An Awakener's Peradventure

Chapter 11: The Awakening Program

They arrived back at the main entrance, greeted by the evening sunset. Everything seemed quiet. A student had just left the Institute with a folder in her hand. A smile was imprinted on her face. Konstantin recognised her as the person who went before him.

The gate surrounding them returned to the mountain. Everyone left the circle and left. Afrim and the lecturers headed for the Institute. Konstantin felt a flat object hit him. As the crowd cleared, he noticed he was holding a folder. He wanted to talk to Afrim, but the doors closed before he could ask anything.

He heard Sligo and Ranford came up from behind. Sligo called out to him and asked him about his progress. Konstantin told them about the tests he faced, including his battle with Gerald.

"Wow. That sounds rough," Sligo said.

"I know," Konstantin said. "I couldn't believe it myself either. When I was finished, I was told I was one of the best candidates."

Sligo knew what this meant. "Oh, my god. You're in the running up for the Nendo Buki."

"Yeah, I know. What is the Nendo Buki, anyway?"

"Afrim didn't tell you?"

"He may have mentioned something about a powerful weapon."

"Well, it is. They say that the Nendo Buki is a weapon of massive potential. From what I heard, it has the power to summon any weapon you desire. Swords, spears, guns. You nameth, it createth."

Konstantin was now intrigued. "That does sound mighty powerful."

"I know, right? Unfortunately, not many people have succeeded in meeting Afrim's insane standards." Sligo noticed Konstantin was lost. "Well, what did you think? He's not going to just give it away to the first person deemed worthy. That thing is inhuman. And everyone's been clamouring to see it."

"Yeah, I believe you." Konstantin let out a quiet yawn. "I think I'm just going to sleep now."

"Come on. The night is still young. You sure you don't want to come along?"

"Not today. I just need some time alone."

"Well, alright. See you later." Sligo and Ranford ran down the stairs to the square below.

Konstantin took the pathway back down to his bungalow. He felt exhausted with everything that had happened today. All he wanted was rest. He opened the folder and found his information inside. His strengths, his weakness, and a section about his qualification for the 'Awakening Program.'

Then he noticed Kalim with his group coming to the same destination. He immediately turned back to the other way. "Hey you there," a cheerful voice came out. "You're one of the newcomers, right?"

"Come on down. We want to know how it went," another voice spoke.

At that point, Konstantin could not refuse. He turned back around and continued the pathway down. He met them at the entryway arch. "What did you want to know?" he asked.

"Were the trials dangerous?"

"I bet he broke his entire body."

"No way. Afrim wouldn't go that far."

"How can you be sure?"

"Everyone, enough," Kalim spoke. "He's been through a lot today. Give him some space." Konstantin was grateful, even if he did not mean it. "But I am curious. What happened?"

Konstantin refused to told him the truth. Kalim would absolutely flay him alive. He told them about the trials. He added a few white lies to make it sound more believable. Then he reached the end. This would be the biggest lie in his story. He struggled to plan an ending. Then he remembered the student from earlier. He was holding the same folder she was. He explained about entering the institute and be given a detailed description of himself.