Chapter VII: Jaya
The empire consisted of many academies, but few were located on Atlan itself. The majority of them were stationed on Jaya, and the most prestigious of them all was the Vania Academy of the Realm Arts.
On the display, they could see students bustling around the area. The students' uniforms differed depending on which school within the academy they attended.
Students specializing in the thought realm wore navy blue attire consisting of knee-length blazers with the academy's insignia on the left chest area, navy blue pants, and a white buttoned shirt.
This was a similar design for the other students. The only exception was that the students specializing in the physical realms wore dark green, the light realm students wore white, and the void realm students wore black.
As one of the elite academies in the empire, the Vania Academy possessed the greatest masters of the four realms: light, thought, physical, and void. Here, they instructed and nurtured the students' conscionic abilities to bolster the ranks of the empire.
They taught the students how to apply their abilities in naval combat, ground troop deployments with the assistance of interplanetary portals, and intelligence.
In Atlan society, the ability to manipulate the realms is a staple that determines a person's social status. Failing to become a proficient realm user in any of the four realms greatly depreciates an individual's value, so it is very important for aspiring students to enter and leave the academy as a tier one realm user within their respective field.
"Father, can you get a closer look?" Jidan asked as he peered in at the lively campus, almost losing his grip on the handle of his chair.
"This is as far as it will allow, but here lies the largest and most prestigious military and fleet academy in the empire.
This specific location was chosen due to the rigid and hostile environment of the planet, and the fact that the majority of ship manufacturing takes place here. A dual application that serves us well," Derrius explained.
"When I'm older, I'm going to attend the Atlan academies and join the armada, just like you did," Jidan said.
Emperor Derrius Chamba unknowingly frowned at his son's statement. Jidan, apparently noticing this and possibly thinking he had displeased his father, muttered solemnly.
"What is it, father?" he asked.
The emperor sighed, knowing that the boy's words were innocent and naive, as all young boys aspired to be like their fathers. However, he couldn't help but think of the number of lives lost unnecessarily in a war that shouldn't even have to be fought in the first place.
A war in which he participated, not because of greed or a desire to conquer, but because of his duty and determination to reunify his fractured people. A people that was nearly brought to the brink of extinction a thousand years ago.
He felt that more than anything, a unified humanity could keep the enemies outside the pocket galaxy at bay.
The room grew quiet as little Jidan waited in anticipation of a reprimand from his father, but to his surprise, his father changed the subject.
"How old are you now, son?" Derrius asked, breaking the silence.
Jidan perked up slightly after seeing that his father was not as upset with him as he thought, and the fact that his birthday was soon approaching made it even easier to switch the topic.
"I'm nine, father. You know this already, and I'll be ten in just a couple of days," Jidan said eagerly.
The emperor smiled at the return of his son's excitement and eagerness to speak.
'If only men could forget as easily as a child.' he thought.
"Ah yes, you are quite the little man now, aren't you?" he said, admiring how well the boy had grown.
"Well, I'll have you know, son, I am against you going off to Jaya with the intent to join the navy, as I did. Back then, it was a necessity, as the war against the rebels and opposing factions was at its peak. But now, tensions have cooled, so it is not necessary for your education to be solely focused on warfare."
He could see the child's objections dancing on his face, and as a father who knew his child well, he raised a finger before the little one could interrupt.
"Child, we are living in times of great distress in the empire, now more so than ever. We do not need more soldiers like me, for we lack none in that department. What we need are leaders who can unite the masses, those who can lead not by the way of destruction, but by those who can gather the hearts of many and embrace our differences. Do you understand?" The emperor said, thinking about the ways the Atlan society treated its people and discarded those they deemed unworthy.
'Changing a culture from the inside out is far harder than declaring war,' he thought, wishing he could alter the course of the empire's culture.
"But...but father, I will be a strong Pyron like you, a formidable force of nature on the battlefield!" Jidan emphasized, acting out fantastical pyronic attack styles, pretending to kick and punch invisible opponents as he imagined flames coalescing around his body.
Derrius grinned.
"That may be true, and perhaps you may even be a stronger Pyron than I, but do not let these abilities of ours dictate the course of your life. Besides, your chances of being a Pyron are about 50/50, as your mother was a mind melder. If you inherit her abilities, you would be of no use on a battlefield."
Jidan was at a loss for words and found difficulty in thinking of a rebuttal to his father's reasoning. However, as if a bulb lit in his imagination, he found his answer.
"Then I'll manipulate everyone's minds as I shoot down my enemies!" Jidan explained, mimicking a mind melder's ability and now pretending to hypnotize his imaginary opponents.
The emperor's regal air and fatherly poise vanished as he bellowed in laughter at his son's antics.
'What should I have expected from a nine-year-old?' he thought, gingerly.
"Hahaha. Very well, you seem to have your mind made up. That is a good quality for a great leader," Derrius said, appreciating his son's stubbornness.
At the same time, he also realized that it would be best to aim that stubbornness in the right direction.
"Son, over the millennia since our isolation, we have forgotten who our true enemies are. And no, it is not the rebels, or the other imperial houses, or any of our kin. It is those who lay beyond our borders. It is those who wish our species extinction. The need to not fight each other is not just a desire of mine, it is a necessity for our species' survival. What we need now is not warriors. What we need are people with keen minds that understand the greater good and a need to unite us all."
Jidan seemingly understood the meaning behind his father's words and ceased all protest.
"I understand, father," Jidan said, pouting and accepting his defeat.
Derrius, observing his son's expressions, couldn't help but feel proud at how quickly the child grasped his intent.
'Well, after all, this is what is expected from a child of royal upbringing,' he thought to himself.
A whistling hum began to sound from the library chamber's comm systems, indicating that someone was outside the door.
"You may enter," Derrius said, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitor at such a late hour.
The doors slid open, revealing Azrael, one of the Emperor's most trusted advisors and aides. Azrael hurried into the room and bowed briefly, as was customary in the presence of the Emperor.
"For Ashar's sake, Aza, drop the act and spit it out!" Derrius said, annoyed by the sudden interruption.
"Emperor, it is urgent!" Azrael panted, clearly having rushed to this section of the palace.
"The rebel factions of the four outer worlds have allied themselves and are forming a new government. And, on top of that, our sensors are detecting a fleet of 20 vessels heading towards Jaya!" he said frantically.
"This is not good. The four outer worlds were independent up until now, making our future plans of reconquering those planets easier. This alliance just complicates things," Derrius said, sensing the implications this rebel alliance could have for the empire.
"Jidan, gather your things. You're coming with me," he ordered, as he and Azrael rushed out of the library chambers with Jidan in tow.
"Father, what is happening?" Jidan asked, completely taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
"We don't know yet, but it's not going to be good. We need to go to the council room and find out more," Derrius said, his voice laced with concern.
"But father the map." Jidan said, trying to keep up with the fast pace of his father and Azrael.
"Son, right now, the safety and security of the empire comes first," Derrius said firmly.
As they rushed through the corridors of the palace, Derrius couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. He knew that this was a turning point for the empire and whatever the outcome, it would change the course of their future forever.