The year 2532 December- Aniela's POV
I awoke to the familiar chime of her halo watch—a gentle, insistent tone that has become an integral part of my morning ritual, much like the rich, earthy aroma of the old earth tea that gently fills my senses. As I emerged from the cocoon of sleep, I slowly gathered my long wine-red hair, the strands catching the morning light, and tied it loosely behind me, creating a carefree yet elegant look. I sank into the warm embrace of my vintage Chesterfield sofa, its well-worn leather soft and inviting against my skin.
In this tranquil moment, I allowed myself a brief indulgence, savoring the quiet before the day began. Just then, a sleek service robot glided into the room, its polished surface catching glints of sunlight. It extended a delicate cup of tienchi flower tea, an infusion known for its soothing properties. The steam spiraled upward, carrying the floral aroma that gently filled my quarters, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket and signaling the promise of a new day. After savoring the brief respite, I swiped through her holographic schedule. Today's task flashed past my eyes, red highlights marking the most important assignment: synchronizing the squires with their gems. As I readied myself for the day ahead, I couldn't help but feel the tug of my loss of identity. The laboratory was once my sanctuary a realm of discovery and possibilities, now I was tethered to the rigid duty of a military doctor as I exited my room clad in military garb with a doctor's coat draped over my figure.
"Still, I did find an interesting specimen," I murmured to myself, a small ember a researcher's curiosity still burning inside me.
Arriving at the medical wing, I took in the usual scene: advanced diagnostic panels, medics shuffling between pods, and the clinical hum of machinery that never seemed to sleep. Standing before me was Doctor Wolmer stood, eyes focused on a stream of digital files- scrutinizing the peculiarities of the squires hailing from Tier I cities. With practiced ease, I strode to my terminal, my footsteps echoing softly on the cool metal floor.
Before long Doctor Wolmer addressed me with a wry tone as glanced over Askel Astason's file "Good morning to you too, Doctor Eden. Do you have your eyes on any particular individual this time around ?" he asked. Without looking up from my terminal, I replied
"I'm interested in the Squire 358," I could almost taste the indifference in his response as he pulled up the file for VivanWarsop.
"Oh, she doesn't seem all that interesting, well she is from a tier I city so her overall fundamentals are stronger than those of than rest of the peasants." He remarked in a dull tone before continuing his scroll through the squires.
I shrugged off the lingering inquiries and refocused on her terminal, scanning through confidential squad rankings accessible only to instructors:
Squad 1 - Leader Askel Astason, ID: 392
Squad 3 - Leader Aisling O'Neil, ID: 359
Squad 11 - Leader Sohan Agustin-Dubois, ID: 390
Squad 9 - Leader Gilbert Kruger, ID: 356
Squad 5 - Leader Alexander Gallifrey, ID: 356
.....
My eyes lingered on Squad 9. Unlike other squads which ordinarily composed of members from the same tier of city their roster was was rare blend of members from across all tiers. Even more intriguing was the performance of their leader Gilbert, and another key member, William. If individual prowess were to be tallied, both could easily break into the top ten, a statistic that sets them leagues apart from the rest.
I had been absorbed in my terminal for what felt like an eternity when Captain Cade entered, the very picture of impeccable posture just like his reputation.
"Hello, doctors we may begin," he announced simply, moving to the room's main monitor as the first squires stepped inside.
The annoying Doctor Wolmer strode to the center of the assembly clearing his throat
"Good morning, squires! Today, we will be providing you with your circuit gems. Now, those of you hailing from Tier I cities might already have an inkling of what I'm about to explain, but for you, the peasants from lower-tier cities, this might be your first introduction."He paused, voice dripping with ostentatious pride. He then went on to explain the functions of these accessories
"These gems have been programmed with one of the most crucial components of your suits—the operating system. It serves not only to guide your body's advancements, ensuring no pernicious mutations happen to your physiology, but also to store any excess energy your body generates. In essence, these gems are your lifeline for stability." A murmur of mixed awe rippled through the crowd. Doctor Wolmer continued, a smug twist playing on his lips:
"Some of you have already been equipped with gems provided by predecessors. For those who aren't so lucky, the government will provide you with the standard issue. Remember, these gems aren't just accessories—they're engineered explicitly to maintain your prime form in the field."
As he finished his declaration, I observed the squires standing in silent, conflicted admiration. The weight of his words, layered with both promise and a barely concealed superiority, settled over them like a tangible force.
