Eli blinked rapidly in confusion. Surely he hadn't heard right. This Elder wanted to take him as an assistant? Assistants were usually those above the age of 15 and had been studying in the Hall for several years. They also never, as far as he knew, came from among the workers. Surely there had to be a miscommunication, right? "Just so we are clear, you asked if I wanted to be your assistant? I thought one couldn't be chosen until they reached 15?"
"Normally, you would be correct. However, that is merely because of preference. Elders normally choose older assistants because they have had more time to learn knowledge and skills necessary for them to assist their Elders. That is not a requirement though. We, Elders, may choose anyone we see fit. I chose you because you happen to have the mindset that I deem most important. Although your insight is a bit superficial, that is because of lack of information and experience. That is something that anyone can gain. However, your mindset isn't something that can be taught or learned. It is something that you either have, or don't have. Now, answer the question, child."
Eli nodded slowly as he listened, then the light in his eyes firmed with determination. "I, humbly, accept your generous offer." He bowed in respect to this Elder. If it had been any other Elder, he would be hesitant to join them. This Elder though, he was someone that wouldn't treat him poorly because of his status. "Please explain what I must do."
Elder Li nodded in approval. He appreciated that this child hadn't accepted right away, but rather inquired first. It further solidified his belief that this boy would have a bright future in Knowledge Hall. "First thing that we need to do is get you moved over to the Research Wing. You will be staying in the room adjacent to mine. This will allow you to be able to assist me at any moment. As for the procedures for the transfer, that is for me to handle. Second, you will need a set of clothes for assistants. They will be similar to mine, except a differing color. This is so that others will know right away what your status is in this building. I will accompany you for that part."
"Now, you will go move your things from the workers building while I handle the transfer proceedings. Here is my token, when you return, hand that to any disciple and they will escort you to your new lodgings." Elder Li handed him a wooden plaque that had his markings on it before escorting Eli out of the office and parting ways.
Eli returned to the worker's ramshackle lodgings in a daze, wondering how things had suddenly turned out the way they had. Yet, he also knew he had made a lucky strike. With his new status, he would have access to the library and materials of Knowledge Hall. Not to mention, he would have an opportunity to become a disciple, which would give him the status needed to join a sect. It was basically a fast track towards his goals.
As he was gathering his belongings, the door to his dorm abruptly burst open. Three young workers filed in, two trailing slightly behind. "Where are you going, trash? Don't tell me you actually got kicked out." Jer Kes taunted Eli while the other two boys chuckled menacingly. Jer was a worker, a few years older than Eli. He had always had a problem with Eli because Eli had been abandoned by his mother, whereas Jer was sent to Knowledge Hall. The main difference was that because Eli had been sold, he would be relegated to the lowest, most menial jobs, while Jer would have the opportunity to become a personal servant.
Personal servants had a certain level of prestige over regular citizens due to being connected to an influential group. Thus, many families would willingly send their more promising children to Knowledge Hall, rather than have them toil away on a farm, or in some other low-end profession, for the rest of their lives. If they could become personal servants, their family would have a better source of income and a small amount of backing. Yet, according to the norm, those sold wouldn't be chosen because of the belief that they were somehow lacking. All because they had been abandoned by their own family.
"Of course he was kicked out. He spat in a disciples face. Why would the Hall protect him?" one of Jer's followers chimed in. Eli simply ignored them. After all, they had no real power over him and no amount of arguing would change their minds or attitudes. It would just waste time, energy, and oxygen.
Seeing that he refused to respond, Jer grew irritated. He roughly shoved Eli into the bed with his foot. "He's trash. The only thing he's made for is throwing away. Look, he's even too afraid to speak up." Eli's eye twitched, but he remained silent and continued to pack his things. Finally, Jer's patience had snapped. He pulled Eli's head back by his hair and snarled viciously. "Hey coward! Do you know who you offended? Disciple Shan isn't someone you can insult and get away with it. Now, you'll be beaten up and removed from the Hall."
Eli sighed internally as he grimaced from the pain in his scalp. Figures that it would be one of Shan Tenaym's lackeys. As the Jer pulled him to his feet by his hair, Eli performed a move from his previous life. One that he had learned from a video he had watched. He locked Jer's hand to his head, stepped back and leaned forward in a sharp movement. Using his hips, he threw the boy over his shoulder, landing him flat on his back and knocking the wind out of him. Not sparing a single moment, he grabbed his things and rushed out of the room. Jer's lackeys, without any other direction, rushed over to help the wheezing boy.