Chapter 3: Unexpectedly Expected
The three made it back to the roadway leading to their town on the hill, the Siakwa capital of crystal flowers and lagoons, Nion.
At the entrance, they went under the large 'Mabuhay' sign, welcoming anyone that enters and bidding goodbye to anyone that leaves. Maybe half the reason why some limaos were able to visit.
"Hurry, that wagon's about to leave." Lux yelled at his pals and together, they rushed into the back of the now moving vehicle.
After great leaps, the three were side by side, sitting at the planks with their feet hanging above the ground. Lux took hold of a wooden bar and by the time, he saw Jesse smashing his fist into his palm, pressing with determination.
"You know, we could've beaten up that limao if I was wearing a pulselet. That monster's gonna burn to the ground."
"Yeah, but last time I checked, only Lux would be able to gain the early license." Matthias stated and Lux heard, but he instead gazed at the fields.
On the other hand, Jesse expressed his complaints. "Screw the system. Only giving three provisional licenses per school wouldn't make a difference in the continent."
Lux thought of replying to his friend, but Matt took the words out of his mind.
"Why? Does making it ten gives you a chance to obtain one this year."
"No." Jesse realized.
"But what do you think Lux? Do I have a chance of getting a pulselet anytime soon?"
Without needing to think, the facts aligned in Lux's head and spoke of them instantly.
"Well, only three are given every year and I think the spots are already taken. Plus, I'd say it would take an average person about 5 years before finishing up a course and getting a pulselet, so not very soon." But after realizing how both of his friends felt, he quickly tried to make up for it with a praise.
"But, you know, you guys shouldn't worry about the ratings we'll be given. We're better being the way we are, not unlike those grade hogs." He added.
Matthias suddenly sighed.
"You're only saying that because you're at the top, but at least you're not a grade hog. "
This time, it was Lux who felt down, but he knew it was coming after the things he said. He just wished he could've said it better. So he returned being quiet, and lend his ears to his buddies.
"Now Pyro, I heard that guy swallowed a book once during his childhood."
"Yeah that dude's desperate for the scholarship. His father is in a very high position in the Alliance. Some even say that his dad invented ways to 'cheat' the system. If that doesn't prove the 'like father like son' thing then I don't know what would." Jesse told them.
'Yep, too bad the scholarship's only for the highest spot. Though I wish it wasn't.' Lux told himself.
At this point, they went past the town market and the town preschool. A few blocks left and they would reach the Nion Continental High School.
Running out for subjects to talk about, Matthias quickly laid down one. "I wonder what color your wisp would be, and if its summoning program would be grander than last year." Matt curiously asked.
Lux thought of avoiding any topic relating to him, but his mouth was thinking differently.
"I think that's obvious. Remember back on eight grade, they taught us that each continent is subjected to a wisp color. Since we're in Siakwa, it's supposed to be cyan."
Jesse suddenly wondered and remembered.
"Wow, cyan fire, like your future brother-in-law, Garcion."
At first, Lux thought his friend was teasing, but he soon find out Jesse's admiration for the magical being, the wisp.
"That would be amazing, harnessing a certain color of heat and fire and feeling its power coursing through your veins, except if you're a luminescent, no color, just plain light."
"Lucky us, only girls get to be luminescents." Matt remarked.
'Lucky you guys.'
Lux thought. He always wanted to feel the same excitement his friends feel towards the wisps, but deep down, he was clueless to how incredible having power means. Despite seeing and hearing about them his entire life, he never felt the desire of obtaining control.
Eventually, the wagon made it at the front gate. As they were jumping off, a student restlessly shouted.
"The schoolmaster's about to announce the results!"
"Looks like we're not so late after all." Jesse said as they rushed into the school quadrangle.
"Man, can't wait to hear the results." Matthias exclaimed after they stood in the middle together with the partially condensed crowd.
Though he was getting nervous, Lux restrained himself from making an expression.
Then, a loud sound circulated the quadrangle. Immediately after hearing the megaphone ringing from the top ceiling, the whole school went silent. A jolly tone echoed through the halls, followed by the heart-pounding voice of a gentleman.
"Good morning students, I am your schoolmaster Voté and I will be announcing the results of the outstanding performances over the course of this year's final exams. Please note that the arrangement of recognition is based on ranking, the first one being the lowest."
"Top 10's good enough, top 10's good enough." Matt was now whispering under his breath.
"Ready to hear your name last, champ?" Jesse tried to sound as nervous, but not a hint was seen on his face.
"Yeah, sure." Lux answered coldly. Uncomfortable of the impending revelation, he excused himself.
"I'll be right back."
He squeezed through the crowd and exited towards the restrooms.
Complete with his business, Lux was now washing his hands when he overheard a conversation. It was over the wall. Suggesting by the tone, these two boys whose faces are yet to be seen intend to keep their little chat a secret.
"You mean you're sure you'll get the scholarship?"
"Keep your voice down, and yes. I did my little tricks on schoolmaster Law." The huskier voice replied.
Lux refrained himself from eavesdropping, but he felt that the secrecy and privacy was exactly for him, against him that is.
"But the practicals-"
"I'm not talking about the practical exams." The young man said, mildly annoyed.
"The written exams were what I was after." He continued.
Confused, Lux kept on listening.
"So, you did your 'pew pew' mind tricks when nobody was looking?"
"Shhh."
The voices paused.
"Come on, let's see, they're about to announce it."
Loud steps now drifted away from the restroom.
Lux wriggled his hands and stared at the bathroom mirror.
'Did they... No, but if they did, that would mean...'
Lux hurriedly headed back to the quadrangle. On his way, the people were swarming for the gates. Though confused of where everyone's going and of what caused the megaphone to stop, Lux still tried to squirm in between their arms to find out what's going on.
Finally, he reached his friends, who were surprisingly withdrawn and unresponsive.
"The broadcast's over?" Lux asked.
Matthias approached him and placed his hand on Lux's shoulder.
"Lux, I don't know what to say."
Lux watched Jesse followed. For his jolliest friend, he was looking so gloomy.
"Yeah we're sorry..."
The young man was then frozen, standing in disbelief.
'So it is true.' He thought.
'But how? 'He wondered.
Suddenly, he was caught off guard when his two friends changed their expressions.
"-sorry for every student you've beaten at this school. Congrats dude, you did it!" Jesse exclaimed.
"No, really? No kidding?" Lux didn't know how to react. He was still bewildered.
"Yeah, of course no kidding. Why? What made you think you're going to be 2nd? As if that's possible." Matt gave him a little nudge.
"Shame though, you missed it.
Luxius Rey Moreno, Practical exams, 1st! Written exams 1st!" Jesse made an effort to recreate the announcement.
"They only mentioned the top 10 this year." Lux heard Matthias faintly. His pals continued to chat when his attention was caught by a sight. It was a student he had never talked to before, it was Pyro. Lawrence Pyro.
He watched Lawrence, upset at his friend, shouting and stomping, probably having an outburst.
"You okay bro?" Jesse pulled Lux back to the conversation.
"Of course, I'm great. Thanks I appreciate it." But he shifted his eyes back at the student, who was now angrily thrusting his hand backwards.
With one sharp blow, his fist violently hit the wall. After a moment, he leaned back and faced towards Lux.
Their eyes suddenly made contact.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone