driver caught sight of the cross necklace resting against her collarbone.
"The Academy?" The driver knitted his brows, examining her cross pendant. "Aren't you a Cyprioxian? Is it truly your dream to work as a hunter?" He seemed perplexed, never expecting a Cyprioxian to take an interest in a Thallerion profession. "If you're planning to sign a contract with Thallerion to acquire an Orion asset... man, times really have turned upside down. You see, young lady, plenty of people here in Thallerion are trying to buy contracts from other races because market prices are crashing. You ought to think this through first."
"Don't worry, sir. My mind is made up. In case you didn't know, I actually have Thallerion blood in me, too."
"Ah, so you're like the prince of Thallerion. People around here view him as someone special because of his unique abilities. Imagine—he can summon a golden chariot and manifest swords straight from his own energy. Pretty extraordinary, combining two distinct powers like that."
"You're right. But we aren't alike," Xurien replied softly. "Back in Cypriox, being born with two affinities is considered a curse. The Cyprioxians don't treat me as special—they see me as an omen."
"Ah, my apologies. I understand your reasons now. Well then, here we are." A holographic QR code materialized before her as the driver requested payment. A white light flashed from Xurien's wrist, projecting a small interface where she confirmed the requested amount. A crisp static chime echoed as she transferred 500 astralcoins.
"Thank you, sir."
"Best of luck on your exam."
Xurien watched in brief amusement as streams of shimmering bubbles drifted from the uranoscopus. The aquatic transport glided through the sky, its wing-like fins fluttering through the air with a soft hum and a low, whale-like groan.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped down from the vehicle, immediately surrounded by floating bubbles. She flicked one the size of a infant's head, watching the uranoscopus swim away, its vibrant, spotted scales and soft trailing fins disappearing into the distance.
In the distance, Xurien caught sight of the academy—a complex of interconnected circular structures with expansive glass windows. As she passed through the gates, the chatter of examinees clad in blue uniforms filled her ears. Standing upon a raised circular platform at the center of the plaza was a tall female professor with straight black hair falling past her shoulders. The professor raised her hand, causing vein-like patterns to crawl across her skin as purple energy gathered into an astral microphone. Her gaze swept over the crowd with a cool, tired, yet unyielding intensity.
"Attention, examinees!" her voice boomed through the plaza. "I regret to inform you... there has been a change in protocol this year. In the past, students with low Celestial Gene Capacities were still permitted to sit for the exam. Listen closely: many of the warriors who came before you are already dead."
The crowd stirred anxiously as she continued. "Therefore, effective immediately, the administration mandates that no student with a Celestial Gene Capacity below 60% will be permitted to become a hunter." The examinees gasped, eyes widening in shock.
"Furthermore, you will not qualify as warriors unless the weapons you manifest reach High-Grade quality or higher. If all you can forge is a simple hoe, pull out now and go till the soil instead!" The examinees stared down at their trembling hands, their faces draining of color as they swallowed hard.
"Do not view this as cruel treatment," the professor added. "Scoring below a 60% capacity does not mean you are weak. The administration simply wishes to keep you safe from certain death. For those who do not qualify, the Will-Forgers facilities, labor sectors, and agricultural departments remain open. Now, line up and proceed to genetic scanning."
A heavy silence fell over the grounds as anxiety gripped every student contemplating their path. Nearby, Xurien watched as several examinees stared in utter disbelief at the Genetic Scan results hovering on their screens.
"No! This isn't fair! Why does the capacity threshold have to be this high?" one student shouted in protest. "I can fight! I can slay monsters! I don't believe my capacity is only 41%! This system is broken! How can you just disqualify me like this?! Have you even seen what I'm capable of? I split a massive tree trunk in half with a single sword strike! This is impossible!" Sparks of electricity flickered weakly across his hand, failing to fully ignite.
"I apologize, but we are simply enforcing the new directive from Thallerion's ministers," the staff assistant replied flatly. "You must exceed 60% Celestial Gene Capacity to pass. Better luck next time."
"Please! Rescan me! The system must have misread my data! I was strong yesterday! How could my capacity drop to 41%?!" Xurien watched the commotion silently, feeling a pang in her chest as guards moved in to restrain the hysterical student. "No! No, please!" he sobbed as he was dragged away.
I carry two celestial genes, which should give me an edge, Xurien thought to herself. If my capacity ends up too low... I'll have no choice but to block out Davina's nagging. Ugh. But if I end up in the Will-Forgers, Davina will just think I'm too dim-witted to land anything better than the lowest-tier profession in Thallerion. Not that the Will-Forgers are useless, though...
"Next!" a loud voice barked, shattering her train of thought.
She stepped into a square glass pavilion and placed her palm onto a glowing blue screen.
[Identifying Stellar ID: 00054796418899]
[Xurien Wrez Hetitze, Confirmed.]
[Initializing genetic blueprint... Complete!]
