Abarith
patreon
Chapter 9: To The Academy
🕑 Added 2024-11-22 05:46:34 +0000 UTCJeremy sat on his bed, the dim glow from his lamp casting shadows across the room. His thoughts rushed with anticipation; his heart pounded with excitement. Tomorrow, they would finally leave for the academy—finally one step closer to their dream.
He couldn't wait. The thrill of unlocking Multitasking still coursed through him. He had done it. He had proven himself. What he had achieved in the past few days would take most people months. He was now starting on the same line as those that turned 13 months ago, and he would make sure that he would leave them all in the dust. The academy would be the stage for him to excel, the place where he could really push himself, grow, and rise above all the rest. His fingers drummed against his knees, shaking from his excitement.
The door opened slowly and Andrew entered, his expression a contrast to Jeremy’s mood. There was a coldness in his eyes. He sat on his own bed, and the brothers stared at each other in silence.
“Still thinking about tomorrow?” Andrew asked, his voice flat, almost cold.
Jeremy nodded, grinning wide. “Yeah, I can’t wait. The academy, new people, new Skills—it’s going to be so fun!”
Andrew’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You would be excited,” he muttered under his breath.
Jeremy, caught up in his enthusiasm, missed the bitterness in Andrew’s tone. “Of course! Can you imagine what it’s going to be like? We’ll finally get to see what it’s like outside this small town. All those new experiences, the training—we’re finally one step closer to our epic fight against the aliens.”
Andrew laid down on his bed, his posture tense. “Yeah, great. Can’t wait.”
Jeremy finally noticed the edge in Andrew’s voice. “What’s wrong Andrew?” he asked, puzzled by his brother’s tone. “You don’t seem excited for tomorrow.”
Andrew let out a laugh, shaking his head, not looking at Jeremy. “Why would I be? I’m still stuck on Memorization, while you’re out there unlocking Skills left and right.”
Jeremy blinked, his excitement dimming slightly. “Come on, Andrew. You’ll get it. You’re just... taking your time.”
“Taking my time?” Andrew’s voice rose, his bitterness bubbling to the surface. “You don’t get it, do you? Every time you unlock another Skill, it’s another reminder that I’m falling behind.”
Jeremy frowned, unsure of what to say. “You’re not falling behind, Andrew. You’re gonna crush our classmates, just you wait.”
“It’s you I’m thinking about,” Andrew snapped. “No matter what I do, I’ll never catch up to you. And you don’t even notice! You’re too busy being the golden boy, amazing everyone, even that guy that Dad called here earlier looked so impressed. And me? Who would look at me? I’m just stuck.”
The words hung heavy in the air. Jeremy shifted uncomfortably, his excitement now a distant echo. “Of course that isn’t true. I noticed you having trouble, and I really want to help you bro. I haven’t been ignoring you. In fact, noticing what you were feeling was the thing that got me Introspection and—”
“—and what? I’m supposed to thank you for that?” Andrew cut him off, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wow, Jeremy, thank you for noticing me. Here, have Introspection as my thanks.” He shook his head, his tone sharp. “Just shut up for once and go to sleep.”
Jeremy opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. Their once friendly rivalry now felt cold, distant. He wanted to reassure Andrew, but the words would not come.
“Good luck tomorrow Jeremy,” Andrew said, his tone icy. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”
He buried himself underneath his blankets, shutting out the world. Jeremy sat in the silence that followed, staring at his brother’s bed.
The day of the academy finally arrived. Their father called them to the living room, his usual commanding presence filling the room. Jeremy and Andrew, still groggy from sleep, shuffled in. The air was thick with unspoken tension from the night before, Jeremy casting sidelong glances at Andrew, who remained silent and distant.
In the center of the room, their father stood by the coffee table, now filled with an assortment of equipment. The room, usually filled with warmth and familial comfort, now felt like a briefing room before a mission.
“Sit,” their father instructed, his tone firm but not unkind. Jeremy and Andrew obeyed, sinking into the couch as their father began his explanation.
