Chapter 3: Tests, Analytics, and Feelings
Narrated by John
As we came close, the gray building turned out to be a very high wall. Two huge gates faced us, and a sign over them read, Stronghold Institute of Benders. The gates opened, and revealed three huge buildings, which looked like they'd been brought straight from the future. Neon lights lined a good part of them, glowing even in midday. Huge screens all around the campus showed ads, events, and many more things. If this was school, I wouldn't wanna go home.
All of us were awe-struck at the sight, and then a man called out to us, and motioned for us to follow him. We went inside the middle building, and entered a large hall. A middle-aged man with sandy brown hair, and a graying beard grinned, and said,"Welcome to the Bender Institute! I'm the chairman, but please consider me as a friend! I go by the name of Claysher!"
He looked at each of us, and said,"This year's batch looks very energetic! Are you ready for your ultimate quest of becoming a Bender Elite?"
"YES!"
"Very good! That energy is very important. It will surely help you someday, it will. Now, let's get to why we gathered here. So, you all wanted to become Benders? But becoming a Bender is not as easy as it looks. First, we'll conduct five tests to see how good your abilities are. The five core abilities of a Bender are raw strength, speed, focus, energy control, and durability. Each of these matter equally for a Bender. Depending how your abilities are, we'll group you into three classes, Class A, Class B, and Class C. The very best Benders go to Class A, where their skills are even more improved. Class B contains the mid-level Benders, who have some good skills, and some bad ones. Class C will contain those who need the most improvement. Believe me, all these classes are important in a way. After you're grouped into classes, we'll again divide you into groups of five, and assign a separate teacher to teach you everything about Bending. We know that every student has a different learning pace and method, so we analyse your abilities and your pace, and assign a suitable teacher for you. Anyways, I won't waste your time anymore. You'll be called for your tests soon. You can explore the campus, or take a breather. Happy Learning! See you all soon!"
He went out, and we dispersed too. As I walked out with Alex, I felt someone grab my collar from behind. Gordon whispered into my ear,"You think you got rid of me by that stunt you did there? Oh, you didn't. Keep note of this, punk. You'll pay dearly for what you've done to me."
He released my collar, and limped away. Looked like he still hadn't recovered from that attack.
I and Alex sat down on a bench in one of the campus gardens. We could see many people relaxing in the ground, but we didn't see anyone showing off their skills, which I felt was unusual, since the school was made for developing these skills.
"So," Alex asked,"How'd ya like the school?"
"It's good"
"Of course. You got such a good entrance"
"Entrance?"
"Yeah. Bullying the bully."
"So?"
"You even got the girl, dude!"
"Girl?"
"Yeah! The one you saved!"
"I did save her. But not because I liked her. Only because I hate bullies."
"Of course you do. You were ruthlessly bullied when you first joined primary school."
"That's why."
Suddenly, something dropped in the grass behind us. We turned back, to see that girl that I saved, and something like a silver chain on the ground. She quickly got up, and walked away, without saying anything.
Alex said,"I think she overheard us. Specifically, you not liking her."
"So?"
"She's probably heart-broken after listening to that."
"Why?"
"You didn't notice it, did you? She's got things for you!"
"Things? As in feelings?"
"Bingo!"
I sighed,"It hasn't even been a proper hour since we met, and she's already got 'feelings'? Talk of a joke."
Alex laughed,"We'll see."
I bent and picked up the silver chain. It was more like a bracelet, the girl must have dropped it. I slid the bracelet into my pocket, as we saw people gathering in front of the middle building.
It was time for the tests.
We were arranged in three queues, and each line went to a respective building.
As our line went inside, we were stopped in front of a door, and a man there said,"Please enter this room one-by-one"
We were in front parts of the line, so it didn't take much time for our turns, and soon, the door opened for me.
I went in, and entered a room, with a giant cube in the middle. A man came to me, and said,"This will test your strength. Punch this block of metal as hard as you can."
I looked at the block. It looked sturdy. I could probably put a good dent in it. But the results would show if I could or not, so, I readied my punch.
A full force punch connected to the metal, and a spike of pain flared up my arm. How was it so hard? Not even a small dent!
The man jotted something down in his clipboard, and said,"Alright, go to the next room"
The door opened, and I arrived inside a small tunnel.
A voice said,"To complete this test, get to the other end of the tunnel as fast as you can."
Piece of cake for me. The tunnel had a lot of twists and turns, but I got out quickly. The voice then said,"Okay, go for the next test."
The next room was dimly lit, and a man stood there. He was wearing a t-shirt with a duck on it. He said,"Focus on the duck. Only the duck."
I looked at it, and then voices started erupting in my ears. I felt the urge to listen, but stopped myself. The man's face started distorting, but I kept looking at the duck. Suddenly, the world snapped back to normal, and the man said,"Thank you. Go to the next room"
Another man in the next room. He said,"Show me your hand."
I showed him my hand, and he grabbed my wrist and placed two fingers on it, as if he was counting my pulse. He then said,"Very well. Continue to the last test."
The door opened and a man motioned for me to come to him. As I came, he tapped a finger to my chest, and sent me flying across the room!
He said,"Thank you for attending this test. You'll get your results in your cell phone, along with an ID Card. You'll find many printers in the school. Print your ID Card from there."
I went out, and went back to the park, and sat on a bench. My phone beeped, and I got a picture with a photo of me, and some details. My ID Card.
Another message contained my results. It read:
Name : John Will
Stats:
Strength:C
Speed:A
Focus:A
Energy Control:A
Durability:C
Class : B
Teacher to report to : Oliver Benji
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