After returning to their bedrooms, everyone felt that the tattered, shabby little room that they used to live in was so valuable and protective.
...
...
"I heard that this time a total of eight alchemists were captured." Dasha was sitting on a soft chair, she smiled and continued, "I am even jealous of this feat. You have done a great job. I believe that after the special training of this group ends, you will be promoted to the Hunter School. It's time to go to there to discipline those group of 'monsters', they may need your strictness more than this group."
Tobu wryly said, "The lion's share of the credit does not belong to me. It was the Mel family's young genius who killed a two-star alchemist!"
"Mel house seems to reviving, ah...Dasha mouth revealed a trace of a smile and said, "I heard that there was another kid who escaped from a three star alchemist's clutches and that alchemist was eventually found dead".
Tobu replied, "According to the Knight of Light's point of view there had to be a four-star alchemist who had killed him because of the amount of power of destruction of that place"
Dasha's eyes narrowed and then said, "It's been a long time that we had detected activities of a four-star alchemist. Even if there was one in the desert, I estimated that with you and those Knights of Lights included, none of them Alchemists would return alive!"
Tobu took a breath in, and then said, "The next time when there is such a thing, I want you to give me a notice in advance. I don't want to be kept in the dark"
"I'm tired," Dasha responded and yawned to avoid further talk.
Tobu smiled slightly. He could only respectfully withdraw from the conversation.
...
...
"Giant wall calendar. Year 291. The rainy season."
"The experiment is ready. I have thoroughly grasped the structure of the human body. Today I will experiment with my own body. Soon I, Rosyard's name, will be forever engraved in the Alchemist Hall as the immortal. I will also become the new creator..."
Dudian secretly studied the alchemy notes when no one was around. This alchemist who experimented and refined his own body had recorded everything. From the scrawling of goose feathers, Dudian could notice the trembling writing occasionally and felt how excited the alchemist had been.
Chapter 29: The Dark Church
"Failure, what were the reasons? The nerves and blood vessels are properly connected. Everything has been double checked. It should have been a successful experiment. Why can't I get attain the same strength as Knights of Light? Where were the mistakes made? Ah..."?Dudian reminded himself of the mutation on Rosyard's shoulder. It was recorded as a failed experiment in the Alchemist Notes. However, Dudian's attention was fully concentrated on the phrase 'the same strength as Knights of Light'. Was their purpose to create their own Knights of Light? No, it should be precisely be attaining the same level of power of the Knights of Light.
Could it be that Knights of Light were genetically modified human beings and they had obtained power beyond the imagination of ordinary person?
This was definitely sensational piece of information!
It was established that life alchemists would use surgery methods to genetically modify their physical bodies. If Knights of Light are in any way modified human beings then The Holy Church is an extremely terrible existence. If they aren't, at least behind there must be shady deals that occurred behind the scenes.
Dudian was shocked. He continued to read on.
The Alchemist Notes contained 10 years of experimental experiences recorded personally by Rosyard. After the failure of self-modification incident, Rosyard turned cautious according to the notes. So he would kidnap children to experiment on them. In the case where he would be successful, he would later kill the child. Then he would share the details and results of the experiments with the 'Church of Darkness'. After his deeds accumulated to a certain extent it would then be regarded as a meritorious service. He could then acquire certification ranking to a higher level (TL: the number stars if you guys remember) and access to greater rights and resources.
It was noted in Rosyard's notes that this 'Church of Darkness' is comprised of alchemists, potion masters, puppeteers and other outside members of greater factions. They were not just limited to people outside the wall but their membership also included members of nobilities, civilians from both residential areas and slums, as well as military personnel who make up part of this organization. In simple terms, if the Holy Church was standing proudly under the sunlight, then the 'Church of Darkness' was the horrible monster lurking in the darkness of the night!
"The Holy Church, The Military, The Church of Darkness...", Dudian murmured. From his current point of view, these three forces were like a tripod which were involved in everything that happened within and beyond the giant wall of Silva. Right now, he did not know which force would be the best to join, either the Military or The Holy Church. For now, at least he wouldn't be leaning towards 'Church of Darkness'.?"I know way too little ...", Dudian sighed. His heart was at loss as he didn't know where to head to in the future.
He couldn't stand the restrictions that would be imposed by the military.
The Holy Church was more inclined towards beliefs and faith. He couldn't face his own conscience if he sought refuge with the Holy Church.
It can be seen from the Alchemy Notes that the various powers gathered within the Holy Church were naturally in fact scientists of different fields. However, any group of scientists without regards for the rule of law and zero moral conscience were no different from the devil.
Dudian felt that for an unknown person without status like him to ascend to the peak of the world would be very difficult. However, he never thought of ascending to the heavens as an easy feat. In his mind, another idea emerged. How easy would it be to just live a normal life instead?
