Chapter 1 - The [fracture]

How many times do I have to listen to this? Doesn't everyone know already? I wish the time of the ceremony would come faster in order for me to finally become an [Enlightened] and start making real money. 

"Class, can anyone tell me what the [melody] is?"

As he scans his surroundings, the professor can't help but allow the enchanting, golden-haired girl sitting in the front row to answer his question. 

'Of course, it's Sylvia, It's always Sylvia.'

Sylvia FullCastle, daughter of Selena FullCastle. A 3rd stage Enlightened allegedly nearing the 4th stage. As far as nobles go, she stands far above them all. It becomes even more awe-inspiring when you are aware that her grandfather is one of the few singular entities to have reached the 4th stage. I wonder sometimes if the professor thinks he scores points with her family every time Sylvia gets to speak. 

"Thank you for this opportunity to share my knowledge" She clears her throat and begins her explanation. 

"As all of you know I'm sure, the [melody] is something that exists within all of us, no matter your heritage, way of life, culture or appearance, everyone possesses it. Every year, during the autumnal equinox, [it] seeps out of the [fracture] and awakens our [melody]. This phenomenon occurs for every human who is 18 years of age, and it is at this exact moment that one enters the 1st stage of acceptance. The 1st stage consists of being able to hear and comprehend your own [melody]. Every single [melody] is unique, some might bear a bit of resemblance, but ultimately there exists no two [melodies] which are the exact same. Thus, this means that every ability is unique to a certain extent." 

Obviously, she doesn't mention the 2nd , 3rd , and 4th stages of acceptance, as only the elite can reach those levels. Except for the 4th stage, information is not tightly guarded. There is quite literally just no need to re-iterate this part to riff-raff like most of us. In fact, the majority of people in this class will not even reach [enlightenment]. At the end of the day, it's all about power and connections. She, with the aid of her family, might reach the 3rd stage in her lifetime, maybe even the 4th if she's talented. Meanwhile, should I attain [enlightenment], I would be surprised if I can surpass the barrier between the 1st and 2nd stages.

That doesn't mean I'll let her off this easy though. 

"What about the other stages," I ask. 

".... Right, you're right, I should explain that too. The 2nd stage consists of learning to manipulate the flow of the melody within you to quantitatively and qualitatively affect the usage of your abilities, this is already considered the realm of the talented. After the 2nd stage, however, only a select few can advance in the path of acceptance. The 3rd stage consists of learning the title of your [melody]. This is a bit more abstract and difficult to understand, but learning its name allows one to understand the essence of their [melody] and thus the essence of their being. Even I'm not fully sure what that means. As for the 4th stage, that information is closely guarded, hence, I can't say even if I knew."

She seems uncomfortable answering this question, not that I especially care. 

"Thank you for this masterful explanation, Ms. FullCastle, now let us proceed to the ritual area, the time of the [fracture] is nearing and I'm sure you're all excited to know what your [melody] is"

He picks up his teaching material and leads us outside where the [fracture] ritual is being held. 

The ritual place is nothing special. The only stipulation for an adequate space during the [fracture] is to be in an open-air area filled with life which can come in the form of other people, wildlife or plant life. This results in some going to the forest for their ceremony. I've also heard that the sea works quite well too, it is the birthplace of all life after all. The reason for this condition is that the [melody] is essentially the essence of life itself. Having life surround you eases the process of understanding it, or so they say. 

Hours pass and with all of us sitting down in the lotus position. What Ms. FullCastle forgot to mention is that comprehending your melody isn't as easy as it sounds. Don't you think that if everyone gained supernatural abilities the world would be in chaos? Why would we call those who have such abilities [Enlightened] if it was that easy? You only get one opportunity to succeed, and that's when [it] seeps out and when you're 18 years old. From the time the [fracture] occurs, which is noon, and [it] starts speaking to you, you have exactly 12 hours to understand the [melody] within you and manifest an ability. Those who fail to do this, can never become [Enlightened]. Thanks to prior guidance and practice, this is not a problem for those coming from established enlightened families or those with a lot of money. However, this is a problem for a bum like me who's rent is always payed between a day and a week after the deadline

Several more hours pass and some rise from the lotus position. Different reactions are heard. 

"I see..." 

"Not a combat ability..." 

"YESSSSSSSS!!!! IM GOING TO BE F***ING RICH!!!" 

There are few who demonstrate their accomplishment with actions Instead. A fireball here, a sonic boom there, a flash of light, you name it.

I'm still in the lotus position. I genuinely can't hear or perceive anything. I've been sitting with my eyes closed pretending to be trying to understand my [melody]. This must be a nightmare, right? There are about 2 hours left and I can't hear anything, NOTHING. Usually, people hear something, even if they can't make out a meaning within the allotted timeframe, they hear SOMETHING. Why can't I hear anything?

1 more hour elapses and it looks like [it] has a personal vendetta against me because it is still giving me the silent treatment. After another 30 minutes passes, I finally hear something. 

"Hello, can you hear meee?" It asks, sounding like my friend Ronnie did when I would fall asleep in class. 

"Uh, yes?" I answer 

"Finally! You're a bit dull, you know that? I've been trying to reach you for a while now." 

"...Are you.... [it]?' 

"Why do you all call me that, my name is [█████]" 

What did [it] just say? My head hurts just trying to understand that name. Attempting to ignore that incomprehensible series of sounds, I ask a question.

"Since I can hear you, does this mean I'll get a feel for my [melody] now?" 

"Yeah, about that, you don't actually have a [melody]!" 

"WHAT!!? I thought everyone had one!! That we are all born equal or whatever!!" 

I can barely contain my astonishment at those words.

"Relax, I said that you don't have one, not that you can't have one" 

"So...? What is that supposed to mean" 

I am beyond confused at this point. 

"What else? You're a composer not a listener! You need to make your own melody boy!"