Heirarchy

Suggested Audio Adventure Begins

Right then, its time we announce your units. Casimiro states after a weary sigh When you hear your name, come forward and wait to speak with your admin. Once this process is finished, you are free to do with the day as you choose. I urge you take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the compound and your unit-mates. Please be patient while you wait and follow all prompts.

Casimiro displays a wan smile once more before stepping away. A line of staff in green uniforms are readied just off stage and the first of them climbs the steps, producing a parchment. His eyes scan over the document before he speaks.

Unit C210 he announces, enunciating carefully, and the whole of the amphitheater seems to hold its breath

His Majesty, Prince Aldric Syltharis Close-to-Midrange Combatant & Control Support

Wu Zetian Close Combatant & Control Support

Eshana Chakrabarti Midrange Combatant & Special Combatant

Baahir Ilnidhotep Full Ranged Combatant

Makeda Samrawit Cavalry & Mobile Support

Martia Aquila Aerial Combatant & Close Combatant

Karl Anker Control Support & Close Combatant

Seo Yul Enhancement Support & Close-to-Midrange Combatant

Florio Espina Special Combatant & Special Support

Faustin Aydem Command Support & Full Ranged Combatant

The admin repeats the list one more time as those called make their way down. Recruits cheer and applaud—except for a bitter few that had hoped to make the cut. Florio beams at Aldric, clearly relieved, and they make their way down together. Aldric is equally pleased but maintains his unflappable composure. Makeda and Zetian are far from surprised, an adroit smile on Zetian's painted lips exposing her pride. Andrea cannot restrain a glare for the Huaren princess, her mouth pressed into a thin frown, but Zetian doesn't spare her a glance. Meanwhile, Eshana soaks in the applause more than anything else, sashaying her way down the steps with ample glamour. Peers are congratulating the flabbergasted Karl, who hadn't expected such conspicuous placement, while Yul, Faustin and Baahir descend with tidy dignity. Tia claps along, not quite understanding the spectacle.

What is all of this…? Tia questions Duff

Hierarchy Duff answers tersely but senses her confusion is unwavering They're announcing who is the most important first, who they expect the most from.

Ah Tia responds before droning with sarcasm So all of that "we're all equal here" was bullshit. Fantastic.

And I thought you were naïve! Duff teases, his sonorous laugh bouncing in her skull

Unit C211 the admin continues

Andrea Stahlmann Close Combatant

Shi Yang Close Combatant & Aerial Combatant

Fiadh O'Sullivan Midrange Combatant & Special Support

Bridget MacDougal Full Ranged Combatant & Control Support

Danut Cel Tradat Aerial Combatant & Special Support

Everett Allard Mobile Support & Close Combatant

Aisling Black Control Support & Long Ranged Combatant

Renard Foster Enhancement Support & Close Combatant

Euan MacFheargus Special Combatant & Midrange Combatant

Lucy Aydem Command Support & Long Ranged Combatant

The crowd claps, warily at first, but then pick up to a polite level while Euan subtly sizes up his unit-mates. Danut, Fiadh and Aisling are distinctly morose and reserved while Lucy, Bridget, Everett and Renard are far more sunny if not energetic by contrast. At first, Andrea is flabberghasted by her placement but shrugs off her surprise, happy to be on the runner up team as she would call it. She cuts an imposing presence among the group, matched only by Yang's aura of unbridled chaos. When all of them have gathered, Euan greets them all with his signature grin!

The first administrator continues calling out another three units, some among them including Leon, Adamantia, Grusha and Sirius—Tia is the only heir not called forward. The admin steps down and speaks with those gathered below one group at a time as the next admin makes their way forward. Tia watches and waits as unit after unit is announced and the amphitheater gradually empties. She even dozes off as time passes by, lulled by the warmth of gentle spring sunlight. Finally, the last of the admins steps onto the stage and clears his voice.

Unit Z909 the admin calls out

Tia Minx Aerial Combatant & Close-to-Midrange Combatant

Ifani Brandt Close Combatant

Orin Philippe Full Ranged Combatant & Special Support

Albert Monet Enhancement Support

Finally hearing her name, Ifani treks down the amphitheater with Albert trailing after her, skeptical and concerned. Duff kicks Tia to wake her and she jumps up abruptly. The other four peer up at her, waiting. She glides down to quicken her descent but the atmosphere is already tense and uncertain as her wings fade. They look each other over, befuddled, as their admin approaches.