“Today, we teleport to the academy. You boys are about to face a world that’s much larger and more dangerous than Eldoria,” he began, his eyes scanning both of them. “I’ve prepared some equipment to give you an edge. You’ll need it.”
“I believe in letting you find your own specialization at the academy,” their father continued. “So, I won’t be giving you specialized gear today. After all, someone focusing on Magic would struggle with equipment meant for a weapon wielder. A swordsman wouldn’t benefit much from gear tailored for a spearman. And crafting-focused individuals have entirely different needs. Instead, I’ve chosen universally useful items. You can adapt and switch them as your path becomes clearer.”
“Aside from weapons, normal people can equip 9 items: one each for the head, eyes, neck, torso, legs, hands, feet, and two for the fingers. You already have the item for your neck. Now, take a look at the rest.”
Hat of Mental Resistance
Head Item
Resists mental effects from sources at most two Tiers above the wielder.
Mind 300
Glasses of Perception
Eye Item
Increases the distance and the detail the wielder can perceive.
Mind 10
Shirt of Temperature Control
Torso Item
Keeps the wearer’s torso comfortable in environments from -100°C to 200°C.
Body 10
Pants of Temperature Control
Leg Item
Keeps the wearer’s legs comfortable in environments from -100°C to 200°C.
Body 10
Gloves of Flexibility
Hand Item
Allows finger movement as if they had no joints.
Body 30
Boots of Speed
Foot Item
Doubles the speed of the wielder while in motion.
Body 100
Ring of Foresight
Digit Item
Grants the wearer a brief premonition of immediate danger.
Mind 200
Ring of Poison Immunity
Digit Item
Grants the wielder immunity to all poisons at most two Tiers above the wielder.
Body 300
Jeremy’s hands hovered over the items, excitement tempered by a practical decision. He knew he could slot the items into his Status without needing to wear them physically, as their benefits would take effect regardless. He thought over which item to forgo to keep his second Amulet of Insight. After a brief deliberation, he opted to leave out the Pants of Temperature Control, sacrificing comfort for his amulet’s advantages.
As they equipped the items, each vanished into their respective slots in their Status. Jeremy’s gaze flicked to his display, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him as he noted his progress.
Jeremy Hoppins
Tier -
Body 440
Mind 510
Soul 2000
Skills:
Introspection - Basic -/10
Memorization - Basic -/10
Multitasking - Basic -/10
Reflexes - Basic -/10
Running - Basic -/10
Universal Equipment Slots - Personal
Equipment:
Equipment Slot - Amulet of Insight
Equipment Slot - Amulet of Insight
Equipment Slot - Hat of Mental Resistance
Equipment Slot - Glasses of Perception
Equipment Slot - Shirt of Temperature Control
Equipment Slot - Gloves of Flexibility
Equipment Slot - Boots of Speed
Equipment Slot - Ring of Foresight
Equipment Slot - Ring of Poison Immunity
Their father’s stern expression softened as he observed them. “This equipment is superior to what most students will have. It should give you an early lead. Combined with your amulets, you will outclass your so-called peers. Take advantage of this early opportunity.”
Jeremy, brimming with enthusiasm, nodded. “We won’t let you down, Dad.”
Andrew’s response was barely audible. “Yeah.”
Their father’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Andrew, you wanted to say something?”
Andrew met his father’s gaze. “It’s nothing. Just thinking.”
Their father studied him but didn’t press further. “Remember, this isn’t about who can unlock the most Skills. Each of you has your own path, and only by trying hard will you reach your potential.”
Jeremy nodded eagerly at his father’s words, but Andrew remained still, his feelings hidden behind a calm facade.
With a final nod, their father said, “Let’s head to the teleporter. It’s time for you to begin your journey at the academy.”
He turned toward the door, leaving the living room. Jeremy and Andrew exchanged a brief look—Jeremy’s filled with anticipation, Andrew’s tinged with something else—before following him out.
