All participants are given a fair chance, powers or not. Anyone to pass is deemed fit to enter our ranks. The military school being an iron fist of power weeding out the weak and controlling the younger generation in a mixture of fear and order established mainly due to the potential threat of interplanetary war.
The exams are based on the performance of the battle and how long they can last against an unfamiliar threat. The grading goes in order from F to S. Earth hasn't had many visitors in a couple of centuries, the universe around them seemingly going quiet to their presence.The threats humanity are facing currently however are numerous and lurking in the shadows, only revealing themselves when the time is right and in their favour.
Earth found it the highest priority to train and control the next generation of powerhouses to survive against all possible threats with brutal efficiency. So oblivion does not claim humanity as it nearly did.
The last time earth had any visitors, it was a massacre that was seared into the memories of all the life existing there at the time, only half of humanity surviving to tell the tale to future generations. With the aid of ancient technology a decent portion of human knowledge and history was preserved only accessible to those with the power to do so.
The genes of the previous generations were thoroughly meddled with in the process of these oncoming visitors as if they had decided to advance the human genome, only after two centuries did a massive change occur in response to this meddling. Powers, a new concept entirely for humanity.
After a while an equal playing field was painstakingly established against unknown extraterrestrial threats. Due to earth being an infant planet compared to the others in terms of their overall technical compatibility in the solar system they were at an obvious disadvantage compared to others.
Earth in response to the past travesties, began enforcing all the youths on the planet to undergo military training at their respected locations. They'll either find the strong ones or make them.
The importance of these exams are paramount for the younger generations. They determine their overall future on the planet. If they will be deemed useful or not. If not, the military deem them useless. If so they are cast aside to the lowest levels of society where most turn a blind eye to those squirming in squalor.
Normally these people are restricted to the most mundane and mediocre life available, not being able to climb any sort of career path whilst lacking all lot of the main necessities and support that most would have. Oftentimes being segregated from opportunities, these people have learned there is no help and they began fostering a burning hatred.
However the military can be more than cruel, often informing the less fortunate weaker people that supplies are needed for the useful. This tends to lead the quality of life of these people to plummet to a bottomless freefall in comparison to those that are deemed useful.
Making his way past the entrance the stairs led up to, Blake is met with a pristine facility stern professionalism reflects at him as he enters. Being guided further in by the immaculate walls reflecting his dishevelled appearance his grungy dark green cargo jacket shows off its battle scars in the reflective walls as he's finally met with the other contestants.
"Power or no power"? The examiner bluntly asks, almost taking delight in asking.
"No."Blake says sternly, trying to wrestle his emotions into submission.
"Only 3 limbs as well." The examiner says as he writes it down mockingly in his registry.
Trying to alleviate his forming stress and anxiety, the familiar flick of his dads cigarette holder is heard comforting him in the process. Pulling out his favourite brand of smoke. A utopian cigarette finds its way onto Blakes lips followed by the lick of a flame.
The examiner notices this, not wanting to let Blake get off easy he chimes in again with a hint of malice in his voice.
"We have a no smoking rule on premises. But for a cripple like you we can make an exception". The examiner says with a sneering patronising tone mocking Blake. The verbal whipping agitated Blake much more than it would normally.
Walking into the exam room now Blake is met by all of the other contestants crammed into one space. The nervous crowd of contestants puts a sense of unease in Blake. The gravity of this exam starts to crash down on him now.His mind is scattered, over the importance of him passing. His inner monologue ran wild.
''If I don't pass this there will be an incredibly small chance of me getting a slot in the retakes. I need to pass this, after everything I've sacrificed I will pass this. Raven won't have to look after her vulnerable older brother anymore.'' Blake affirms to himself as his fingers begin to curl into a first of resolve.
The military gave Blake some mercy and assigned him an assistant for his preparation before the exam. An old philosophy from his father comes forward.
"Remember son if you're up against a wall you just need to create a way through." His fathers words loom in the back of his memory.
