Tales Of Gridarnia

Collin

“I forgot how much I hate this trip. There is nothing but trees on the right and flat grassland on the left.” Collin said.

He sat up front with Ray in an open wagon. The pledges sat on the benches either asleep or also bored looking out across the fields. Behind them were 2 other wagons being driven by the 6 dice Kim and Jackson.

“We could play the game I guess.” Ray said.

“What kind of Game?” Akota asked from the back.

“It’s one we invented a long time ago whenever we had to make this trip. Collin said.

“Does everyone want to play? Ray asked.

There was a resounding yes from the other 5. Sasha and Jacie woke up abruptly and were ready to go.

“Alright, We will begin once we reach the top of this hill. There is going to be a very long gully to the left. At the very end is a large boulder. Your goal is to stop me from hitting that boulder.”

“Hitting the boulder with what?” Jacie asked

Ray pulled the earth up from around him and formed a thin flat disk around a foot in diameter. With a flick he sent it flying off into the field. Collin Formed a fireball in his hand and condensed it to the size of his fist before shooting it at the flying disc. The fireball hit the disc and exploded in a puff.

“That looks easy.” Dimitri said. He began forming the disc in his hand using the dirt from the ground. He slung it as hard as he could. The disc went about 20 feet before being hit by a fireball that he threw at it.

“Very good. Jacie, Dimitri I want you to form discs with your earth mana and see how far you can throw them. The rest of you will try to hit them with your respective mana blasts. Please do allow them to travel 30 or so feet before attempting. We do not need explosions this close to the wagons.” Ray explained.

They topped the cliff and the pledges' eyes got big. There was a large gully around 10 feet wide that took a decline about 30 feet before making an S shaped curve and stopping at the tree line 400 feet or so away. There was a large boulder at the very end with a swarm of birds pitched around it.

“If someone manages to hit that large rock, the birds will go crazy.” Collin said grinning. “10 gold coins to whoever hits it first.”

This began a full 20 minutes of pure chaos as fireballs, wind blasts, shadow spikes shot through the air trying to hit the many dirt discs that Dimitri and Jacie sent flying. Eventually, they all began trying to form their own discs to try and hit the boulder at the very end. The gusts of wind that the gully created made this rather difficult which helped keep them occupied.

“It’s impossible!” Yugi said. Shadows did not form discs very well and he was beginning to get frustrated.

“Try forming a sphere and imagine it rotating within itself. Allow the inner portion to go faster than the outer. Shadows do not maintain a solid state for very long so you must allow it to flow but control the area that it is allowed to move in. Watch how Sasha is forming the wind and condensing it into a ball. She is controlling it in each of its dimensions before sending it away. The rotation is what will allow it to travel against the force of gravity.” Collin explained. He demonstrated by forming a wind sphere that rotated clockwise. He stood and threw it, dropping his shoulder and allowing his arm to slide the ball at an angle. The sphere rotated and curved first upward and then downward in a revolving force before exploding halfway down the slope. Collin did not want to spoil their fun.

Yugi put both hands together and began rotating the mana until he had a sphere of condensed shadows orbiting each other in a sphere. He threw it just like Collin had and watched it curved through the gully. It reached the edge and clipped a hanging limb before exploding into a burse of shadows.

“That was good. Keep practicing that instead of the disc.” Collin said

“How do you know so much about shadow work, Vice Lord? Andrew asked. They had pulled the carriage up to where it was on the other side of the pledges so they could watch the contest.

“It used to be one of my affinities.” Collin said. “I was an S Rank when I had my original Matrix. I am a C Rank now, however I still am unable to form anything. I think my knowledge of it is why I have the Rank.”

Collin brought the void mana forward and tried to change it into its shadow state It managed to turn black before disappearing.

“You may have gone a different route sir. The interesting part about void mana is that it has multiple applications. Your shadows may have been locked but you might do something else with your mana.” Douglas stated

“That is true!” Andrew said “Shadow manipulation, undead control, gravity manipulation, affliction specialties, and even Space & Time Manipulation. The church is responsible for taking away matrixes. If you have the affinity for it, they cannot just take it all away, however they are able to block or lock out certain aspects. If you were an S rank Shadow manipulator than they prolly just locked that aspect of your power”

“That doesn’t explain why Ray can still do elements. He doesn’t have anything locked.” Dimitri added. He was listening now.

“Lord Ray’s power came from his many titles that he obtained, right?” Brice asked.

