2 Chapter 2: Noah

169th year of Earth Federation, in 2401 stagnated war between orcs and humans took a different direction when elfs and orcs joined their forces to defend their territory. Humans became their common enemy. They started to see humans as demons from different world. They called them Outsiders and the war against outsiders became their only life goal. This war lasted almost 3 decades when 70% of human population in died in it. When it looked like they would have to give up this planet, elfs retreated to their central plain which caused a big gap in the military of natives. Espers association took this chance as granted and destroyed 5 tribes of orcs in one swipe. Although many soldiers lost their life, this battle sowed the seed for undeclared peace between humans and natives. After the war Earth Federation compensated families of lost lives by giving rights of lands and job in the government. And those children who became orphans they were sent to orphanages for nurture future espers and soldiers.

After seventeen years of war, today is the new recruitment day for new esp-soldiers for E.A.I.M.T. Every children of age 18 have come to participate in this program which became mandatory.

In the crowd of thousands of participants a dark haired boy can be seen. His name is Noah. After losing his parents in the war he lived his 18 years of life in orphanage. But due to his weak constitution he did not have a good childhood. Although it was hard for him, it made him more mature than others of his age.

In the stadium of E.A.I.M.T rows of participants can be seen with various figure chattering between them about upcoming event. Some looks tense while some confident and excited about unknown abilities they would gain today. In between them there is a boy with glasses in old red t-shirt and blue jeans. If anyone takes a closer look they can find some holes in faded red t-shirt.

Because of his weak constitution his development stagnated. Whereas other male students have a strong muscular figures of average 180 cm build, Noah is 160 cm tall which have made him a look tiny in front of others.

"Hey! Pipsqueak, are you sure you are not in wrong place? Hahaha!", a boy behind Noah with long golden hair and tall figure asked him and started laughing.

Noah ignored him because it is a waste to be angry with someone who have fun insulting other's deficiency. It became normal for him to be made fun of so he gained patience to control his anger. Although this attitude caused problems some times and he was also beaten badly, he could not find a good reason to give them any attention.

"Rody! Don't cause trouble for others.", a girl from behind protested, "I am sorry sir! My brother behaves like child sometimes. On his behalf I am saying sorry. Please forgive him!"

"hey it was just a joke. Why are you taking it so seriously, sis?"

The girl looked almost alike the boy. If it was not for her feminine figure and sweet voice, it would have been hard to distinguish her from her brother. Her long golden hair has been touching her shoulder and a pair of dimple on her cheeks that made her more charming.

The twins started to bicker over the topic which attracted a lot of attention from other students. Some of the seniors also noticed them arguing but did interfere. But disgust was evident on their face. Noah also started to feel little uncomfortable around so many gazes focus on them. Even if you are more mature from your age, it is still irritating to garner unnecessary attention.

"It is fine, miss. But thank you for standing out for me."

After thinking for a bit Noah decided to intervene. Truthfully he was too tired to listen to the end of their argument. And also these unnecessary attention of seniors can affect negatively on his future progress. So he thought it is better to stop it here than to take it to another scale like every cliche.

"Oh! Sorry! I almost forgot about y.....I mean I forgot to introduce myself. I am Evelyn and this is my brother Rhode. It's nice to meet you."

Evelyn stepped up for a handshake.

Noah also move forward and shook hand. Now he is close to the girl so he noticed that he was actually 1or 2 cm shorter than her.

'It is not wrong for her brother to call him pipsqueak. I am really shorter than that guy's sister', Noah thought in his mind and turned his head toward the boy to observe his reaction. But...

"hmmm...."

The golden ape turned his head around to show its attitude like a baby who just lost his portion of candy in argument.

'As expected of a spoiled kid', Noah thought. Evelyn also noticed it and her brows furrowed. Then she put her hands behind around her waist and give off a lovely but creepy smile; enough to cause both Noah and Rodhe shiver through their spines and asked politely, "Rhode, I think you should shake hands with our new friend. Didn't I tell you it is rude to ignore a good will of friendship?"

Noah started to doubt his decision to take initiative to interfere their matters. He might have heard sound of knuckle cracking from somewhere which really freaked the boy out.

This time Rhode did not show any arrogance and hurriedly shook unwilling Noah's hand enthusiastically. There could be seen beads of sweat form around his forehead.

'What a troublesome pair!'

"So which district are you from, brother? We are from district 13 by the way."

"You should also give him our address and key!", Rhode said in a mocking tone.

"You are acting very friendly today. Aren't you, my sweet brother?"

Rhode gulped and turned his around to hide his sweaty face.

Noah could not understand that he should laugh or cry from this brother and sister's interactions. He pinned this troublesome beauty in yellow mark behind his head.

"So, which district are you from?"

Although Mythos is only settlement in Pangea for humans but by no means they are low in numbers. Even after so many life lost in last war, Mythos population still close to a million. And the city is divided in 15 districts for efficient defence and attacking strategies of the city. Central district is the head quarter of Mythos where Earth federation and Esper society main building resides. From 1st to 5th district are all military bases where only 1st base is used for academic programs to train future soldiers and espers. Where as district 6,7,8 are full of business and production departments and 9th and 10th districts are known as noble's district for being residency area for all high rank officers and high level espers. And last four districts are for low class soldiers or normal civilians.

Although no district is neglected, the atmosphere difference between civilian districts and others has became so transparent that it became the best crime area or black market zone for its lack of proper security measures. 11 and 12th district still upholds law of city but other two is the nest of criminals. Kidnapping, murder, r*pe has became part of their daily lives. Thus being resident of 13th district was enough for Noah to understand that how much rough childhood they had to go through. But that does not mean they could be trusted. It only amplifies their dangerous level for Noah.

"Oh! I am from district 12, sister."

"Oh that's great then! We can be friends then. You see me and my brother are very excited to have new friends in academy. And you are also from civilian district. It is like fate just want us to be friends."

"Sis, count me out of this." ,Rhode tried to protest but Evelyn ignored him. She beamed at Noah excitedly like she would not take no for an answer. In pressure he gave up the idea of rejecting her.

"Y-Yes! But-"

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Before he could finish his word bells started to ring all over the stadium. When the empty platform filled with chairs and table appeared, Noah did not notice. A lean silhouette can be seen coming up on the platform in lab coat and a cart is being driven in one hand and files on another. He put down the file on the table in stadium and behind him came another two people.

One person is in his middle age of 40s and another one is a female in her 30s. The man is in a casual wear and started to walk toward a seat while stroking his long mutton chop styled red-beard. He is giving of a feeling of authority towards everyone in the stadium.

On the other hand the lady went towards the first person who came with the cart and started to give him some instruction. Then she also sat one of the seats on the platform. It is very obvious that these two are researcher of the academy and the middle age man is an officer from military. Every year it is mandatory for military and academy to send someone to represent them as judge in the entrance exam.

The 1st man approached the microphone and started his speech with a sincere smile.

"H-hello, testing 1-2-3 hello! Well, looks like everything is fine. Then let's start the program. Shall we?"

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