Chapter 5: The Assessment and the Academy
The man guided Damien to the Assessment Chamber. The Chamber didn't look all that special, it was just a room with square grey tiles, a weapons rack, and some machines in it. A grizzly-looking man was waiting for them.
He introduced himself as Chris, a Tier 4 Enhancer and the one who would overlook Damien's test.
"The test is divided into three parts. Strength test, reaction speed, and actual combat. I know that you are young but that doesn't mean that I'll go any easier on you. Do you have any questions regarding the test?"
"How can these tests accurately determine if a person has reached Tier 1? What if a person is a speed-type Enhancer and isn't strong enough?"
Chris looked at Damien with surprise. He did not think that a child could think of this. He answered, "When a person becomes a Tier 1 Awakened, they go through some changes. They are different for every type, the Enhancers for example reach the limits of ordinary humans and surpass them in one or multiple aspects.
We test if they have reached the ordinary human limits for this test. Even a speed type Enhancer's strength would be able to lift about 1 tonne in kg if they gave their all."
Chris handed Damien a uniform to change into and began the first test, the strength test. Damien did a bunch of exercises, lifted weights, etc. Then he rested for a little while before beginning the second test. He had to dodge rubber bullets and play some high-intensity whack-a-mole and dance dance revolution. He was surprised at how the WAA had turned these popular games into tests for the Awakened.
Finally, it was time for the third test. Honestly, Chris was surprised at how well Damien had done in the two tests. He hoped that the kid had some combat experience. He looked at Damien and pointed at the weapon rack that was filled with a number of different weapons.
"Choose a weapon. You can also choose gloves if you want to fight barehandedly." Damien naturally wanted to choose a spear, but all of them were too big for him so he had no choice left except for the gloves.
He looked for the smallest gloves that were available but they were still too big for him. He helplessly put them on but to his surprise, they quickly shrunk until they were perfect for him.
Chris was a defence-type Enhancer. He wore suppressors that suppressed his prowess to Tier 1. Chris and Damien faced each other. Chris said, "We can begin anytime you want." As soon as he said this, Damien launched himself towards him.
He punched Chris's jaw with a right swing but Chris easily blocked that and smashed Damien into the wall behind him. Damien realized that he had to take advantage of his small size if he wanted to win.
Chris rushed towards him with a punch that he barely dodged and put more distance between the two of them. This went on for a while with Chris attacking and Damien dodging his attacks and the duel turned into a match of endurance.
Gradually Damien began counter-attacking, striking at every opening. He was starting to get tired when he saw an opening that he hadn't even considered as an opening. He got ready and just as Chris came near him again, he poked his eyes.
When Arnold was giving him lessons, the one thing he stressed was that there were only winners and losers in a fight. It doesn't matter how you defeat your opponent as long as you are the winner in the end.
Chris never expected that Damien would be so ruthless, nearly blinding him. He ended the match and took off the suppressors. His natural healing healed his eyes and he gave Damien an iron badge with a human body engraved on it.
"This badge is proof that you have officially become a Tier 1 Enhancer. Congratulations on becoming the youngest Tier 1 in the history of the Awakened."
Damien thanked Chris and examined the badge carefully. He couldn't wait to show it to his family. He exited the Assessment Chambers with glee on his face and found his father and the Chairman waiting for him.
He rushed into his father's arms and hugged him tightly. Sam said with pride evident in his voice, "Great job inside. You made me very proud. Come let's go home."
Damien nodded. He couldn't wait to go home so that he could show the badge to the rest of the family. Just then he noticed the Chairman's gaze on him.
"Congratulations little one. My name is Miguel Santiago. Hopefully, we'll see each other again at the Academy."
Damien thanked him and left with Sam. He was curious about what the Chairman had meant when he said that but Sam gave him a look that said that he would explain everything later.
They returned to the guild and flew back to New York the next day. While they were gone, Jason had organised a huge party. All the members of the New Dawn Guild along with some ally guilds were invited. He set the date on Damien's birthday so it served as both a birthday party and a way to celebrate his achievement.
A few days after the party, they held the promised press conference and all the top international media stations had attended. There were some bold enough to ask some very outrageous questions but security took care of them.
When all of this was done, Sam needed to have an important conversation with Damien. Elena joined them as he began.
"Son, do you remember what Miguel told you in the WAA? He was talking about the World Nexus Academy, the most prestigious academy for Awakened children in the world. It's a place where you can hone your skills and learn new ones. He is a Special Instructor there. And not just him, three of the Top 10 Emperors also teach as Special Instructors there.
It's a place that every Awakened kid dreams of attending. Usually, only children above the age of twelve years attend but there are exceptions. The Special Admissions. Exceptionally talented youngsters are invited to join regardless of age. You will probably get yours in a year or two."