A flash of inspiration comes crashing down on him like a lightning bolt. Looking towards his assistant Blake asks him a question.
"If I'm allowed some prep time, then is it okay to visit the military workshop?" Blake questions looking at his assistant lazily working up a snore.
Thinking his job was going to be cakewalk the assistant is met with a grim surprise seeing that the boy before him has more fire than expected considering his situation.
"You are allowed, do you need me to guide you there?" The assistant says through gritted teeth trying to maintain his professionalism through his irritation, annoyed over the prospect of having to actually do work.
Making their way to the workshop, the assistant reminds Blake he has three hours max to prepare for the exam. However this goes in one ear and out the other as Blake sees the wealth of materials available before him in the workshop.
"This is ten times my rent for the month." His mouth fully agape at what he has at his fingertips to work with. A previously impossible idea now starts to surface in Blake's mind.
''Ever since the incident I haven't been the same. I can't compete with the others because of what I'm lacking. So why don't I just build a new arm? These materials should serve me well considering they are provided by the military''. Blakes mind whirs into action as more and more ideas start to brew within his neurons.
He begins to rapidly run through different designs going through multiple drafts and sketches Blake manages to perform a rush job on this creation. Rapidly scribbling out the sketch of his new arm in an almost chicken scratch way of writing.
"Since I'm under a time limit I won't be able to make the fingers operable so a locking mechanism should suffice for now, but I can at least get the wrist to rotate. As long as I can get the general form down though it should be alright." Blake mutters to himself as he runs through lots of different sketches and ideas.
The assistant slowly slips into sleep, trying his best not to alert the focused Blake. Finally taking a drag from his outed cigarette Blake looks over his sketch one more time to make sure he's put all he can with the limited time he has. Finishing the final touches of the sketch the blueprints for his new arm are now complete.
Gathering a variety of materials in front of him now Blake can't help but be greedy, after all it's all provided by the military. Who knows when he'll get a chance like this again. Blake sparks another cigarette before getting to work.
Going over to his assistant seeing him clearly enjoying his snooze he flicks some red hot ash in his face. Jolting the disrespectful assistant awake to do his job properly. Directing his lazy assistant now without remorse. Blake gets to work on making himself a prosthetic. Finally being able to make something of use with the materials being provided to him.
Directing the assistant, Blake instructs him on how to properly cut the metal into the shape he needs. Finishing the final touches and any flaws that the assistant will undoubtedly make. Considering his lack of concern for Blakes finals.
Finally after a while he has the steel shaped into plates and frameworks, now he just needs to work on installing the internals and the plates on the framework. Connecting the internals to the wrist, Blake prepares an ace in his sleeve as he finishes his addition of a red button on the shoulder.
"Let's hope I don't need this." Blake mutters to himself.
Finally going on to fitting the plating a rough attempt at a prosthetic arm is made. He still is grateful all the same no matter what quality it is. Most prosthetics tend to cost you an arm and a leg and he doesn't have many limbs left as it is.
Screwing together the final parts of the prosthetic and tightening everything in place Blake can finally give it a test drive. Ecstatic over having two arms again especially since the new one is holding together.
"For a first attempt this isn't bad" Blake is impressed with his own work.
He leaves his final touch on the new prosthetic, his dads old symbol the shining silver star. Remembering his dads inspiration for the symbol.
''A star's light can shine through some of the darkest of places in anyone and anywhere that's why this is my symbol. Son, know this, there is always light within the darkness''. His dads words flash by as the paint job is finished.
"You have 15 minutes left, kid." The assistant chimes in his lazy tone indicative of his lack of care. He says picking at his nose.
"You didn't think to tell me a little earlier." Blake roars out as a flush of anger surfaces on Blakes face.
"Not really no." A nonchalant tone is heard in the assistant's voice sending Blake into a seething irritation.
"You know you really are useless." Blake says picking up his outed cigarette, relighting it trying to relieve his stress.
With the time that Blake has left he decides to take a gamble. He put his Keepups on max to get here on time. However he has to go all out if he wants to be able to pass this exam.