“Yeah, back then my elemental affinities were not strong. B-C Rank. I relied on my class, title and own physical abilities mostly.” Ray stated.

“When a Matrix is taken from someone, The best or most known abilities and skills are locked. People who lose their matrix are typically dangerous or unstable. Taking the best part of them away ensures that they do not continue to become a problem. Collin’s Shadows and Ray’s titles were their bread and butter so to speak. It makes sense that they would be locked out.” Quincy added. “They may have made a grave error in that decision. Titles come and go. You can always gain more titles, but not blocking a single aspect of your elements? The proctor should be fired for such a mistake.”

“The proctor was one of my favorite professors. I think it was a favor. The uppers wanted us to die. They never looked much into our actual abilities outside of what others knew. Collin was a menace to society with his shadows. My pursuit of becoming the school title master was well known also.

“Title Master? What is that?” Sasha asked.

“You will find out eventually. Few people pursue it anymore. It requires you to obtain and become proficient in all main titles provided at the compound. You also have to compete against others who have obtained it in the Title Masters Battle Tournament.” Ray said

“How many did you get?” Yugi asked.

“I actually completed it. I just did not win the tournament held afterwards.” Ray explained. “Second place.”

“Who beat you?” Dimitri asked.

“Silver MacMahan of Region V. I still can’t believe he beat you.” Collin said “Dude was a ice wielding self righteous prick”

“Hey! That’s my sister's kid!” Terry said. "We named our most recent kid after him. Poor lad died during the war.”

“Smashed by the Regalian Dragon, I saw it happen. Wasn’t able to get there in time.” Ray said. “Silver was a prick but he was also a good guy. Collin is just bitter because he lost a bunch of money betting on me.”

“One hundred gold pieces and a date with Veronica. She practically threw herself at Silver after he won.” Collin grumbled.

There was a short silence as they watched the pledges attempt to hit the boulder. Dimitri finally managed to curve a disc into the rock. It smashed into pieces and the birds flew away in all directions. Everyone cheered.

“Lord Ray, why do we have to go to this compound? Can’t we just stay and learn everything from you?” Sasha asked.

“I wish it were that simple. There are subjects that I do not know. Equipment and lesson plans, Proper space and resources. There are books and artifacts and other such tools that I do not possess that are necessary to teach you.”

“We have been making do without all of those things though, We have fought dragons and chimeras and hordes of goblins. We have been on missions and are very good at our affinities. I do not see why we have to be taken from our homes and families.” Akota said.

“Has anyone explained mana poisoning to them? Quincy asked. The other 5 seemed a bit concerned.

“We have not. It was strictly forbidden for us to speak of it. Guys, we cannot explain that part just yet. Let’s get to where we will be camping tonight and we can talk there.” Ray yelled back

“Why can’t you tell us now?” Yugi asked.

“Part of the deal. When we petitioned to be able to train you, Ray and I made a contract with compound gamma. There are certain topics that were forbidden to teach, certain parts about the compound we could not explain, and even a few teachers and heads that we were unable to describe. We are almost past the checkpoint though, it was explained that we could speak to you about certain things the night before the last day of travel. We should be arriving tomorrow midday so we can talk tonight.” Collin stated.

“Can we explain it to them so they know earlier?” Brice asked.

“I would rather we wait. This has always been a trial. I do not want the compound to think that we have not done everything by the book. If this is to be a long term success, we cannot be breaking the rules.” Ray explained. He appreciated that they were so willing to help.

“Dungeon dwelling and time skipping aren't breaking the rules?” Quincy asked with a smirk.

“It is never mentioned..” Collin said, “There is nothing in the contract about alterations, growth, or how far we are allowed to push their natural born affinities and abilities. It seems this is the reason other regions are so successful. They experiment, alter, modify, and enhance their pledges before sending them anywhere. What is tested and recorded the day of matrix installation becomes the baseline for everything they can do and unlock. Some Regions will enhance a pledge right before the installation so they record as being an S or A rank when in reality they are closer to a D or C Rank. It hurts the pledge in the long run but gives them a slight advantage in the beginning.

“We chose to increase our pledges the normal and healthier way. Magically adept have longer lifespans so missing a few years is not going to hurt them. What the Matrix records will be exactly how they should be ranked and will give them a better progression route than lying and making it harder.” Ray said.

He did not mention that he had an idea of what each of them would rank as and that he had made sure to teach them the theoretical side of everything up to 1 rank higher than that assumption. This was another little thing he had been doing in the background to try and help them all.

