The raw, almost feral image of my face, contorted in a berserk snarl on the colossal screen, still burned behind my eyelids. The sheer audacity of Kiyoshi Ziv Bazuaye, the head of the Rhines, to publicly display my most vulnerable, monstrous moment, was a calculated act of psychological warfare. It was designed to both intimidate and isolate me, to brand me as a dangerous anomaly among my peers. Yet, beneath the prickle of humiliation and the sting of recognition, a deeper sense of resolve had hardened within me. This wasn't just training; it was a crucible, a trial by fire designed to forge me into something stronger, something capable of defying the very forces that sought to control or erase me.
Kiyoshi Sensei, his voice a silk-smooth blade, allowed the murmurs of the recruits to simmer for a moment, letting the unsettling image of my bounty sink into their minds. His golden eyes, luminous and sharp, swept across the hundreds of faces, gauging their reactions, shaping their perceptions. The spotlight still seared my skin, a relentless beacon of unwelcome attention, but I forced myself to stand tall, my chin slightly raised, projecting an outward calm I was far from feeling.
Then, with a subtle flick of his hand, Kiyoshi dismissed the horrifying image of my wanted poster from the screen. A wave of profound relief, like a cool balm, washed over me. My face, or rather, that distorted caricature of my worst self, vanished, replaced by a series of elegant, abstract geometric patterns. I could almost hear the collective sigh of the other recruits, their tension easing, their focus shifting. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. My relief was short-lived, however, as Kiyoshi's next words promised to define our very identities within this complex organization.
"Now," Kiyoshi's voice resonated, recapturing the hall's undivided attention, "let us discuss the paths before you. The cards you hold, these personalized keys to your future, bear a specific emblem. This emblem is not merely decorative; it is a symbol of your inherent aptitude, your genetic predisposition, and your unique affinity with the flow of Yami-ebhi and, for some of you, the extraordinary power of the okhuomo-gekido."
As he spoke, the abstract patterns on the immense screen behind him dissolved, replaced by six distinct, shimmering emblems, each appearing one by one, accompanied by a soft, resonant chime. Each symbol was an intricate blend of ancient tribal iconography and sleek, futuristic design, imbued with a subtle, pulsating inner light.
"These emblems," Kiyoshi declared, his voice imbued with a sense of ceremony, "allocate you to six distinct classes of specialized training. Each class, each path, is designed to maximize your potential within your specific arena of power."
He paused, letting the visual impact of the emblems sink in before he began to enumerate them, his voice rich with authority.
"First," he began, and the first emblem shimmered into sharper focus. It was a Dragon, a magnificent, multifaceted creature with serpentine body, eagle-like talons, and wings of shimmering scales. Its form twisted and turned, seeming to hold multiple elemental energies within its coiled power—fire, water, earth, and wind. It symbolized vast power, adaptability, elemental mastery, and the ability to command multiple forces simultaneously. "We have the Beyonds."
The word resonated, and a flicker of something in my core stirred. This felt inherently connected to my Kanjōkhō ability to manipulate six emotions. Kiyoshi continued,his gaze, for a fleeting moment, seeming to lock with mine, a subtle acknowledgment of my inner workings. "Beyonds are individuals who possess the rare and potent ability to utilize more than one emotion simultaneously, weaving them together into complex, devastating attacks or intricate defenses. They are the architects of emotional storms, the masters of multifaceted power. This category also includes what we call 'Inordinates,' those who can effectively harness two or three emotions from the Kanjōkhō spectrum, but lack the full, synergistic mastery of a true Beyond. You," he added, his voice subtly inflecting the 'you' with emphasis as his eyes landed directly on me, "Yoru Okonogie Raziel, are a prime example of a Beyond."
A jolt of revelation went through me. A Beyond. The label, bestowed by this enigmatic leader, felt like a heavy crown, a confirmation of my unique, terrifying potential. It also came with a sobering realization: my path would be one of incredible complexity, a constant struggle to balance and control the volatile currents of my own heart. Kiyoshi's words were a double-edged sword: a validation of my power and a stark reminder of the immense challenge ahead.
The next emblem materialized, an elegantly stylized Lion. Its mane rippled like a golden flame, its powerful jaws slightly parted in a silent roar. It conveyed raw strength, leadership, and the ability to amplify the inherent qualities of oneself and others. "Next, the Enhancers," Kiyoshi announced. "These individuals possess the unique ability to amplify. They can bolster their own physical prowess to superhuman levels, accelerate their healing factors, or even enhance the Yami-ebhi output of their allies. They are the force multipliers, the ones who take what is strong and make it exponentially stronger. Their role is to turn the tide of battle, to push the limits of what is possible through sheer, unadulterated augmentation."
Then came the third, a radiant Unicorn. Its form was pure white, with a single, spiraling horn that seemed to glow with a soft, ethereal light. It radiated an aura of purity, healing, and spiritual guidance. "The Blessed," Kiyoshi proclaimed. "These are the healers, the empathic conduits, the ones capable of mending physical wounds and soothing emotional scars. They can channel Yami-ebhi into restorative waves, offering protection and inspiration. While not direct combatants in the traditional sense, their ability to sustain and uplift their comrades makes them invaluable. They are the heart of any unit, the unwavering source of hope amidst despair."
