After some thought. Isaac concluded that conversing with her would be beneficial to him.
But… Some flattery first… Just… Not the generic type…
"You have a really firm grip, Ms. Idris. You work out?"
"A-ah… Thank you. You too, Mr. Mun. I don't." She responded, perplexed, of course.
What kind of guy opens with a grip strength comment?
She thought.
"Are you ready for the orientation?"
"Absolutely. What about you?"
"Fairly excited if we're being honest. I enrolled based on the prospect that this was one of the greatest schools for anything Noësical related. I was so excited when I got accepted, and I hope that it is mirrored for new matriculating prospects. I would assume nothing less of their orientation."
Man~ I should really stop lying one day.
"Wow~ So you are a Wave Binder, I may presume?"
"Yes. And you? Ms. Idris?"
"Personally, I'm more into Catalysis since it is a common tradition in my household. My father, before me, was a Master-Class Catalyxi with my mother surpassing him as a Grandmaster-Class Catalyxi."
Isaac sat upright as an act of respect to Zehrah.
Cool. Cool.
An Alchemist who has the motivation to succeed. Like Asian parenting, Arabs don't joke around with education either. She will be invaluable in the future if she continues to work hard.
Hey! This is my 'recruit an underrated talent before they get popular' event!
Hell yeah!
I should meet her parents one day as well to see their greatness firsthand.
"Hmmm… Then I take that you come from Eastern Elenos?"
"Yes. We had extremely humble origins, but my grandfather, the hard-working man he was, brought us out of poverty into a comfortable life."
"Interesting. I don't have much of a story to tell. I just hope to better the world through development in Noësis. As compared to you, my motivations are quite modest, haha."
"Oh, please. From the way you screamed out profanities at the 'tastiness of dessert' yesterday and the way you ran in today, I'm sure you're quite excited too."
Motherfucker! My reputation is dragged in shit! Pig shit!
"Ah… Sorry about that yesterday. It was just a minor case of anterior uveitis from some dust in my eye."
"I don't think that was a 'minor' one, Mr. Mun, hehe. There's a shop up the market that specialises in student eye-care. It's really easy to find. Just look out for a store in bright white with a lot of sunglasses on display. I highly recommend them if you need any corticosteroids and mydriatic medicines because they sell them at a student price. Uh, of course, don't use them for overdosing haha.."
Hmmm… Very interesting…
She knows her shit.
What anterior uveitis is would be a hard question for most to answer back on Earth without Chat GPT, but she immediately knew to suggest corticosteroids to aid the pain. Suggesting, maybe, shallow medical knowledge if not an extensive library of medical practise in her head.
She should be a medicine student rather than a Alchemist with that passion.
"Hah… Is that what you take me for, Ms Idris? No. I'm not that deluded of a druggie, but I'll definitely go check it out. Thank you, bro."
Fuck. Habits.
She giggles.
"No problem. 'Bro'."
…
Yeah, okay, just peg my reputation even more, will you? Pin it down, piledriver style, and fuck it into the ground.
Jeez… 'Isaac Mun is a guy that calls girls his bros.'
The lighting dims as professors take their positions on the raised stage at the front.
Finally…
The first Arc of Act I begins.
Headmaster Orthellius stands at the center. The same proceedings of roar and gaze from the Dining Hall repeat. This time, lingering for a fraction of a second too long on Isaac and a student outside of Isaac's field of vision.
A silent acknowledgment for him, and a look of curiosity for her.
"Good morning and welcome," his voice booms, resonating through the auditorium. "It's good to see everyone is punctual to attend the beginning of their journeys at Elenos's Institute of Noësical Academics."
Yea… Haha… Punctual…
The overhead lights dim further, and a Catalyxical Engineering Creation projection flickers to life above the stage, a rotating emblem of the Mobius strip glowing in the signature cerulean and gold.
Idris seemed fascinated by the mechanism.
"Today marks the formal induction of 200 students into the world of all things Noësical related. But let me be clear. This is not an Institute for the faint of heart. Here, you will be tested, challenged, and re-molded into something greater than you are now."
A murmur ripples through the crowd. Some students sit straighter, eyes alight with determination; others fidget, their nerves palpable.