Name: Xurien Wrez Hetitze
Age: 22
Constellar Affinity: Orion, Crux
Shape-shifting Ability: 0%
Healing Ability: 90%
Hunting Ability: 35%
Weapon Ability: 10%
Tool Ability: 50%
Strength Ability: Normal
Magic Ability: Divine Healing
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Assets:
Mined $ORN: 10,000 Hunting Points (1 ORN = 0.029 AC) [290 AC]
Mined $CRX: 55,856 Faith & Healing Points (1 CRX = 0.24 AC) [13,405.44 Astralcoins]
Total Currency: 13,695.44 Astralcoins
Transaction Feed:
* +10,000 AC from Davina Hebronor (1 hr ago)
"Wait, why did my pay come in so early? I thought payday wasn't until Sunday," she muttered, biting her lip. "Today's only Friday. Hmm, could it be...? Well, whatever. That mid-tier cross staff for sale in Cypriox costs 8,500 Astro-Coins. If I buy it, I can use it for healing and warding off malevolent spirits. I can use the rest of the coins to pay my rent."
[Scan Complete!]
Capacity: 61% (Average)
"What? 61? Only sixty-one percent?" she whispered. "Even with dual stellar affinities, my capacity is still just average? How is that possible? Well... whatever. At least I'm 1% over the limit."
"Congratulations, Xurien. You've qualified," the assistant said, looking at her with a serious expression. "But let me be direct with you: during the practical exam, you must prove to the panel that you can heal without relying on religious or divine healing. No prayers, no incantations, and no rituals typically used by religious healers."
Xurien's heart skipped a beat, her face turning pale. "You mean... I have to treat patients manually?"
"I understand your position, given your Cyprioxian heritage," the assistant added, her voice stern yet gentle. "The blood of the Crux entity runs through you. But you are in Thallerion now. You must prove to everyone that you can treat a patient using your Tool Ability. Of course, Miss Xurien, you can always step down and focus on religious healing back in Cypriox."
"No," Xurien replied firmly, squaring her shoulders. "I won't. I carry Thallerion blood too, so I'm going to try. I know it won't be easy, but I'll show everyone what I can do."
The assistant offered a faint smile. Nearby, Xurien caught the sound of three professors whispering and chuckling among themselves.
"Very well then. It's your choice. Just don't push yourself past your limits—there's always time to reapply. Now move along, the line is backing up. Head to your assigned examination room. Good luck!"
"I understand. Thank you."
Xurien walked away, feeling a heavy weight of scrutiny clinging to her. She could feel the sharp, judging glares of the three professors behind her. When are those three going to leave me alone? I haven't done anything wrong, yet they always look at me like that, she muttered under her breath.
Room 012: Neural Exam
She made her way directly to Room 012. Even before reaching the doorway, she could hear the crackle of energy buzzing inside. Through the glass, examinees could be seen with glowing palms, warming up their celestial energy manipulation while waiting for the exam to begin.
A wave of self-doubt washed over her as she stared down at her own hands. But before anxiety could consume her, a bright voice called out from across the room.
"Xurien! Over here! I saved a seat for you!"
It was a girl with green eyes and round glasses, waving energetically.
"Gaeia!" Relief surged through Xurien as she recognized her friend. "Why did you leave me behind?" she pouted, rushing over to sit beside her. "I thought we were going together! I looked for you at the cathedral, but you were already gone."
"There was nobody at the cathedral earlier! What was I supposed to do, talk to the cros—"
Xurien slapped a hand over Gaeia's mouth. "Shh! The cross is sacred in Cypriox! Don't make jokes about it!"
"Oh! Right... sorry," Gaeia apologized sheepishly. "Anyway, everyone went to join the Prince of Thallerion's mission. I thought you went along to earn some Astro-Coins, too. I know you've been wanting to buy that divine staff."
"Are you teasing me? You know my hunting ability is terrible," Xurien sighed, crossing her arms. "Honestly, I'm starting to question things... Are you really my friend, or are you just trying to get me eaten by biopunks?"
"Hey, come on! I'm just kidding," Gaeia laughed, before squinting at her. "Wait... why do you look like that? You look like you just walked out of a field hospital full of dying patients. Smile a little!"
Xurien's expression only grew heavier. "It's nothing... just a messy day. I feel like bad luck's been tailing me everywhere. Though... I guess one of the most incredible things in my entire life happened earlier. Or maybe that was bad luck, too."
"Really?" Gaeia leaned in close, her warm breath brushing Xurien's cheek. "Spill! What was the most incredible thing? Maybe some of that luck will rub off on me," she grinned. "We still have the exam, after all. Quick, rub my hands!"
"Stop acting like a child, Gaeia," Xurien muttered, rolling her eyes. She paused, looking at her friend thoughtfully. "Hey... do you know of any books about the Legend of Orion?"
"A legend?" Gaeia blinked. "Girl, I thought you had a real problem! You're stressing over a legend?" She shook her head. "We have an exam right now. If I were you, I'd stop reading epic lore about entities. That stuff definitely isn't going to be on the test. Did you even study?"
"Gaeia, listen... I met a man earlier. He called himself Martheuw Ceréun. I just wondered if there's a legend about him."