The brothers trailed behind their father’s long shadow towards the town’s center. The usual hum of Eldoria was subdued, the streets quieter than normal. Townspeople lined the streets, their eyes fixed on the trio as they made their way to the teleporter. Murmured conversations rippled through the crowd, anticipation filling the air.
At the heart of Eldoria stood the teleporter, a massive metal platform with a base thicker than they were tall, with pillars that stretched high into the sky and etched with glowing blue runes. The soft hum of energy pulsed in rhythm with the runes, casting a gentle light on the gathered townsfolk.
Jeremy’s gaze swept over the familiar faces. Mr. Hendrikson stood by his shop’s entrance, arms crossed, giving him a nod of approval. Mrs. Langley, the ever-watchful bookstore owner, offered a small wave. Even Grace, the woman from the park, was there, her hands clasped tightly, excitement on her face.
His heart pounded with excitement. His gaze flicked between the beautifully intricate carvings on the pillars and the warm, shimmering light of the teleporter. “So, this is it,” he murmured to himself.
Andrew remained silent, his expression blank. Jeremy, unable to contain his excitement, stepped closer to the platform, feeling the hum of energy beneath his feet.
“What’s it like?” Jeremy asked, his eyes wide. “The academy, I mean.”
Their father’s gaze softened. “The academy is unlike anything you’ve known. As humanity’s greatest school, you will be surrounded by the best, the brightest, and the most influential. Each moment there will be a challenge for them. For you, however, you will show them that they are unworthy to be peers of the Hoppins.”
Jeremy nodded with determination, his mind racing with possibilities. Andrew, however, shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Their father noticed. “Andrew, do you have any questions?”
Andrew shook his head. “No. I’m ready.”
Their father gave him a long look. “Good. Let’s stay close together. The teleporter will take us directly to the academy’s arrival hall, where they will guide you on where to go next.”
As they reached the edge of the platform, their father paused, turning to face the gathered townsfolk. The hum of the teleporter quieted for a moment, as if the machine itself was holding its breath. He raised a hand, acknowledging the silent crowd.
“For years, Eldoria has stood as a sanctuary, a place where my family could grow safely, shielded from the outside world,” he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. “Today, that chapter finally ends. Jeremy and Andrew will step towards their futures, proudly representing the Hoppins name. Thank you for all for your service.”
A ripple of quiet nods and murmurs spread through the crowd, their collective gaze filled with pride and quiet anticipation. Jeremy felt the weight of their expectations, but it only fueled his determination. Andrew shifted uneasily, his eyes flicking to the ground, his thoughts hidden.
With a final nod to the townsfolk, their father turned back to the teleporter. "It’s time."
They stepped forward onto the platform. The moment they did, the runes beneath their feet flared brighter, the hum of energy intensifying. The teleporter’s light grew blinding, enveloping them in a cocoon of energy. Jeremy felt a strange pull on his chest, like being hooked by an invisible fishing line. The world around them dissolved into light, the familiar sights of Eldoria vanishing in an instant. For a moment, there was nothing but light of countless colors filling their vision and the deafening roar of power.
Then, just as suddenly as it started, the light faded.
They stood in the center of a grand, luxurious hall, the sheer scale of it took Jeremy’s breath away. Towering columns lined the hall, adorned with statues so intricately carved that they almost looked lifelike. Beautiful red banners adorned with their family crest hung from the ceiling. A soft, lush carpet welcomed their feet, and the soft hum of magic lingered in the air. Everything was a stark contrast to Eldoria’s humility.
Unlike the bustling room he had imagined, this space was eerily silent. No one was in the hall with them except for the lone man who stood before them. Clad in deep blue robes that rippled under the hall’s magical light, the headmaster radiated an aura of authority and wisdom. His sharp eyes, gleaming under a mane of silver hair, were fixed on their father, his expression a blend of respect and familiarity.
“Adrian Hoppins,” the headmaster’s voice echoed through the vast space, resonant and commanding. “It’s been far too long.”
![[井戸水屋]黒すけ from fanbox](https://patrefans.com/kistorage/37951.jpg)