Later that night

“Ray, It is time.” Collin said. They all were sitting around a campfire. Tents pitched about 30 yards from the road in a nearby clearing. The full moon watched from above while the group ate.

Ray took a pull from his pipe before passing it to Douglas. The smell of herbs and tobacco filled the air. Ray looked at each of the pledges and with a deep sigh began their last lesson. Collin sat there ready to pitch in where he could. The half empty bottle of Meade held limply in his hand.

“First I am going to explain step by step what will happen tomorrow. After that I will allow you to ask questions before going into a bit more information about why the compound is necessary and what your goal should be moving forward. I will also breakdown each year, as well as when and how often you can come home. You will be allowed to write letters every day to your family and friends and they will be allowed to send them back, however, the mail will be delivered once a month both ways. Any questions before I begin?” Ray said. There was silence.

“Tomorrow we will be waking up pretty early. Sleep as much as you can in the wagon. We will wake you about an hour before we get there. You will need to stretch, eat, and do the first few stages of mana meditation. You will need to be dressed in your uniforms and will be allowed your primary weapon of choice and a knife. Keep the knife hidden. When we arrive, you will exit the wagon and stand in formation. Leave your bags in the wagon, make sure everything is in your bags and they are closed and locked. They will be delivered to your rooms. A member of the staff is referred to as a Grand Master, one of them will come and usher you into the compound. You will go into a room where you will meet the Grand Supreme. The Grand Supreme and the Grand Masters are to be treated with the utmost respect. Do not make jokes, do not argue. Do not act out. They can and will kill you on the spot. Now the Grand Supreme will give you an introduction and then you will be directed to a testing room. You will take a series of mental, physical, and emotional tests. They will then install a matrix into each of you before directing you to your dormitory. You will have 3 hours to unpack and adjust to the Matrix. Complete the startup, initial set up, and whatever else it has for you to do in that time. There should be a small lunch waiting for you also so be sure to eat. You will receive a package sometime later with your class schedule, assignments, and instructions on what to do next. Any questions? Ray said.

“So we won’t see any of you once they usher us inside?” Jacie asked

“Unfortunately, no. You will not see anyone outside of the compound until winter. Ray and I have some business to do with the Grand Supreme so we will be here until nightfall, but you will be preoccupied and out of reach.” Collin said

“This sounds like a prison.” Dimitri said.

“It gets better, but the first few months will be rough. Eventually you will get used to how things run and it will seem second nature.” Colin answered. Ray waited for them to get quiet again before continuing.

“Before the compounds were created, people who became adept in magic had absolutely no idea what was happening to them. They had to figure it out for themselves. Many were not able to. Eventually, it was discovered that by leaving your mana stagnate, it would become poisonous to you. This created a sort of high that people were drawn to. It drove you absolutely mad before killing you but the potency of it made you feel like you were a god. Mana poisoning was a common issue among the lower classes, because many did not have the proper training to control the flow. The compounds and the matrix were first created as a rehab facility of sorts. It was eventually discovered that these compounds were the perfect place to train soldiers and weapons to use against the Kingdom’s enemies. Magically adept are the only ones capable of killing an upper level demon. They began modifying the Matrix to not only help the flow of mana but to increase the users abilities. Once the poorer classes began learning to control their mana, the upper classes became worried that an uprising would occur. They started sending their own to these compounds as well as pouring tons of money and knowledge into the facility to ensure a fair but hard education. King Liam eventually perfected the system that we now live by today.” Ray said. He then looked at Collin who continued where he left off.

“Your goal is to survive and protect each other. The village wants you to come home. You will be here for five years. In that time you will be allowed two months in the summer and two months in the winter to visit and be with your family and friends. First years are referred to as Pledges. You do not know anything. You will spend most of your time studying, training, and completing individual challenges. Your matrix will increase in level as you progress. There is a cap placed at level 100 You will not be able to level up past this until you begin year two. Second years are referred to as Adepts. You will learn more about the military and what options you have once graduating. You will take on less individual challenges and more team based challenges. You will want to hit the two hundred level cap before the end of the year. The third years are Experts. You will need to have decided on a type and class at this point. You will begin working on affinities and mastering your titles. The level cap is three hundred. The fourth and fifth years are for specialists. You will be perfecting everything you have learned so far. You will be expected to work well in a team. Be a master in your Role and Class. You will have a set of skills and abilities unique to you and your team. You will start deciding what you want to do afterwards and will begin training in that field. Max level for the matrix is five hundred and there is no level cap once you start your fourth year so you can technically hit five hundred before starting your last year. This has happened a few times but it is really rare. You cannot remove the limiters placed on the matrix until you have reached the max level. Level progression is pretty steady until about two hundred and fifty and then it gets harder. Any questions?”

