Chương 50

Rufus's eyes snapped open. As he sat up in his tent, he could see that only the first fingers of dawn had pressed their way inside; it was early. Yet despite that, every cell of his being buzzed. Because today was the day. The list of the approved Ascensions would be released today. I've gotten Sword Knack all the way improved. Rufus made a fist. My Ascension will change everything. I'll have the strength to protect everything I love. I'll matter.

He pushed his way out of his tent, deciding that he would surprise Clara with a breakfast when she woke up, but he blinked in surprise to see that Clara was already out there, stirring a pot over the fire.

"You beat me up."

"Oh good. Want some porridge? I need to leave soon," Clara said. She yawned, her mouth stretching wide and her jaw popping slightly. She rubbed her eyes. Dawn painted her hair into a gold halo.

"Why?" Rufus frowned.

"You've been working so hard these past weeks, and now that everything is over-""Everything's just beginning, unfortunately," Clara sighed.

"There are going to be people unsatisfied with the choices made by the Hold. They will demand answers. Besides-" Clara hesitated. When she shook her head, her golden curls bounced back and forth.

"Michaels believes that several of the chosen individuals will have 'accidents' over the next few days, opening up more slots."

"That's-" Rufus snorted.

"Well, of course that would happen. Too many people have just coasted by on their status. When they don't get their way, they will lash out. At least that means that the Administrator seems to be pretty legit." Clara rolled her eyes at him.

"I don't need a lecture about privilege right now. Alright, enjoy the porridge. I'll see you later. Only five more days!" With that, Clara left. Rufus ate quickly, already daydreaming about what Archetype he would obtain. My current one is Squire. A pretty common increase at Tier I is to become a Knight. But because I have Sword Knack at max, won't I become something special? Knight Errant, or Sword Knight, or even a Champion. Rufus had never heard of a Champion at Tier I.

From what little he had learned, that was an Archetype only available at Tier III or Tier IV. Yet he couldn't get that term out of his head as he walked through the crowded dirt road to the Hold. Champion. The road quickly grew crowded. Other Conduits nudged each other as they hurried to the Hold. After several long weeks of waiting and working inside the Rift, finally the moment had arrived. By the time Rufus got to the Hold, he was waiting in a queue.

Just the gathered amount of Conduits made his heart pump; he was part of a special moment. Hundreds of people filed through the doors, jostling each other in their haste to see whether they had been selected. Rufus pressed forward as they passed through the wall, but a Tier I Conduit turned and glared at him. Rufus had to rein in his impatience. Sure, most of these people are stronger than me now. But that's also why I'll jump right past them. The competition for the Tier 0 spots is less intense.

So soon- Finally, Rufus could see the board. He scanned through the list of names, looking for the Tier I Ascension section. Gradually, he felt like he couldn't breathe. His name wasn't there.

Kirk narrowed his eyes, in a constant war against gravity. His arms ached as the Larian Saber trembled. The massive weapon caught the wind, meaning several small muscles and tendons along his forearms had to constantly engage, keeping it in place. After a few minutes of simply supporting the weapon, Kirk began to move through several basic chops. His mind conjured the scrabbling, dog-like geo-3s in front of them. One by one, he adjusted the angle of his weapon and cut.

Each strike released a snapping sound as the weapon severed air. Kirk raised the weapon once more. His fingers tightened on the hilt of the saber. But before he could continue, a shout cut through his concentration. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"Hey, asshole." Kirk lowered the saber and looked around. Rufus, hands clenched into fists and held straight down by his sides, stalked toward him. Kirk could see the flexing muscles of Rufus's jaw as he ground his teeth. Behind him, Clara hurried, trying to catch up. When he neared Kirk, Rufus whipped up a finger and jabbed it at Kirk.

"Did you do it? Huh? Because you were jealous of my potential, my Sword Knack? You really couldn't stand the fact that I, some dirt-poor levy, would be as strong as you, huh?!"

"What?" Kirk blinked.

"Rufus, don't-" Clara began, but Rufus cut across her.

"Did you think I wouldn't find out?" Rufus demanded. He moved right up to Kirk, standing only inches away. Sneering, Rufus said.

"You have your stupid connections, but I'm determined. I stood outside the Administrator's quarters and waited. And when she went to get lunch, I demanded an answer. She told me this was your answer. So how in wound do you explain that, huh? You are a tiny, petty coward." Kirk glanced between Clara and Rufus, and then back again. Kirk frowned.

