Primordial Beast System

EPISODE 9: Arc Aegis.

The results were in. The list of students who qualified to board the shuttle to Arc Aegis was posted on the massive digital display in the main hall of the preparation base. Those who do not qualify must undergo an additional one year of training on Arc Inferna’s military base before they will be sent to Arc Aegis. This extends their mandatory military enlistment to 3 years.

Among the hundreds of names posted were two that defied all expectations: Adam Reed and Eve Reed, the Outcast twins.

The announcement caused quite a stir. Adam had placed in the top 30, his name shining brightly alongside the top Ascendants.

Eve followed closely in the top 50, a remarkable achievement that cemented her position as an anomaly among the Outcasts. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, ranging from disbelief to grudging admiration.

“An Outcast in the top 30? That has to be a mistake.” One of the boys whispered.

“No mistake,” another replied. “I saw him during the simulation. He’s...different.”

“I get that he is different, but no Outcast in the history of this base has ever ranked in the top 100. This will surely put a large target on his back.” The first boy added.

This year, Arc Inferna had not produced a single Pure student. Most of the Pure nobles who were posted to the arc left their families behind. This year, there are no Pure children in Arc Inferna.

Adam stood silently, the system’s interface flickering in his vision as it displayed his progress. His genetic purity percentage had increased by another 5% as promised, he is currently at 10%, edging closer to the coveted Ascendant classification. The white patch of hair on his head was now larger and more visible.

His posture was upright, his gaze steady, and his demeanour unflinching.

Eve stood beside him, her calm confidence mirroring his own.

“You did it, Adam,” she said, a rare smile gracing her lips.

“We both did.” Adam responded.

The next morning, a gigantic shuttle awaited them on the launch pad, its sleek design was a testament to humanity’s technological prowess.

The vessel's elongated frame stretched across the pad like a colossal beast ready to take flight. Twelve sturdy landing legs extended from its underside, providing balance and stability on the platform. Along its rear section, six massive Nytherite drive propulsion engines were embedded, each housing enough power to tear through the skies with ease.

The Shuttle’s hull was reinforced with dark alloy plating, it bore an angular, segmented structure designed to transport both crew and cargo safely through the unforgiving expanse of the atmosphere and beyond.

The recruits were herded into lines, each carrying a single bag containing their essentials.

Adam and Eve were among the last to board the ship, their presence was still a point of contention among the Ascendants. Usually, about 3 Outcasts will only make the list for Ark Aegis once in a while, but the twins have managed to be among the top 50.

Marcus passed by Adam, his face masked with suppressed anger.

Adam met his gaze without flinching, glaring right back at him in a manner that was passing a silent declaration that their feud was far from over.

Alec, on the other hand, gave Adam and Eve an encouraging nod, he was attracted to Eve, and her brother Adam was not half bad either, for an Outcast class that is.

When all of them were aboard, the shuttle doors sealed, and the recruits strapped themselves into their seats. The hum of the engines grew louder, and the countdown began.

“Lift-off in Five…four...three...two...one...liftoff.”

The shuttle shook as it ascended into the air, leaving Arc Inferna behind. Adam stared out the window, watching how gigantic the arc was. He stared at the section of abandoned quadrant where it all changed for him, where he found the relic that bestowed him the Primordial beast system.

As the arc shrank into the distance, its lights dimming against the vast expanse of space, Adam felt a liberating sensation.

For many of the recruits, this was the first time they had left their home arc. For Adam, it was a step toward a destiny he could barely fathom.

The journey to Arc Aegis was tense. Eve spent the time reviewing a small handheld console containing their training itinerary, while Adam focused on the system interface, analyzing his stats and potential upgrades.

The atmosphere among the recruits was a mix of excitement and apprehension. Conversations buzzed around them, some speculating about the challenges ahead, others boasting about their achievements.

“Arc Aegis,” Eve murmured, glancing at Adam. “The largest military base in human history. Do you think we’re ready?”

Adam’s lips curled into a faint smile. “We don’t have a choice. But we’re not the same as when we started. We’ll adapt.”

The journey lasted about 7 hours, and finally, they arrived.

The shuttle docked at Arc Aegis, and the recruits disembarked onto a massive platform bustling with activity. Soldiers in pristine uniforms moved with precision, overseeing the arrivals. The arc’s sheer scale was overwhelming, a city in the sky, its structures towering and gleaming under artificial sunlight.

A high-ranking officer approached the group, his uniform adorned with gold insignias. His sharp eyes scanned the recruits, lingering briefly on Adam and Eve.

“Welcome to Arc Aegis,” he announced. “You have come of age and it is your turn to serve and protect humanity. Your training here will push you beyond your limits. Some of you will rise to greatness; others will falter. Remember this: only the strongest and most disciplined will survive.” He added. Briefly after, he was called and left.

The recruits were then divided into smaller squads and assigned quarters. Adam and Eve were placed in separate units, a deliberate strategy to test their individual strengths. Adam’s squad was a mix of Ascendants and a few Outcasts, a dynamic that promised tension and rivalry.

Adam’s resolve hardened. Arc Aegis was not just a military base; it was a crucible, a place where he would forge his identity and claim his place in a world that had always sought to keep him down.