Gift

Chapter 7: Entrance Exam

December 31st. Today is the 75th annual entrance exam for Arkphis Institute. The people of the capital city, Arkphis, were excited for the event.

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In the center of the city was an extensive building. It was surrounded by water, connected via bridges in each cardinal direction to the rest of the city. This structure was the Arkphis Institute, which had been established over three hundred years ago and since then served as the main campus of what was currently known as the Bet Empire's military academy. Inside the building were teachers and students getting ready for this year's event.

A black cat was running through the halls. Running under students, jumping over teachers, and leaping across shelves filled with books; it seemed like there wasn't anything that could stop it from reaching its goal. Running after the cat was a middle-aged women who wore a white lab coat. She had long brown hair that was currently tied into a ponytail and big round glasses that seemed to never leave her face. She looked exhausted, but she still ran out ahead of the cat.

The woman was called Professor Mei. She was an expert on Sálarkista biology. She also happened to be the head researcher at the institute. And because her research could open up new possibilities for their war effort, Mei's work was always highly regarded within the academy.

"Professor Neverwinter! Please wait!" Mei called out.

The cat leaped onto a windowsill in the hallway and sat there. "Ms. Mei, How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Professor or better yet, just call me Lucius. Also, as much as I adore your company if you are going to slow me down then I must insist you stay behind." The cat spoke to Mei in a tone similar to a human.

Mei fell into thought for a moment. Her expression turned serious. "I would love nothing more than to stay behind to continue my research. But, rules are rules and the principal demanded all staff be present for this year's Entrance Exams."

Lucius sighed. "That much I get, darling, but is there a reason you must come to my section?"

"You fur is so soft and fluffy! I just wanted to pet you while we watched." She said with a smile.

"Well, I can't guarantee to grant your wish. Since this year is the 75th anniversary of our school, there will be many special guests attending today's test," Lucius explained.

"Special guests? Who?"

"Hmm...let us see..." Lucius started to think. "We have the Minister of War himself, of course. He is expected to arrive sometime during the first part of the day. After that, we'll get two representatives from the royal family. They should both be here around mid-morning." Lucius paused. "And lastly, we expect one person from the House of Reason to show up toward the end of the morning."

"The House of Reason? They affiliate with the Grand Church. Why would they want to visit us?"

"Well, I'm sure you've heard of him, Ms. Mei. His name is Count Hossin."

"Hossin...yes, I have heard the name. Though I still don't know why he'd be visiting us."

"He has a personal interest in Sálarkista biology. He actually requested to meet with you earlier this week."

"Why would he do that? I am not an especially famous researcher, nor am I important enough to warrant his attention."

"It appears that our dear Count has a fondness for you, Ms. Mei. As it turns out, he is actually quite a fan of your work. He even told me that you were the one who discovered the potential of Sálarkista technology."