Soon the medics in the bay then got to work, ushering the squires toward the med pods and fitting in blank gems into the sockets along their sides. I monitored their rate of synchronization through my terminal. With each 10% increment of synchronization, the squire's agonized screams grew, louder the pain intensifying, even as the stabilizers were injected to stave off any mutations.
"Doesn't seem to be anyone interesting from this batch. All of them are standard Dragon lineage with variations within acceptable range. They'll have to make do with pain medications at 70% synchronization at most if they're lucky. Well, the world still needs more Grand Knights." Said Doctor, with a dismissive wave of his hand his voice carried across the room with the usual condescension "You wouldn't expect any less from an entire batch of peasants."
Even though Wolmer could be insufferable, I couldn't help but think that this batch was slightly underwhelming. I tolled my eyes internally, quietly going about noting every detail as the process unfolded. Batch after batch was synchronized, and together with Wolmer, I marked any squires who could manage at least 80% synchronization without the aid of pain medication while also recording their lineages.
Finally, it was the turn of Squad 1, causing Wolmer to sit up excited. As Askel stepped confidently into his pod, Captain Cade passed a circuit gem with a noticeably different internal structure to a medic who made his way towards Askel'spod. I watched as Wolmer, ever curious tried to peep at the details of the custom gem only to be thwarted by protocol.
I couldn't resist teasing, "You know the rules, doctor; the legions don't share their operating systems with anyone, not in the ranks- especially not custom-made ones." I chuckled inwardly as I caught a fleeting flash of annoyance crossing his face. Returning my focus to Askel I observed his synchronization reach 60% before he started showing signs of pain. As expected of someone the blood is a dread marine even his circuit is more advanced than the standard, unfortunately, I cannot access its variation due to my lack of clearance. As I studied his synchronization he finally accepted the pain medication at 98.5%. Next came the other Tier I squads with none taking the medication before 95%. When it was Squad 5's turn Wolmer turned to me and said
"Here is your interest Doctor Eden." He said with a flat tone.
"Huh? Oh yes, Vivian, she is an interesting young girl, her synchronization is even at 97.8% quite good considering she was never seen as top top-ranked candidate." I said
Finally, it was Squad 9's turn, and I forced myself to control my movements so as not to betray my growing interest. Adam Kruger was the first to step up. I scanned his file, noting traces of dragon lineage though variation unfortunately remained beyond my clearance. I murmured, "Quite curious…."
Wolmer, clearly bored with those not from Tier I squads, asked, "What is quite curious?" With a quick reaction I masked my intrigue with a dismissive tone, replying "Oh, it's nothing." My eyes quickly returned to the results on the screen, Adam performed admirably, accepting pain medication at a 97% synchronization level. Next came Wolfgang Keep, reaching 96.7% with a very standard Dragon lineage. Then, Kean Kruger appeared at 96.4%- his file revealed not only his dragon lineage but also its partial relation to panthers explaining his notable speed. William Munro followed with an impressive 97.9%; his record showed an advanced variation of the Dragon lineage, a form known as Bahamut, which bestowed him with immense speed and strength.
Then, the moment I'd been waiting for arrived. Gilbert Kruger stepped up. At that precise moment, Captain Cade produced another gem, a move that caused me to pause in surprise, Wolmer's interest was visibly piqued too.
"I thought this one was an orphan," Wolmer remarked, still straining to get a glimpse of the gem. I countered nonchalantly, "He is, but St. Mary's orphanage has seen several knights rise through their ranks, so it isn't surprising that some are willing to give back."
As Gilbert settled into the pod, his lineage was laid bare before our eyes: he was an Asura- not just any Asura, but one bearing the rare Agni variation. Studying his full circuit, I detected something that surprised me he was what seemed to be another circuit, not a variation or a mutation or I guess it could be considered a mutation but another entire circuit. Taking a peek around the room to see if anyone else realized what I saw but none did it seems. What could it be? Despite the urgency that should driven me to report this discovery, I decided against it. As I read his file I contemplated the rumors about the Asura legion after the fall of their Marshall Hell's Storm there hasn't been anyone capable of taking his place plus the entire first division alongside their headquarters Titan V is missing. Looking back at the young man lying in the pod he finally took the pain medication at 98.9% beating out even Askel. Looking at this young man I couldn't help but wonder what is his story…