Episode 1: The Room of Learning
Philosophical Takeaway
The process of learning is brutal, but undeniably crucial. For when we learn, it is when we enlighten ourselves. Even talented individuals need to learn.
In the early morning, the rising sun bathed the town in gold, signifying the beginning of another day. Light spilled through the windows of the quiet homes, uninvited, yet shining softly.
Then-a sound.
A repetitive tune shattered the silence of the early morning. Too precise, too intentional. An endless melody, designed to interrupt the stillness.
She extended her arm
With a single flick of her wrist, the sound vanished.
Her mind remained fogged, her movements heavy as she sat up, barely awake. She lingered for a moment, stretching slowly as if she was resisting the day itself.
Ugh. First day of University.. Can't I just stay home? The thought drifted through her mind.
Eventually, she rose from the bed.
She moved through her morning routine without urgency, brushing her short orange hair with absent care. Each stroke was intentional, but detached. Preparation without enthusiasm, dreading the day ahead of her.
Learning awaited her.
And she already resented the idea of it.
As she finished. She took a final glance at her home before leaving. A comfort space-yet void of vibrancy and a lingering loneliness, quietly embedded in its walls.
The sound of her footsteps approached the door. She paused, raising her palm.
The scanner activated. Then a soft sound followed, notifying that the door would open.
The brightness of the sun enters through the open door, bathing her gently, momentarily blinding her as it reaches her eyes.
She hesitantly moves forward. The thought of leaving her comfort space to an unknown environment terrified her. But she steadied herself, strengthening her resolve, stepping outside--beyond the home where she isolated herself.
She was greeted with tall, white structures with minimal designing, and rounded corners. Greenery intertwined with vibrant colors, plants clinging to the architecture itself. A coexistence of technology and nature itself in quiet harmony-beautiful, deliberate.
She continued walking, thoughts without end spiraling through her mind.
I really don't fit in with the others, do I? How will I even face the people at the University?
She stops at a waiting shed, accommodated by automated bots, designed to assist with transportation.
Suddenly, a man approached her.
"Are you a student from the AesUT?"
She was startled by the sudden question. But quickly reaffirmed herself and responded.
"Yes. I am a first year college student at AesUT. How did you know?"
The man chuckled gently.
"Well, you left your Holographic Identification Device-your HID-on.That design is very iconic, reserved for AesUT." He replied playfully.
A first year student? Her talent-and level of talent management over it-surpasses a regular first year.
"Well, we'll be seeing each other often then, Ms. Kodeiizee"
Kodeiizee froze.
The HID only displayed her nickname-yet he had spoken her full name.
Intrigue stirred. Unease faded, replaced by curiosity and fascination.
Who was this man? What was his connection to the University?
The bus arrived shortly after.
But when she glanced back to where he had been standing-he was gone.
Time passed quietly as the city slid by outside the bus window. Structures intertwined with nature's beauty-two opposing concepts that somehow coexisted.
The bus slowed. Its doors opened automatically as a familiar tune played, followed by a calm voice.
"Route M-26 has been reached. We appreciate your patience."
She stepped out-and froze.
An architectural marvel stood before her. Larger than any university in the world. Defying expectation.
So, this is Aes University of Technology... AesUT. The most prestigious university. The pinnacle of education.
Fear and anticipation tangled within her-emotions she couldn't fully understand.
A woman in a charcoal-gray and dark-green uniform approached.
"Good day, and welcome to AesUT! May I scan your HID?"
"Sure, let me just reactivate it."
Kodeiizee taps her chest gently. A tone followed-HID Activated.
The woman raised the validator scanner and hovered it near her chest.
Right...
My sister mentioned every personnel here carries their own HID validator.
If the man at the station recognized my HID, he must work here. And if so-he would know the scanners too and have his data saved in the servers.
Curiosity overcame caution.
She activated Engravement Invocation: Server Access.
Her vision flooded with cascading data-colorful lines, layered systems, encrypted structures-
"Welcome, Ms. Kodeiizee!"
The sudden interruption snapped her focus.
"Thank you." Kodeiizee replied.
No clues. Which means that the man I met was not a student. Most likely a professor since their information isn't uploaded to the HID validator's database.
Her thoughts spiraled with speculation when
-
Thump.