The fourth emblem appeared, a formidable Bear. Its posture was defensive, massive paws planted firmly, radiating an aura of unwavering resilience and immense protective strength. "The Defenders," Kiyoshi continued, his voice deepening slightly. "These recruits are the bulwarks, the immovable objects against any force. They specialize in creating impenetrable barriers, absorbing and redirecting damage, and protecting their allies from harm. Their mastery of Yami-ebhi allows them to manifest force fields, harden their skin to near-invulnerability, or create energetic shields that deflect even the most powerful attacks. They are the first line of defense, the guardians of the vulnerable."
Next, a shadowy Raven materialized. Its form was sleek and dark, its eyes gleaming with an eerie intelligence, and wisps of dark smoke seemed to trail from its wings. It symbolized mystery, the manipulation of hidden forces, and the ability to materialize energy from the void. "The Conjurers," Kiyoshi stated, and a subtle shiver went through me as I remembered Koji's dark flames. "These individuals specialize in the manifestation of Yami-ebhi into tangible forms. They can conjure elemental attacks, materialize weapons from pure energy, or create illusions that confound their enemies. They bend the very fabric of reality to their will, shaping raw energy into whatever form their intent dictates. Their power lies in creation, but also in deception and destruction."
And finally, the sixth emblem, a majestic Wolf. It stood silhouetted against a full moon, its head thrown back in a silent howl, conveying leadership, primal instinct, and the power to command and control. "And last, but by no means least, the Dominants," Kiyoshi concluded. "These are the leaders, the tacticians, the ones capable of influencing others, bending wills, and dictating the flow of battle. Their power is often subtle, rooted in charisma and a deep understanding of psychology, but can also manifest as direct mental influence or even a rudimentary form of mind control. They lead, they strategize, and they ensure that their will is done."
The screen behind Kiyoshi Sensei then displayed all six emblems in a grand, symmetrical array, each glowing with its unique light. The sheer scope of the Rhines' training, the depth of their understanding of Yami-ebhi and its various manifestations, was truly astounding. I was still analyzing each emblem, trying to categorize the other recruits I had glimpsed in the hallway, when Kiyoshi continued, now focusing on the practical implications of these classifications.
"Each of you has been assigned to a class based on these evaluations," he stated, his voice now devoid of any theatricality, purely instructional. "Your unique aptitude, your potential, has been precisely measured. For those of you, like Yoru, who are Beyonds, your journey will be one of profound emotional integration. For Conjurers like Cadet Koji..."
My mind snapped back to Koji. He was a Conjurer. It made perfect sense now, his ability to materialize dark flames, his precise manipulation of energy. The implications of these classifications were vast, not just for my own training, but for the complex web of relationships forming around me.
A mischievous flutter of Yorokobi (Joy), swiftly followed by a wave of Asien (Disgust), swept through me at the thought of Koji. For all I knew, I was happy I was separated from that cheeky weirdo. His gruff demeanor, his constant prodding, his unexpected bursts of sardonic humor – it had been a constant, if sometimes irritating, presence. The thought of being in a different training facility, far from his watchful eye and cynical wit, brought a strange, conflicting mixture of relief and a faint, unacknowledged pang of something akin to… missing him already. It was a testament to how quickly I had grown accustomed to his presence, however much I might deny it.
Kiyoshi's voice cut through my thoughts, bringing me back to the stark reality of our assignments. "Your training dorms have also been allocated based on the specific environmental and tactical challenges best suited to hone your abilities. Cadet Yoru, your Beyond class will be sectioned to hold at Lagos. There, amidst the vibrant chaos of urban life and the unpredictable energies of the coast, you will learn to master the confluence of your emotions."
Lagos. The name conjured images of bustling markets, endless stretches of ocean, and a vibrant, almost overwhelming energy. It was a city of contradictions, of immense beauty and raw grit, a perfect crucible for a Beyond, a place where emotions ran high and the challenges would be as dynamic as the tides.
"As for Cadet Koji," Kiyoshi continued, his gaze briefly flicking towards Koji, who stood a few rows ahead of me, his posture stiff, "your Conjurer class will be sectioned to hold at Zamfara. The arid, rugged landscapes of Zamfara, steeped in ancient lore and unforgiving terrain, will provide the ideal environment for the mastery of materialized Yami-ebhi, for bending the very essence of the earth and shadow to your will."
Zamfara. The very name sounded ancient, echoing with whispers of desert winds and hard-won battles. The distance was awesome, I thought, a surge of almost childish glee momentarily displacing the adult anxieties. The thought of an entire geographical expanse separating me from Koji's constant, challenging presence was, for a fleeting moment, liberating. My cheeky weirdo would be far away, battling sandstorms and conjuring shadows in the harsh, unforgiving wilderness, while I navigated the electric currents of Lagos. It was, indeed, awesome.
