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.

Later that day, all of the students arriving from the rest of the Arcs were put through the same process. Divided into groups and assigned dormitory rooms.

In the evening, the cafeteria at Arc Aegis buzzed with the chatter of recruits enjoying a brief respite from their grueling schedules. Adam sat alone near a corner table, quietly eating his rations. The room, though vast, felt stifling as groups of Ascendants dominated the space with their loud conversations and infectious laughter.

Across the room, a small figure shuffled through the crowd, a timid Outcast recruit named Liam from Arc Erudinia, the Arc with the Largest number of scholars. The boy's worn uniform and nervous demeanor set him apart immediately. Liam clutched his tray tightly, trying to find an empty seat when a foot shot out in front of him.

The tray clattered to the ground, food scattering everywhere. The Ascendant responsible, a tall boy named Jaxon, grinned maliciously as his lackeys laughed.

"Careful there, Outcast. Didn't see you crawling around," Jaxon sneered.

Liam stammered, "I-I didn't mean to..." He bent down to retrieve his tray, but Jaxon kicked it away.

"Maybe you're better suited to cleaning floors," another Ascendant jeered.

The room grew quieter as the scene escalated, some recruits watching nervously while others ignored it. Adam clenched his fists, standing abruptly.

Adam crossed the cafeteria, his movements deliberate. "That's enough," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension.

Jaxon turned, his smug expression shifting to disdain. "Well, if it isn't the Outcast star of Arc Inferna. What, you think you're special because you beat a simulation?"

"Pick on someone your own size," Adam replied, ignoring the taunt.

The cafeteria fell silent as the tension mounted. Jaxon's smirk faded into a glare. "You've got guts, I'll give you that," he said, stepping closer. His lackeys flanked him, creating an intimidating circle.

Liam scrambled back, terrified, while Adam stood his ground.

Jaxon raised a fist, ready to strike. "Let's see if those guts spill just as easily."

Before the blow could land, a sharp voice echoed across the room. "Enough."

All eyes turned to see an imposing figure standing at the cafeteria entrance. The girl's presence was commanding, her noble bearing unmistakable.

It was Seraphina Kennedy, the brilliant heir of the Kennedy family. Her long silver hair shimmered like spun moonlight, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to look into one's soul. She was a Pure, and her aura was enough to make even the most confident Ascendants shrink back.

Seraphina stepped forward, her measured strides exuding authority. "What's going on here?" she asked, though her icy tone suggested she already knew.

Jaxon faltered. "We…we were just—"

"Bullying?" Seraphina interrupted, her gaze locking onto his. "Pathetic. You disgrace the training grounds of Arc Aegis with your antics. If you have that much energy, use it to improve yourself instead of dragging others down."

Jaxon's face flushed, and he muttered an apology before retreating with his lackeys. The room buzzed with murmurs as Seraphina turned to Adam, her expression softening.

"You handled yourself well," she said simply, before walking away. Adam stared after her, a mix of gratitude and intrigue swirling within him.

Later that evening, the recruits gathered in a vast hall to announce their activity for the next day, administering the awakening serum.

Commander Darius stood at the podium, his voice booming.

"This is the moment you've all been preparing for your whole lives.

Sleep well tonight and get some rest. We will rendezvous at Section 14 in the morning by 7 o'clock. Each of you will receive your awakening serum. I am sure you all know this, but the serum will awaken your genetic potential, determining your future roles. Not all of you will awaken to greatness, but this is your chance to surpass your limits."

Adam's heart pounded hard, this is what he has been waiting for his whole life.

"Finally, the power to change my future." He whispered to himself as a smile appeared on his face.