Without hesitation he starts to plug his keepups into the wall force feeding them as much electricity as their capacitors can handle.Taking a huge risk on the keepups praying they don't buckle under the strain.
After 10 minutes or so the Keepups are fully charged and are humming with excessive energy. Storing them away in his pouch now. With what time he has to spare, he attaches his newly built prosthetic.
Trying to get used to it in what little time he has left. The bulky reinforced steel arm looks rough and out of place looking like boxes of metal stitched together almost looking fresh out of a junkyard. But for Blake this gives him a huge sense of relief just the feeling of bodily balance returning is enough joy for him right now.
"You know kid, I really didn't think you would come up with something like this, especially with what little time you had. Not bad". The assistant chimes in over Blakes satisfaction whilst continuing to dig for gold in his nose.
"No thanks to you." Blake scoffs rolling his green eyes, his anger is evident in the lack of remorse in his tone. Leaving the workshop now, Blake hurries to make the finals on time, yet again.
Tightening the final straps on his prosthetic in place, making sure his stump is secure, it's clunky at first but soon some of the phantom memories of his old arm guide him. Finally managing to store away his keepups.
"I can do this." Blake says letting out a solemn sigh as he forces himself into the unknown. Clenching his fist, steeling his determination one more time.
"Not to burst your bubble or anything kid but your examiner, i heard is going to be the renowned rookie crusher". The assistant chuckles delivering this news trying to piss on his bonfire, whilst guiding him to the exam site. Showing little to know care in the world for him.Finally arriving, the assistant is relieved.
"Thank god, alright kid, my work is done here". The assistant joyously starts to leave Blake now.
"DID YOU EVEN DO ANY WORK!" Blake roars out grinding his teeth together over how useless that assistant was. The rest of the cigarette he had left now burned to the end for Blakes sanity.
Hey all, I hope you all are enjoying gene system so far. If you like my work feel free to check out my new story as well Demon Spirit System. It's going to be released alongside gene system and already have a lot of ideas in the works for it. Thank you all again for reading my work all the best now friends :D
Making his way to the exam site now. The first person Blake is met with is a boisterous red haired man like a living flame on his head. Bouncing around a small roaring fireball in his palms.
Evidently trying to manage his boredom, when Blake starts to approach the man that's when the fireball disappears. The man turned around, now meeting Blake square in the eyes his red hot eyes staring deep into the abyss of green in Blakes irises trying to size up the boy..
"Finally I thought I would be here all day!" The man chuckles, satisfied with finally getting some action. The man's attention is grabbed again looking at Blake even closer now. Using his power he looks within the boy standing before him now.
"Now you're an interesting one, the name is Pyre. I'm intrigued to see the intensity of your inner flame!" He says with an interested smirk, eyeing curiously at the energy circulating throughout Blake.
"It's already so bright which makes me wonder just what you went through considering that prosthetic." Pyre says, eyeing up the missing flesh on Blake with a bubbling pity.
"Don't hold back during this exam kid. I'll be judging you on everything. Don't let a flesh wound like that hold you back" Pyre roars out before giving a pat on Blake's shoulder. An excited smile forms on Pyre, the prospect of this match becoming more and more intriguing.
As the two get ready Pyre leads them to one of the adjacent rooms in the exam site clearly indicative of having separate rooms for this. Entering Blakes eyes are met with a large pristine rectangular space. Its transparent barriers with a bubble-like film covering all sides of the designated area acting as glass. Following Pyre within the space now they get their position ready.
"The environmental setting for this space has already been decided, kid." Pyre says, trying to keep Blake as informed as possible for this exam.
"Wait, what do you mean environmental settings? I thought we were just sparing in this space" Blakes questions his confusion clearly surfacing in his expression.
"Not quite kid, we need to test you on everything from how you battle to how you deal with the environment and random occurrences of battle." Pyre chimes in again making sure Blake is up to speed.
"The main goal of this exam is to see how well you adapt." Pyre says, keeping his pace.
