Layla decided that tours were BORING. It wasn’t the guide's fault. She just wasn’t interested. Nami was actually very pleasant and spoke about the various history of the Academy, but Layla just let the information go in one ear and out the other. Aside from the more beautiful campus architecture, there wasn’t much to see, which she found confusing. She thought the campus should be more extensive.

She did take note of the critical locations they would be using daily such as the library and the building that supposedly held the lecture halls. There was a parade field for physical training, which Nami said they would all be using daily once their routine started.

Layla noticed that they were not actually being guided through the entire campus. Several paved stone paths led to open decorative archways or maybe gates, she wasn’t sure. They stood several meters in height. The unknown stone beast stood sentinel on each side of the gates leading to other parts of the campus. After passing the third such gate without explanation, she decided to enquire.

“Neophyte Nami, what are the purpose of the gates?”

Nami nodded knowingly, “An excellent question potential. The gates lead to the actual campus. As potentials you are not yet ready to interact with the student body.” She waved her hand, “This area is specifically quarantined for potentials. You must pass your Agoge Trial before you will be allowed to mingle with the students. The people in gray with medallions like mine are here because we are in red cycle.”

Layla’s scrunched-up face spurred the girl on to elaborate, “I suppose you wouldn’t know what that is. Most of this will be explained in greater detail in one of your classes but I’ll give you a brief run down. Let’s start with the ranking system. There are four ranks at NAA. The first is Neophyte.”

Nami held out her medallion. “You will always be able to tell what rank someone is by their medallion. A Neophyte is the rank you achieve once you complete your Agoge. The other ranks are initiate, adept, and prime. Each rank has five sub ranks which you must rise through to achieve the next rank. When you move from Neophyte to initiate you must meet a threshold. This threshold might take you years to achieve or months. Like most things in life, your progress is based on your talent and work ethic. But I warn you now.”

They paused their walk, and Nami turned to look at them. Her countenance becoming very serious. “Ranks do not equate to skill or actual power. There are some who do not wish to move past certain ranks for one reason or the other. Do not assume because someone has been a Neophyte for ten years that they are weak. Many have paid for their arrogance.” Nami’s grave expression was convincing.

Layla would never do that regardless. She assumed everyone here was out to kill her. But sh had always been of a mind to give a person full respect until convinced otherwise. A little kindness never killed anyone.

Nami seemed satisfied that her point had been made and continued her walk as she lectured, “Now each rank is able to fulfill certain roles that contribute to the Academy. These roles may be assigned or chosen. For instance, I volunteered to be part of a red cycle team, which is the only one available at the Neophyte rank. When a group is put on red cycle that means they are responsible for assisting the Academy directly. Sometimes that might mean helping move supplies or grounds keeping. Whatever it may be, red cycle means you are assisting the Academy staff with menial work. As you can see my role is to help assist new potentials with integration. It only requires me to have knowledge of this area and to guide you to all the main buildings.”

Tia chimed in, “So, basically manual labor or a chaperon in red cycle? What are the benefits for volunteering for something like that?”

Nami’s head bobbed in affirmation as they walk past a shop, “You are correct and another excellent question. Come let me show you instead of explaining.”

Nami turns towards the shop's entrance. The chiming of bells signaled the group's entry into the establishment. The shop was something akin to a general store, from what Layla could tell. Its shelves filled with the odds and ends someone might need for everyday living. Toothbrushes, soap, a variety of food and drinks-making up most of the wares. Nami grabbed a purple drink with the picture of a very energetic-looking brown rabbit on the label. Layla assumed it was some type of stimulant drink by its appearance.

When Layla saw the shopkeeper, she froze. The most outlandish character she had ever laid eyes on stood before her. Honestly, she was wondering why he wasn’t the first thing she saw as his stature alone was imposing like a mountain. The two-and-a-half meter height would have made the man stand out anywhere, but it wasn’t precisely what caught Layla’s eye. Hair of vibrant pink was brushed back professionally. The pink hair looked as though it was constantly under some type of ultraviolet lamp. His face was clean-shaven with a masculine jaw that would make any of the opposite sex swoon. Interesting azure glowing lines ran from his forehead just above each eye down to his outer cheeks in an “L” fashion.

A wide-brimmed flat-top hat and matching dark-colored duster hung on a peg behind the man. The entire ensemble constructing a vision of some type of old-timey bounty hunter in Layla’s mind. He certainly didn’t fit the bill as a mild-mannered shopkeeper.

Nami sat the energy drink down on the counter, and the man perked up. Sitting down the slate he was perusing, he turned his gaze towards the girl. Black sclera and glowing pink iris took in Nami then the group before a charming grin split his face. An inner light could be seen shining through his impeccable pearly whites.