What is this? Ifani speaks first, folding her arms

Where is the rest of our unit? Orin softens her question with a gentler tone There are only four of us!

Yes, I understand the confusion! the admin responds thoughtfully, his voice high but steady But first let me introduce myself. My name is Cassius Justus and I'm excited to work with all of you! Cassius is artificially amicable, obviously trying too hard, and the teens meet his greeting with awkward and edgy demeanors There are two more recruits we picked up before arriving here. An aide is fetching them now.

That's still just six! Ifani remarks, exasperated

I'm afraid Cassius chimes hesitantly We are still filling out the rest of your unit. Unfortunately, we don't always pick up enough recruits to fill out every unit at every location.

So… Tia cuts in, sounding peepish We're… what? Leftovers?

No, no of course not! Cassius rushes to reassure them, thrown by Tia's acerbity As Mr. Vela said, we organize units so that your magic and skills compliment each other. We're simply... keeping the positions open until we find the best possible candidates!

Tia finds herself frowning and Ifani scoffs

This is some elitist bullshit! Ifani's tone is scathing, Cassius nearly wincing

Orin carefully watches the interaction and, as the admin puffs up, he interjects

That's hardly a sound argument. Orin reasons, poorly stifling a laugh Most of us here are some kind of nobility, clearly class isn't a factor. We even have a house heir on our unit!

All eyes land on Tia and she shrinks under the attention

Yes! Cassius offers Orin an appreciative smile Exactly. Ah! Here come the others.

They swivel around as two more recruits descend the steps and approach them, the two contrasting each other starkly. The first possesses a small but athletic frame with dark hair and eyes but a cool complexion. Their hair is secured into a knot but many strands have broken loose. Despite their effeminate face, they wear sporty, masculine clothing which mixes Eluzian and Yaxiyan styles. The second is stout and burly with a ready smile and his face is rounded with ruddy cheeks. Most unusual, to Tia and the others, is his unfamiliar hairstyle. Portions of his scalp are shaved, leaving the remaining hair long and braided. He wears an equally unfamiliar outfit -a sleeveless deel modified for warmer climates- which is comprised of one long robe fastened along the shoulder and side and broken up only by his belt.

Let me introduce the remaining members of Unit Z909... Cassius continues

Zhou Longwei Mobile Support & Close-to- Midrange Combatant

Bolorbataar Full Ranged Combatant

Now that you're all together, Cassius chimes as they size each other up I can break down your roles within the unit!

If you can call it that... Ifani grumbles

In each unit, there are at least five combatants and five support. Cassius explains, totally ignoring her comment Generally, there are two Close Combatants, one Aerial Combatant, one Midrange Combatant and one Long Ranged Combatant. The remaining roles are filled out by Enhancement Support, Control Support, Mobile Support or Cavalry, Special Support or Special Combatant and Command Support. You'll learn more about this as you train but do you all follow so far?

Cassius looks to each of them before continuing

Ifani, Tia, Orin and Bolorbataar are primarily combatants, though Longwei is a... budding combatant as well. he explains Thankfully you're only missing another close combatant. Longwei and Albert are your support, mobile and enhancement respectively. We'll fill in the special, control and command supports as we travel. Unfortunately, until then you won't be able to participate in unit sparring sessions. Are there any questions?

Cassius glances at each of them again, finding mostly blank faces, but Orin gestures for his attention.

Is there going to be a… language barrier? Orin asks, looking to Longwei and Bolorbataar

Making assumptions already? Longwei states pointedly and Orin blinks in surprise, Longwei's eyes raking over the group with clear disapproval I'd wondered what kind of stragglers they'd stick us with...

Well, with that... Cassius cuts in, clapping his hands together I will be calling each of you, at some point today or tomorrow, to go over your individual schedules! For now… he separates a number of parchments from each other, passing one to each of them Here are your maps of the compound. I've also marked your lodgings. If you have any other concerns, I'm more than happy to discuss them with you while solidifying your schedule.

Cassius manages to slink away while they look over their parchments. Tia peeks around at their group first, folding up her map and stowing it away into one of her hidden pockets. She is relieved, at the very least, to recognize most members of her unit and is excited even to have someone as impressive as Ifani in their group, even if it was incomplete. Tia readily smiles at Albert as he meets her gaze and he tries to mirror it, concern constricting the expression too tightly as his eyes drift back to Ifani. Tia realizes she must be the friend he had mentioned, regarding Ifani with nervous uncertainty.