“What happens when the limiters are removed?” Dimitri asked.

“You begin to feel normal again.” Quincy stated. “The Matrix is going to change and limit how you all currently feel right now. You won’t feel anywhere close to how you feel now until after those limits are removed. You have already begun the natural transition into adulthood. The matrix should not add to the normal craziness associated with puberty but it is a case by case issue.”

“What’s the point of all this growth and training we did if it's all going to be limited?” Yugi asked

“The matrix is going to test you on a molecular level. It is very possible that you begin your year at a level higher than most second years. You have spent two and a half years of physical, mental, and magical training with two of the most powerful users in the region. Most of you are able to mana communicate and all of you have had combat experience against demons and other magical beasts.. The matrix will scan everything and then give you a level between zero and Five Hundred. In the event that you are higher than a hundred tomorrow, the system will apply additional limiters until you have shown mastery enough to unlock that additional power . It will give you titles and allow you to unlock more abilities than you could ever hope to learn on your own. I expect you to place in the top ten in the pledge tournament.” Terry said.

“Pledge Tournament?” Akota asked.

“Hang on, we ain't there.” Ray said. “In your first year you will mainly be focusing on individual progression. Year two you will learn about forming teams, squads and platoons. There are a total of four Platoons, Each Platoon has a hundred to two hundred and fifty members. These members make a smaller sector called squads. Squads are twenty to twenty-five members or four to five Teams. A team has five members. There is a head of each team, squad and platoon.”

“At the end of this year before you come home for the summer, There will be a tournament for all first years. It is a 1 v 1 single elimination similar to your midterm exam. There will be a preliminary followed by the main tournament. The entire school will be watching. The heads of each Platoon will be watching. The platoon heads and squad heads will be trying to refill their ranks from the losses they incur from graduation. At the start of year two, you will learn how to form a team. I recommend you 5 sticking together but if that's not how things work that is ok. Your team might be approached and given a bid by any of the platoons. I think Ray and I had three bids we had to sift through when we were that year. Anyway, Pick the one you like and join. Starting your second year, you will have Squad and Platoon challenges. There will be a squad based tournament within each platoon every year. This could be anything from a battle royal to a team vs team tournament style bracket. The head of the Platoon is the one who decides how his people compete against each other. From that inner platoon tournament, the Platoon head is going to choose 10 teams. The chosen 40 teams will then compete against each other in a series of challenges to obtain points. Top 10 teams from this will compete in a 5 V 5 double elimination style tournament. Winning Team brings home the trophy. In your 5th year, there will be a Masters Tournament. This will be a 1 v 1 single elimination bracket. The heads of the military, King Liam, and many other important people such as guild masters and church heads will be there. How you do will determine who recruits you afterwards.” Collin explained.

“What Platoon did you join?” Yugi asked.

“Can’t say. It is against the rules. They do not want people swayed by who their family and mentors belonged to.” Ray said.

“Did any of you win your 1 v 1 tournament?” Dimitri asked

“Collin came in second in his first year. We won the team based one. I can't remember which year. I think I came in fourth my first year.” Ray said

“What about this title master tournament you mentioned earlier?” Yugi asked.

“It is a separate tournament held every year. There are a set number of titles that you must obtain as well as a series of tests you must pass which will give you a badge. Collect all badges and you qualify for that year's tournament. It is a completely individual event. You must keep it a secret the entire year.. There were a total of 8 the year I almost won it.” Ray said.

“There are a lot of tournaments. Do we have to participate in all of them? Sasha asked

“There are but not everyone competes. Your second year you may not compete in a single tournament outside the mandatory ones for class. If your platoon doesn’t want you participating then you will be in reserve or sitting in the stands cheering.” Collin said. “Some are recruited as Platoon assistants. Your job is simply to help the leaders in whatever they need.”

“Did any of you become a leader of anything?” Sasha asked.

“I was the team lead.” Ray said.

“Squad and eventually Platoon Leader.” Collin answered.

“Each of us were Team leads for our Squadron. Andrew’s dad was the platoon leader.” Douglas Said.

“I was the Vice Platoon leader in my 4th and 5th year.” Andrew said.