She collided with someone, losing her balance. The items in her hands scattered across the floor.
"Miss Kodeiizee, are you alright?"
Her breath caught.
She looked up.
It was him-the man from the waiting shed.
"Let me help you," he said, already crouching down. "Miss Kodeiizee."
She froze.
He looked to be in his early twenties, dressed in white-and-green overalls-formal in style, yet unmistakably deliberate. Not a uniform. Not casual either.
A presence that didn't quite belong
Kodeiizee slowly stood up as the man handed her belongings back-each item placed neatly, as if order came naturally to him.
"Hopefully you are alright now," he said. "You'll be in my class for the first period, I assume?"
His class?
Then he wasn't a student.
"My name is Penton." He continued. "I'm a professor here."
He paused briefly, then added, "Since we're headed to the same classroom, why don't you walk with me?"
It wasn't a request.
But it wasn't quite an order either.
While they walked together, Professor Penton turned to her.
"So. What is your impression of AesUT so far, Kodeiizee?"
"It's honestly better than what I've seen on television," she replied. "I feel nervous... I still don't know how I managed to pass into such a prestigious university."
As they continued down the hallway, a familiar heaviness crept into her chest. Thoughts of isolation and doubt flooded her mind-comparing herself to the other students, questioning whether she truly belonged there.
Professor Penton noticed her expression dim and offered gentle reassurance.
"Every action - every choice you've made - led you here. Thinking that you don't deserve to be here undermines everything you've overcome. Rest assured, Kodeiizee... you will find your place here. And you will meet people who understand you."
His words softened the weight inside her. Her mood brightened.
Professor Penton is such a nice person. She thought.
They stopped in front of a classroom door.
"This will be our classroom," he said, opening it for her. "You can sit wherever you like."
"Thank you Professor Penton," she said. "I really hope that I can fit into this university."
She sat by the left side of the classroom, occupying the seat nearest to the window, where she could enjoy the views outside and feel refreshed while studying.
Professor Penton entered the classroom and set his belongings neatly on the table before stepping forward so the students could see him clearly.
"Good afternoon, class M.I-06. I am Professor Penton. I'll be your advisor and your professor for the Advanced Talent Combat Course."
His gaze swept across the room - weighing posture, confidence, restraint.
There are many elite and promising Talent Wielders here... interesting.
He picked up the Digital Announcement Assistant - DAA - and began recording
"Before we begin our lessons, we must first be familiar with each other. Our first activity will be.. An Introductory Combat Assessment."
Excitement rippled through the class; the air turned competitive.
"We'll conduct the activity in the Garden of Combat. I'll go ahead to prepare the grounds. See you there in twenty minutes."
Now - let's see how this generation performs. Especially... her.
The entire class made their way to the Combat Grounds, in awe of its modern architecture and the flora and fauna surrounding it.
Professor Penton walked toward the class, along with four teaching assistants.
"Welcome, to the Garden of Combat! I saw that all of you were excited when I announced our activity."
He gestured at the four teaching assistants to step forward for an introduction.
"To ensure that the rules are properly enforced and the well-being of all students are monitored, I have my teaching assistants here who will oversee each match and accommodate you during your preparation time."
The teaching assistants set up the Holographic Display System in front of the class. This allows the students to view a visual presentation of the rules and flow of the Introductory Combat Assessment activity.
Professor Penton stepped in front of the display system to explain the flow and rules of the activity.
"You will all be given thirty minutes to prepare," Professor Penton continued, his voice echoing softly beneath the glass canopy. "Consult the teaching assistants if you require guidance - they are here to ensure your safety... and to observe your decision-making."
The class shifted uneasily
"After preparation, each of you will duel a classmate at random. There are twenty of you - which means ten matches."
The holographic display flickered, pairing silhouettes at random.
The Garden of Combat suddenly felt less like a serene garden - and more like an arena where stakes are high.
"All of you may use any space in the area to begin your warm-ups," Professor Penton instructed. "If you need assistance, you may approach any of the teaching assistants - but please do so one at a time."
The class grew tense as the atmosphere shifted into something more competitive, each student searching for a place to prepare.
Professor Penton's announcement signaled the start of the warm-up session.
"You may now begin your warm-ups."
I look forward to all your performances - especially yours, Kodeiizee.