Theo was struggling to put his big-boy pants on. He was preparing himself for his first class with the Dragon Division and was not looking forward to it. Dylan’s look in the gym had not made that any easier.

  As the anxiety was peaking, and the procrastination was starting to get out of hand, he gave a huff and stood up from the desk in his room. Putting away the books he had borrowed from the library on level nine, he pulled up the map on his phone and made his way to the indicated classroom on level eight.

  Opening the door to the room, he had thought he was mentally prepared, but nothing could prevent the cold sweat that broke out when the chatter in the room dropped to a bleak silence at his entrance. He half-smiled nervously, scanning the faces of the twenty other students in search of some hint of welcome and finding none. Dylan, Theo noted, sat at the back of the theatre, a cold, blank look on his face. Theo grimaced as Dylan returned to the discussion he had been having with one of the other students.

  Slowly, he made his way towards one of the empty chairs near the front. There were a few people around him, but they made no effort to welcome him, and so he waited in lonely silence for the class to begin. He sent Beth a quick message.

  “Worse than I thought – the temperature in the room dropped by like five degrees when I got here! Save me!” He waited for her to respond…

  “You’ve got this! I’ll meet you in the meals hall after.”

  “Use of phones is strictly discouraged in my classes, Mr. Rhodes. I would appreciate it if you could focus your attention and leave your personal life aside for the two hours whilst you are here.”

  The deep voice pulled Theo’s attention back to the room. Standing in front of him was a tall, heavyset man with short black hair and piercing grey eyes. His sharp features and aquiline nose were made more intimidating by the air of authority he projected. Theo had briefly met Master Benison in his orientation week and had gotten the same feeling then as now.

  He swallowed nervously, and nodded in apology, folding up his phone and wrapping it back around his wrist. That earnt him a stern look before Master Benison made his way to the presentation podium at the front of the class.

  “Right then. Welcome to the Dragon Division. I hope all of you are up to date on the reading list that has been sent to you.” Theo was glad he had taken time after Basics to run to the library, though clearly from some of the mutters in the room, not everyone had done the same.

  “Dragon Division is for those who have shown some propensity for nuclear energy. That is the power contained within the nucleus of atoms. This is not to say that you will be splitting atoms, and causing a holocaust. I know many of your families explore this power in particular ways, but this class will first bring it back to the basic principles of science before we then expand out to more esoteric applications.” Some soft groans rose in the room.

  “Through the first half of the year we will be exploring the processes of fission and fusion, developing your knowledge of isotopes, radioactivity, and the growing role of quantum mechanics, quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics. Science is still expanding our technological horizons, particularly when it comes to utilising nuclear energy as a medium for development and understanding the physical world around us.” Theo noted some of the growing looks of disdain from his peers, though couldn’t figure out why. Clearly, Master Benison had noted the same.

  “Whilst some of you may have had very little in the way of standardised education before now, these fundamentals have been shown to grossly improve a cultivator’s core understanding of aetheric use. Try hard to push past your condescension, I would hate to have to fail students for not showing competence in the basics.” That very quickly shifted the energy in the room. Theo grinned inwardly. His background may give him some advantages after all. It was also nice to know that Master Benison was happy to dish out his authoritarianism in a fair and equal manner.

  “This first year is about building your fundamental understanding of these processes, though we will slowly move away from this as we progress, and allow you all to adapt and focus these learnings into your own cultivation style. Some of you may have already started this.” Despite his earlier misgivings, Theo was starting to relax, the lecture style learning bringing with it some familiarity.

  “Understanding these key principles will allow for a greater depth in the conceptual variances of your skills. This will be particularly noticeable when you progress towards the mind gate …” His handed cracked against the podium in front of him. “Which Mr Attisen, I will be extremely surprised if you manage to progress so far, given you continue to talk whilst I teach!” Benison’s piecing gaze matched the whip lash of his voice as another student blushed red under his reprimand. The Master cleared his throat with another glare before continuing.

