"Don't worry, Bebe, I'll put you in my pouch pocket so you can see, too," Bella said as she proceeded to put me where she intended me to be.
Apparently, she heard me that time, but since then, I couldn't speak again. But she named me Bebe, short for Bella's Beastblade. I wonder what my name was in my past life.
Thankfully, she didn't go crazy after hearing her butter knife speak; she just went on with her day and prepared to attend the school's first day at a place called the Grand Armory, just a few miles away from her father's mansion.
We went here on her father's private airship, a bit smaller than the ones I saw outside the window. Because of that, I didn't see much more of the city, but hopefully, after this, I'll see more of it. Besides, I need to learn more about this world.
The Grand Armory rises beneath a vast, awe-inspiring dome. The ceiling depicts a scene of gods bound in chains by men wielding golden weapons and armor, while an army of winged horses gracefully drifts above the heavenly clouds.
The weathered marble walls and columns even feature vivid reliefs of many grand achievements by renowned Beastblade masters. The spare, undecorated spaces are filled with statues and framed paintings of the great, notable graduates of the exclusive school.
Bella found herself agape with awe, along with the battalion of her fellow Beastblade apprentices, collectively fascinated.
The interiors of the thousand-year-old citadel are ominously charged with centuries of history. The air inside the Grand Armory is heavy with devotion and the dreadful feeling of surveillance.
Bella mindlessly follows the flow of the marching crowd in front of her. Before them is a raised platform, its marble steps polished and smooth. In its center is a runic circle embossed on the floor, surrounded by eerie, cloaked men who bow and murmur prayers. The assessment is about to begin.
Soon, a lanky, hairy man appears from the side of the platform. He seems to wear a robe with golden seams, his features are rugged and rough, his eyes droop and brows sink under their weight, and his withering hair all over his body has seen better days.
"Greetings, new apprentices," the old man said with his raspy voice, "I am Grand Master Lupin Lupus, Keeper of the Grand Armory and the appointed Head Minister of Golden Ascension Academy of the Kingdom of Dragonshard."
Bella and the crowd muttered with fascination; they weren't expecting the head minister to preside over the ceremony.
The grand master continues, "On behalf of King Alaric Tyberius the Fourth and Supreme Master Stymon, I welcome you to the 988th Ascension Assessment Ceremony! The Golden Ascension Academy is glad to receive all 400 apprentices!"
Everyone exchanged glances, beaming with pride and some with doubt. I thought there were more of them.
"Most of you are young heirs and Lords, members of wealthy merchant families, sons and daughters of celebrated individuals, and esteemed prodigals," Lupin said, "Among you are the lowborn, those with no influence, and the nameless fortunate enough to buy their way to be enrolled."
The crowd was silent with suppressed snickers, mostly coming from the affluent participants. They thought the grand master was mocking the lower classes.
"But none of it matters." Lupin shut them down. "The Ascension Assessment will not discriminate against talented individuals deserving of the power, regardless of how heavy your coffers and titles are. Where you came from is meaningless to being a Wasterunner."
Everyone paused in silence, and suddenly they all felt the odds were equal. Especially me, a butter knife like me will be below expectations and even fail Bella.
"The test is simple: step into the circle, and we will assess what type and class your Beastblade is." Lupin steps to the side, and the other caretakers of the building shut the windows and doors.
The crowd of participants rustled in worried murmurs as the whole building dimmed.
"There will only be two outcomes. First, your Beastblade falls in the lowest classes of E and F. If you fall into this category, you will not have permits to go exploring, thus you will continue your study inside these halls until you improve. Only if you improve."
I swallow. I'm afraid I fall in that category.
"Second." Lupin and his tired eyes gravely gaze at the anxious mob, "Your Beastblade classifies as mid-level classes of D, C, and B. Therefore, you will be permitted to become apprentices outside the kingdom and have the privilege to explore the Darkwaste with a Master."
The deafening silence that followed was unnatural. The crowd could only hear the whispering prayers from the platform, and an eerie chill shiver down their spine.
E, F, D, C, and B? What about A? Is that too high a class for a new apprentice to get? What the hell is a Darkwaste?
An assistant gave the grand master a scroll, which was crisp and firm. Lupin read aloud a name, and Bella didn't bother noting it, because she was trembling in fear.
After a while, Lupin repeats himself, but this time louder, and implores them to come forward. It took another second for the person to show himself.
A tall young man with slender features steps in, carrying a red sword, a Beastblade. His hair was bleached, his skin was snow-pale, and his posture was proud. Without a doubt, he is from nobility.
Eyes stalked behind him as he ascended the steps and into the center of the platform. Even though he was far from the crowd, everyone could see he was trembling.
"Whoa, it's Alexios Redvine!" someone behind Bella whispered. "He's from that family!"
Alexios clutched his sword and stood straight at the center. Lupin signals to begin, and the humming starts.
Then the ritual commences. The praying choir hums a rhythm.
The crowd and Bella watched diligently as the ritual circle glowed and light smite the young man to his knees.
A sudden burst of power sent a shockwave to everyone in the immediate vicinity. The crowd mumbled in disbelief.
Lupin approached to help Alexios up, and he staggered weakly. The grand master whispered something to him.
"Congratulations. B-Class Beastblade, Fire Sword of the Punching Dragon!" Lupin happily announced while he raised Alexios' hand.
Alexios and his Beastblade pulsated with rose-red light like a heartbeat. The ordinary sword he carried earlier appears to be heavier and bigger. His eyes glow as well, twitching as if he is seeing something that others don't.
Two helpers carried him out of the hall and brought him to a room where Lupin stood behind. The grand master returns his attention to the stunned apprentices.
The crowd gave no applause for a moment. But suddenly, a ray of fascination, erupting in tearful cheer and howls.
"Next," Lupin shut down the noise, "Bella Evermore!"
Bella gulped, but she grinned with joy. It's her turn.