The test, the test. How had she forgotten?

In her room, she threw on a light jacket and grabbed her ID. Knowing it was near impossible to make it to the station in time only encouraged her further.

On the street now, she only saw blurs of her surroundings as she ran, adrenaline coursing through her and blood roaring in her ears. The feeling of freedom hit her and she couldn't stop the smile from spreading on her lips. But it was too short lived and she reached the platform. With barely any time to spare, she boarded the train, swiftly scanning her ID and planting herself on an empty seat.

The ride to the city was mostly silent. Everyone kept to themselves.

Descending the final steps from the platform, Ailith walked herself through the city. And damn, Vertlyn did live up to its name. It was overwhelming. Unlike the suburbs, this place was bustling with people chattering and insanely beautiful, glass buildings towered over her head. As much as she wanted to explore, she knew that wasn't an option.

Ailith finally found herself waiting in front of the receptionist in a crystal white building after having to ask several people. They seemed less than happy to help but she would be too if dossers approached her in a rich city like Vertlyn.

"...Miss. ...Miss"

She snapped out of her delusions.

"Sorry, could you repeat that?"

The woman gave her an exasperated look.

"I'm assuming you are here to take the test?"

"Yes, that is correct."

She briefed through her computer, no doubt scrolling through Ailith's folders. "Ailith Gallow, turned 16 on October 14, only child to the now deceased Alina and Aaron Gallow, minor warnings issued from authorities for excessive violence in the taverns, tier: 3."

The receptionist looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Correct?"

"Yes"

The rest of what happened in that building was mostly a blur.

She stepped into a cold room surrounded by machines. In the center of it was a chair. A woman in all white hastily greeted her and told her that she would attach some wires on her head.

Then, she was entombed by darkness and silence. Whilst slipping in and out of consciousness, she was able to steal a glimpse at the woman several times. The woman was frowning at a screen. Then smiling.

Darkness again as she blacked out.

When she awoke, the woman led her to a room. It was very simple. No excessive decoration. Only consisting of what was needed. A chair, a table and a single pen. Her files sat on the desk.

"Miss Ailith" She said, picking up the folders. A broad smile was stretching across the woman's face. " We are delighted to inform you that you are one of the very, VERY few number of people who have been qualified to enter a rank higher than the one you were born into."

She stared. Not believing.

The woman remained grinning. She looked down at her files. "To be exact, there was a 0.001% chance that you would turn up a higher rank."

"So I got lucky."

"No, dear, there is no such thing as luck in this world. Only numbers and logic."

"Don't call me 'dear'."

The woman in white just chuckled and shook her head.

A pause.

"Can you tell me more? I still don't entirely get it."

She frowned. "We are not permitted to give any information besides what is necessary. You should know better than to be curious."

Ailith just stared at her. Then slowly nodded. "Understood, I'm sorry."

She clucked her tongue. "Congratulations Ailith Gallow.", she said as she looked her over. "There is a great future ahead of you."

Then, the woman stood up and pointed a polite hand towards her window, giving Ailith a clear view of the city below. "Welcome to your new world."