"The Frozen tundra has been selected for your exam. The simulation room will now be locked for the duration of the exam. You have 2 hours to decide the victor." The room chimes out in a robotic monotone voice.
When the robotic voice comes to a close. The normal pristine facility before them changes entirely in a sudden warpage like a drop of water hitting the surface. A frozen tundra takes it in all its aspects as it is experienced by Blake. The howling gale of wind and the sheer amount of ice everywhere send a deep shiver down his vertebrae. An unsteadiness forms with Blake.
"I can do this, I can do this. I won't hold anything back, nothing will stop me from reaching that goal". Blakes mind roars out in a violent torrent of desire towards his goal. With a deep exhale he buries his fingernail into the palm of his hand, bringing him back to the situation at hand not the bubbling worry.
"Remember kid, depending on the grade you achieve you could very well pass this, just as easily as you can fail. There is an opportunity for a retake but its going to be much more of a struggle then this test. Just do your best and try to overcome this obstacle before you." Pyre laughs loudly before pointing his thumb at his face.
The subzero tundra fills both of their eyes as the battle starts to unfold between the two. Pyres' observant fire red eyes get a good glance at the materials used for Blakes prosthetic a little bit awe struck by the arm seeing the scrapyard look.
"Your smart kid, being able to make something like that in 3 hours. However the military doesn't give any of their rare materials. Just the common stuff. Steel especially isnt your friend in this environment. Tip for the future, cold and certain metals don't mix well with flesh." Pyre calmly explains making sure his participant is well informed and on a level playing field of knowledge.
A deep boiling desire to change explodes out of the depths of his gut like butterflies pouring out of his throat the anticipation and desire to claim victory dominate his normal logic. Taking out another cigarette he flicks his lighter in a flash cupping the glowing ember in his hand from the harsh frozen winds. Exhaling with a resolved expression, all of his oncoming worry escaping with the smoke from his lips.
"Pain will not stop me here." Blake says solemnly not looking to cower or back down, only face forward. The fierce determination makes itself known in his green eyes.
"That flame of yours is getting agitated. This fight is going to be interesting." Pyre comments getting more and more revved up for the battle. Intrigue and curiosity dominates Pyres' mind seeing the roar of Blakes inner flame.
''I'm not going to have much time, his advice was not wrong about the cold. So I'm going to have to go all out from the beginning. I can't hold anything back for this one otherwise the cold will get to me first." His thoughts pound throughout his head seeing the cards he's been dealt for the exam.
Blake starts to shiver a little, looking over at Pyre to see if he's in a similar state. Only to be baffled to see that he doesn't look cold at all. In fact his breath is full of steam.
"By that envious expression you're probably wondering how the cold doesn't affect me. My power is at work." He says with a sense of cockiness spreading like a flame.
"It allows me to speed up particles at a rapid rate, generating only heat or flames if I desire. That's how I'm able to stay warm and do stuff like this. Pyre flicks a fireball out into the air to demonstrate.
"Don't worry though I won't be using any of my fire on you, I just don't want to be cold". Pyre says rubbing the back of his head a little awkwardly. Blakes fragile ego is hit like a knife, the examiner is even pitying him, not wanting to use his power.
"Enough explanation though let's see what you got kid!" A flame flickers in Pyres' eyes as he says this, getting into his battle stance now.
Attaching his keepups now Blake sets them to max, not wanting to regret anything from this fight. A vicious humm is emitted from the keepups now.
"This exam will require your everything, try to last as long as you can or try and knock me out." Pyres' skin begins to glow reflexively to his battle stance.
"I never wanted the easy road I needed to go forward, but I respect you as one of the few I can bear to look at". Blake says, dragging at his cigarette appreciating the first bit of honesty and integrity hes been given in a long while.
At once he begins skating forward as fast as possible now, he tries desperately to build his momentum as he prepares for a strike on Pyre. Forcing all of his energy and attention into his legs.
