At World's End

Entry 9

 Each year the Academy accepted new entrants, depending on the number of spaces available.

Registration normally took place on the 15th day of the first month when the Tower was at its hottest, Eos.

From then till the 25th, candidates would show up with hopes of getting accepted in the institution.

Each day a different age group was accepted…

And today being the 15th, my age group which was 18-20 were the ones being tested.

The red haired guy looked 30, especially with his muscular physique and… wait, he already has a beard?

So, lucky… Ahem, I digress.

I shook my head to get rid of the unnecessary thoughts when the military man suddenly spoke.

“Well, well, it seems the maggots accepted this time are much better than last year’s set. Quite impressive. I’ll enjoy breaking you lot.” His tone of speech sounded quite sinister.

But what was he talking about?

He continued after a quick scan. “I’m sure you are wondering what just happened. Well, in short form, you all just passed the first academy test and what’s more, in flying colors.”

Even though it was supposed to be something worth celebrating, I had a gut feeling he was mocking us.

As though trying to let us understand how pathetic we were.

“Those that fainted first will unfortunately have to return home as you are unfit for the academy. The only ones that will be accepted are those still standing right now and those that fainted at the peak of the test.”

Glancing at the pale girl, he added. “I must say that I am quite impressed that you managed to remain calm despite everything.

“You as well.” He turned to the red head. “Both of you are just the type of candidates I enjoy working with.”

He flashed a toothy grin, causing my stomach to churn.

To be honest, I had half the mind to question the bastard on what exactly was the point of such a disgusting test but I had a feeling something like that might land me in trouble.

Thus, like a good lad, I kept shut.

Bottom line was that I passed and I could live with that… of course, I don’t think I’d be able to eat anything for a couple of days, but who cares?

Darn it!

“Now then, those that are still awake should come with me for your medical exams.” The man said as he turned and walked with a steady gait.

“Sir.” Suddenly, the pale girl spoke up.

The man paused as he turned to face her. “Yes?”

“What about the others?”

“Those maggots?... Someone else will handle them. I don’t work well with weaklings.” He didn’t spare her another glance as he turned and kept on walking.

Asshole!

Was there a need to be so rude?... Hmmph.

Shrugging off the fatigue I felt, I got to my feet and followed alongside seven others that were still standing.

As I walked past, I noticed the thin boy from earlier.

He had his hands over his head as he curled his body into a ball. Occasionally he twitched while mumbling something incomprehensible.

Beside him, a pool of saliva and… is that vomit?... I couldn’t tell but it was indeed not easy on the eye with it’s greenish appearance.

“Uhmm, sir… there’s someone else awake.” I pointed out instinctively.

The man grunted angrily as he turned back. “I saw only eight candidates.”

“But there’s one more… he may be lying down but he’s still awake.”

The man was about to say something when the pale girl moved to the aid of the thin guy, tapping him gently.

After a few seconds, he stopped twitching as he opened his eyes. “…Where am I?”

I turned to the man expecting him to back down but he only gazed at me harshly before moving on.

Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed?... What’s his deal?

Tch.

“Thank you.” The brown haired teen remarked after getting a brief breakdown of our situation from the pale girl.

She’s quite nice for someone that had the appearance of an icy beauty.

I wonder if I can befriend her later?

With that, we quickly move on to a waiting area with a door ahead with the sign, “Clinic”, printed boldly.

The man gestured. “Go in one at a time. Once you are done, you will officially become a member of the Academy after which you will receive orientation.”

He quickly left after the rough explanation, going through another door on the left.

Good riddance!

After picking a random order, we went in one after the other with the pale girl entering fourth and the brown haired kid entering eight.

I decided to enter last for one reason… I hate doctors.

Don’t ask me why except you want to hear a long winded backstory… trust me, it’s not worth it.

Tch!

The door made a creak as I entered into a room that was just about big enough to fit eight people of average size.

On the other side of the room, lay yet another door which I presumed led to the orientation hall.

“Welcome, please sit down so we may begin.” The doctor on seat smilingly said.

You can’t fool me!

I took a deep breath and grabbed a chair before sitting down, replying the doctor’s smile in kind.

She looked quite pretty in her white coat with black hair and red lipstick.

If only she weren’t a doctor, I’d have appreciated her looks.

“Name?” she asked, jolting me from my unwarranted evaluation.

“Jeremy Walker.”

The Doctor’s eyes flickered noticeably underneath her glasses as she paused just as she was about to write it down. “Walker?... Any relation with Timothy Walker?”

Sighing heavily, I respond. “Yeah… he’s my father.”

“… I see.”

Hmm… not exactly the response I was expecting.

Something along the lines of… oh my gosh, he’s your dad?... I’m like his biggest fan… yeah, that would do.

Anyway, it doesn’t matter, saves me from the cringe and fake smiles.

After all, if they really loved him… they wouldn’t have been so casual about what was clearly a murder.