As the hundreds of recruits began to stir, a low hum of excitement and nervous chatter filling the vast hall, Koji, who had been listening intently, turned to me, his brow furrowed. His expression was a rare blend of confusion and a guarded protectiveness. "Zara wasn't listed," he said, his voice a low rumble, almost lost in the rising din. "She should be a Conjurer, at least. Her control over materialized air is phenomenal."
His observation struck a chord. Zara. The quiet, observant girl whose touch had been so calming, whose gaze held such an ancient wisdom. She had been with Sweet and Pencil, supposedly part of our original unit. Now, she was conspicuously absent from the grand roster.
"Why isn't she among us?" I asked, my voice barely audible above the growing commotion. "Where is she going?"
Koji hesitated, his gaze shifting, avoiding mine. A subtle tension rippled through his broad shoulders, a guardedness I hadn't seen in him before. His body language spoke volumes, a silent declaration that he didn't want to tell me something, that Zara's situation was more complex, more sensitive than a simple class allocation. "She… Zara has been here since she was six," he mumbled, his voice tight, almost strained. "She's a cousin of someone very important in this building. She's… different. She has a different path." The words felt rehearsed, carefully chosen, a shield against further inquiry. But the lingering sadness in his eyes, the almost imperceptible clenching of his jaw, told a deeper story. It was clear Zara was not just a cadet; she was special, connected to the very foundations of the Rhines in a way I couldn't yet comprehend.
Before I could press him, before I could unravel the threads of his evasiveness, a booming voice, amplified by the hall's acoustics, announced: "Recruits, you have one hour to collect your essentials from your designated quarters and prepare for immediate transport to your training locations! Move with efficiency!"
The hall erupted into a torrent of movement. Hundreds of recruits surged towards the various exits, a chaotic river of ambition and anxiety. Koji and I, swept along by the current, began to make our way back towards our respective dorms. The reality of our imminent separation, the sudden scattering of our small, makeshift unit, settled over me with a pang.
As we both were packing up our meager bags in our dorm room, the air thick with the dust of the shattered door and the lingering scent of smoke, a soft, almost imperceptible presence materialized in the doorway. It was Zara. She stood there, her small frame radiating a quiet strength, her dark eyes, usually so serene, now shimmering with an uncharacteristic intensity. She wasn't wearing the Rhines uniform; instead, she was clad in practical, dark combat gear, a small, sleek backpack already slung over her shoulder. There was an aura of readiness about her, a sense of quiet purpose that made her seem older, more experienced than her youthful appearance suggested.
She walked purposefully towards me, her steps light and deliberate. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty. Her eyes, filled with a profound depth, met mine, and in them, I saw a reflection of the knowledge Koji had hinted at, the unspoken truths about her unique position.
"Don't get killed," she said, her voice soft, yet imbued with an unwavering resolve. Then, to my complete surprise, she reached out, her small arms enveloping me in a tight, unexpectedly warm embrace. The touch was like a jolt, a sudden, powerful surge of pure, unadulterated Yorokobi (Joy) and Ai (Love) that radiated from her, permeating my very being. It was a warmth I hadn't realized I craved, a genuine, selfless connection in a world of manipulation and suspicion. Her presence, her touch, offered a moment of unexpected solace, a tiny anchor in the swirling chaos. I loved it. I clung to the warmth, allowing myself, for a brief, fleeting moment, to simply feel, to allow the raw, human connection to wash over me. It was a bittersweet farewell, a promise of reunion, and a silent plea to survive.
Just as Zara pulled away, a final, somber announcement crackled over the base's internal comms, confirming Koji's earlier words, solidifying the roles of those who remained. "Pencil, Sweet, and Zara," the voice stated, clear and authoritative, "you have been assigned to other units. Your directive is to aid as protectors, facing threats on the outer perimeters, stabilizing volatile regions, and gathering strategic intelligence where the DVO's influence remains unchallenged. Your mission is paramount to the Rhines' enduring operations. Prepare for immediate deployment."
The news, though not entirely surprising given Koji's earlier evasiveness, still hit with a quiet finality. My small, dysfunctional family within the Rhines was being scattered, each of us cast into our own distinct crucible. Pencil, Sweet, and Zara—the enigmatic, the stoic, the quietly powerful—were already embarking on their own perilous missions, protectors on the front lines of a war I was only just beginning to comprehend. The weight of their responsibilities, the dangers they faced, settled heavily on my shoulders.
I watched Zara turn, her figure disappearing into the dust-filled corridor, leaving behind a lingering warmth in my chest and a renewed sense of purpose. My training in Lagos awaited, a journey into the heart of my own turbulent emotions. The challenges would be immense, the lessons brutal, but I carried with me the echo of a warm hug, the memory of a shared moment of humanity, and the unwavering resolve to become strong enough to protect those I cared about, to uncover the truths that lay buried, and to ultimately find my grandmother. The path was long, arduous, and fraught with peril, but I would walk it, one step, one emotion, one battle at a time. My journey as a Beyond had truly begun.