EXT. ASSESSMENT CENTER - MORNING
The Assessment Center stands tall and imposing against the morning sky, its sleek glass and steel facade reflecting the eager faces of young hopefuls and their families. As Rina and Milo approach the gates, the air buzzes with anticipation. The sounds of conversations, laughter, and the occasional outburst of excitement fill the air.
RINA (nervously clutching her Non-User Card) Here we go, Milo.
MILO (calmly, his eyes scanning the crowd) Just another step, Rina. You've got this.
As they pass through the gates, a group of reporters can be seen to their left, jotting down notes and chatting amongst themselves.
REPORTER 1 (sighing, bored) I bet it's going to be another boring day. No prodigies in sight.
REPORTER 2 (looking around) You never know. Sometimes, the quiet ones surprise you.
Near the entrance, a few agencies have set up booths, their representatives handing out business cards to parents. One particularly charming child is surrounded by agents promising bright futures in charm and grace-related fields.
AGENT 1 (handing a card to a proud parent) Your child has incredible potential. We'd love to discuss representation.
AGENT 2 (interjecting, handing their own card) Our agency specializes in nurturing young talents like your daughter. We offer personalized guidance and unmatched opportunities.
AGENT 1 (smiling competitively) We have connections with top-tier schools and talent shows. Your child could be a star.
Further down, various guilds and companies showcase their latest innovations. One booth features advanced training gear, while another displays sleek posters advertising corporate sponsorships for promising young talents.
GUILD REPRESENTATIVE (excitedly) Join our guild and get access to exclusive resources and mentorship programs!
Schools have also set up booths, each decorated in their school colors and banners proclaiming their achievements. Headmasters and recruiters talk passionately about their programs, trying to attract the attention of both parents and children.
SCHOOL RECRUITER (enthusiastically) Our academy offers top-notch training for young ability users. Join us and become a leader!
Next to the school booths, ability training centers offer private tutorials and enhancement sessions. Trainers demonstrate various techniques to small crowds, showcasing the benefits of their programs.
TRAINER (demonstrating) With our program, your child's abilities can reach new heights. Sign up for a free trial today!
Towards the end of the row, a commercial booth catches Rina's eye. It's adorned with pastel colors and displays a variety of books aimed at pregnant mothers, claiming to help with ability development for children aged 0-3.
SALES REP (excitedly) Get your infant started early! Our books are scientifically designed to enhance ability development from the very beginning.
RINA (rolling her eyes, leaning towards Milo) That's probably a hoax. My dad had my mom buy those books, but I still turned out to be a late manifester.
MILO (raising an eyebrow) I remember using those as spinners.
They share a quiet laugh, the tension easing slightly as they navigate through the bustling scene. The diversity of booths and the sheer number of hopefuls underline the importance of today's assessments.
YOU ARE READING
Whispers of Youth
FantasyRina and Milo are childhood friends - one competitive one naturally gifted. Milo's growing feelings for Rina can't be swept under drug - or can it?