  “As you can imagine, nuclear energy at its most fundamental level, can represent the concepts of power and destruction, but when further refined, can also embody elementary change such as one radioactive isotope decaying into a different element, or the fusion of one element into another. Radioactivity can introduce concepts of decay and degradation, the sapping of strength and power. Conversely a resonance to nuclear energy can support idea of rapid bursts of energy and strength. How you develop will be based upon your own attunement to this facet of aetheric energy.

  “In the second half of the year, we will spend more time on studies of conceptual energy. This will also be expanded on further in your second and third years.” Theo sat forward, thoroughly engrossed. “What each of you will come to learn is that it is your life experiences, personality, beliefs, and culture … all of the inter and intra psychic experiences that have gone in to make up who you are, that will be fundamental in shaping the ways in which your own aether is used.

  “Now, if you would pull up the holo in front of you, and switch it to the presentation, we shall begin.”

  *      *      *

  Dual resonance, for an insensate. Crazy.

  Beth’s words of warning swam through Theo’s mind as he stood outside the double doors of the lecture hall. He had completely forgotten in all the madness of the past few days that he would have to go to both of his Division classes, and inevitably people would realise what that meant. Already his attendance at Dragon Division had caused whispers to erupt in the food hall when he met with his group for lunch. Apparently, bets had been going around about what his potential resonance would be.

  He had seen more than a few of his fellow students glancing back and forth between himself and Dylan, which had not made much sense to him. There was clearly some fact he was unaware of, though when he had asked Beth, she had not been able to shed any light on it. He had caught the glint in her eye after he had asked about it though. She was a bloodhound with a new scent. There was gossip to be found. He would leave her to it.

  Not surprisingly, none had even considered the fact that he might have had more than one primary resonance. He sighed, not sure what to do. At least he had already survived the first Dragon class. He just hoped that Beth was right and that the Phoenix Division was kinder.

  Christ on cracker, what a mess. Maybe he could skip it, claim he had food poisoning or something. His guts certainly felt like they were going explode. Then again, apparently cultivators rarely got sick, and that would just make him stand out even more. He groaned, caught up in an internal loop of angst and paranoia. He had just finished the third of three deep breaths when his indecision led him afoul, and he was caught unawares by Master Vincent’s approach.

  “Is that you, young Theo?” Master Vincent said, causing him to jump slightly. “Ahh, my apologies for startling you. If you were not certain you are in the right place, then rest assured, you have found yourself at the right room. Whilst the institute is rather large, you’ll have worked out the layout in no time, I am sure. Shall we go in?”

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  “Of course, Master Vincent, apologies,” Theo said, pulling himself back together. He paused, glancing at the man who stood just a little shorter than he was. “I must admit, I am a little anxious. No one knows that I have dual resonances, and I am not sure how they are going to react.”

  At Theo’s words, Master Vincent stopped himself from pushing open the doors, glancing back at Theo, his face contemplative.

  “I see,” he said simply, letting his hand fall back to his side. “I suppose that makes sense. Of course, for most it would be a cause for celebration rather than fear. Though, coming from the insensate world as you do, I can see why it might make you worried.” He hummed softly to himself, turning to gaze into the distance for a moment.

  “There are some good kids in my class, though one can never predict the ways in which envy might manifest. I have taught many of your fellow students’ older siblings, not to mention a number of their parents also.” He chuckled softly to himself, turning to face Theo once again. “Age catches you unawares, especially for those of us that cultivate.” He paused as he considered Theo for a moment. He nodded to himself, his gaze sharpening.

  “I will introduce you to Brendan, he will most likely be somewhere near the front. He is well liked, and his family is well respected in Radiant circles. He will help to ease your transition, at least in my class. He is one of the few others of your peers that has a dual resonance, though it is different to yours, of course.”

  “Thank you, Master,” Theo said, reassured by his teacher’s kindness and consideration. “I really appreciate it.”

