2026-01-31 23:38:49
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Chapter 84
JOHN'S POVThe challenge room is nothing like the small practice rooms I've been working in. It's larger, more deliberate in its arrangement. Chairs curve in a half circle around the central examination area, close enough that observers can track every movement and every decision made in real time.I stand at the entrance for a moment, taking it all in. Families sit in the back rows, some leaning forward already paying attention to what's about to unravel, others affecting casual disinterest that doesn't quite land. Evaluators occupy the front, notepads open, pens ready. Dr. Hayes is there. Professor Nika. Mr. Carter with his sharp, X-ray like eyes.And Elder Ming, seated slightly apart from the others, his expression unreadable.The patient sits in a chair positioned exactly between two stations, one assigned to me and one to Divo. The symmetry feels intentional, like the setup itself is making a statement about balance and competition before either of us has done anything.Divo is
Chapter 83
JOHN'S POVThe announcement spreads through the Academy before anyone officially confirms it. That's how things work here. Rumors travel faster than notices, and by the time anything is posted officially, everyone already knows.I see it in the way instructors glance at me during training, then at Divo, then back again like they're mentally measuring the distance between us. Assistants linger near our stations longer than necessary. Conversations die when either of us enters a room, then restart in quieter, more careful tones.The tension becomes something physical, settling into my shoulders like weight I can't put down."You feel it too, right?" Thomas says during a break in training, leaning against the wall beside me. "The whole place feels like it's holding its breath.""I feel it," I confirm."How are you doing with it?" he asks."Trying not to run out of breath?" I say.He gives me a look that says he doesn't believe me. I don't push back on it because honestly, he's right not
Chapter 82
Chapter 82JOHN'S POVThe Academy hums with quiet anticipation the next morning. I notice it the moment I step into the dining hall. Conversations pause when I approach, heads turning briefly before looking away. Then the talking resumes in softer tones, more careful than before.I grab food and sit with my team. Lawrence looks up as I settle into my seat."Morning," he says. "Slept at all?""Well enough," I lie.Maya studies my face with that direct way she has. "You look tired.""I'm fine," I say, taking a bite of bread I don't particularly want.Thomas leans in slightly. "It's not just you noticing things today. Something feels off this morning. Like everyone's waiting for something."He's right. The shift in atmosphere is subtle but very noticeable throughout breakfast. People step aside for me without meeting my eyes, creating a path that feels less like respect and more like distance. Like they're already positioning themselves away from whatever is coming."Did something happen
Chapter 81
JOHN'S POVThe tea house sits quiet when I arrive, tucked into the eastern corner of the meditation garden just as Elder Ming described. It's a small structure, traditional in design, with paper screens and a low table inside. Steam rises faintly from a kettle already set out, two cups placed precisely across from each other.Elder Ming is already there, kneeling on a cushion with perfect posture. He looks up as I enter and gestures to the cushion opposite him."John. Thank you for coming.""Thank you for the invitation," I say, removing my shoes at the entrance before stepping inside.I settle onto the cushion, feeling awkward in the formal position. Elder Ming seems completely at ease, like he was born to sit this way.He pours tea for both of us with deliberate care. The tea flows from the pot in a smooth line, filling each cup to exactly the same level. He watches my hands as I accept the cup, observing how I hold it, whether I understand the proper etiquette.I hold it with both
Chapter 80
Chapter 80JOHN'S POVTraining is interrupted when an instructor redirects me to a different station than the one I am assigned. I'm halfway to my designated workspace when he calls out."John, not that one. Over here."I stop and turn. He's pointing to a station in the far corner, away from where the rest of my team is setting up."I was assigned to station three," I say, checking the board where assignments are posted."Change of plans," the instructor says. His tone is casual but his eyes are firm. "Station seven needs someone. You'll work there today."I glance at station seven. The tools there are modern, unfamiliar in their design. Digital monitors, electronic diagnostic equipment, instruments that require power sources and calibration. None of the traditional tools I normally rely on are present.When I hesitate, the instructor gestures for me to move. "Is there a problem?""No," I say, because what else can I say?I walk to station seven and examine the setup more closely. Eve
Chapter 79
JOHN'S POVThe failure of another participant spreads through the Academy before noon. I don't see it happen, but I witness the aftermath in the corridor when the person is escorted past us by two officials.The participant is a young man I recognize from the obstacle course. He'd struggled through it but finished. Now his eyes are fixed on the floor, his shoulders hunched inward like he's trying to disappear. His team stands frozen in place against the wall, watching him pass.No one steps forward. No one speaks. No one offers comfort or solidarity.The space around him empties too quickly, participants backing away like failure is contagious. Like getting too close might infect them with whatever inadequacy caused him to wash out.I stay where I am, not backing away but not approaching either. Just watching as he's led down the corridor toward the administrative building. Toward whatever process removes failed participants from the Academy.When he's out of sight, the corridor stays
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