Chapter 18: The first ranking
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Chapter 18: The first ranking
Leaving the Whiteheart house didnt take long, but settling on a restaurant did. Yeo wanted to return to Hounds, but the others wanted to try something new. Neither she nor Chance really wanted to return to the restaurant theyd run into Vex at, so the three of them eventually settled for a medium sized, slightly fancy location. The windows glimmered with golden light from the lanterns within, and Chance could see an assortment of meals on the tables in front of patrons.
All the tablecloths were white and red checkerboard, and black iron chandeliers hung from the ceiling, although they werent lit. Dull chatter filled the restaurant, breaking out into the street as they walked in.
A well-dressed waiter smiled at them and swept three menus from beneath his podium. Will there be any more in your party?
No. Its just us, Yeo said.
Splendid.
The waiter led them to a table in the corner of the room and sat them down. He disappeared for a minute, returning with an iron basket full of bread rolls along with a small platter of butter.
After setting everything down on the table, the waiter grabbed several glasses of water and set them down before them before distributing the menus.
I will return shortly. Please let me know if theres anything I can do for you, the man said, bowing slightly before returning to the front, where another group had arrived to be seated.
Nice place, Chance said, looking around while trying not to look too starstruck. It reminded him of an Italian restaurant from back home, and the steaming breadrolls looked delicious.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
He waited for Yeo and Bella to each claim one before he took a roll for himself.
It really is, Yeo agreed. I havent had a chance to eat anywhere like this before. Its so spacious. And colorful.
Thats right. You arent from Gleam, are you? Bella asked. Ive been to this spot once or twice. Its nice. A little pricy, but considering our line of work and the test were about to get done with, more than within our budget.
Im from a small town called Ruddbrook, Yeo said. We had some restaurants, but nothing like this. Really not much of anything of interest there, to be honest.
And you still got into Gleam as a fledgling Shikari? Bella raised her eyebrows. Thats really pretty impressive.
You did the same, Yeo pointed out, somewhat reluctantly. He took a bite of bread and chewed for a moment. Actually, you did more. You became a solo Shikari as well. I didnt even know they allowed that kind of thing.
I had special circumstances, Bella said, her eyes darkening. Luckily, Gibson was willing to work with me. At the start, at least. And even with them, I barely managed to convince them to let me stay in Gleam.
Is it that difficult to get into the city? Chance asked.
Youve got it easy as a new arrival from Earth. Yeo wiped his mouth with a napkin and shook his head. My parents have been trying to get in for years, but no go. When I got the offer, I barely believed it myself. Gleam only accepts the best of the best from application requests.
I did hear they were loosening restrictions up a little bit as of late, Bella said. Hopefully, the local towns can be pulled under Gleams protection soon.
What do you mean? Is there a reason Gleam is so selective?
He paused a moment, then continued.
In that case, we will begin by identifying your abilities. Please identify them, along with your names.
I use the Essence of Metal, Yeo said. And my name is Yeo.
Johnathan scribbled on the paper with a quill, then looked back up at Bella.
Undisclosed Essence, and my name is Bella.
Chance hid his surprise. Hed been hoping to find out what her Essence was, but evidently that was an acceptable answer as Johnathan didnt even blink. He just wrote something on the paper one more time before turning to Chance.
Im Chance. I cultivate Karma.
Johnathan paused for a moment before writing one last thing and lowering the paper. Understood. As this is your first exam, I will explain some of the rules. In this exercise, I will be taking on the role of a powerful opponent. You will work together to attempt to subdue me.
How much force can we use? Yeo asked.
As much as you can bring to bear, unless you have cause to believe that your abilities have not been reported accurately and you pose a threat to me. I am a Knight ranked Shikari, Johnathan said, completely serious. Do you believe this may be the case?
No, probably not, Yeo admitted. Sorry. Please continue.
I have a question, actually, Chance put in. Why are we fighting?
Johnathan blinked. Im sorry? This is the exam.
I should clarify. Youre taking the role of a powerful opponent, right? Wouldnt the wisest call in situations like this to be retreat?
To Chances surprise, the proctors face wrinkled with the faintest beginnings of a grin. Not a bad question at all. Yes, that is a very valid strategy in many scenarios. Your life is more important than defeating a random monster. However, for the purpose of this exam, assume that retreat is not an option.
Okay. What about bargaining?
Johnathan paused. Bargaining? With a monster?
They could be intelligent, right? If a monster is trying to attack something that were trying to protect and its smart enough to communicate with, wouldnt the best case scenario be if we could get it to leave before it could hurt someone?
Johnathans forehead wrinkled. I no. I mean, yes, but thats going to be a pretty rare scenario. Dont try to bargain with the monsters. Just kill them. Youre a Shikari, not a negotiator.
Lets just get this on with, yeah? Yeo asked, pulling his kusarigama from his side and giving it a lazy twirl. Not to say your questions are lame, Chance. But they are.
