I vaguely remember school in my old life, but this? This is different. A dog-and-pony show where we all march in line, pretend we’re something we’re not, and hope ALL approves.
Not that I care about being best in show. I just don’t want to make things harder for my family.
Dom isn’t exactly popular with the nobles. The way they talk about him—**like an inconvenience, a mistake—**makes me wonder what he gave up when he left the High Court.
The more I learn about this world, the less I understand. ALL sees everything, controls everything. And this school? This school is supposed to prepare us for our rankings, for our place in the system.
But this classroom… it feels abandoned. Like someone built it for a different world.
The wooden desks are scarred with old carvings, names scratched deep into the surface. The air smells faintly of mildew, though the holoscreens overhead still glow pristine and cold. The teacher leans against his podium, staring out at us like he’s somewhere else entirely.
The way he looks at me—like he already **knows me—**makes my stomach twist.
I don’t know who he is yet.
But I get the feeling he knows exactly who I am.
Rinkel
The sharp crack of wood against my desk snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Elias. Pay attention.”
His voice carried no patience—only venom, clipped and precise.
I looked up to meet a thin, severe face framed by round spectacles and a worn white robe. The man standing before me wasn’t just serious. He was tired. Hollow in a way that made it clear he’d given up on a lot of things—just not on making my life hell.
He cleared his throat, rubbing his glasses against his sleeve before slipping them back on. His gaze lingered on me for half a second longer than it should have.
I glanced around the classroom, taking in the faces of my classmates.
Vera. Of course, she was here. How wonderful. I thought to myself playfully, though a part of me already knew she’d make my life difficult, whether I liked it or not.
Then there was Rath—the boy I met during reception. His frown deepened at the teacher’s treatment of me, but it barely lasted a second before his focus shifted entirely to Vera.
Mesmerized.
I almost laughed. Made sense—they were neighbors, after all.
I made a mental note of it. Rath was already watching her, and Vera was already watching me.
Before I could dwell on it, the teacher spoke again, his voice clipped and impatient.
"Class, my name is Mr. Rinkel. I will be your main teacher for the next six months. It is my job to prepare you for the Ranking Ceremony, and I will not tolerate any interruptions to my lessons. Isn’t that right, Mr. Wolfe?"
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A few students shifted in their seats, some hiding smirks, others looking away.
I caught Vera watching me.
She didn’t smile, didn’t frown—just studied me. Like she was waiting to see how I’d react.
Then, just for a second, the corner of her mouth twitched. Almost like approval.
Then, with the same venom as before, he added, "Try not to be as foolish as your dear old dad, please—for all our sakes. Thank you."
I blinked, stunned.
The audacity.
My jaw tightened. The smug little pause before "for all our sakes"—as if my father had personally inconvenienced him—like Dom leaving the High Court wasn’t just a choice, but a crime.
If this was my old life, I’d be reaching for my flask right about now.
My fingers twitched uselessly at my side. Nothing there. Nothing to take the edge off.
Not this time.
I forced a slow exhale, relaxed my shoulders, and gave him a carefully neutral nod.
Let him think he won. For now.
The Ranking System
"Our fair city is built to withstand even the mightiest of problems," Rinkel continued. "That is because of ALL, and our rankings. I am to prepare you for your future here. We must start with that future."
He clicked a pointer, and the holographic screen flickered to life.
Your ranking is six months from today. You will be placed into one of these categories:
- Sentinels – ALL’s elite enforcers and leaders.
- Keepers – Clerics and political figures.
- Forged – Warriors, Nonkin, and military assets.
- Subs – Laborers and the lower class.
"There will be three trials to determine your rank," Rinkel continued.
- Physical endurance.
- Psy potential.
- And most importantly—loyalty to ALL.
Rath’s Doubt
One of the noble students in front of the class piped up. "Father said it’s a noble’s duty and right to be a Sentinel."
Rinkel sighed. "Yes, we know who your father is. But remember—ALL knows ALL. ALL determines which way we must go."
I couldn’t help but wonder how many students got through because of their last name.
How many were just handed their rank?
A Silent Message
That night, as I walked down the dorm hall, a cheesy infographic for the Temple played on the holodeck. A couple of students stood in front of it, chatting.
Then, the screen flickered.
For just a second, the Temple’s emblem was replaced with a flashing message.
Unit 00307, you’re doing well.
My stomach twisted.
I couldn’t sleep that night.
In fact, more often than not, sleep was a luxury I didn’t have.
Six months of grueling physical training, noble etiquette drills, and Psy exercises.
Psy training was the easiest part for me.
But the worst part?
ALL’s messages kept coming.
A week before the ceremony, another one appeared.
Unit 00307, don’t use all that Psy you’ve got. I’ll make it worth your while.
ALL is one creepy bastard.
The Invitation
The next morning, walking to the mess hall, I overheard a group of nobles talking about me and Rath.
"Those two are a joke," one sneered.
"A failed noble’s son and a boy who can’t come to grips with his own fate," another scoffed. "What a waste."
I clenched my fists.
Then, I noticed Rath walking by. He’d heard them too.
He didn’t say anything. He just shot them a glare so sharp it could cut diamonds. Then, he sat down across from me.
“Hey.” He tapped his fingers on the table. “I’ve got a favor to ask.”
I raised an eyebrow. Rath barely talked anymore.
“I want to go somewhere to blow off steam.” He hesitated. “Will you come?”
I blinked. "Oh. Okay. When?"
“The night before the Ranking.” He exhaled through his nose. “I know a spot. I’ll invite Vera too.”
For the first time in weeks, he almost smiled.
Was I just bait? I thought, chuckling to myself.
The night before the Ranking, I stood on the dorm balcony, staring out over the city.
The city sang.
Tomorrow, I’d find out if the tune was right.