Elohim Academy: Genesis

Chapter 2: The Catalyst

Two days pass, and Mr. Tolmer begins another lesson pertaining to energy.

"Listen up class," he announces. "Today, we are going to learn about the different types of energy and its dimensions." He pauses for a second to frantically search his desk as he says, "I can't believe I left my throwing chalk at home. I guess this cap will have to do." He flicks a metal soda cap to a sleeping student. He yells, "Mr. Zhao, are you ready to be a part of the class?!"

The Chinese teen lifts his head groggily with drool coming down the side of his mouth. "I'm sorry, Mr. Tolly, I'm totally listening."

Tolmer mutters, "I need to start throwing knives in this class." The class roars with laughter. "Any who, can anybody tell me how many common energy types there are?"

Most of the class blurt out various answers ranging from five to infinity which caused Tolmer to chuckle. After a few moments, he raises his hand to calm the room. "Alright, alright. Settle down. To answer the question, there are nine common energy types, which are sometimes called energy sources."  He goes up to the board and begins to draw three circles. "The nine energy sources are divided into 3 different subclasses: element, oculus, and pure energy in a subclass of its own. The elements consist of fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning. As for the summoners, there are hexagon, square, and diamond summoning shaped eyes known as oculi for plural, or oculus for singular."

Emanuel raises his hand. "So, does that mean summoners have their pupils in those shapes, and what do they summon? Also is pure energy the strongest form?"

Tolmer laughs. "You're just full of questions, aren't you! The oculi are white and are located outside of the pupil but inside of the iris," he draws a picture of it on the board, "each shape summons a different entity. The hexagon summons objects and weapons, the square summons animals and creatures, and the diamond can either summon the dead or faceless clones. I can't indulge you in this topic, but you will learn more about this at the academy. To answer your last question, none of the energy sources are stronger than another. Strength is not based on the energy but its wielder. Which brings me to my next topic. Today we will discover which energy type you carry."

The class becomes excited and Tolmer lifts up his hand to calm their cheers. "However, this also means that for most of you, this will be your last day. If you do not have an energy type, that means you cannot use energy, and I have to excuse you from the class."

This silences the class.

Tolmer surveys the faces painted with fear of failure. He sighs. "This is not the end of the world. There is still hope. If one wishes to work within the military, we still have plenty of opportunities for people who lack energy; if you choose to continue in the military, you will be transferred to another class."

The news relieves some of the students, but the tension still resonates within the room.

"Before you prepare, I'll demonstrate the test. Follow me outside, class." Mr. Tolmer takes everyone outside before he continues, "In each classroom, the teacher will present you with an atom that looks a lot like this." He creates some hand signals and shows his class a bright white orb that slowly appears in the palm of his hand. The students begin climbing over each other to witness the demonstration as he explains, "This atom is the weakest and most basic form of energy, hence its name. However, the power of the atom is to be able to react to any of the nine sources. For example, I acquired both lightning and water sources, so when I exert my energy..." The orb turns into an electrified water ball. Emanuel does a doubletake of the sight. "The objective is to get the atom to react to your attribute like so. Now I have a little trick that I would like to show." The orb begins to hover and float away from his hand. The orb turns dark gray as sparks of blue lightning flash in its center and it floats a few feet away. Some of the students cheer as the orb rains down on a small patch of grass.