So, um… Tia splutters sythetically, her heart pounding as the others all look to her It's nice to-to meet all of you!

Skeptical expressions circulate the group, sans Bolorbataar who retains a sunny expression. Ifani's face darkens with a scowl, facing Tia but still keeping her eyes averted just behind her.

"Nice?" Ifani blusters, orange, wavering lines spilling down her face and radiating heat We all just got shafted into the reject unit!

I-I… Tia stutters, unsure what kind of response is appropriate

It might not matter to someone like you Ifani continues, her words too sharp But I've worked too hard to get this kind of placement!

Hey, now Orin jumps in She's just being polite!

Ifani twists her head and begins gesturing with a chopping motion near her face for several seconds, stimming, and Orin falls silent. A distasteful sourness washes over his expression and his eyes narrow on her. Ifani turns away and paces, counting to herself as she finds her anger swelling too rapidly, the surge unnatural.

You all Ifani blurts, turning and gesturing to all of them Can sit around and hold hands if you want but I don't accept this!

Ifani stomps through the group and disregards all of them, the others dodging out of her way. Albert tries to skitter after her.

Ifan- Albert calls

No! Ifani cuts him off, whipping around I won't "be reasonable" about this!

Ifani sighs and squeezes her eyes shut, her expression softening as she acknowledges his unwavering concern, but still continues up the amphitheater and out of sight. Albert watches her go before returning to the group.

Are you okay? Tia inquires lightly

His nod is faint, worry for his friend dominating his thoughts

Drama aside... Why don't we introduce ourselves? Orin plucks up everyone's attention, his smile widening in Tia's direction Even if some of us already know each other!

Tia's face goes hot but she doesn't acknowledge his attention. Everyone begins exchanging looks to see who would go first. Longwei elbows Bolorbataar and juts a chin to the rest of the group. His face lights up and he offers an enthusiastic smile.

Sain uu! Minii ner- er... I am Bolorbataar (Hello! My name is-) he states carefully, his accent extremely heavy as he rolls out his name But Bolor is also good.

Bolor holds out a hand, palm up, and looks to each of them. They all hesitate, his accent wholly unfamiliar, but Albert musters a smile and Tia follows his example. Albert moves to shake his hand and Bolor grasps his whole forearm. Bolor grins into the gesture and after pulling away, he repeats this with Tia but Orin refuses his offer outright. Despite the man's social warmth, Bolor's magic runs through Tia like a pristine glacial river choked by jagged ice.

Bolor Albert inquires, speaking quickly while Bolor frowns at Orin Can I ask where you're from? I've never heard that kind of name before!

Bolor blunders over Albert's rapid speech, only picking up bits and pieces

Bolor is from Menggu Longwei answers for him, to Bolor's relief You need to slow down, he's still learning Accian.

Menggu! Albert gasps, clasping his hands together in front of his face, and Longwei brings their head back in distasteful astonishment. He grows meek in the face of Longwei's reproachful gaze. Oh, um… I-I'm sorry...

Albert gets really excited Tia tries to explain despite the titter on her lips Hearing about faraway countries!

We aren't novelties for your entertainment! Longwei snaps, also finding themselves oddly irritable

Whoa! Orin is quick to Tia's rescue again No one said you were! Now who's making assumptions?

No, no its okay Tia assures them as Longwei realigns their glare to Orin She's right, I wasn't being considerate.

Tia glances to Longwei to offer an apology but her face drops at the sight of them. Longwei glowers, impossibly livid, their face markedly reddening. Bolor sucks in a breath at the sight.

Ted medekhgui! (They don't know!) Bolor quickly reminds Longwei, triggering the release of a pressured breath

I will only say this once, so listen close you gaggle of benighted toffs. Longwei speaks deliberately with a firm voice I am a boy!

I'm sorry Orin bursts into laughter What?

Longwei closes the distance between them, his eyes severe and stormy as he peers into Orin's, a clear attempt of intimidation despite Orin towering over him. Orin maintains a light, unwavering smile as he readjusts his gloves, making no attempt to stifle his amusement. He leans closer until he is at Longwei's ear.

Does anyone actually believe that? Orin taunts him in a low whisper so that only Longwei can hear him

Longwei's face flashes crimson instantly, ready to explode. In fact, as he exhales, scalding steam pours from his nostrils forcing Orin back. Security staff peer down at them from the wall above, alerted.

Longwei! Bolor calls out to him Zogsoo, zodoldokhgui! Dakhij bolokhgui! (Stop, no fighting! Not again!)