  “Think nothing of it, Theo. We probably should have given it more thought, but truth be told, your enrolment caught most of the faculty off guard, and we have not given it the consideration it deserves. It has been some time since someone from the insensate world has been found without a warped cultivation base, so as painful as it is to admit, we are all woefully unprepared.” He gestured for Theo to join him, and as he did, Master Vincent pushed open the doors into the lecture hall.

  It was the same set up as the one he had been in for his Dragon Division class. Theo heard a few gasps as he entered with the Master, some of the conversations that had been ongoing coming to a stop as he walked in. He saw a few faces he recognised, though none of them as yet by name. Most looked at him with confusion, though he saw a few slowly come alert, grasping the meaning behind his presence.

  Together with Master Vincent, he passed by the back row, following the man down the first aisle towards the front of the hall. Two rows from the front, Master Vincent pulled up short, gesturing for Theo to join him.

  “Brendan, please forgive the imposition, but Theo here is also dual resonant, and I thought it best he meets with someone who might ease his path somewhat. I hope you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all, Master.” Brendan smiled, turning to share it with Theo also.

  To Theo’s relief it seemed genuine.

  Brendan was visibly younger than he was, though likely of an age with most of the other students. There was still a remnant of baby fat on his frame, his cheeks a little chubby, though when he stood, it was clear it was only stubbornly clinging on to the well-honed muscle that lay underneath. He gestured for Theo to take the seat to his inside.

  He was taller than Theo, though not that that was hard, given most of the class was, including half the girls. He was handsome in a boyish way, his skin darkened by a golden tan with a sprinkling a freckles across the nose. His blue eyes shone, reflecting his smile, both of which looked brighter against the colour of his skin. His brown hair was a mid-length messy mop that somehow managed to look like bed hair despite being artfully styled.

  Maybe there was something about Radiant bloodlines that made them extra shiny, Theo thought as he squeezed past. It certainly had not hit Theo yet, that was for sure.

  “Hey man, welcome. Wow, so you’re insensate and dual resonance? That’s crazy!”

  “So I’ve heard,” Theo said, settling himself, and trying hard not to squirm under the scrutiny of the class. He was acutely aware of everyone listening in. Couldn’t Vincent walk faster, damn it!

  “I’m dual in Radiant and Hydra. I’m hoping to work towards a mirage type of affinity, but no one in my family has been dual before, so we haven’t been able to work out a path for it yet. Phoenix and Dragon though, that’s gunna be hard.”

  ‘What do you mean?” Theo asked, curious. There was still so much he didn’t know, and Brendan throwing in things like affinity and mirage only added to his confusion. He figured it was something about the combined resonances, but was not sure how that worked. Sadly, Master Vincent reached the podium at the front just as Brendon opened his mouth to speak, and instead of an answer he was offered an apologetic smile instead.

  “Welcome to Phoenix Division, everyone.” Master Vincent said before leaning down to place his satchel on the floor. Straightening, he rested his hands on the podium before him. He coughed, giving Theo a nod. “Perhaps a little more attention than young Theo here wanted, given our grand entrance, but let us all welcome the newcomer to our class. It is rare that we have new blood entering the fold.” A small spattering of applause came from the assembled students.

  “Most, if not all of you know me already, but for the sake of formality, I will introduce myself. My name is Master Vincent Yamamoto, a second-tier mind gate of the radiant division, or as the young people these days like to say, a Tier Twenty-One light cultivator.” He chuckled at the mock gasps of awe and a few scattered claps. “Yes, yes. I know, very impressive. Still, I hope I am able to impart some manner of wisdom to all of you over the coming semesters. With that in mind, I would kindly ask that you refrain from too much chatter whilst I teach, though I do not mind you conversing softly if it is related to the content at hand.

  “I imagine most of you will have had the opportunity to do the pre-reading, but do not fret if you have not yet done so. Today I will mostly focus on the proposed syllabus and structure for the coming weeks. From next week, I would strongly urge that you be caught up on your reading, and ensure you remain up to date as the semester progresses. I am not averse to throwing in random tests from time to time, some of which, should you impress me and do well enough, may even reward you with contribution points.”

