Alpha Instinct

After subsiding a bit of his rage, Leo resolved to go to the Guild House and become an Equalizer—those who hunted and subdued the leirions.

But there was a problem: only Neumonds—at least, the ones who were willing to walk on the edge—could become Equalizers, and Leo had never been one to take risks or live an adventurous life.

And Leonard had always been a peaceful person, but he could no longer restrain his hatred for the leirions.

He needed to move, to act, to do something. Exiting his room, a modest space in a boarding house within the poorest neighborhood, his eyes were drawn to the imposing ramparts of Gothia, rising in the distance.

"Gothia... Ahhh..." Leonard sighed. "Here we go, to the Guild House." He whispered to himself.

Gothia—the third-largest city in Dunkel was considered a safe haven—a refuge compared to the vulnerable villages scattered across the land, like Besen. And like Besen, these villages could never grow as large without the towering walls found only in big cities.

Leonard envisioned Gothia's map, tracing his route to the Guild House.

Gothia consists of three concentric circles shaped around an ancient hill.

He resided in the lowest circle, a decaying slum of sparse fields where only the poor dwelled in wooden and straw huts, huddled along narrow, winding alleys.

Leonard observed a distinct change in the environment as he entered the middle circle.

He passed through a familiar alley, having worked in this part of the city before.

The buildings there were made of clay, cement, and gleaming marble, reflecting the differing wealth and social status.

A little bit further, Leonard waved to a lady he used to work with.

"How are you, Leo?" Her smile diminished as her gaze dropped from his face to his clothes.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Marta; I'm doing well," he said, returning to his musings.

"Poor handsome guy..." She whispered to herself, but Leo still heard.

Leo looked at his worn tunic. Its rough fabric was a stark contrast to the fine garments of the passersby.

"I still feel anxious here," Leo thought. The ever-present social divisions made him feel constantly judged.

"Here is the home of my last employers; I don't think I'll ever miss this life." He thought.

Prosperous farmers, influential merchants, and the city guard, those who could afford it, occupied the middle circle.

Leonard passed by a huge sign that read "Bachelors' Alley." This alley was the dream of every single man, with luxurious single rooms and many inns and bars.

A few minutes passed until he reached the vibrant heart of Gothia's commerce, which appeared in his sight.

"Finally... " Leo looked around. Merchants and street artists populated the streets, while a bard played a catchy melody on his flute.

Anchored in the central square was the magnificent Guild House—an imposing structure adorned with gold leaf and a private garden.

"WOW... it's huge..." Leo's jaw dropped as he came face to face with the immense structure in that bustling square.

There also was the highest circle, but Leonard didn't care. Royals, nobles, and military officers lived in the smallest of the three districts. White affluent homes with ornate sculptures and lush gardens.

Leo had received a stipend of three silver coins each month when was young. Where it came from was an enigma, but it allowed him to pursue his studies.

Upon reaching adulthood, Leo stopped receiving financial support and had to fend for himself, though he could only pay rent and buy dry bread.

From the start, Leo had to earn his living on the streets, saving whatever he could in case of an unexpected emergency, secreting it in a small pouch he always kept on his person.

Leo learned that every major city had a Guild House, managed by the local government. These establishments aided the Neumonds against the leirions, allowing them to sell soul stones and various spoils from their hunts.

Stepping into the central hall, Leo was enthralled by its immense interior. White and red banners hung from the rafters, while stained-glass windows depicted knights locked in combat with fearsome beasts. The furniture was rustic yet refined, crafted from polished wood, and massive marble pillars supported the vaulted ceiling.

A special mural on the ceiling portrayed the three Primordials: Lyra, Lauv, and Libby; a bolt of lightning amidst the chaos of battle.

"Whoa, that's sick..." Leonard thought.

The polished marble floor mirrored the entire scene while Leonard stepped further. Circular tables draped with white cloths provided space for discussions between counselors and Neumonds. At the far end, a service counter with ornate cast-iron grilles separated clients from attendants, and a small chest was provided for transactions.

The place was neither bustling nor empty. Leo counted around fourteen attendants in matching upscale uniforms and about twenty Neumonds, based on their weaponry and combat attire.

A woman in her mid-20s approached, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun to highlight the straight lines on her face.

"Are you... lost? May I help you?" She asked, a subtle emphasis on the "lost" word.

"I'm not lost," Leo replied, his voice even and steady. "I'm here for the Guild House entrance exam."

"Sir," she said, her tone dripping with condescension, "are you quite sure? Do you comprehend that affluence and Neumond blood are prerequisites for consideration?"

She paused, her eyes raking him from head to toe.