As the idea appeared, he reminded himself of the sharp words previously said by the aristocratic girl. The image of the Jura couple's humble posture in front of the nobles was reflected in front of his eyes. He remembered how he had almost lost his life in the 'hunter' castle.
He slowly closed his eyes and asked himself. Would you be able to live a normal life? What would be standing and your posture in that case? Would you be able to escape the disaster the next time it happens?
No, no!
In the future, when his life is threatened he would not be able to put up any meaningful resistance!
He slowly opened his eyes. There was an unprecedented glint of firmness in his eyes. Even at the expense of freedom! Even if I have to abandon my beliefs! Even if I have to abandon compassion! I should live well. If I'm left in the darkness, I will crawl and dig out my own way into the light!?He grabbed a small iron sheet and cut a finger long wound on his arm. He clenched his teeth to withstood the pain. His eyes turned cold as he whispered to himself, "Dudian, feel this pain. You were the one who came up with such a cowardly idea. Are you worthy of the sacrifices that your parents and sister made previously to give you the only opportunity to survive?"?He clenched his teeth and stared at the blood flowing from his arm as if to constantly remind himself of the pain that he felt. He quietly warned himself that in the future no matter how many difficulties or obstacles he would encounter, he would never change his path. He would never let this world to dominate him!
Mason, who returned to the bedroom, saw the blood flowing from Dudian's arm. Mason sent Dudian off to the infirmary.
...
...
Scavengers in training.
Time flew by and in the blink of an eye three years passed by.
"Dean, the special training is finally over and today is the graduation ceremony. We will finally be able return home to our parents," Zach smiled. He was the only dutiful son in the bedroom. Every month he would take a day off to see his parents. Dudian, Mason and Sham only visited their parents occasionally. They usually wrote letters to their parents instead.
Dudian grinned. In the p
ast three years his appearance had changed greatly. The color of his skin is not as white as before, but as of now, it was a healthy wheat color because of the exposure under the sun. His height reached one meters and sixty centimeters which made him one of the tallest individuals within his peers. After all, he was only twelve years old this year.
"Hey, this was the most special bedroom in the entire dormitory. All four of us completed the training!" Macon grinned, exposing two rows of white teeth.
Sham said: "I hope in the future when we are in the military, we would be assigned into same unit. However, in case we are separated, don't forget to come my family's pub... The treat's on me!"
Dudian and the other two have long heard about Sham's tavern, Mason laughed and replied, "Absolutely!"
"Let's go or we will be late." Dudian said.
All of them walked out towards the huge school field. There were dozens of students chatting with each other.
Mason sadly said, "Three years ago there were more than 300 people. We are really lucky to graduate!"
"There are others who have not arrived yet." Sham shrugged, "I had counted before. There are 106 students who would graduate."
Zach looked at the woods outside the school field and then pointed. He said, "Who are they and why they are coming to our graduation?"
Dudian, Sham and Mason looked towards the place Zach pointed at. They saw Tobu, but there were also eight other individuals besides him. They were talking and laughing. All of them were dressed in an elegant manner.
...
Chapter 30: God's blessing
All the students stood together in a neat row.
Tobu turned towards the other eight individuals and commanded them, "You, wait". He then stepped to right in front of everyone. His face broke into a rare smile, "First of all, congratulations. Finally you have turned from a garbage to a true warrior. However, the real test begins from this moment. You will leave this warm cradle, and face the real-life death situations." He thundered.
Most of the students were surprised, as not all of them understood the true meaning behind Tobu's words.
Dudian's eyes flashed. He knew that Tobu was about to announce their new identity as Scavengers.
Tobu looked at all the students who were filled with a puzzled expression, before he continued, "From this moment of graduation, you will get a new identity. Not of the 'Guard', but of the Scavengers! "
"Scavengers?" Everyone looked at each other.
"I know, most of you only have heard about this term for the first time." Tobu slowly said, "I will be straightforward. Scavengers, from the perspective of the job levels, they are much higher than of Guards. In fact, Scavengers rank on the same level with Knights of military. However, Knights are loyal to the Legion and the noble family they serve. In my opinion, they are a group of weaklings. While Scavengers are the true last defense line of humankind!"
Everyone was stunned.
Same level with a Knight?
That is such a renowned status!
Even in their dreams they would not expected to get such a huge return after three years of hard work and persistence!
Tobu looked the excited faces of students and continued in calm tone, "However, the difference between Scavengers and Knights is that one is in the dark while the other one is in the light. In simple terms, Scavengers work behind the scenes! You are not allowed to disclose your identities as a Scavenger, not even to your parents, siblings or lovers. It is a military secret!
"You will be provided with a Guard identity as a cover."
"When you accumulate enough merits, you will be granted permanent residence in commercial district."
After Tobu's last words, all of the students' eyes began to glow up in hope. After all, living in commercial district is every civilians desire!
"Instructor, what do Scavengers exactly do?" A dark skinned student asked.
