C2 Association

Of course, Benedict will get level one training, which is harder than the other levels. The lower the level, the higher the intensity of the training and the mentor must also be very disciplined.

Benedict entered the dormitory for level one, with facilities such as rickety huts. The level also determines the living facilities; the higher the level, the more prestigious the 'Dormitory' residence you get.

"Hahaha, that kind of stupid guy deserves a rubbish house like that!" sneered Vincent, hugging his girlfriend Raquel.

"Right, dear?" Raquel, with a flat face, just nodded her head.

"Good! You're my true love, baby!" said Vincent while stroking Raquel's hair, a woman who looked like Selena Gomez.

Benedict ignored everyone's words and waltzed casually with a flat face towards the level one dormitory. In Benedict's heart, he was very happy because he could eat for free for the next year even though he only got French baguette bread for his meal.

Benedict put his bag into the hut that had been provided for him. There was only one room, like a boarding house or even a prison. There was only a curtain blocking the bathroom, and the bed contained only one hard pillow and a folded mattress.

Benedict promised himself to change his miserable life; his mother's father had left him no inheritance. A message from his ancestors told him that those who are rich and powerful make their fortunes.

Thousands of new officers lined up neatly in the halls of Galdorien School, waiting for the ceremony to receive the new officer soldiers. They were the top graduates of the world's leading military school, Markopoulos, who had passed the level test and demonstrated their shadow abilities.

Among them, three people stood out for having level 5, which was the highest level an officer could achieve. They were Vincent Moris, Raquel Maccarthy, and Jacob Marseille. All three are from the kingdom of Babylon, one of the richest and most powerful sectors in the Markopoulos world. They are also the children of the wealthiest people in the kingdom.

However, not all the new officers were happy with their presence. One of them was Benedict Muller because he was the poorest and weakest officer in the Markopoulos world.

Benedict envied and hated Vincent, Raquel, and Jacob. He regarded them as arrogant and conceited people who relied solely on their parents' wealth and power.

Benedict also didn't realise that he was being watched by a special agent from the PSA (Prime Soldier Agent) division, an elite division of the Markopoulos world army. The agent is Carly Monet, a random white-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned woman. She is a commander in the PSA division and one of the best soldiers in the Markopoulos world.

Carly is assigned to keep a secret eye on Benedict, as she is suspected to be the cause of the machine malfunction that happened some time ago. The machine is a sophisticated machine used to measure the levels and abilities of new shadow officers. When Benedict enters the machine box, the machine suddenly explodes and emits black smoke.

Carly hopes to find clues about the malfunctioning machine and uncover the secrets Benedict is hiding.

Meanwhile, Arthur, the Galdorien School's military director and the Markopoulos world army general, gave Carly a special assignment.

"Carly, please keep an eye on that student named Benedict Muller. You will also be his mentor at this school. I hope you can find out what he is hiding," Arthur said.

"Yes, General!" replied Carly firmly.

Arthur and Carly headed to the halls of Galdorien School. They saw the new officers who were ready for the ceremony.

Arthur stepped up to the podium and made a loud speech.

"Good morning, new officers! Congratulations to those of you who passed this year's level test. You are the Aetherians, the brave soldiers who will protect the world of Markopoulos from the threat of otherworldly monsters."

The new officers applauded loudly.

"To mark the beginning of your journey as Aetherians, we will symbolically present the officer badge to the best officer representative who has passed this year's level test. He is an officer who has a level 5 score and shadow power, Jacob Marseille. Officer Jacob, please come up!"

The applause grew louder from the new officers.

Jacob Marseille is among the best officers to pass this year's level test. Jacob has a level 5 score and the shadow power of light, which is the ability to control light according to his will. Jacob is also the son of Franco Marseille, the richest man in the kingdom of Babylon, and the owner of Evermore Corporation. This company develops weapons technology and communication access.

Jacob is an 18-year-old male with wavy blonde hair, slightly dull eyes and fair skin. His face is very handsome, so many women are fascinated with him. Jacob also has a friendly and polite demeanour, so many people admire him.

Jacob stepped up to the podium with steady steps and stood beside Arthur. Arthur gave Jacob his officer's badge and placed it on Jacob's left breast.

"Thank you, general," Jacob said with a smiling face.

"Congratulations, Officer Jacob, you are an example to other officers. You have shown great achievement in this year's level test. You also possess the rare and powerful shadow power of light. You are a talented and potential Aetherian," Arthur praised.

Thunderous applause from the new officers.

"Jacob, I love you!" shouted all the female officers.

Jacob walked down the steps of the podium and returned to his place in the third row.

Jacob smiled at Benedict, who was in the first row near the podium. Benedict gave Jacob a disapproving look and assumed all the rich people would bully him, like Vincent and Raquel.

Arthur continued his speech, "Well, you have all officially become officers of The Veil Academy at Galdorien School. All training will be divided into several portions ranging from joint training with all officers of various levels, competitions between officers, and training with mentors. Mentors will randomly select all of you to be directly mentored in teams of four. Happy training, and please disperse!"

Jacob rushed to his luxurious dormitory and grabbed some food to visit Benedict as he had promised to visit his dormitory. Fellow officers could visit each other in their respective dormitories as long as they were already at level 6. Jacob had that right, but due to his recalcitrant nature, Jacob jumped the fence.

"Power push!" Jacob cast a shadow from the soles of his feet to push him over the railing and then perched there

When Jacob rang the bell, Benedict was already inside his room doing some physical exercises to strengthen his body.

"Why is a rich man like that visiting my room? Is he just trying to bully my poor self? Hmmm!" grumbled Benedict with an annoyed grunt as he opened the door.

"What do you want to come here for? To insult me like Vincent and Raquel? Or do you want to attack me because I'm poor and rubbish!" shouted Benedict with an annoyed grin.

Jacob let out a long sigh to contain his emotions.

"Hmm... no, believe me, I'm just here to be friends with you. Here, I brought food for you!" said Jacob while giving a food bag.

Benedict saw that, feeling confused and suspicious. Benedict couldn't trust Jacob. The man had been betrayed and hurt too many times by rich people like Jacob.

Benedict had too often been insulted and humiliated by Vincent and Raquel, two other level 5 officers from the kingdom of Babylon. He had tasted the bitterness of life as a level 3 officer without shadow abilities, too, many times.

"I don't need your food. I don't need pity from people like you. Leave me alone!" Benedict snapped angrily.