As Gilbert waits alongside the other children he looks around observing the decor of the place discovering it mostly of warriors in power armor ranging from the first-generation knights in medieval-looking armor from old centuries to the newest fourth-generation armor that is not only bulkier causing the newer generation of knights to look bigger their armors were also much more futuristic breaking away from the medieval design of the older generation.
As the time ticked away it was finally the turn of someone from Gilbert's group William Munro the boy who asked the question. Climbing into the pod liquid quickly filled up to his neck while needles were injected into him and the first dose was administered. Gilbert could see what looked like his veins and nerves all over his body all over his body pronounced as if drawn on his skin as the serum was delivered into his system, he could be clenching his teeth on a piece of rubber given to him before going into the pod. As they administered each dose in quick succession, the pain he was experiencing only seemed to increase from his facial expressions until finally the last dose and he exited the pod looking no different from before, he was then quickly ushered into a different room. The sight of someone succeeding gave the others in the group a boost of confidence until the second boy passed away at his second dosage bringing back to reality the risk they would be undertaking if they misjudge their tolerance. All the while Aniela stood by reading recordings on her tablet, not at the least bit bothered by the young boy's death. Seeing no one else entering the pod she finally looked away from her screen to address the group.
"Did you all think this was some sort of field trip? Humanity does not need how you are now what we need are humans who are more developed either to become warriors or scientists who can propel the advancement of our society so instead of looking at today as a rite of passage look at more of a culling where fate favors the worthy. Now next!" She said causing deafening silence among the group.
As the culling continued roughly one in every seven children were able to accept the full dosages while most stopped at either one or two while a few brave the challenge for more including Anastasia who stopped at four. Finally, it was Gilbert's turn to step into the pod, first liquid was filled up to his neck then he was given a piece of rubber to bite onto as he felt needles being injected all over his body especially the seven from the base of his spine to the nape of his neck. Slowly the serum was delivered into his system, clenching down incredibly hard on the rubber placed in his mouth he waited for the pain but none ever came. Aniela standing outside the pod and observing realized that nothing was happening and for the first time since they started small smile could be seen hanging on her lips.
"Young Kruger it seems you are already immune so would like to be given serum 2.0?" She asked as the other children watched with rapt attention. Gilbert stayed for a while wondering why he was called Kruger as he knows last is Nunebefore he could correct her he saw Aniela getting impatient so he signaled yes. With his approval, she opened a case she got from a scientist who started standing there since he did not know when. From the case, she took five new vials which contained liquid as black as the one before the only difference being silver lines running through this one as alive. Opening the side of his pod they replaced all the old serums with the 2.0 then he was given the first dose and he felt no pain like the others instead he experienced silence just silence, even his heartbeat was gone it was just him and this quiet nothingness it felt a like punishment someone would be given if placed in hell for the sin he knows not or maybe for spies and eavesdroppers who hear what they shouldn't have hence they shall hear no more for at the very least the deaf can feel their heartbeats on their chest. After what felt like a lifetime he could finally hear again breathing heavily. Will it be possible for me to survive this for more times he wondered before he could signal as to whether he wanted to continue or not the next dosage came like fire in his veins. The pure heat made him feel as if he would melt from the inside out. Unbeknownst to him with serum 2.0 it is all or nothing there is no in-between, those who are already immune could still take the regular serum without the pain all this was just purposefully omitted by their guide. Standing beside his pod Aniela talked to the scientist beside her
"This one is quite the talent not only is he immune but he is also a natural, his veins have already mutated to form the circuit needed to become a Marine Knight." She said it's just I've never seen this type of circuit before I wonder what it could be and what new technologies can be developed from it.
"Aniela, did hear what I asked?" questioned the scientist beside awakening her from her thoughts
"Sorry, I'm afraid not quite could you run it by me again." She replied plainly
" I asked which circuit does it look like his veins will be leaning towards ?"
"Oh, his circuit is either Dragon or the Asura." She said without batting an eye
"Oh so another close combatant, huh and here I thought someone from one of these poor places could finally be something special, the poor will always be just that I guess poor even in potential," he replied
" I don't think any more of your help will be needed doctor Wolmer, I can take from." She said not want him to catch on to the uniqueness of the young boy before her especially knowing his reputation as the doctor of Madness Wolmer
"Yeah, yeah go on with your hicks, damn waste of my time" he muttered under his breath while leaving.
As they were conversing all five dosages were administered to Gilbert who unlike the other candidates came out looking normal he was panting heavily with his pupils highly dilated looking as if he had just gone through hell causing Adam and Keane to look at him with concern. Aniela then had him ushered away quickly into another room where the other successful children went.
Arriving he could see William and two other rich kids sitting together at the front looking towards a stage, situated in the middle was a group of kids who also had a full set and to the side, he could see Anastasia and anyone else who at least had three doses.
As he assesses the room the others can be seen scrutinizing him as well especially William and his friends who look at him with disgust when they realize his clothing alongside how pathetic he looks.
"Oi, why do you look so disgusting from something that was essentially a walk in the park?" asked a boy with blond hair sitting to William's right
"Isn't it obvious he couldn't manage his second to last dose but still asked to continue risking his life? So how many did you get three or maybe four?" said the other on his left sporting a buzz cut causing all three of them to snicker.
Ignoring them Gilbert went and sat beside Ana who was also looking at him with concern but before he say anything to her the blondie stood up looked at him and said angrily
"hey, hick don't you see your better talking to you have some respect."
"How about I respect your mother for putting up with the embarrassment she received from you for the last twelve years of her life," Gilbert said with a small smirk. Silence hung in the air for a few seconds before the entire room erupted in laughter except for William's clique as the blondie went through different shades of red. All three of them then stood up while the blondie made his way over to Gilbert overturning chairs in his way. Gilbert stood up as he and the blondie came face to face with each other
"What did you say mongrel?" The blondie questioned
"Why don't you ask the bitch who raised you I don't speak dog," said Gilbert then before anyone could react threw a quick punch to his stomach and then a knee to the face bringing him down to the ground when he tried to get back up he placed his foot on his chest keeping him down. A quick series of moves surprised everyone including Gilbert himself but before he could process it William and his other friend started making their way towards him as well, simultaneously Kean and Adam walked in although confused as to what was happening they quickly made their way over towards Gilbert causing a standoff between both groups. As tensions rose in the room Aniela walked to see what was happening without a word she signaled the guard who as always been following a few steps behind her. Suddenly the room got a chill as if a wild beast just stepped in causing every person in the room to look in his direction especially the two groups confronting each other as they felt the full impact, their vision blurred finding themselves in cave a with malevolent reptile in the dark just watching them breathing on them were they to make any sudden move and they may be its next victim. After what felt like an eternity that feeling went away.
"Okay, then the six troublemakers get onstage and get into a squat position." Said Aniela as if nothing just happened, who at some point was standing o stage. Without a word they all moved quickly, the buzz cut helped up Blondie. All the while their minds still show the horror they just experienced.
"Now then out of a little more than 100, we have 23. I would like to welcome you all to Mustelaam Dragon Knight Academy," she said with a feigned passion.