What the ever-loving crap is he?

“Nami, my dear little flower.” He reached out a long finger hand and sat it down on the girls in What a pleasant surprise. On red cycle again?” Said the man in a deep voice that rumbled in Layla's chest.

Nami slapped his hand away with burning red cheeks, “Stop it Torren you old flirt. And yes, as you can see. I’m working right now. What are you doing here anyway?”

The grin never left his face as he looked back at the trio before returning his attention back to Nami. Waving his hand dismissively, he said, “Sam had some errands to run, and I didn’t want to pull anyone else from the store.”

Nami facial expression spelled out clearly that she wasn’t buying it, “You just wanted to take holiday and read your dirty harem novels.”

As though struck, the man threw his head to the side with his hand held up in protest, “You wound me little flower. I would never ignore my business to read smutty literature.” He peeks back down to Nami, who only has a raised eyebrow for his antics.

Chuckling, Torren relaxes. “You know me too well Nami. Worry not. I will be sure to share once I am finished.”

Nami’s creamy pale skin turned violet as she started spluttering out denials. Torren only gave her a satisfactory grin before talking excitedly, “It’s good Nami. Really good. It’s about a man who wakes up with no memory and interesting farming tools.”

The poor woman just stood there as Torren explained a scene involving a beast girl and the main character in inappropriate detail. Layla speculated that Nami might catch fire soon, given the level of embarrassed horror on her face.

“Stop Torren. For planes sake stop.” Nami finally got out, looking back at Layla and the trio. The poor woman looked like she just wanted to die right then and there from the encounter.

Torren laughed and then leaned conspiratorially to deliver a stage whisper that would give any stadium announcer a run for their money. “Don’t worry Nami. I’ll get you a copy of the series, but we can talk about it later, eh.”

Nami slapped away the man and let out a frustrated growl before saying a little too loudly, “Torren, I am here with these fine new potentials to show them how APs work.”

The man affected a faux confused look before saying, “Well why didn’t you say that to begin with.”

“Torren!”

“Calm yourself little Nami. I was only joshing with you. Hmmm come closer young ones and let me get a better look at you.”

The group stepped forward under the scrutinizing inspection of the shopkeeper's alien luminescent pink orbs. Oliver stepped forward and introduced himself in a flourishing elegant manner, “It is a pleasure to meet you master Torren.”

The man nodded to Oliver, and Tia similarly greeted him. Oliviana waved at Torren while scratching her butt and said, “What’s going on man. I’m Livvy. Say, do you sell beer?”

Oliver groaned and facepalmed. Oliviana cut a look over at her twin's reaction and grinned. The exchange got a chuckle out of Torren before he looked at Layla. “You in the hood. What’s your name?”

Layla forgot she had put up her hood to keep everyone from staring at her hair. She flipped it off her head while stating confidently, “Layla Breezewalker. It’s a pleasure to meet you Torren.”

She looked at his face waiting for the customary nod back, and it did come but… there was something there. His eyes had lingered a little too long on her hair after she said her name. She couldn’t know for sure, as the man's amiable smile didn’t alter. Like, didn’t move a micron.

His expression had frozen. It had become less organic as though his face had been paused like a video. This all happened so fast that Layla couldn’t say with confidence she hadn’t imagined it. Even if it did, she could simply be reading too much into it. The acceleration of her pulse and knocking in her chest made her inclined to trust her gut, though.

He had recognized her last name, and her hair had something to do with it. He knew something about her people. She wanted to call him on it immediately and was about to do just that before he clapped his hands together and looked away, grabbing Nami’s drink. Layla let the urge pass.

I should probably be more cautious. I still don’t know why my parents were targeted on Golar. It would probably be safer to speak with Tess about this first.

Placing the drink on a pad, a price came up in holographic numbers above the item. “That will be 3 AP miss.” said the shopkeeper in a professional manner.

Nami passed her medallion over the small flat panel fixed to a stand on the counter, and the price disappeared. She turned to the group, “AP or academy points are what you earn for helping the NAA with tasks. If any of you are from a Sect or large organization then you will understand the concept. Contribute to NAA and you will be awarded points. Everything inside the walls of the campus runs on this currency. This prevents outside influences from gaining traction inside the walls. NAA is a neutral place that’s sole purpose is dedicated to the pursuit of fostering the best and brightest individuals into Ascendants.”

“What's to stop someone from just trading credits for AP?” Layla enquired. Not that she had any credits but still.

