As Alista and Fors prepared to meet the Awakened official, Fors asked, a smile playing on her lips, "Did you receive a True Name?"
Alista nodded. "Yes, Blood Emperor. Did you get one too?"
Fors Wall's smile widened, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yes, Madam Magician."
With their new, true Names Informed, they proceeded to the official's room. The person who had monitored their Nightmare sat behind a table, two chairs opposite him. Alista and Fors took their seats.
"I am Awakened Larry," the official began, launching into the standard protocol spiel. He informed them they would be transferred to the Academy for training. Larry then escorted them to a PTV and dropped them off at the Academy gate.
Alista and Fors gazed up at the structure. It was huge, built like a fortress, looking as though it could easily withstand multiple Nightmare Gates. A person met them as the massive gates opened. As they were led inside, they looked at the crowds of other Sleepers. They noted the current date: there were four months of time remaining before the Winter Solstice,
After a small introductory briefing and receiving their Communicator IDs for future use, Alista Tudor and Fors Wall were assigned to separate rooms.
Alista found his room to be surprisingly large, well-equipped, and—most importantly—it finally had a proper bed. He immediately jumped onto the soft mattress.
"Missed you so much," he mumbled into the sheets, and promptly fell into a deep, well-deserved sleep like a baby.
Some hours later, Alista Tudor woke up, feeling refreshed. He quickly freshened up and went straight to Fors's room, knocking hard on the door. There was no response.
"Just as expected! A lazy bum would become even more lazier!" Alista shouted. "Wake up, Fors!"
Immediately, the door flew open. Fors stood there, a fierce scowl on her face. "What type of idiot bangs a door like that, dumb ass?"
"For someone lazy as you, Lazy Bum," Alista retorted, grinning.
Fors's frown deepened. "Wait a bit. Let me freshen up, and then let's walk to the Canteen."
After a short wait, Fors and Alista made their way to the canteen and settled at a table in the corner.
"Which subjects are you taking?" Fors asked, pushing a lock of hair back.
Alista ticked off his choices. "Wilderness Survival, Combat Class, and History of the Realm."
Fors nodded. "Well, I'm taking Wilderness Survival, History of the Realms, History of Gods and Demons, and the Nightmare Spell."
"Makes sense," Alista commented. "Your Aspect revolves around traveling and exploration a lot."
Fors nodded, a glint of ambition in her eye. Alista watched her disperse some food on her plate, his thoughts focused on the ticking clock. 'I have time. Let's prepare for the Solstice.'
A few days later, Alista and Fors found themselves standing inside the office of Awakened Rock. Rock was glaring at them with an intimidating, fierce intensity.
'Dude, did I kiss your wife? Why are you this angry?' Alista wondered inwardly, adopting a bored expression.
"Do you know what you guys did?" Rock demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Alista and Fors exchanged a glance, neither one showing any concern.
Rock slammed his hand on the desk. "Alista Tudor! You fought multiple Sleepers and beat them down! And you tried to attack your Awakened teachers just because they expressed an opinion you didn't agree with!"
Rock then turned his fiery gaze to Fors. "And Fors Wall! You've been smuggling Academy equipment and selling it in the Black Market! How the hell did you do that? I have no fricking idea!"
The scolding continued for several minutes before Rock finally assigned them some minor punishments.
As Alista Tudor and Fors Wall left the office, Fors immediately spoke up. "You need to learn to control your Flaw."
"Same to you," Alista shot back. "And did you get any new Memories?"
"Quite a fortune, actually," Fors replied, a smug look crossing her face. "Especially that Strength Measurement Machine,Who could have thought Simple Punch Measuring Machine would Appraise that much. I got some Memories with the points I acquired from the sales."
Over the span of these few days, Alista had quickly learned the mechanics of his Flaw and Powers. His [Mad King] Flaw gave him an intense, uncontrollable urge to fight creatures or people stronger than him, whether they possessed a higher rank or simply had a stronger Memory. This compelled him to pick fights with almost everyone who fit the criteria.
His [Bribe] Ability worked by throwing something toward the opponent, regardless of whether they accepted it or not. The effect was immediate and versatile: he could weaken, charm, or induce arrogance in the target, and it simultaneously formed a connection that made his other abilities stronger. The higher the difference in rank, the less time the target was influenced.
As for Fors's successful smuggling operation, her Dormant ability, [Blink], allowed her to teleport instantaneously over short distances. She had smuggled the equipment by continuously and quickly teleporting it outside the Academy grounds.
Inside his office, Awakened Rock watched the door close behind the two troublemakers. A lady with blond hair in a ponytail, wearing a Government Uniform, swiftly barged in.
"Did you get the equipment that Fors sold?" Rock asked immediately.
The Lady, Clara, shook her head. "We recovered most of the machines, except for the Strength Measuring Machine. Some Legacy bought it."
Rock facepalmed, a look of utter defeat on his face. "Did you look into that kid's profile?"
Clara pulled up a tablet. "Yes. I must say, they are special." She spoke with grudging admiration. "Fors Wall's learning speed is terrifying. Her interest in learning all sorts of lore is exceptional, and she is incredibly smart." She continued, "As for that Tudor Boy, his Instincts are so sharp and uncanny. His combat skills are still beginner level, but he will catch up quickly."
Rock rubbed his temples. "Still, they are unruly. That gives us trouble."
Clara's expression turned grim. "There is an important piece of information about that Tudor Kid."
Rock glanced at her, tiredness etched deep into his features. "What is it?"
"The Valor Clan might be sending people to assassinate him," Clara stated flatly.
Rock was shocked to the core. "Why would a Legacy Clan target an outskirts kid? He's a sleeper"
"Even I don't have any idea," Clara admitted.
Rock sighed, the political implications weighing heavily. "Clara, monitor the situation closely. If possible, try to bring him into the Government's protection."
Clara nodded and left the office, leaving Rock alone to contemplate the escalating dangers surrounding his new recruits.
Months passed in a blur of training, rule-breaking, and study. Alista and Fors's classes continued, their skills rapidly improving. Alista earned a reputation—and a nickname—for relentlessly beating up people who were stronger than him, his Flaw pushing him to constant challenge.
Both of them spent their time honing their powers. Fors focused on trying to sustain herself from the Ravings she heard once every twelve days—her flaw
Meanwhile, two important people arrived at the Academy. Caster and Cassie.
Alista and Fors spotted Cassie first, standing alone in a corner, tears welling in her eyes. Despite the visible distress, Alista and Fors made no attempt to talk to her.
They both knew Cassie as a character who would lie to her own comrades for her personal goals, even if the outcome was ultimately beneficial for her comrades. They had no desire to be stuck with a hypocrite. Fors, in particular, had to be restrained by Alista Tudor to stop her from shouting a curse at the emotional girl. They chose to maintain their distance, adhering to their survival rule: trust no one in the main cohort.
After some days, the countdown reached its final stage. There was now only one month before the Winter Solstice—the highly anticipated day when Sunless (Sunny) and Nephis would finally join the Academy.
Alista Tudor looked out the window, a genuine smile on his face.
"About damn time."
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