The Headmaster continues. "You will be divided into your respective choice of studies based on your Resonance Archetypes, academic strengths, and personal traits. Your schedules will be delivered to your dormitories by this evening. Take note and pay attention to them; there will be no leniency for tardiness or negligence in my pristine Institute."
This guy loves to pause for dramatic effect, jeez…
"For the aspiring Wave Binders, you will delve into the root of Noësis, you will master both its theoretical foundations and its practical applications. From duels to daily life, from In-Threading to Out-Threading, your Clause-Constructs must be as precise as they are powerful. In tandem, you will study the mathematics that shape Noësical structure, and the scientific principles that govern phenomena. We hope that one of you will be the one who leads humanity into the renaissance of Thaumitonic Physics."
Intriguing choice of words… What about classical and quantum physics…
"For the aspiring Catalyxi. You will explore the intricate theories behind the medical nature of potions and transmutations."
Zehrah Idris was practically on the edge of her seat. A byproduct of the hype generated by the Headmaster. If Isaac could admit one thing, it would be that he knew how to give a 'damn good' speech.
"Alongside this, how your Catalyxical Engineered Creations interact with the living world will be tested. Make sure the chemistry that fuels your craft must become your second nature, your intuition as sharp as your intellect."
Great…. Another terminogloy…
MagiTech = Catalyxical Engineered Creations.
"For the aspiring Kynetics, you will refine both mind and body through rigorous study of combat theory, science-based bodybuilding, and Kynetism. You will learn to read your foes, to adapt, and to strike with clarity and purpose. Beyond skill with the blade, you will strive toward mastery, the grace of a rapier, and the strength of an axe."
I need to make some science-based friends. They're gonna really help me bulk up most efficiently.
"Finally, for the Concordants. You will learn to commune with the unseen, forging bonds with your Concordees that dwell beyond the master and slave. Mastery of their abilities will require more than power; it will require empathy, intuition, unwavering resolve, and, of course, a beautiful dance of souls. You will study the nature of Concordees, the laws that govern their realm, and the rituals that bind them to our world. In time, your companions will not merely follow your command, they will become your allies, your guardians, and your strength."
Ah! I called it!
Concor-DANCE!
HAHAHA1
Okay yeah… He's fucking good.
Nevertheless, it seems that Orthellius himself knows about a realm above ours where Spirits are drawn from. The devs. Being predictable as ever couldn't use the word 'Spirit World/Realm' cuz it sounded generic.
So instead.
These fuckers called it The Ochema…
HAHAHA!
Oh my days~ Sorry…
Dumbass devs tried so hard to be unique, but another game already used it.
Still…
Another fuck you from the universe to me because he only discovers The Ochema after Act II's finale, NOT at the start of the story.
Bruh.
"Now," he gestures to the professors behind him. "Your department heads will outline the expectations for your respective fields."
Professor Aldrick St. Clair steps forward first, his military bearing unmistakable even in academic robes. "Practical Noësis and Concordance," his voice rough but clear. "There will be no room for error. Those who cannot keep up will be left behind. For the Concordants, I will subjugate any student who abuses their companions. Final."
Simple, easy. Very likable, no wonder this guy bagged Azucena.
His words are met with uneasy silence from the Concordants.
Next, Archivist Orlan Peña Quintana takes the stage.
"Ahem… Noësical Theory and History are the foundations upon which all Clause-Constructs are built. Without understanding the past, you cannot hope to shape the future. I expect a full understanding of your textbooks by the end of the year and every one of my theses."
Ah… Like me… I know I'll get along with you very well… Super narcissistic.
One by one, the professors outline their disciplines, Kynetism, Catalysis, Noësical, etcetera. The last three, the deviations from the original game, drew Isaac's attention the most.
Professor Eamon Ó Cinnéde speaks:
"Noësical Mathematics is the language of the universe and beyond. Those who master it will find the fabric of reality itself bending to their will. I expect you to be calculating in every aspect and decision of your lives, just as I have mine."
'and beyond…'... No way MUH Multiverse is a thing here…
Doctor Azucena Esquivel follows.
"Biothaumic Studies explores the intersection of Noësis and life. The body is a canvas, and with the right knowledge, you can exploit its very code. I hope that you enjoy the wonders that make us who we are and the other lifeforms of this world and beyond!"