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Chapter 18: The first ranking
Leaving the Whiteheart house didnt take long, but settling on a restaurant did. Yeo wanted to return to Hounds, but the others wanted to try something new. Neither she nor Chance really wanted to return to the restaurant theyd run into Vex at, so the three of them eventually settled for a medium sized, slightly fancy location. The windows glimmered with golden light from the lanterns within, and Chance could see an assortment of meals on the tables in front of patrons.
All the tablecloths were white and red checkerboard, and black iron chandeliers hung from the ceiling, although they werent lit. Dull chatter filled the restaurant, breaking out into the street as they walked in.
A well-dressed waiter smiled at them and swept three menus from beneath his podium. Will there be any more in your party?
No. Its just us, Yeo said.
Splendid.
The waiter led them to a table in the corner of the room and sat them down. He disappeared for a minute, returning with an iron basket full of bread rolls along with a small platter of butter.
After setting everything down on the table, the waiter grabbed several glasses of water and set them down before them before distributing the menus.
I will return shortly. Please let me know if theres anything I can do for you, the man said, bowing slightly before returning to the front, where another group had arrived to be seated.
Nice place, Chance said, looking around while trying not to look too starstruck. It reminded him of an Italian restaurant from back home, and the steaming breadrolls looked delicious.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
He waited for Yeo and Bella to each claim one before he took a roll for himself.
It really is, Yeo agreed. I havent had a chance to eat anywhere like this before. Its so spacious. And colorful.
Thats right. You arent from Gleam, are you? Bella asked. Ive been to this spot once or twice. Its nice. A little pricy, but considering our line of work and the test were about to get done with, more than within our budget.
Im from a small town called Ruddbrook, Yeo said. We had some restaurants, but nothing like this. Really not much of anything of interest there, to be honest.
And you still got into Gleam as a fledgling Shikari? Bella raised her eyebrows. Thats really pretty impressive.
You did the same, Yeo pointed out, somewhat reluctantly. He took a bite of bread and chewed for a moment. Actually, you did more. You became a solo Shikari as well. I didnt even know they allowed that kind of thing.
I had special circumstances, Bella said, her eyes darkening. Luckily, Gibson was willing to work with me. At the start, at least. And even with them, I barely managed to convince them to let me stay in Gleam.
Is it that difficult to get into the city? Chance asked.
Youve got it easy as a new arrival from Earth. Yeo wiped his mouth with a napkin and shook his head. My parents have been trying to get in for years, but no go. When I got the offer, I barely believed it myself. Gleam only accepts the best of the best from application requests.
I did hear they were loosening restrictions up a little bit as of late, Bella said. Hopefully, the local towns can be pulled under Gleams protection soon.
What do you mean? Is there a reason Gleam is so selective?
He paused a moment, then continued.
In that case, we will begin by identifying your abilities. Please identify them, along with your names.
I use the Essence of Metal, Yeo said. And my name is Yeo.
Johnathan scribbled on the paper with a quill, then looked back up at Bella.
Undisclosed Essence, and my name is Bella.
Chance hid his surprise. Hed been hoping to find out what her Essence was, but evidently that was an acceptable answer as Johnathan didnt even blink. He just wrote something on the paper one more time before turning to Chance.
Im Chance. I cultivate Karma.
Johnathan paused for a moment before writing one last thing and lowering the paper. Understood. As this is your first exam, I will explain some of the rules. In this exercise, I will be taking on the role of a powerful opponent. You will work together to attempt to subdue me.
How much force can we use? Yeo asked.
As much as you can bring to bear, unless you have cause to believe that your abilities have not been reported accurately and you pose a threat to me. I am a Knight ranked Shikari, Johnathan said, completely serious. Do you believe this may be the case?
No, probably not, Yeo admitted. Sorry. Please continue.
I have a question, actually, Chance put in. Why are we fighting?
Johnathan blinked. Im sorry? This is the exam.
I should clarify. Youre taking the role of a powerful opponent, right? Wouldnt the wisest call in situations like this to be retreat?
To Chances surprise, the proctors face wrinkled with the faintest beginnings of a grin. Not a bad question at all. Yes, that is a very valid strategy in many scenarios. Your life is more important than defeating a random monster. However, for the purpose of this exam, assume that retreat is not an option.
Okay. What about bargaining?
Johnathan paused. Bargaining? With a monster?
They could be intelligent, right? If a monster is trying to attack something that were trying to protect and its smart enough to communicate with, wouldnt the best case scenario be if we could get it to leave before it could hurt someone?
Johnathans forehead wrinkled. I no. I mean, yes, but thats going to be a pretty rare scenario. Dont try to bargain with the monsters. Just kill them. Youre a Shikari, not a negotiator.
Lets just get this on with, yeah? Yeo asked, pulling his kusarigama from his side and giving it a lazy twirl. Not to say your questions are lame, Chance. But they are.