"Martheuw? Ceréun? Is he your boyfriend?" Gaeia stopped cold, sitting up straight.
"What?! No!"
Gaeia's cheeks flushed with excitement as she grabbed Xurien's shoulders, shaking her. "Why didn't you tell me you have a boyfriend?! Is he the problem? Did he hurt you?!"
"Gaeia, stop it! He's not my boyfriend!"
Suddenly, an ethereal hologram bearing a crown-shaped crest flared onto the board at the front of the room. Silence fell over the hall as the Crown-System activated, projecting the face of Head Minister Gaverdric Hetitze.
"Good morning, examinees. I am Gaverdric Hetitze, Head Minister of Thallerion. Many of you are likely wondering why the examination system has been altered this year."
Xurien stared at the projection. The minister wore heavy, formal robes, his snow-white hair contrasting sharply with a deep scar running across his forehead. She grimaced inwardly. So this is Uncle's doing. Because of this new system, students with below-average capacities are getting completely crushed.
"The Academy is taking measures to ensure that only high-quality candidates move forward," Gaverdric's voice echoed. "Do not dwell on the fate of those disqualified during screening. While it is unfortunate they cannot join you today, it does not mean they are without value. We encourage them to hone their abilities further. The Will-Smith facilities remain open, and we strongly encourage low-average students to pursue opportunities there."
"Examinees, today you will prove your intelligence and strength. Your fate rests on your talent and your ability to manipulate the celestial gene to forge weapons. However, this year, duplicate celestial blade designs will not be permitted. Thallerion requires you to create your own unique versions. Good luck."
The projection folded into light and vanished.
In front of Xurien, a blue holographic interface materialized, featuring a two-hour countdown timer locked at the top. There were no physical test papers or pens; the exam was designed to be completed entirely through direct mental interaction.
She glanced sideways at Gaeia, expecting to see a similar screen, but saw nothing in front of her friend. Looking around the room, the other students were quietly scrolling through invisible interfaces in midair. So this is a Neural Exam... 200 questions?
[CROWN-SYSTEM // COGNITIVE MATRIX INITIALIZATION]
SEC-ID: 00054796418899
MODULE: MACRO-DEFENSE ARCHITECTURE & BIO-POLITICAL ECONOMICS
WARNING: Mental interaction latency exceeding 1.8 seconds will register as an automatic structural forfeit.
[NEURAL OVERLAY PROMPT #001]
Question 1: Deduce the primary systemic imperative underpinning the Betelgeuse Ministry's mandate regarding the public liquidation, fractional tokenization, and capital-market integration of the $ORN (Orion Hunting Affinity) genetic asset class.
a. To synthetically expand the state's external defensive perimeter by facilitating the acquisition of outsourced combat proficiencies for unawakened, biologically deficient civilian populations, thereby mitigating the systemic risk of localized biopunk incursions through micro-asset distribution.
b. To extract high-yield venture liquidity from global corporate conglomerates, directly converting speculative investments into militarized containment infrastructure to offset the staggering asset-attrition rates and material depreciation sustained within active biological quarantine zones.
c. To rigidly preserve the structural purity and sovereign monopoly of the baseline Orion genetic pedigree, substituting erratic organic awakening with an artificial, state-monitored economic bridge for populations whose baseline Celestial Gene Capacity falls below the mandatory 60% combat threshold.
Even on the very first question, I can feel the sheer mental strain, Xurien thought, focusing hard. No wonder they don't allow students with low capacity levels to take this.
She pushed through the questions one after another. An hour passed. Just as she reached Question 120, a loud thud echoed through the room. An examinee collapsed out of his chair, his eyes rolling back into his head.
The room erupted into hushed panicked gasps, students freezing mid-answer. Before chaos could spread, a proctor stepped forward and shouted, "Focus on your exams! Continue!"
Is that what happens if your mind can't handle the strain? Xurien swallowed hard, staring at the unconscious boy on the floor. Wait... he looks familiar.
A medical team rushed into the room. The proctor checked the boy's neck, noting dark purple veins creeping across his skin, before turning to face the room.
"Listen closely," the proctor announced coldly. "This student utilized illicit celestial boosters to pass the genetic screening earlier. This examination is not designed for frauds and weaklings. If any of you took high doses of celestial boosters, stand up now if you want to live."
Four students stood up, their bodies trembling violently, dark shadows carved deeply beneath their eyes. "Using boosters is strictly classified as cheating. Leave the hall immediately!"
The four students sank to their knees, weeping and pleading. "Professor, please forgive us! We were just terrified of failing the capacity threshold! We only accepted Jarven's offer out of desperation!"
The professor stared at them without a flicker of pity. "There is nothing I can do. You have already been blacklisted by the Crown-System," he sighed coldly. "Out! All of you!"
Xurien watched in grim silence as the crying students were escorted out. Turning her attention back to her floating interface, she took a slow, steadying breath.
I never imagined an academy exam could be this ruthless, she thought, locking her focus back onto the screen.