"Marshal Solomon, of these three children, two are on the list of names to look out for. A Kenan Ogun and A Edith Gardner.” The Assistant said, looking up from his tablet.
The man with the seven locs, now known as Marshall Solomon, nodded slightly. “Of course, the Captain spoke of the two anomalies. I remember now. But that doesn''t explain the third one. Cole Justus. Wasn''t he registered as just Superior?
The assistant nodded.
“We have three Geniuses seemingly from nowhere plus those from Elder families. This class of cadets is indeed not a normal one.”
***
After checking in and processing, the young shepherd cadets waited in a large open area with a circle platform in the center.
Cole was dumbfounded by how large the area was. “It''s hard to believe we''re still in a building, and there are even floors above this one! I guess we can''t wonder where all of our tax dollars are going.”
Naturally, all Cadets gathered around the circle platform, waiting to be directed by the next phase in their processing. Moments later, light gathered in the center of the circle platform until three figures appeared out of the yellow light.
It was the man that Kenan and his friends saw before standing in the middle, but this time, he wasn''t alone. A man standing on his left side had a giant broadsword that was taller than he was and heavy breastplated armor. His arms had scars, and he wore a helmet with animal horns.
Standing to his left was a tall woman with violet hair and eyes. She wore pink and black martial artist robes. Just with the three of them standing there, anyone could tell they were Shepard officers and powerful ones at that.
The man with the oversized broadsword steps forward. “This is your first lesson as cadets! He said, projecting his voice. “Shepard Officer Solomon holds the rank of Marshall. When he enters the room or walks in your path, you salute and acknowledge him like so.”
The man then makes a gesture with his hand and says. “Greetings to Marshall Solomon! He puts his arm down and points to the cadets. “Demonstrate”
Everyone saluted like the man did, saying, “Greetings, Marshall Solomon!” Their voices, in unison, thundered in the area, putting a smile on the man''s face. He stepped back in line with the other two officers.
This time, the man known as Marshall Solomon stepped forward.
“Greetings cadets, as the senior ranking Shepard of this Academy, I oversee all training and placement of cadets. Many of you may not know, but the shepherds aren''t just a guardian force that protects the country; they are much more. We have a research technology division and even a spy division. Then, finally, there are the officer divisions. Today''s test will determine if you will be placed in the officer''s division in the academy.”
There was excitement on the cadets'' faces; some even cheered. Becoming an officer was a huge deal; they weren''t only powerful, but the public would know them by name and give their family recognition.
Marshall Solomon put his hand up so that he could continue to speak. The person to my left is Senior Enlisted Ashwin. He is the instructor for the Enlisted this year.”
Ashwin then Saluted after being introduced.
“To my right is Templar Vena. She is the officer instructing the cadet officers this year. Together, we will judge who is eligible for the officer division and who will stay enlisted.”
“However, three of you have already been selected for the division.”
Lia instantly knew who the three individuals were.
“Cole Justus, Edith Gardner, and Kenan Ogun,” please step forward. You will not need to participate in this test.” The Marshal spoke.
“Hey, that''s not fair! What makes them so special?” A voice shouted.
By this time, Kenan and his friends were already in plain sight to everyone and were at the foot of the Shepherds on the platform.
“Yeah, even I look like I could take the skinny one,” another voice said.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Kenan snapped his head in the direction of the voice. “You want to bet on that?”
“How did you know he was talking about you, bro?” Cole leaned over and whispered.
The visible shock was on Kenan''s face, and he quickly “coughed” in his hand and said. “I didn''t, I thought he was talking about Edith.”
Edith rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I have to admit that was a nice comeback, and I appreciate the compliment.”
“I can see the dilemma in this situation. How about we have a mini competition. Anyone may challenge any of these three if you manage to defeat them. You will be accepted into the officer division.” The Marshal spoke.
Menacing grins appeared on some of the faces of the cadets. But an even more primal animalistic grin appeared on Cole, Edith, and Kenan''s faces. “I want to go first!” They all shouted.
“These kids are all different martial artists, which would explain why they became Sentient so young.” Marshall Solomon thought.
“Let the skinny kid go first since he was called out first.”
“Yes,” Kenan said as he jumped up on the platform.
Both Cole and Edith put their head in their hand.
Kenan deadpanned at the realization once he got on the platform.
The platform was huge, about half the size of a football field. The Shepard Officers had already moved in place to be a referee and overseers of anyone who challenged the cadets preselected for the officer division.
“Who was it that called me out earlier? Come take your place and show me if your words match the weight of your fist.” Kenan pointed at the spot opposite him.
“I like this one; leave no stones unturned. All disrespect will be accounted for.” Marshall Solomon thought to himself.
Without hesitation, a hand shot up. “It was me, and I''m not ashamed to say it again. He was tall and muscular, even bigger than Cole before his transformation. But any martial artist, at first glance, could tell his muscles were all for show.
He had caramel skin and green eyes. Which made the veins in his arm stand out more. He got onto the platform and introduced himself.
“My name is Chris B-”
Kenan holds up a hand and interrupts him. “I don''t care. I''m here to teach you a lesson, not know your backstory.