"You want to receive an opportunity you didn't deserve?"

"I worked and sweated for that spot!" Rufus howled.

"How dare you say I didn't deserve it! If you hadn't told her not to include me-""Administrator Ranya asked me if you should be included, given our relationship," Kirk clarified.

"You were tenth on the Tier I list." Rufus stared at Kirk.

"You're lying."

"Why would I lie?" Kirk was bewildered.

"You- because-" Rufus's eyes bulged. His face turned blotchy and red. Clara's eyes softened. She stepped forward and put her hand on Rufus's shoulder.

"Look, it's not a big deal. There will be other chances-"" That's what I've been told my entire life!" Rufus's shoulder heaved. He glared now, not just at Kirk, but at both of them.

"That's what- why is that the answer I've always gotten? To know my place, to find other chances, that this time it didn't go my way, but next time- I'm sick of it! When will it be my turn?"

"Rufus." Clara sighed. Yet that just incensed him.

"And why are you always defending him? Why can't- we've known each other since- you're my…" Rufus bit back a sob. Whipping around, he ran away. Kirk felt his heart stir as he watched him go. Next to him, Clara asked a quiet question.

"Did you get any of the details? How far away was he?"

"I did," Kirk nodded.

"I wanted to be sure; I've seen how hard he worked. He's been a constant part of the labor squads. But that only counts for so much; Tier I workers also went along for construction and added a lot more than he did. Also, the other Tier 0's that were being considered, aside from you, were part of in-Rift patrol teams. There were reports of them helping repel geo-3s."

"Were those actions their own, or bought?" Kirk hesitated.

"I'm not sure." Clara sighed.

"Some probably are, some aren't. That's the way of the world. Just because we try our best to be fair doesn't mean everyone else will. You wouldn't believe- no, sorry. I shouldn't complain. You just had someone stomp up and shout at you."

"I don't mind," Kirk said.

"Besides, people behave… differently around me. Because of my family. Even if they are dissatisfied, they won't say it to my face. So, tell me about what happened to you today." Kirk didn't miss the way Clara flushed as he said those words. His stomach fluttered in response. He pulled out two camp chairs from his tent, prepared some tea, and sat and listened to her. The more he heard, the more Kirk frowned.

"People have already dropped out?"

"Three so far," Clara nodded and wrapped her hands around the tin mug.

"And guards were called to investigate a half dozen scuffles, but when they arrived, no one was there." Kirk pressed his lips together and looked around. His hand, almost of its own volition, rose and touched the nexus of his ribcage. His Bestial Senses I listened with as much force as they could manage. Around him, the housing quarter inside the hold was quiet. Perhaps due to the row with Rufus, but now his skin prickled with another theory. He had been enjoying the steady decrease in volume inside Peakhold.

His overstrained senses could relax. But perhaps the quiet wasn't a good thing. Perhaps it was the tension of what they were about to do starting to strangle them.

"It's a crazy plan," Clara suddenly spoke up. She moved a step closer to him. Her ocean blue eyes captured his attention and held it.

"But I believe in it. I believe in you." Clara reached. At first it seemed to cup his cheek, but at the last second, she lurched to the side. Her hand settled on Kirk's shoulder. Even as he felt his stomach gurgling like a curious baby, Clara flushed. She made a small noise in the back of her throat, and then fled from Kirk. He watched her depart, feeling his pulse pounding in his throat. It took a while for the adrenaline to fade.

When Kirk returned to his tent, the Ancient Bladed Beast manifested next to him and sniffed. Twisting around, Kirk looked to the shadowy alley across from his tent. With their arms shrugging, the cloaked figure stepped forward.

"An identical silhouette will be recognized. Noted, Kirk Albion."

"You…" Kirk frowned.

"What are you doing here?"

"I bathe alone in light." The cloaked figure's voice turned soft.

"It is lonely. You may not see the light, but you guide this Hold, as though illumination leads you forward. Do you not feel the same?" Again, Kirk raised his hand and pressed it against his chest. He felt the beating of his own heart. He remembered that alchemic reaction in his body when Clara touched him.

"The more I live, the less I know what I feel."

"Your insight is pure." The cloaked figure responded.

"When you next see it, it will be known to you."