Chapter 34 - Repaying Gratitude
Varian saw a black square approach his cadet comm and touch it. The cadet comm flew away and the black square landed on his wrist.
The next second, it dissolved into multiple tiny bots and turned invisible.
"This is your comm, your ID, your classroom. It is synced with the central AI of the academy. It also supports cross planet communication. It contains every info you need and every record about you." Sarah stated.
Varian wanted to open the comm and a holograph in front of him. He looked around and saw no one could see it. It was directly reflected on his retina and was invisible to everyone!
The white screen displayed his basic info:
[Varian: 1st Year. Honorary Student.
Current Merit Points: 510.
Cumulative Merit Points: 510
Shop:
Mission:
Messages:
Opening ceremony on 5th, Octav
Your set of uniforms would be delivered to your address.
Your guardian form is yet to be filled.]
"Do not try silly things like hacking your mp, Level 9 technocrats are in charge of the database. If you still dare, you'll be sentenced to death."
A few students shuddered and turned silent.
Technocrat path could be taken by Telepaths at Level 7.
Mind Path (Level 1-3) —> Telepath (Level 4-6) —> Technocrat (Level 7-9).
As their title suggested, they were capable of controlling any technological device through their mind. From space shuttles to electricity transmission devices, it was all literally a thought away.
Technocrats also keep track of the meta net and monitor important databases.
There was a time when humanity had to face hostile AIs. Everyone thought it'd be a protracted war like in movies of Old Earth, but technocrats ended the war in weeks and proved their prowess.
'If they didn't have even this measure, everyone would hack and merit points would lose their value.' Varian shrugged.
"The opening ceremony is on 5th. Say your goodbyes and be prepared for death. Getting into the academy is only the beginning." She snapped, and a huge hologram popped up in the air.
It displayed the average mortality rate of the academy — 23%.
Varian felt a bone chilling sensation. Nearly every one in four died. The crowd fell silent.
"Abyssals are hostile and bent on exterminating humanity. We are the ones responsible to protect humanity. We must rely on hard work and discipline. Any fight between cadets must happen in duels, under supervision. Infighting will only weaken everyone."
She glanced at Narcis and hardened her already emotionless tone. "The academy isn't training thugs. Remember that you are in the most prestigious academy of Human Federation."
'So she witnessed the fight, but will Ryan and Adir get anything more than verbal punishment?' Varian thought.
Ryan was the grandson of Albert, one of the Eight Sovereigns. Adir belonged to Caron family, one of the three prime families. The family heads of the Prime Families were Sovereigns.
"Ryan and Adir are punished with 40 mp. That's half of their mp reserves." Sarah seemed to know their doubts and answered.
"Don't take this lightly. If your mp balance is negative for a month, you'll be expelled." She waved her hands and water spheres appeared in front of her. With a flick of her hand, they turned into an ice dragon.
"Disperse." Sarah stepped on the ice dragon and flew into the air.
Narcis left with the crowd. He seemed to be bothered by something and certainly not Sarah's warnings.
'At least no fights for now.'
Varian sighed in relief but soon frowned 'I'll need to get to level 3 soon. I should at least be able to protect myself. I can't always expect someone to uphold the rules for me.'
Varian reached the briefing location for science students. The students were just leaving, and he saw a bunch of female students surrounding a guy. Every student was a beauty who'd have a line of her own pursuers, but now she seemed to join a line to pursue one guy.
"You're really smart."
"You're the number one. How about we collaborate on a project?"
"Can I ask you some doubts about systems overlap?"
The teen girls spoke coquettishly and winked at the guy. Their intentions were obvious.
Varian would've ignored it if the guy wasn't Kyle. Kyle seemed to be embarrassed, and he kept shaking his head.
But Varian swore he saw a smug smile on his face. Even though he rejected their advances, he was enjoying the attention of the opposite sex.
'Your uncle! I got first, and I almost got into a fight. He got first, and he is getting his ass kissed. Why the difference?' Varian felt envy for the first time and decided to pay off his debts of gratitude.
He recorded the conversation with his new comm. Thankfully, there was a stealth option. Thus, the pickup lines of girls and Kyle's refusals, including the 3D video, were captured.
The girls finally couldn't bear and started their final attack. Kyle gave his befitting replies with a shy, but strong smile.
"Are you single?"
"I'm taken."
"I don't mind sharing."
"I don't want a harem."
"I can convince your gf."
"My gf will kill me." Kyle opened his arms and yelled. The girls stood disappointed. Some of them started crying.
The scene aroused the envy of men and anger of women. This scum! Why him? Why her?
Varian saw Kyle escaping on his hover bike and didn't bother him. Instead, he edited the video with his new comm's advanced technology.
The conversation changed to:
"Are you single?"
"I'm taken."
"I don't mind sharing."
"I want a harem. Sharing is caring."
"I can convince your gf"
"Then my would be gfs, come!" The video ended with Kyle opening his arms, seeming to be asking for a big hug.
He deliberately didn't change the initial parts for it to appear more authentic.
Before he hit "send, " he had to confirm one thing.
'System, just now, I almost got into a fight with Narcis. So was it due to Kyle or your presence affecting my fate?'
[Host, even though this System acknowledges that its presence makes your life more threatening yet equally rewarding, it never estimated things to go to this degree. Your friend seems to have a special talent to worsen your situation.]
'That's something we both can agree upon.' Varian nodded and decided.
Wishing Kyle a good day, he sent the video to Maya. She would first believe it, but she'll get a message that it was edited after a few hours.
Kyle only had to do one thing: survive those few hours.
Varian returned to his apartment and slept soundly, knowing that one person won't be getting any sleep tonight.
From Kyle's apartment, there was a howling of a sad creature. It was filled with despair and fear.
"VARIAN!"
The sounds of slippers slapping flesh and broken kitchenware continued till dawn.
*** *** ***
Varian woke up the next day and saw an unexpected guest at the door.