They both looked at the officers on the side for their cue to begin.
“There will be no killing within this spar if there are any potential fatal blows that can''t be Dodge Senior Enlisted Ashwin will intervene.
Marshall Solomon held up his hand. “On my mark. . . “Began”
It was important to note that it was almost impossible to determine what Superior ability one may have, so one had to be cautious within the first few moments of a fight. But this didn''t completely apply to Kenan, who had Psionic Technology.
[Ogun Archive System]
[Analyze]
[Chris]
[Superior]
[Superior Ability: Super Strength]
[Meditation Realm: N/A]
[ Mediation Substage: N/A]
Tattoos started to glow in a white light around Chris''s large arms. He started to flex his arms, which made everyone roll their eyes. But a few girls were impressed, though they wouldn''t dare to say it out loud.
Superstrength was a common ability among superiors, but most of them always had limitations, so it was rare for them to become officers.
Kenan blitzes and jumps while still in the air, he kneed Chris in the bottom of his chin, hardening his kneecap into steel. Luckily, Chris''s mouth was closed, or he would have bitten his tongue off.
He landed with a loud thud on his back. To the onlookers, it didn''t even look like Kenan had used an ability. This all happened within less than 5 seconds.
“My goodness, that was a flawless move.” Templar Vena quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment.
*Slow claps twice. “I’ll say.”
Marshall Solomon looked at Kenan with suspension. “It''s either this kid is an idiot,t or his ego is the size of a Mountain. Why would he rush in for an attack like that without knowing his opponent''s abilities? Unless he did. Before he got too into the weeds with this thought. Marshall Solomon announced Kenan''s victory.
A medical team that seemingly popped out of nowhere came and gave first aid to Chris.
To Kenan''s surprise, no one else approached the platform.
“Cadet Kenan, you''re free to leave the platform.” Ashwin said.”Cadet Edith, you''re next. Take your position on the platform.
Kenan jumped down with a satisfied expression on his face.
“I wanted to at least fight three people.”
Cole placed a hand on Kenan’s shoulder .“Well, you beat a buff guy with super strength in like 2 seconds. To normal people, that was a terrifying feat.”
Kenan looked up and around at his fellow cadets and saw fear and admiration in their eyes. But the majority saw fear. He didn''t want to admit it to himself, but he liked the fear he saw in their eyes.
The first thing Edith did when she got on the platform was reveal her swordbreaker from the cloth it was wrapped up in. There were confusing faces on most people there, including Templar Vena. “What sort of weapon is that?”
“It''s a sword breaker,” Senior Enlisted Ashwin said. “ Which is a brutal weapon. Any swordsman worth his salt knows what that weapon is and wants to avoid anyone who knows how to use it.
“She may be our most intriguing cadet, even amongst the officers,” Marshal Solomon said.
Within a moment, Edith had an opponent in front of her. Her opponent was a strong young woman who was in heavy metal armor. The only way anyone knew she was a woman was by her soft, angelic voice.
“Hello, swordbreaker Edith. My name is Cornelia, and I knew I wanted to trade blows with you the moment I saw you. Please don''t hold back.” She said, bowing at the waist.
“Remember those words,” Edith said, taking her fighting position.
Cornelia did the same, and right when she did, a Shield and sword made of light appeared in her hands.
Kenan analyzed Cornelia right away.
[Cornelia]
[Superior]
[Superior Ability: Elemental light Weapon Creation]
[Meditation Realm: N/A]
[ Mediation Substage: Woke]
“Weapon Creation would come in handy. I don''t want to carry a bo staff or spear everywhere I go.” he dismissed the screen and watched the fight begin.
Cornelia was the first to attack; she charged Edith with her shield at the front, preparing to knock Edith off the platform. To everyone''s surprise Edith charged as well.
Edith raises her swordbreaker to pierce Cornelia’ Shield seconds before impact Edith activates her mimicry ability. Turning her face hair and exposed skin into a diamond look material. As the swordbreaker hits the shield you hear a loud echo throughout the area like a large bell is rung.
*GONG
*vibrations
Cornelia tries to hold onto her shield as it attempts to escape from the impact but her attempts fail and as soon as it left her grip it dissolves into particles of light disappearing.
She makes a stance with her sword visibility shaking. “She activated her ability at the perfect time to increase her weight when she struck my shield. My arm is definitely broken but I can''t give up!
“This is probably my only chance to become an Officer and make a name for myself.”
“It''s best you give up now. My next move will break your other arm if you''re not careful.” Edith spoke.
She didn''t speak with any hostility or pride but with a flat tone that only held the simple truth. Cornelia had pride as a warrior so she wouldn''t surrender not with the stakes being as high as they are.
“Then I''ll make sure to be careful.” She said she raised her sword.
“ I''ll remind you, you were the one that told me not to hold back” Edith said as she got into a martial artist stance.
“Ashwin” Marshall Solomon said under his breath.
“Already know sir” he replied.
Edith disappeared, only to the untrain
ed eye and appeared not even two steps away from Cornelia.
“Well that would have ended badly” Ashwin said, holding Edith''s swordbreaker inches from Cornelia’s head.