  That resulted in a few murmured conversations, though they respectfully returned to silence soon after. The room already felt dramatically different to what his Dragon class had done. He felt his watch vibrate, saw that it was a message from Beth checking in. Rather than get in trouble once again, he left it unanswered.

  “Did you manage to get the reading done?” Brendan asked softly, pulling Theo’s attention. The boy continued to face the front, his lips barely moving as he spoke. That was a talent.

  “I did it yesterday,” Theo said, trying to emulate the skill. “Not that much of it is making sense to me yet.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Brendan said. “Don’t worry. If you have any questions, I am happy to help. If I can, that is. I’m the youngest in my family, my two older brothers graduated a few years ago, so they shared some tips with me.” Theo glanced at him briefly. Seeing it, Brendan explained. “They’re twins. They are assholes, though they are a bit better now they’re older.” Theo grimaced. He knew the pain of an older sibling well.

  “Thanks for the offer, Brendan. I appreciate it.” He smiled. “You will be my new best friend in no time,” Theo said.

  “Ha, sure. I know Beth though, I doubt she will let you go that easily.”

  “It’s not like that,” Theo said, trying to ward off any rumours. Actually, now that he thought about, he wasn’t quite sure what Brendan meant. ‘What do you mean?”

  “Oh, nothing, really. She’s just… super friendly.” He leant in closer. “She scares me a little bit, to be honest.” Theo almost chuckled out loud. He could see how that could happen. “Still, you found an interesting group to hang around with, that’s for sure.”

  “Beth warned me,” Theo said. “Figured it wouldn’t make that much difference considering my background.”

  “True enough,” Brendan said, acknowledging the point. Their conversation paused for a moment as Master Vincent brought up the holo’s and began to outline the course structure. Seeing Vincent caught up in the lecture, Brendan continued on softly.

  “So, you me and Carrie are the only three that I know of with dual resonance this year. Do you understand what that means?”

  “Not really, to be fair. I was warned it was uncommon, and that I might get attention for it.”

  “That’s the truth. A resonance is considered primary if it starts above seventy-five percent. But your baseline resonances are a reflection of your overall potential. That you have two dominant means you have a very high growth potential. The four elemental affinities have more impact on your physical potential. That means health and health regen usually. The other three, are about how much aether capacity you will have, though there is some crossover. With Dragon and Phoenix dominant, you are going to be a monster with how much aether you can hold.”

  Theo wasn’t sure about the description, but appreciated the insight nevertheless. “Do you know how much?” he asked.

  “Not the exact formula, my parents worked mine out for me. You’re in Basics, right? Ask your teacher, they’ll be able to help.”

  “I’ll do that, thanks.”

  “No prob, mate,” Brendan said, though he had spoken a bit loud and received a warning look from Vincent. Theo could tell that the Master was turning a blind eye as Theo and Brendan chatted softly, but he didn’t want to push the kindness too far.

  “Anything else I should be aware of?” Theo asked softly.

  “Watch out for Dylan and Jason. I don’t know much about Dylan, but his family has been the gatekeepers for the Dragon Division in Oz for generations, and he’s probably going to put you through some shit to make sure you’re up to scratch. Jason is …” Brendan paused, looking around briefly before continuing on again in an even quieter voice. “The kids got problems, man. His dads a real piece of work, and the whole family has got a superiority complex. There’re rumours that they’re into some shady shit, but they’ve never been proven. Too many connections.”

  “I see,” Theo said. He had thought Dylan was going to be main issue he was going to have to face. He might chat with Beth to see what she knew about Jason’s family. It would be best to be prepared. “Thanks for the heads up, mate. I really appreciate.”

  “No prob.” They got a look from Master Vincent then, and they both recognised it was time to focus in on the class. “Feel free to join me for classes in the future, Theo. And say hi if you see me out and about.”

  “I’ll do that, thanks man.”

  Patreon is many chapters ahead (10+)... This is a copy and paste, forgive me the lack of creativity please!