While the academy's students were experiencing their last days of intense training, in the upper echelons of Nova-Aeterna, other movements were underway. Far from the Spartan training rooms, in the cozy living rooms of the large mansions, the emergence of an SSS Awakened Man had not gone unnoticed.
In the Oval Office of Governor Sterling's residence, a discreet meeting was held. Around a precious wooden table, several influential silhouettes were gathered. Michelle White, impassive, was sipping tea. In front of her, a man with a stern face and dark clothes, representing the Valerius family, crossed his fingers. At her side, the mistress of the Guild of Insightful Shadows, Kaelia, displayed an enigmatic smile.
"The Council has decided to classify the information," Sterling began, breaking the silence. "The SSS grade of teenager Hakime should not be made public. This would lead to unreasonable expectations, panic, or worse, open war between factions to control it."
"Control him?" repeated the representative Valerius, Alistair. "Or make sure he doesn't become a threat? Power at this level, in uneducated hands and without allegiance... it is an unacceptable risk."
"He refused our protection," recalled Michelle White, her neutral voice. "He chose the path of the academy. It's his right."
"A right that could cost the stability of the city dearly," Alistair retorted. "If it fails, it is a lost hope. If he succeeds... who can control him? It becomes an instant political power."
Kaelia, the guild teacher, slipped slowly: "Controlling him may be a vain ambition. But influencing it... is a necessity. My sources indicate that he befriends young Lyra Melthorn and other promising elements. He builds his own faction, unconsciously or not. We must integrate our people into his circle, or at least ensure his loyalty to the city."
"What if his loyalty goes beyond the city?" asked Alistair, darkly. "If he decides that the Megalopolis is a corrupt system and he wants to change everything?"
"It's a risk," Sterling admitted. "That's why we have to watch. The expedition will be a crucial test. We'll see what fiber it's really made of."
Meanwhile, in another upscale neighborhood, the Skydream family held their own meeting. The patriarch, an imposing man with a look as piercing as that of his son Loïd, listened to the report of a subordinate.
The boy refused the Whites. He locked himself in the academy with commoners. His level of control is progressing rapidly, according to our informants."
"Loïd must surpass him," the patriarch scolded. "He must show everyone that blood and the Skydream bloodline are superior to a genetic stroke of luck. If this Hakime cannot be recruited, he must be discredited. Or eliminated." The last word was uttered with terrifying coldness.
"Father, the expedition..." began Loïd, present in the room, his face pale with pressure.
"The expedition is a perfect opportunity," his father cut off. "Accidents are unfortunately common in hostile areas. You must excel, my son. And if the opportunity arises... make sure that this orphan's star doesn't shine for too long."
Loïd clenched his fists, torn between his desire to defeat Hakime in a loyal duel and the overwhelming pressure of his family.
Later that evening, as Hakime and his friends were resting in their room after a long day, Arthur lit the wall screen for the evening news. A female presenter's smiling and professional face appeared.
..." and Forge White announces a major breakthrough in stabilizing ether crystals for civilian vehicles, promising a 20% longer range for our supply convoys."
The screen showed images of a utility vehicle equipped with a new type of pulsating crystal.
On the side of the Awakened, there are persistent rumors of a new SS rank talent that has joined the ranks of the Army of Protectors. The Council, when contacted for confirmation, made no comment, stressing its policy of not disclosing strategic information regarding the elite Awakened."
Hakime and the others exchanged glances. They knew it was about the second known SS, but the secrecy around his own rank was clearly maintained.
"Finally, the results of the last triennial tournament of the Grand Council have been formalised. Congratulations to Siege 10, Titus Skydream, who retains his place, and to Siege 6, Aurora, who won a decisive victory to retain his. The Council remains stable, a breath of fresh air for the safety of our cities."
The screen displayed portraits of the advisors, including that of Titus Skydream, Loïd's brother, whose proud gaze seemed to defy the viewer.
Arthur turned off the screen. "A new SS... and they're not talking about you. It's strange."
"It makes sense," Conor corrected. "If they reveal an SSS, it would create enormous expectation and pressure. The Council protects him. For now."
"Or they hide it so it doesn't become a target," added Lyra, who had joined them for the bulletin. "In any case, it doesn't change anything for us. The expedition is approaching."
Hakime looked at the black screen, lost in thought. He felt the eyes on him far beyond those of his friends. Calculative, worried, maybe even hostile looks. His refusal by the Whites had placed him in a delicate position: a masterless centerpiece that everyone sought to capture or neutralize.
The expedition would not just be a test against monsters. It would also be his first exhibition on the political spectrum of Nova-Aeterna. And he was beginning to understand that the most dangerous beasts were not always on the other side of the wall.