Simte Academy main hall, three weeks later.
"Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed your week off", I began with a smile that betrayed a certain discomfort. In my mind, I reflected ironically on the fact that their time off had been granted thanks to a group of Zenú envoys, which allowed me to postpone the delivery of their results just to see their reactions.
"I will now deliver the test results, and you can make your decisions immediately", I informed them as the assistants handed out the documents.
After a few minutes, the hall filled with applause from those who were happy, while others expressed doubts; there were even some who seemed completely dismayed by their unexpectedly low results.
"For those who achieved favorable or partially favorable results, I ask that you choose the option you wish to pursue before nightfall. You will receive a schedule in the administration office tomorrow… You may withdraw", I announced, watching as a crowd began to leave the room, reflecting on their decisions.
A large percentage of those withdrawing were students who had excelled in specific areas, although their overall results didn't reflect apparent ability. Others, however, had shown strength in various areas of their chosen subject, allowing them to opt for a double major.
"Now, to all those remaining in this room: these are those who wish to study areas in which, for the moment, they are not competent", I commented in a mysterious tone, encouraging them to continue pursuing their dreams. "No one will be able to take away your desire for knowledge, but you must remember that discovering a talent is crucial to our kingdom. Therefore, those who have not directly accessed what they yearn for will have the opportunity to attend the academy according to the information I provided earlier. All of you will take a special test, covering all the topics covered at this academy, in order to discover your hidden talents", I added in a warm tone, trying to lift the group's spirits.
That evening, in the Simte Academy administration office.
"High Priest, what do you think of these Simte Academy students?", I asked him playfully.
"The Son of Heaven should not have linked my name to something so important to the kingdom", he replied with some frustration.
"That can no longer be changed. Besides, all the chieftains have given their approval, and the Council of Priests is very pleased with the decision", I replied with a mocking smile.
"I shouldn't have formed the Council of Priests a year ago", he said, visibly annoyed at hearing the name of that group. "I don't like the title of High Priest either; I feel like I'm dishonoring the Gods", he lamented, reflecting his displeasure.
"Come on, Simte, you know you deserve this title. Besides, I've always wanted you to receive similar recognition for all the help you've given me, as well as for what you've done for the kingdom", I expressed gratefully. "On the other hand, the priests were delighted that we weren't neglecting religion now that knowledge is so coveted. They also appreciated their appointments as head priests", I commented, referring to the group of priests that made up the Council of Priests.
This council was made up of priests from different cities, with those from the larger cities holding the greatest power. The creation of this council was a measure intended to welcome the new religions of the people who joined the kingdom, giving them a voice in the main faith and allowing them to actively participate in promoting their communities.
"I hope the gods don't punish us", Simte said, adopting a somewhat uneasy tone.
"The only way we could be punished is if we lose faith in them", I replied cheerfully. "Back to the topic, what do you think of the new students?", I asked again.
"We discovered many gems among them all", Simte replied, showing renewed optimism. "I'm surprised that we found more than one genius in each of the essential subjects", he added, still surprised.
"Yes, I was amazed too. I expected to find a genius in mathematics, some in science, most in construction or crafts, but I never imagined we would have several geniuses in art, geography, and even language", I confessed, reflecting my own surprise. "I hope to see them in class soon and share all my knowledge with them", I commented with a hopeful tone.
The next day, third-person POV.
It was a momentous day for the Suaza Kingdom. In the Central Mountain City, construction had begun on what would be the kingdom's first academy of advanced knowledge, inaugurated under the name Simte Academy in honor of the High Priest.
The academy would offer nine main disciplines, covering a total of 31 sub-subjects. Students had the option to choose the field they wished to specialize in and would be evaluated according to criteria specific to each area. The vast majority obtained favorable results, allowing them to enter their chosen fields, while a few had to take a general knowledge test to determine their aptitude.
At the entrance to the academy, an atmosphere of anticipation and nervousness reigned. Students had to present their copper identification badges to receive their schedules, and some teaching materials related to their fields of study.
"Hi, I'm Nyia, I've come to pick up my schedule", said a little girl's voice in front of one of the counters where attendants were handing out those documents.
"Of course, your badge, please", said the man working the counter kindly, as he took the girl's badge. "Here's your schedule, Nyia", he instructed, handing her a piece of paper after searching through the pile of documents on the counter.
