Shadows of Atlas

2-The Corans

"Welcome back!," Andrew exclaimed as he saw Ernie enter the hideout. "Who's the kid?," the man behind Andrew asked. "Do I really have to deal with everyone calling me a kid? I'm already 17 years old," Eto said in frustration. "That still makes you a kid, kid," the man teased Eto, thus earning a glare from him. Ernie stood there remembering what Eto had done to the last person who called him a kid and quickly intervened.

"Abner, cut it out. He might look like a kid, but he was able to kill the enemy captain without the need to transform," Ernie intervened. "Not too shabby, for a kid that is," Abner kept teasing. "Ha ha ha ha, no," Eto laughed sarcastically. "Why would you selflessly enter a battle that didn't concern you?," Andrew asked. "Well, I'm searching for something and StriveCo. might have some information about it. And I also couldn't leave Ernie to die. Aside from that, I want to join the Corans," Eto explained, astonishing the guys.

"Why would you want to join us? Society has labeled us as anarchists! You're young and have your whole life ahead of you!," Ernie almost yelled in worry. "You guys aren't much older than I am," Eto said in confusion since they looked like they were around 20 years old. "The point is kid, you really want to be branded as the 'enemy' in society's terms?," Abner argued. "I know what I am getting into and stop calling me a kid!," Eto refuted.

"Hmmm, the boy did defeat a highly ranked officer of StriveCo., what's your name?," Andrew asked. "It's Eto," Eto responded. "Alright Eto, let me put this into realistic terms before you make your decision. We are looked down upon by society because to them it looks like we intend to 'delay the progress of humanity', the truth is that there's evil that hides behind the benevolent facade of StriveCo. Most of our members have been wiped out or have left because of the pressure and if you choose to join, you may fall victim to their same fates," Andrew explained. "My answer stays the same," Eto said. "Then welcome to the Corans," Andrew said with a smile.

"Quick question, what do you mean by transform?," Eto asked. "You don't know what a transformation is?," Andrew answered his question with another question. "No...," Eto said with a sad look. "Let me explain it to the kid. Transformation is done by achieving a state of higher power. There are different transformation styles which require different methods, but here in Atlas we're known for the Rank Up style," Abner explained to Eto. "Whoa! Transformations might be what my performances need to get the extra boost they lack!," Eto exclaimed with gleaming eyes while he thought of the new infinite possibilities for his performance. "You'll have to learn that, if you want to be a Coran. Nevertheless, welcome to the Corans!," Andrew exclaimed with a happy expression.

"Okay, recruit, report yourself tomorrow in the training hall so that we may test your abilities," Ernie said seriously. "Fine, but I kind of need a place to stay... You see, the thing I'm looking for are my memories," Eto revealed. "What?!?," everyone asked in shock. "Poor child, you have been living on the streets this whole time? That is not the way a kid should live," Abner teased. "I am not even gonna refute that, I could handle myself by performing in the streets with my water magic," Eto explained. "Well, we have a room available, you can crash there, right Andrew?," Ernie asked. "Of course," Andrew replied sincerely. "Thank you!," Eto exclaimed in gratitude.