“Good question. One, credits can be exchanged for AP. The Academy allows you a onetime one for one exchange of credits to AP. There’s a limit but I can’t remember what it is. Two, after this one time exchange the ratio is 10,000 credits per 1 AP.”

Layla gaped. The most she had ever had in her account was a few hundred credits, and that was gone the moment she paid rent. Wait, does that mean she just purchased a drink for the equivalent of 30,000 credits. What the heck is that drink?

Nami smiled at Layla, who seemed to be the only one with their mouth open like a fish, “I know what you’re thinking. Who has that kind of money? You would be surprised. Some family’s and sectarian organization are powerful and exist in multiple planes. Regardless of the exchange rate that doesn’t mean AP are actually worth that many credits. The exchange rate is there for those who can afford it while simultaneously supporting NAA. The real value of APs are the items that can only be acquired from the academy depot such as Alchemical pills, weapons, info crystals, technique manuals and so on. These are things that you will need to advance the ranks.”

Nami cracked open her drink and took a big swig before saying, “So you must contribute to get AP’s. You need APs to get things that will help you advance. Since you can’t leave academy grounds until you are raised to Initiate rank, credits don’t have much value.”

“Wait we can’t leave the campus? What about our family?” Tia said.

“You will be able to talk to them, but you can’t leave and they can’t enter. Only Initiates and above, staff, or Alumni may enter or exit NAA walls. I know it might sound harsh, but it is for our protection. I’m sure you are aware of the high-profile Ascendant Academy Circuit.” Nami put on her serious face again before continuing, “There are those out there who would snuff out growing talent before it has a chance to bloom. At the Initiate rank you should be able to protect yourself or escape from most dangers which is why you are allowed to leave then.”

That sort of made sense to Layla. She didn’t have anywhere to go or anyone to see outside the walls either way. Her life was here now. She could understand Tia's distress, though. She had a family and loved ones she would want to see.

“So there is no way my parents can come inside the walls?” Tia said

“I’m afraid not.” Nami replied.

The small girl threw her hands in the air and cut a jig for the second time that day. Apparently, Layla was wrong. The little minx was happy to be away from her family. Surely they couldn’t have been that protective.

Tia blushed in embarrassment once she realized everyone was staring at her display of victory. She looked at them and said, “Let’s just say, I needed some space from my family.”

Nami smiled and turned to Torren, “Thank you master Torren.”

“T’was my pleasure dear. Now for you new potentials. If you need anything for the next month while you are here in the potential zone you let me know. I can take credits here since you don’t have the ability to earn AP yet. But once you become Neophytes come visit me at my store in the town. I might have a task or two that will earn you some APs. I also have a great collection of fine literature you might appreciate. Nami is a regular so she can vouch for me.”

Nami swiped at the shopkeeper, who deftly avoided the embarrassing guides attempt to strike him. A toothy grin beaming on his face. “I’m going to get you for this Torren.” She hissed at the shopkeeper as she stormed out of the shop, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. Everyone waved and followed the girl out the door to finish the tour.

The tour finished in front of a three-story-tall stone building in the corner of the area where potentials were allowed to roam. There hadn’t been much to see, really, but Layla appreciated the effort. They had eaten at the cafeteria around lunchtime, where they had peppered Nami with questions about what it was like to live here and how hard was the curriculum. Most of her answers were not satisfying, but she assured them that before dinner, they would have a meeting with one of the Four Masters that would be over their class while they prepped for their trial.

The group walked through a large oaken door into a common area of what would be their place of residence for the next month. Layla didn’t know why they would be here for a month, but as long as she had a safe place to lay her head, she didn’t much care.

Potentials were relaxing in and around various furniture spread throughout the common area. Nami guided them to what looked like a hotel counter in the back of the room. The lady standing behind the counter had the same ageless look as the Masters, but her haori was black with the golden rotating bladed pentagon that symbolized NAA. Layla hadn’t a clue what that meant, but the ageless beauty only meant one thing to her, Ascendant.

Nami looked startled at the sight of the woman before bowing with a fist into her open palm. “Master Ash, it is a pleasure to see you. I didn’t realize you had returned from your sabbatical.”

The woman looked up from her menial task and nodded at Nami. “Ah Nami, it is good to see you child. I just returned. How is your progress coming along? You should be getting raised soon I’d imagine.” She waved the girl over, “Let me see your medallion.” Nami handed the raven-haired beauty the item. “Humm yes. Yes, it’s good that you waited until you shored up your foundation first. You would have trouble later on if you didn’t.” Nami’s smile split her face in half at the praise.

“Will you be able to make it to my testing.” Nami enquired.