"Thank you", the girl replied gently, a little embarrassed.
"Next", announced the counter manager.
"Hi, I'm Umza", the girl said energetically, signaling a different accent than the girl who had spoken before. She was right behind Nyia in line; at first glance, they looked the same age, but their personalities were very different.
"Here you go", replied the man as he handed her schedule.
"Thank you", replied Umza, her face lighting up with a wide smile as she received the document. As she moved away from the line, she noticed the girl she had passed earlier standing in a corner, nervously looking around. She seemed to be waiting for someone to join her, and when no one approached, fear began to take hold of her, making her tremble.
"Hi, I'm Umza", the girl said in a friendly tone as she took Nyia's hand.
"Oh!", Nyia exclaimed, startled by the sudden proximity. "I'm... Nyia", she murmured after calming down, realizing she wasn't a threat.
"What are you studying?", Umza asked, smiling brightly.
"I... I... will study Arts... Painting", Nyia replied, trying her best, though despite her best efforts, she ended up stuttering.
"Arts, how cool! I'll study Language, a Foreign Language", Umza replied enthusiastically, not making fun of Nyia's shyness.
"Language?", Nyia asked, surprised.
"Hahaha! Yes", Umza affirmed, laughing a little at her new friend's reaction. "I don't know if you noticed, but I come from Mountain Crossroads City, so I still have a bit of an accent", she explained without concern.
"You learned our language so young?", Nyia inquired, amazed.
"Well, you can paint at your age. It shouldn't surprise you to find other talented children", Umza said with friendly disdain.
"That's true", Nyia agreed after reflecting on the comment.
"I can't believe it", Umza exclaimed as she checked her schedule and noticed something surprising. "I'll have a class with SuaChie Chuta!", she almost shouted in excitement.
"Really?", Nyia retorted, looking at Umza's schedule with some envy while searching for matches on her own. "I'll also have classes with the Son of Heaven", she murmured, visibly excited to realize she would be taking one of her classes with him.
"You too?", Umza asked, surprised to see Nyia's schedule. "How wonderful!", she exclaimed as she hugged Nyia tightly, who was still a little dazed.
"I'll have my class with him on the fourth day", Nyia mentioned as she checked her schedule.
"Will you see him first?", Umza asked, with a hint of annoyance. "It's not fair, I only have classes with him on the seventh day", she complained.
"How cool!", Nyia said, snapping out of her daze.
"Why do you want to meet him?", Umza inquired with anticipation and excitement.
"I want to paint him", Nyia confessed without thinking.
"Wow, looks like we have a young lady in love", Umza commented, laughing amiably at the shy Nyia.
"I didn't mean it like that... What I really wanted to say is that I wish to learn how to paint from him", Nyia excused herself, realizing she had inadvertently revealed a secret.
"I understand", Umza replied, her tone revealing a hint of suspicion. "I want to learn more languages from him. I heard from a priest in my town that SuaChie Chuta can speak several languages and dialects with ease. He truly possesses the knowledge of the gods", Umza added, excited at the thought of Chuta.
"That's true, I've heard the same thing", Nyia confirmed.
"I can't wait to meet him in person", Umza commented, full of enthusiasm. "Too bad I won't be able to meet him sooner; at least you'll see him before me", Umza said with a slight reproach.
"I'll be the first to see him", Nyia murmured.
Three days later, in the art room.
"Welcome everyone to painting class. I'm Chuta. I hope you don't feel lonely with only four of us, but please know that this will give you more opportunities to learn directly from me and learn the new techniques I'll be teaching you throughout the year", Chuta said with a friendly smile, seeking to create a close atmosphere with her students. "To start, you'll try painting me while I'm posing", she added playfully.
"Tell me", Chuta said, noticing a girl about her age raise her hand.
"Um... Can we... Can we keep our paint?", Nyia asked after considerable effort.
"Of course, no problem", Chuta replied casually. "It's amazing how shy she is", Chuta thought, observing her attitude.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
In this chapter, Chuta (the main character) meets two new characters who will accompany him on his journey.
As an unnecessary fact of the day, in the historical records of the time, the colonialism used by Castile was technically friendly, however, a large decline in the indigenous population is recorded. One of the reasons for this is that the locals had no immunity to the diseases brought by the conquistadors.
Read my other novel called The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
You can find it on my profile.]