The Announcement continued for a full minute, that felt like a scene from those cringe shounen manga, I just wanted to dig a hole and bury myself in it.
After Klein shook himself out of his stupor he started grinning like an idiot, I promise this observation has nothing to do with the fact he came running and gave me a hug . No , really!! .
Anyway after Klein had a little victory dance and screamed into the void , he finally remembered I exist and after a quick cough he looked composed but his red ears shattered that illusion.he the turned to me and ' Congratulations, this is a monumental moment for this planet. Would it be Ok to come meet the boss? I think it would be good for you too. If you walk out of here now you won't be able to take a step with how many journalists waiting outside ' .
Eh, journalists? Why would there be any?
Klein suddenly said ' remember that announcement, that was planet wide. Ha ha you are now a sensation across the whole planet. Good job anonymising your surname though, otherwise your entire life history would have been out in public by the end of this hour'
Eh, did I just shoot myself in the foot!!!! That is exactly what I need!!! Why! Why! Why did I not think of that. My inside voice was screaming while pulling at its hair .
It's not too late ! I can find a way later to release the anonymity. The screen did say it can be adjusted later.
I nodded my head and followed Klein out of the lab back to the 'elevator' , same flash again and the door opened. These people really like their flashes, if I had actual eyes I would be blind by now.
As I stepped off the elevator , it felt like I stepped into a CEO show room. This is what every movie or drama portrayed CEO offices to be; wide, dark and gloomy. With books lining both side walls, and a massive desk overflowing with papers. All this was missing was the overpowering and no-nonsense ML who is only nice to that one lady … eh my brain, focus! Running away from reality is not the answer!
As I couldn't see anyone else in the room I turned to Klein , he smiled walked a head and sat down on the chair, gesturing me to sit across from him.
'Let me reintroduce myself. Klein Marty at your service. Current Active lord of this planet and General of its Military Ability branch. It's been a real pleasure to make your acquaintance'.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!
I .. my flabbers are ghasted!!!
.
.
I mechanically walked over and sat into the chair, still trying to process this.
' is it really that shocking?' , he asked.
I nodded slowly, then suddenly something clicked. I am pretty sure I still can't control this body's muscle well. having involuntary facial expression? Impossible. But this Klein seemed to be able to pick up on my feelings since earlier, how is he able to do it?
' oh don't worry. It's just a little trick.' Klein grinned mischievously .
'How are you doing this?' I asked.
' Easy, one of my abilities lets me view emotions as colourful halos. I have to say it had been really entertaining looking at you' he said
'Ah! So everything is an open book to you?' I said with a hand on my face while leaning to one side in a contemplative pose . ( I tried acting like a boss, but it seemed like I am failing miserably)
' not everything. I just glean more than other people. Please understand, this is my sincerity to you. I want us to be on good terms, believe me you will need all the friends you can where you will be going' .
' where I will be going?' I asked
'Ok, let's not run before we walk, shall we. Let's start with basic curtsey. Like what's your name and why did you choose this branch for your test?'
Although this person hadn't given me a single reason to trust him yet, and he has a fox, oh no a weasel, like smile I decided against my better judgement to indulge in a conversation. I sorely lack information, and he appears interested in me , two can play at this game.
' Name is Erin. 19. I came to this branch because it is where my appointment was, that's all' I replied flatly
'Ooh , then Erin what do you know about the special recruitment program?'
'Who knows. The question is how do you know?' , I am pretty sure I designated that part as anonymous. The internet post had mentioned that part, and in all the levels they mentioned none had ' special' written on it.
'Oh don't worry, the anonymity program works fine. I just got a message that our planet was granted a seat to the special program as soon as your results came out. It's not really hard to deduce now is it. I am going to be honest here, I don't know who you are, or what you want from this countryside planet, however we are prepared to support you fully if you agree to enroll in this program' Klein said with a stern look.
'What's in it for you? There is no such good deal'
' If you do participate, even if you are disqualified later, at least while you're in the program the planet gets preferential treatment in budgets, planetary defence systems and all sort of perks. We need those to strengthen our defence, hence we will support you in anything we can.'
It felt like there was something he was dancing around, but I figured that will come out eventually.
' what is this program?' I asked
' it's a program where only the cream of the crop, the top 1% of every species is allowed every year. Every species has a quota, so if we don't get someone like you , who is issued an invite by the system, then we volunteer the top geniuses of that year. It's a brutal 5 years program, with more than 70% disqualification rate. If you manage to graduate, you are at least guaranteed a general level rank. If you disqualify, you are still considered an investment candidate by the military, the value goes up proportionately to how long you stay in the program' Klein looked like he needed air after bombarding me with all that info.
Thinking about it, I have nothing to lose here. I can also milk them for all their worth until then.
'This sounds too appealing, too good means a trap is there, I am not that gullible' I decided to push one last time before reluctantly agreeing.
'That's why smart people are hard to work with. Fine I'll be frank , the death rate is 50% in this program. But everything else is true, despite this everyone in the know wants to get in, it guarantees the best ability development and military honour'.
.
.
So out of every 2 one will die. That is horrible statistics.
Is it worth it? I am not sure at this point
' You said the entire planet will support me?'
Yes'
'Fine, then prove it. I'll give you 24 hrs, find out everything you can about me, and prepare a gift I will like. I'll then consider your proposal'.
I can shoot 3 birds with this, I get the information I am lacking, I'll have a reason to agree and I will have 24 hrs to research this world safely.
'Oh right, I need an escort home, and please make sure my information is not leaked to the press. I value my peace and quiet' I said as I stood up
Klein hurried to stand up as well, fine I agree to your terms, let's have a long and prosperous friendship, partner' he said extending his hand. I glanced at it, I am pretty sure it's the same hand he coughed in earlier. I am not touching that!!
I briefly glanced at him , and made my way to the elevator. He scrambled behind me screaming 'disgust!! My hands are clean!!! why are you radiating disgust!!!'