Generating as much speed as he can Blake forces his muscles to coil bending his knees in the process he slingshots himself through the air. The momentum behind him sends him soaring at Pyre.
Trying to keep his form stable in the air, Blake positions himself for a headbutt, giving this spar everything he has. Taking an immense gamble he lunges himself head first to try and land as much damage as possible.
However, as he's about to make contact with Pyre. An image of despair floods into his mind seeing Pyre sidestep his strike with minimal effort.
Reaching out to the exposed Blake, Pyre tries to grip Blakes face however is only met with the bulky forearm of his prosthetic as Blake desperately tries to protect himself. If Pyre had been using his power for this match it wouldn't even be an exam.
"You have to be prepared for everything kid, the battle is always changing, a sure fire attack can always fail." Pyre says as he grabs Blakes prosthetic with an unyielding grip.
Shifting his weight onto his other foot. Pyre brings Blake down hard into the ice. Unforgiving as he always is when trying to teach. Blakes body crashes into the rough ice tearing and shredding his skin up as he makes contact. His brain goes spinning in his skull trying to keep his focus strong, Blake takes the brief opportunity to strike despite the immense disorientation.
''I HAVE TO GIVE THIS EVERYTHING I GOT!'' Blakes inner philosophy dominates his mind making it harder to think straight only wanting to clear the goal in front of him.
Blakes foot skates quickly across the ground carrying forward as much momentum as he can build up before spinning on a dime. Blake manages to strike his heel right into Pyres chin with all of his built up rotational energy. before backing off trying to create some breathing room between them. Recovering from the strike, Pyre is rubbing his chin before he sends Blake a remark.
"You've got to be careful kid, you don't have much time left. Just look at the flesh near your prosthetic". Pyre comments apathetically saddened by his shortened battle. The flesh now tearing and ripping from the cold on Blakes stump, blood trickling down the prosthetic now.
''I can't let this opportunity slip away, I can't be powerless again, I refuse to let something like that happen ever again."A deep burning glow of determination is seen in Blakes green eyes as these thoughts flood by.
"That inner flame of yours is starting to rage. Don't hold back now kid". Pyre remarks as a smirk forms his excitement getting the better of him.
Before he can clean the smirk off his expression, a loud piercing screech is heard. Followed by the heavy emission of steam.
"I have to go forward no matter the cost!" Blake roars out revealing his last desperate ace in the hole. Pressing a button on the makeshift prosthetic, it explodes with force off of Blakes stump careening through the air at Pyre without any mercy.
The momentum of the steam sends the prosthetic ripping through the air kicking up all the nearby frost and melting it. Before Pyre can recover from the shock of the turn of events the fist of the prosthetic cleanly connects with his jaw making him spit out blood stunned.
A cold expression is seen from Blake as he skates forward as best as he can now. Using what's left of the energy in the keepups he picks up all the momentum he can, closing the distance as fast as possible between them.
Blake chases right after the arms path forcing his muscles to coil again using all the momentum built up in his body. Just as he arrives in front of Pyre he directs all of his force into his leg bringing it down like a guillotine on the disorientated Pyre.
However to the horror of Blake the strike doesn't land where he needs it to. It is blocked by Pyres' thick burly arms despite the heavy disorientation and blood mixing with his saliva.
"I warned you already kid, you have to be prepared for the changes of battle. Anything can happen at any moment. Such as your opponent blocking your ace."Pyre says bitterly as a sad expression forms on his face delivering this advice. A tight grip is felt, Pyres thick fingers wrapping tightly around Blakes ankle now.
"I'm not trying to be cruel but i have to teach you this lesson so brace for a little bit of pain kid". Pyre says solemnly. Before Blake can ask what he means by this, his body is sent into the hard course ice tearing into him like a grater once again as his consciousness slips away from the earthquake in his skull.
Hey all, I hope you all are enjoying gene system so far. If you like my work feel free to check out my new story as well Demon Spirit System. It's going to be released alongside gene system and already have a lot of ideas in the works for it. Thank you all again for reading my work all the best now friends :D
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