Chapter 18: The first rankingLeaving the Whiteheart house didnt take long, but settling on a restaurant did. Yeo wanted to return to Hounds, but the others wanted to try something new. Neither she nor Chance really wanted to return to the restaurant theyd run into Vex at, so the three of them eventually settled for a medium sized, slightly fancy location. The windows glimmered with golden light from the lanterns within, and Chance could see an assortment of meals on the tables in front of patrons.All the tablecloths were white and red checkerboard, and black iron chandeliers hung from the ceiling, although they werent lit. Dull chatter filled the restaurant, breaking out into the street as they walked in.A well-dressed waiter smiled at them and swept three menus from beneath his podium. Will there be any more in your party?No. Its just us, Yeo said.Splendid.The waiter led them to a table in the corner of the room and sat them down. He disappeared for a minute, returning with an iron basket full of bread rolls along with a small platter of butter.After setting everything down on the table, the waiter grabbed several glasses of water and set them down before them before distributing the menus.I will return shortly. Please let me know if theres anything I can do for you, the man said, bowing slightly before returning to the front, where another group had arrived to be seated.Nice place, Chance said, looking around while trying not to look too starstruck. It reminded him of an Italian restaurant from back home, and the steaming breadrolls looked delicious.This chapter was first shared on the Nvl1n platform.He waited for Yeo and Bella to each claim one before he took a roll for himself.It really is, Yeo agreed. I havent had a chance to eat anywhere like this before. Its so spacious. And colorful.Thats right. You arent from Gleam, are you? Bella asked. Ive been to this spot once or twice. Its nice. A little pricy, but considering our line of work and the test were about to get done with, more than within our budget.Im from a small town called Ruddbrook, Yeo said. We had some restaurants, but nothing like this. Really not much of anything of interest there, to be honest.And you still got into Gleam as a fledgling Shikari? Bella raised her eyebrows. Thats really pretty impressive.You did the same, Yeo pointed out, somewhat reluctantly. He took a bite of bread and chewed for a moment. Actually, you did more. You became a solo Shikari as well. I didnt even know they allowed that kind of thing.I had special circumstances, Bella said, her eyes darkening. Luckily, Gibson was willing to work with me. At the start, at least. And even with them, I barely managed to convince them to let me stay in Gleam.Is it that difficult to get into the city? Chance asked.Youve got it easy as a new arrival from Earth. Yeo wiped his mouth with a napkin and shook his head. My parents have been trying to get in for years, but no go. When I got the offer, I barely believed it myself. Gleam only accepts the best of the best from application requests.I did hear they were loosening restrictions up a little bit as of late, Bella said. Hopefully, the local towns can be pulled under Gleams protection soon.What do you mean? Is there a reason Gleam is so selective?He paused a moment, then continued.In that case, we will begin by identifying your abilities. Please identify them, along with your names.I use the Essence of Metal, Yeo said. And my name is Yeo.Johnathan scribbled on the paper with a quill, then looked back up at Bella.Undisclosed Essence, and my name is Bella.Chance hid his surprise. Hed been hoping to find out what her Essence was, but evidently that was an acceptable answer as Johnathan didnt even blink. He just wrote something on the paper one more time before turning to Chance.Im Chance. I cultivate Karma.Johnathan paused for a moment before writing one last thing and lowering the paper. Understood. As this is your first exam, I will explain some of the rules. In this exercise, I will be taking on the role of a powerful opponent. You will work together to attempt to subdue me.How much force can we use? Yeo asked.As much as you can bring to bear, unless you have cause to believe that your abilities have not been reported accurately and you pose a threat to me. I am a Knight ranked Shikari, Johnathan said, completely serious. Do you believe this may be the case?No, probably not, Yeo admitted. Sorry. Please continue.I have a question, actually, Chance put in. Why are we fighting?Johnathan blinked. Im sorry? This is the exam.I should clarify. Youre taking the role of a powerful opponent, right? Wouldnt the wisest call in situations like this to be retreat?To Chances surprise, the proctors face wrinkled with the faintest beginnings of a grin. Not a bad question at all. Yes, that is a very valid strategy in many scenarios. Your life is more important than defeating a random monster. However, for the purpose of this exam, assume that retreat is not an option.Okay. What about bargaining?Johnathan paused. Bargaining? With a monster?They could be intelligent, right? If a monster is trying to attack something that were trying to protect and its smart enough to communicate with, wouldnt the best case scenario be if we could get it to leave before it could hurt someone?Johnathans forehead wrinkled. I no. I mean, yes, but thats going to be a pretty rare scenario. Dont try to bargain with the monsters. Just kill them. Youre a Shikari, not a negotiator.Lets just get this on with, yeah? Yeo asked, pulling his kusarigama from his side and giving it a lazy twirl. Not to say your questions are lame, Chance. But they are.