"Your job," Tobu replied, "is to go to designated safe areas outside the giant wall. Then, gather all the information and resources outside the giant wall and bring it back inside here!"
All the children burst into an uproar. They realized that there was no such thing such as a free lunch. No one had seen the world outside the giant wall. But deep in their hearts they knew that there were greater dangers outside the wall.
"Instructor, can I quit it?", someone had raised their hand to ask.
Tobu indifferently replied: "Yes, your solatium will be sent to your house after your 'death'."
Their hearts turned cold. They were not given any choices at all.
"You do not have to worry. Although it is very dangerous outside the giant wall, but we did not waste three years of time and resources just to cultivate cannon fodder. The places where you will be sent to would be security-cleared zones. If you are careful and vigilant nothing will happen to you. The death rate of Scavengers is not high." Tobu looked around the crowd and said, "Furthermore, when you venture out of the giant wall, you will receive the blessing of God."
"God's Blessing?" everyone was confused.
Dudian couldn't help but to lift his eyebrows in wonder.
Tobu lifted his hand and pointed towards the eight people that had earlier arrived with him, "These eight people represent The Military and seven consortiums from the commercial district. You can choose to join any of them. Afterwards you will work for the chosen consortium or The Military. All the resources that you procure outside the giant wall can be converted into great fortune. I remember once, there was a Scavenger who picked up a strange object outside the giant wall and received hundred thousand gold coins for it!"
Everyone was startled, 100,000 gold coins? This is simply unimaginable wealth to fathom!
Dudian did not expect that scavengers could receive commission on the items that they procure. It seems it is a good career to get rich. However, the easier it is to get richer, the riskier it would be.
Right then, the eight people stepped up to the front of the crowd. The youth from the furthermost left side was the first to talk: "I'm here on behalf of The Military. Anyone who wants to join The Army, should come over to me to sign the contract. If you join us you could reside the commercial district in the near future."
"I'm from Stirling consortium. We can provide admission to commercial district. Our commission rate is 10%..." Another gracefully dressed woman spoke.
The others began to introduce their affiliated consortiums and information about contracts.
Dudian came to understand that this training center was supported by those seven consortiums and The Military. The Military couldn't have supported this large operation right under the noses of noble families. It was apparent that every party has chosen to share both expenses and results.
To Dudian's surprise, there were no one from the Holy Church.
Right then, other children approached the representatives of various consortiums and The Military to make their selections. Each party provided similar conditions, and since they were competing with each other there were not much of a difference in the welfare schemes offered.
"Dean, we should choose the same consortium," Mason said.
Dudian nodded slightly.
Sham asked, "Which consortium? Or maybe The Military instead?
"You, go and check the conditions they give out." Dudian said and went towards Tobu and asked, "Instructor, which party should be the best choice to pick from?"
Tobu looked straight at Dudian. He was impressed with Dudian. Dudian improved by leaps and bounds from the very start through the tenacious endurance training. Dudian scored impressive results at examination, and so was his performance stellar for the past three years. Tobu winked and said: "You have excellent chances with any of the choices as they will offer you a personal proposal. But just between us, the Mellon consortium has great potential!"
Dudian was surprised as he did not expect that Tobu did not recommended The Military but the consortium.
Tobu turned away to leave when Sham, Mason and Zach
came up to caught up with Dudian. Sham said, "We checked all of them. Most of the conditions offered are similar. The Military gives the best treatment but their commissions are low. All the other consortium have varying conditions but their commissions are higher than The Military. For example, Lorian just joined the Stirling Foundation. They offered him 15% from everything that he will scavenge plus God's blessing every month."
"What!?"
At this moment, their excited sounds echoed all around the field.
Everyone in the group could not help but to look. Dudian saw the gentleman who represented the Stirling Foundation.
Chapter 31: First
"It's Lorian," Mason said, "What is he doing?"
The color of his body changed to blue and veins popped up all on his face. Lorian shouted out in pain. After a short moment, his dark complexion disappeared. It was as if with this roar, Lorian had recovered. His muscles gradually relaxed, and the bulging veins hid itself. He took a deep breath and looked at his palms. There was a look of surprise on his face.
Suddenly, he performed a squat before he jumped into the sky.
"Wow!", everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Lorian had actually leaped up two meters high!
Not his head but his feet were at least two meters high off the ground!
Silence soon enveloped the entire audience.
Each and everyone were aghast expressions as they stared at Lorian. They had gone through hellish training for the past three years. Although their physical condition were many times better than their peers, but all of them had limits. Jumping up as high as two meters was simply a preposterous notion.
However, Lorian had done it! He had jumped up and broke those physical limits.
Dudian knew that Lorian's performance throughout the three year training was very good but it was still way too far off from being able to be labelled such a super physical feat.
"Is this due to God's blessing?" Dudian muttered.
The Dark King Page 13