"A lack of either simply makes your presence here... inappropriate," she finished pointedly.

"Don't you really know how to be cordial?" Leo hated being prejudged. "The AD-MIS-SION EX-AM, please?" He emphasized the syllables strongly.

"Follow me, please." She shrugged. "My name is Silica, spelled like the sand. I will be your hostess today, sir. Could you show me the money? It's 30 silver coins for admission." She said as she walked through the hall.

Silica was a pretty formal woman. Her height was average; she had black eyes, black hair, a slender body, and a common face. She wore a light green silk dress that was tight enough to show her curves, had a sexy walk, and a strong personality.

"Here." Leo thrust the money at her, his expression a clear indication of his displeasure.

"Thank you, Mr....?" she asked, a subtle lift of her eyebrow.

"Leonard. Leo will do."

"Mr. Leonard," she said smoothly, "the Guild Houses are entrusted with the care of the Neumonds—a burgeoning branch of humanity—and thus, we safeguard the future of all mankind. Any questions you'd like to ask?"

"I'm good," Leo mumbled with a shrug.

"As you wish." Silica turned and began to ascend a grand staircase.

"The testing chambers are up on the second floor," she announced over her shoulder, proceeding to explain the testing procedures as she walked.

"The test consists of three stages: capacity, energy, and potential. Upon completion, we'll analyze your results and inform you of your status."

Leo simply nodded.

"Let's hope your test isn't a complete failure," Silica said with a tight smile.

"A failure? I am a Neumond," Leo retorted.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean much. Some barely manage to achieve the senior officer rank. They lack the strength to hunt monsters on their own."

A heavy silence hung between them until they reached the testing room on the second floor.

"ELEV proof, now. Show me." She demanded.

"Here." Leonard turned back a little to show her.

"Your ELEV seems to be pulsing. Do you know why that is?" She inquired, probing for information.

"Something about a late awakening..." Leo guessed.

"A late awakening? I've never heard of such a thing. Perhaps you're simply defective." She concluded.

"Is everyone here as charming as you are?" He replied sarcastically.

It's common knowledge that Neumonds awaken during childhood. Usually between the ages of four and six. At that time their cognitive abilities begin to solidify alongside the development of their personality and emotional traits.

"You're over twenty years old?" she inquired.

"Yes..."

"Your lowest stats should exceed twelve, and your highest should be about twenty. Don't worry; even if they're all around twelve, you can still secure a good role as a sergeant or battalion captain."

"I will become an Equalizer, no matter the cost," Leo stated firmly.

"Alright, Mr. Future Equalizer," she said with a hint of irony. "Please take a seat in that chair. I'll retrieve the assessment device."

Silica retrieved a magical box and unlocked it with a specialized key. From within, she produced a magical device with a small mana-infused crystal display. Using a mana brush, she inscribed Leo's name onto the device's base; the inscription promptly vanished as the device activated.

"Relax; it won't hurt, but you need to focus," Silica instructed.

She positioned the device on the back of Leo's neck, activating his ELEV. A tingling sensation and warmth radiated from the base of his neck, and the air around him shimmered faintly. Arcane symbols appeared on the crystal screen, but within seconds, it cracked, and the device stopped working.

"Did something go wrong?" Silica wondered aloud, considering possible causes.

"Could the device have run out of mana?" An ELEV reading typically took thirty to forty seconds.

"I'll fetch a newer model, one designed by the Magic Tower. It's far more sensitive. Please wait here, Mr. Leo." Silica disappeared through a door marked "Special Storage."

Three minutes elapsed.

"Let's try this again, Mr. Leo."

"Okay…" Leo replied calmly as always.

She reactivated the device, and this time, an intense, alternating yellow and white light revealed his ELEV. Leo felt a surge of energy, a feeling of suppressed power yearning to be unleashed. His nape became numb, and for a few seconds, his mind went blank.

Thirty seconds later, it emitted a sharp beep, signaling the completion of the reading.

"Wow…!" Leonard shook his head, feeling lightheaded.

"I'll retrieve your profile. One moment, Mr. Leo," she said, ignoring him.

Leo felt a surge of curiosity about his abilities. He hadn't felt such joy in ages. His once dull existence had become too familiar. Everything was about to change in ways he never imagined. A life of risks and adventure.

Silica returned and handed him his status and Guild House membership card.

Doubt clouded Leo's eyes as he searched for answers within, but his mind offered nothing. He met Silica's gaze and found her just as incredulous.

A wave of anxiety washed over Leo; he felt isolated, possibly unique, but the question died on his lips; he wasn't brave enough to ask.

Silica remained frozen.