My Freedom

"Have you thought about what you are going to do once you finish your test?" (Otec)

"Initially, I'm going to see my family. I was originally going to ignore them, but I do not desire for them to assume that I'm dead. I still have enough feelings for them." (Rehor)

"And after that?" (Otec)

"I'll find some village and settle down there to ply a trade. I'm leaning towards carpentry still. Some of the skills I've been learning have been coming in handy for it." (Rehor)

"General or skilled?" (Otec)

"Probably skilled. It's more complicated work, but I should be able to get by with less overall work." (Rehor)

This is one of my final discussions with Otec, prior to me going for my test. I am finally going to be allowed to leave here. It would be simpler to stay here, and become one of the trainers here, alas, I am not able to properly reconcile myself with this type of training. I completely understand why it is needed, but my original state of mind will not allow me to be...happy with it.

I am not looking forward to the test, other than the reason of getting out of here. From what I have heard, it is harsh. And I do see why some Unleashed do not want to test any further than they do when they do their test to leave.

When the Unleashed are initially tested, they can choose whatever level they think they can pass. And any time in the future they can test to advance further. Few of the Unleashed are ever willing to go through another test, even if they are more than capable to be considered a higher level.

I know that I can definitely pass the linen Collar test, at the least. But, I still have not decided if I want to test any further. While the linen Collar is significantly more comfortable than the leather Collar that I am currently adorned with, the next level, silk, is even less harsh. While either level allows me to remove the Collar when I need to, I am still not sure if the harshness of the test is worth the pain that goes along with it, to get the silk Collar.

As for the Chain that I am going to be gifted with, it is going to be the highest level, aluminum. When I heard that aluminum was the highest level of chain, I was confused. At least in my previous life, aluminum was basically a junk metal. It was so common, that it was basically worthless. I did not understand why, in this world, that aluminum was considered so valuable.

It is not the aluminum is less prevalent in this world. It is just that aluminum is rarely found in largest enough chunks, that refining it is extremely difficult. There are some special processes to refine it, but it is beyond my level of comprehension. Truthfully, I know how useful it can be, but I am not interested enough in it, to make it worthwhile to try and figure out how to work with it.

"Have you decided on which test you are going to take? It doesn't have any repercussions with your future if you choose a lower one. They are only to show the status to outsiders. If they see that you have a better Collar, they assume you are more skilled, safer to be around." (Otec)

"Most of them don't even know what Unleashed are. I don't want to live in some town, so there will be even fewer people that know what the Collar entails." (Rehor)

Yes, most people are completely ignorant of Unleashed. There are few stories about us, as most of us do not wish to stand out. Therefore our existence is not well storied. Other than the stories about monstrous animals there are few tales about the Unleashed. I had never been told about Unleashed, in those words, prior to finding out that I was one.

"I can hide myself from those that would want to utilize me for my powers better in some small village. Most people rarely leave their home village, so our existence is mainly forgotten about." (Rehor)

"You have a few more days to decide, before we need to get the supplies ready for your test. Some of them are a little hard to procure, so we do need you to decide sooner rather than later." (Otec)

"If I didn't wish to leave, I would rather hold off of the test." (Rehor)

"You know we don't allow that. Once we decide that you have shown that you are ready, we don't allow you to not to take the test." (Otec)

"I will let you know in a few days. I still want to consider the cost versus the benefit." (Rehor)

"It's just a status symbol. You have no reason to fret over the decision." (Otec)

"It's the comfort of the silk Collar." (Rehor)

"That little bit of suffering shouldn't matter after all you have gone through." (Otec)

"If I go into carpentry, I can wear the Collar a little bit tighter than I would with a linen one. It's safer." (Rehor)

"You're a fool." (Otec)

And like this, our conversation ended.

I know I am foolish. Wishing for a little bit more comfort for the everyday over a lot more suffering at one time. It is my comfort, one of the few things I care about. I do not want to regret not getting the silk Collar now, versus wanting one later. Going once through the test is enough for me.

* * *

Here's a list of the Collars and Chains of the Unleashed, in case it was forgotten or not understood.

Collar: Denotes the skill in the use of power. You can wear a lower Collar than what you could actually show. Always must be worn.

Leather – Basic level of Collar. All Unleashed start at this level

Rope – Most people avoid this one, as it is very irritating to wear.

Linen – First level of Collar where you can remove voluntarily.

Silk

Wire – A metal chain collar. Few Unleashed will even attempt to pass this level.

Chain: Shows how much power the Unleashed can output. After you pass the test for your Collar, you will be award whatever level of Chain you deserve. It doesn't reflect how skilled you are in using power.

None – un-Collared. Until an Unleashed passes the test for Collar, no chain is allowed.

Iron – An Unleashed that can barely unleash their power.

Bronze – The amount of power at this level is what can be barely used for practical daily use.

Silver

Gold

Aluminum – Can command lots of power. Will rarely get exhausted with using the power after using it all day for normal tasks.