Longwei releases the rest of his breath all at once, directing scalding steam into an empty corner of the amphitheater, but his steely gaze remains on Orin. As the vapors clear, the whole of his face is dyed slate blue but this fades rapidly. He holds Orin's eyes for another moment before spinning on his heels, rejoining Bolor.

Fine. Longwei grates. Bolor claps him on the back and his amicable smile returns as they both turn to leave. Longwei pauses to glance at Orin again, his demeanor terse and ruthless Don't expect my "support"

Bayartai, see later! (Bye) Bolor calls out to them, oblivious to Longwei's comment

At least... Albert's voice is fleecy Bolor seems amiable?

Not the little one, though Orin snickers She's like a tiny teakettle!

Albert immediately scowls at Orin, laughing at his own disrespectful joke

That was dramatic Duff comments and Tia hums in agreement. Albert's eyes widen at her, seemingly agreeing with Orin.

That's not funny! Albert insists, firm and irritated, catching Orin off guard and stirring Tia from distraction I thought you were different. I see I was wrong! he mutters to Tia, disappointment hanging in his eyes, before taking his leave as well

Wait Tia gasps What happened?

Man, this unit is a mess! Orin exclaims with a popping tone So angry and sensitive.

I keep saying all the wrong things... Tia mumbles, a bit lost watching Albert storm off. When she turns, she realizes its just the two of them left.

Ehhhh Orin shrugs, offering her a sympathetic look You were trying to be nice. Not your fault they take everything the wrong way!

Tia is tongue tied again, eyes skimming the empty arena and shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot under his gaze.

Well, no point in standing around here! Orin chuckles Why don't we check out the common area?

That sounds great! blurts with a nervous laugh, her breath pressured by relief, and they start ascending the steps

As they walk, Tia can feel her pulse quicken and places a hand over her chest. Her eyes slide to Orin again -to his beguiling smile and piercing, arctic eyes- and her face swelters with a prompt blush.

I'll admit Orin sounds, breaking the silence I'm not too sure about the others but it was a pleasant surprise to see you again. Tia Minx.

There is a subtle lift at the edges of his lips and his eyes hold hers, attentive. Tia finds it difficult to look away and her expression cycles swiftly from surprise to embarrassment. He cushions this with a bright laugh, Tia's heart fluttering further with the sound.

Relax, relax! Orin chimes, throwing up his hands Some people get weird about these kinds of things but I know we're both more than our family names.

I think... Tia muses, blinking hard but smiling You're the only person besides my father to say something like that! she falls silent, considering his words We… are you also…?

Yes Orin sighs before speaking more dramatically Though I am but a middle child of a lowly baron! Tia chuckles at his theatrics, both of them finally emerging from the amphitheatre Honestly, I'm astonished we've been placed into such a messy unit.

It's not too bad Tia shrugs Albert is really smart and Ifani is crazy strong!

Ifani… Orin sighs and winces Crazy strong but also crazy unpredictable. Its best to be careful with her—she can be dangerous!

Dangerous? Tia echoes, taken aback She can't be that bad!

Orin shrugs into her surprise just before they arrive at the common area, the exact center of the compound. Tia and Orin are flanked by two buildings which vent out steam as they take in their surroundings. An open plaza spreads before them resembling a massive park or garden and littered with various patios, benches and niches populated by their peers. Firepits blaze in different sections and recruits congregate about them like moths. A raised stage sits in the center where more musically inclined recruits practice and perform there, adding to the casual atmosphere. The plaza is open on the north and east sides. The west is lined by a massive building labeled "mess hall" and the south opens up into what seems like a bazaar or market. Tia feels this place was more of an actual city than a simple compound.

But I guess I can't complain too much. Orin pipes up as they arrive, Tia standing between him and the plaza as he stops I get to see more of you after all!

He peers into her eyes with an unexpected intensity, fidgeting with his gloves. Tia feels her heart racing as their eyes remain locked together, Tia offering her own sunny smile despite her nerves. Then his eyes glide past her and he seems to recognize someone.

I'll see you around then! Orin announces and departs abruptly.

Tia watches as he walks past her and offers a small wave to those waiting for him. He approaches Leon, Andrea and another boy, seated in a small alcove. Andrea gives Tia a cold glance before she greets Orin.

I'm not sure about that one... Duff chimes in as she wanders into the plaza

Which one? Tia replies, earning a barking laugh from her cryptic partner

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