“Your Dad was very proud of you for achieving that. He bragged about you for weeks after receiving the letter.” Gary Said. There was a brief silence before Ray cleared the air.

“I have a gift for each of you.” Ray said, reaching into his bag and bringing out 5 small boxes.

The pledges received a box each with their name written on the top. They each opened the box to reveal a piece of jewelry. The men received a silver watch with different gemstones inlayed in the band. The woman received silver bracelets. They also had gemstones in the band.

“The Gemstones are unique to each of you. It was designed to help amplify your individual affinities. Dimitri for example has a red and brown stone for his fire and earth affinities.”

“What about this Gold stone sir?” Sasha asked. Her bracelet had a gemstone of swirling blue and white on one end and a golden stone on the other side.

“The golden stones are a little something that Tonya wanted you to have. They connect you to her and if you ever are in trouble or need help. All you have to do is talk to her and she will assist you.” Ray said.

They pledges continue to ask questions for another hour before finally deciding to go to bed. Everyone went to their tent and passed out. Collin Ray and Mace relaxed by the fire keeping first watch. Dimitri came back out and sat down with them.

“You really need to get some sleep bud.” Collin said.

“I need to talk to you before we do this thing tomorrow. I didn’t want to talk about it in front of everyone.” Dimitri said.

“What is it?” Ray said. He and Collin shared a glance.

“I am a bit nervous about leading them.” Dimitri said. “What if I mess up?”

“If you mess up, you apologize and then try to be better. It is all that you can do” Collin said.

“What if we get separated. What if they want to do something different or do not want to be in the team anymore?” Dimitri asked.

“You talk about it and decide what to do together then. Teams will constantly be changed up while you are there. You have to learn how to work with others from all over the Kingdom. Find your people and move forward together.” Collin said

“Dimitri, We don’t mean to put this sort of pressure on you. You are the oldest and the strongest and they all look up to you. Theo and Dayton will be here in two years. Lucas and the other nine will be here in less than a year. Their survival will depend on how you five handle this. Notice how I said you fjve though.. Lean on them when you need to. Allow them to lean on you when they need it. Work together. That is how you will survive.” Ray said.

He took out a coin and tossed it to Dimitri.It had the head of a Lion on one side and the head of a wolf on the other. Dimitri turned it back and forth looking at the design. “What is this?”

“Make it to year two and you will find out for yourself.” Collin said grinning. Ray was also smiling.

Dimitri got up staring at the coin and went to his tent.

“We may get in trouble for that.” Collin said.

“Yeah, but even we had a little help back then.” Ray said. The two then began reminiscing about their time in the compound. This went on well into the night.

The next morning

Ray woke up two hours before he was supposed to. He couldn’t sleep. Without making too much noise, he began cleaning around the campfire. About an hour into this, Collin, Gary, Douglas, and Jackson had joined him. They evidently could not sleep either. They woke the pledges and made them go sleep in the wagon while they packed everything up. The wagons started rolling an hour before sunrise.

“Are you ready for this?” Collin asked. He could see the compound gates up ahead.

Yeah. Let’s try not to piss anyone off this time.” Ray said. “10 minutes everyone!: he yelled.

The black iron gates to Compound Gamma opened and let the wagons enter. The Fence was twenty feet tall with jagged spikes at the top. A single guard sat at the gate and waved them through. They traveled down the narrow road up over a hill and into a heavily wooded area. Through the trail was an opening that led into a flat overgrown field that seemed to go on for miles and miles. At the center was a large multi-story building surrounded by many other smaller buildings. There was a large tower that looked like fifty floors. It. There was even a large coliseum and arena off to the left. Children were walking in between the buildings walking to different classes. There were adults talking in the open and discussing lessons. They all grew quiet and began to stare as Ray pulled the wagon through another smaller entrance gate and to the right. The pledges were dressed in their new school attire and were looking around in amazement at everything. Sasha waved at a younger boy who was staring at them. He looked down in embarrassment and walked away in the opposite direction.

“He was cute.” Jacie said giggling with Sasha. The boys just rolled their eyes and continued scanning the area.

Ray pulled up to the main door and helped the pledges get out of the wagon. Three Grand Masters walked up and greeted the pledges before directing them up the stairs and into the testing area. Ray and Collin told the others where to drop the supplies and then followed into the main building. The three wagons went to the loading bay at the back of the compound to unload and wait. Ray and Collin entered the golden doors and proceeded up the staircase to the 2nd floor while the pledges turned left and walked down the hall to the testing area.