The woman handed back the medallion to Nami, and she slipped it back over her neck. “If you wait till after the Agoge trial for this crop then I will most certainly be there child.”

“Thank you, Master Ash.” She bowed again in respect then motioned for Layla’s group to move forward. They all bowed in the same manner as Nami, and the master nodded in approval.

“So, these are your fledgling potentials.” The woman’s draconic gaze scrutinized them, and it was draconic for sure. Her iris golden and reptilian slits. Layla felt something brush against her internally. It was an odd feeling. It was as though something had touched the very core of who she was. She knew it wasn’t hostile but didn’t know how she knew that, only that it wasn’t.

“It looks like none of them have broken the threshold although…” she trailed off, looking at Layla. She felt the probing sensation again. Each touch felling out, but at the same time, it was making Layla aware of something inside herself that she did realize was there. “You are dangerously close. Don’t go any further child. I don’t know who your master is, but they did a very good job of getting you to the edge.”

The woman’s molten gold pupils contracted into slits before expanding again. “Did you find what you were searching for?”

Layla’s heart almost exploded out of her chest at the question. How did she know? What do I say?

“Relax child you aren’t in trouble. This is part of my duties as a master.” said the woman with a kind smile.

Layla cursed Atom for everything he was worth. Damming the wretched man to some dark pit full of demons and feces. He literally did not tell her anything. He didn’t even tell her he was going by a different name. She had no clue what she was supposed to say or not to say, and Layla doubted she could get away with lying to someone whose job was to help her with this type of stuff.

Honestly, she didn’t want to lie to her. She didn’t know what she had found this morning. The habit of searching had been written into her soul, given the number of times she had performed the task. Layla decided that she might as well see what she could find out. Atom had stopped her from entering the tower on purpose, so there probably was a reason.

“I’m not sure. I did find something though.” Layla said.

The woman leaned in with curiosity written on her face, “And what did you find child?”

Layla looked around, “Is it okay to talk about this out in the open. My… master didn’t give me many instructions, and this seems personal.” She wanted to vomit at the word master being associated with that bastard. He was more like a sadistic torturer. Still, she didn’t want to say things allowed that she shouldn’t.

The master nodded and waved a hand. The sounds of the common room disappeared. “I assume it’s okay if your companions hear.” Layla signaled that it was before the woman continued, “Well, hmm, you are right that somethings shouldn’t be openly talked about. Okay what did you find child?”

“Well, I was in the void.” Layla looked at the woman, and she gave her a nod that she understood, so Layla continued, “While in the void I felt something, so I went towards it and came across a tower. The next moment I was there beside it. It was monstrous. I was standing at its door and couldn’t see were the sides ended or how tall it reached in the sky.”

Master Ash looked away in thought for a moment, then asked a question, “What did it feel like to be at the door?”

“It felt like… I’m not sure maybe that I was worthy, welcoming, or that I was ready. If that makes sense…” Layla petered off.

“Hmm that’s odd. I’ve never heard of that one… Very irregular. You obviously didn’t go in. Thats good child. We don’t start assessing those who are left till the start of the second week. You’re too close though. I doubt you will make it a week now that you have found it.”

Layla thought the woman was right. Now that her mind was on the memory this morning, she was already making plans to meditate before sleep tonight.

The woman grunted before shaking her head and began straightening some papers on the desk, “Well it’s fortuitous that we met. I’ll need to research your file and sign off on somethings, so you don’t get in trouble. I’ve assessed you unofficially and I know you have yet to do anything wrong. I’ll need to get you a token.”

Everyone was staring at Layla, which was making her uncomfortable. She had no idea what the woman was talking about, but she was glad she had dodged some type of problem before it happened. A rarity in her life. But she figured that she was bound to get lucky occasionally. Even if it was a fluke.

Master Ash got their names and scanned their wrist units so their assigned rooms would open for them. Nami reminded the group that they should be in the common room an hour before dinner for their first meeting with the masters. She said her goodbyes and let the group know they could find her in the library if they needed anything.

“Layla, come see me before breakfast so I can give you a token. I’m giving you verbal permission to go inside the tower but clear it with your master first. You can get in touch with them, right?”

Layla nodded that she could. She could get in touch with Tess at least, which was good enough in her opinion. She refused to pray or whatever that gold thingy was that called Atom the first time. Then the group walked towards the stairs to check out their new room and hopefully relax before their meeting.

Layla really needed a nap. The first day and she had already fought a battle, made friends, possibly found a lead to her past, and was given the go on pursuing something that she assumed would give her power. Today was turning out to be one great day. Now, if she could only find a way to ruin Atom’s life in some small way, it would be a perfect one.