OH MY DAYS~ Do my ears deceive me?!
'Life BEYOND'?
I do remember mentions of extraterrestrial life in EAA, but to have the opportunity to study them firsthand?
Hoh… How exciting.
Finally, Doctor Hao Zhenxu.
"Noësical Physics and later Thaumitonic Physics bridges the gap between Noësis and the fundamental mathematics that surpass even Professor Eamon's universal language. Our language will be our own pocket multiverse. Question everything. Especially the laws you think you know. Not to question is not to improve. Therefore, question to pursue. Pursue to prove. Prove to improve. Improve and repeat. There."
Mr Eminem here.
And most importantly?
These fuckers keep bringing up multiple universes… Surely, it's metaphorically right?
No way…
But it's funny that the math and physics teacher have beef.
I can exploit that fact later hehehe…
And with Doctor Hao's speech. The presentations end, and the Headmaster returns to the center.
"Thank you, Professors. As students, your first classes will begin tomorrow. We will be using today to familiarize ourselves with the campus and your peers. Most importantly, your NCAT, Noësical Classification Assessment Test."
Another pause.
"All students, please rise. We will now begin the NCAT. Once standing, please exit the auditorium and kindly line up in numerical order according to your student ID number. Catalyxi, only you are headed to the laboratory for your NCAT. Please follow Doctor Chessie Harrington."
The lights brighten, and the students begin to file out, their chatter rising as the tension begins to grow. Depending on your classification, your reputation will follow.
"All the best, Isaac! Let's do this!" Zehrah cheers.
"You got this, too. Make mom and dad proud!"
They bid farewell.
But Isaac lingers, observing the crowd.
The nobles, especially the heroines, all formed their friend groups already. Sephalyn holds most of the conversations in the Tleli section. Turaiya stands aloof as if looking for someone.
Don't worry, Turaiya. I'm looking for the same person as well.
Lastly, Anzhelika is leaning against a pillar with a smirk. Should I talk to her? She seems like the most chill and approachable right now. It would probably be good for me to get close to all of them if I want a realistic chance of surviving post-Act X.
Eh… Why not…
But… Caelum first.
He's super easy to spot.
"PFFT!"
FUCK! DON'T LAUGH!
Oh my God~ Talk about standing out, his energy is completely off though. Narritively, he should be an awkward, hunched boy, but he's standing in a sea of students and confident nobles as the most confident commoner.
AND LEANING AGAINST A PILLAR WITH HIS THUMBS OUT OF HIS POCKET!
BHAHAHA!
Weird fucker…
Turaiya approaches Caelum while Isaac begins to head to Anzhelika.
But…The boy's eyes were led astray, painful as it may be, Isaac flicked his gaze towards the distraction.
A young love.
Eh? Ah!
Oh my God. I completely forgot about her… My favorite tragedy.
And, naturally, she's already surrounded.
A constellation of admirers orbiting her light, greater than any gravity of a noble and royal. A 'British' common girl, yes, but exceptional in her craft. Hailing from the House of Yves. An Anomaly of Concordance, a Genius among Prodigies.
The Genius Spirit Tamer that is equivalent to the Genius Wave Binder, Turaiya. Their shining gem, just as untouchable and just as terrifying in her own way.
Alyssa Woxen.
A literal G.O.A.T.
Greatest of All Tamers.
My second favorite characters from EAA.
I've always connected with her, seeing so much of myself in her struggles. But it's her tragic demise that stuck with young me.
Alyssa Woxen, the game's most overlooked tragedy overshadowed by the death of the more politically influential noble in Act II of the original story.
It's wonderful to see her here alive, real, close enough to shake her hand.
But.
Nah… No point in dealing with a walking corpse.
Her fate was sealed long ago.
In EAA, nobody who truly understood the story ever found a way to save her. From glitches to bugs to file changes. Nothing worked. The game always killed her. Dying to her own Spirits in an act of betrayal.
Ironic, ain't it?
After all this time… I don't think anyone will ever find a way to beat her death. Maybe I will? Maybe I won't? We'll see later.
Ah. Right Anzhelik一
Nevermind.
She had already left as Isaac got up from his seat. With that, the students begin migrating to the examination hall, the training grounds adapted for the NCAT.