[h2]Mika Alkaev - Trial Period Expires in 30 Days (It Doesn't Actually Expire in 30 Days)[/h2] With the death of the applause and the departure of the final upperclassman came the very distinct sound of silence, and the familiar sensation of having to wait. Not long after, the arena fell into a quiet din of hushed whispering. The hearts of the prospects and the venerable guests were one as they patiently awaited the dean’s arrival. Of course, Mika’s attention was turned to the girl beside him, the one with the musical voice - which, incidentally, was another thing he couldn’t really appreciate. Though that was less a function of his power and more him not taking the time out of his day to cultivate that kind of regard; that said, he had the feeling the effects of his ability would ensure that that experience wouldn’t be as great without some kind of fast forwarding function. He was a busy little bee after all “Yeah…!” Mika whispered, trying to keep his voice quieter than those around them. “And you’re Ms. Fabre’s daughter.” He said that last part proudly, like he’d remembered a particularly important fact. “He told me to make sure not to piss you off.” A simple command, and very, very roughly (and incorrectly) paraphrased. Feedback from the microphone cut him off just then, and caused his attention to quickly shift to the stage, where at a podium, a sharply-dressed man stood beneath a spotlight. The Dean of ENMA University had finally arrived to announce the outline of the opening week’s events. His first words were preceded by a loud clearing of the throat to catch the attention of the crowd. “Thank you Professor Namashiya, for that wonderful speech,” the man said, giving a nod to the Level 10 off stage before turning back to look at the sea - err, pond- of white below. For a moment, Mika almost thought he’d cast a specific look at him specifically - or at least in his general direction. But that couldn’t be; he looked like he’d just remembered an old acquaintance, but Mika had never met this man before. Before he could ponder that further, the man began his own little spiel. Great, because more speeches was exactly what Mika and his hyperactivity needed right now. “Congratulations, all of you, for making it this far; it’s not easy to become a student-candidate at ENMA. So give yourselves a pat on the back,” he said cheerfully. His arms were left outstretched before falling to rest on the sides of the podium. At the same time, his expression fell into a more severe one. One that, if Mika had to say, seemed to enjoy the fidgeting in response to his next words a bit too much: “Unfortunately, this is as far as some of you may get.” “As most of you are aware, ENMA has a very rigorous selection process designed to gather only those of you with the greatest potential,” he explained, “For this purpose, we’ve established what people call the ENMA Entrance Exams, a series of trials that designed to wring out every little bit of ability you students possess.” He steepled his fingers. “Your success - or failure - will be determined by the judgement of the teachers, and [i]if[/i] you manage to gain one of their approval, you will be assigned to their class.” [i]’Oh. I get it now,’[/i] Mika glanced to the side of the stage, where the teachers were arrayed to the side. Though some of them looked like hardasses, he was sure even the nicest, mousiest one would be difficult to gain consent from. [i]’I don’t need to beat everyone else, I just need to ensure someone is willing to let me in.’[/i] Almost immediately he had the unsettled feeling that the real entrance exam had started ages ago. Could they have already established their biases for or against certain prospects? “That said, I suppose it’s time we get to what you prospects are here for.” Instead of the ENMA University logo, the holoscreen behind him now displayed the itinerary for the following two weeks or so. Though it looked to be a rather packed period of time, many of the events were restricted to certain varieties of students - presumably to allow those with incompatible skills to demonstrate their assets in a suitable environment. “In case you forget, the appropriate dates and times have been sent to the addresses listed on the contact information section of your application.” He gave an exaggerated shrug. “Of course, acquiring the endorsement of a teacher can be acquired through means beyond the events on the schedule, but what that entails is up to the student.” Mika saw someone up ahead raise their hand. “...No, that is not to suggest student-teacher ‘fraternization’ is an appropriate method.” The hand slowly lowered. “Dismissed. Although you may stay for the snacks and refreshments in the adjacent building.” [h2]Interlude - Excerpts from a Certain Group Chat[/h2] [quote=User: Snow-Fairy // Group DM Name: “stop changing the group name to stupid shit” | 4 participants] [center]--- Show Older Messages --- --- Today ---[/center] [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 12:04PM yeah I don’t watch enough western movies to know who that is lol[/right] [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 12:06PM You should check out one of his movies, they’re pretty great action stuff. The stunt work is real good especially. [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 12:07PM We should stream one of his movies and watch it together (ᴖ◡ᴖ) [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 12:06PM maybe next time since im a bit busy next few days[/right] [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 12:33PM @Tsuru85: I just had a talk with one of my friends, he said he’ll ask his sister to pick up an extra autograph or two. [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 12:33PM !!!!!!!!! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouuuuu (ノ＞▽＜。)ノ [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 12:35PM Hey now, don’t get your hopes up. No guarantees, remember? Anyway I guess I’ll get back to you about figuring out how to actually pass it along when I hear back from them. [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 1:54PM So what did you guys think of the ENMA ceremony? [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 1:55PM you were there dragon?[/right] [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 1:55PM Nah. Just watched the broadcast on my comp. [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 1:55PM oh[/right] [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 1:56PM They had us watch it for class [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 1:56PM same but not really[/right] [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 1:56PM I really liked Namashiya-sama’s speech, but the dean was a bit harsh… [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 1:56PM probably just intimidation tactics tbh[/right] [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 1:57PM I didn’t think of it like that, but it sounds like a solid possibility. Anyway ENMA offers scholarships to people like me, so I hope I have the chops to pass their entrance exam after I apply I also hope they admit me in the first place… （−＿−；） [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 1:58PM If you’re smart or you’ve got an ability, you should be fine. After all, they let a handful of LLH members through each year so someone as pure as you shouldn’t have too hard a time. Speaking of, I wonder if they’ll have a good showing this year… [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 1:58PM Huh? The Liulanghan have connections to in ENMA? I thought ENMA were the good guys （・□・；） That’s scary… [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 2:00PM Eh, it’s not as bad as it sounds. [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 2:00PM yeah folks from seneca get scholarships but most from seneca have some sort of tie to the LLH so[/right] [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 2:02PM Exactly. No matter how good their scholarship committee is, they’re gonna get a few members through since like 70% of the Seneca Institute is LLH at this point. And pretty much all of them don’t even get past prospects anyway. [b]Tsuru85[/b] - 2:03PM Oh. That makes sense. (≧w≦ ;) I guess I don’t have to worry so much then [right][b]Snow-Fairy[/b] - 2:03PM yep just apply and hope and also do school and stay in drugs and all that[/right] [b]xXRising_DragonXx[/b] - 2:04PM Besides, with that Level 10 there I don’t think the LLH is going to do anything too bold. [/quote]