The Strength Within

tions had nothing to do with it. ”

With those words, Alexander left the room through the same door he had entered in. Turning on his heels, Joe rapidly moved towards the next area. When he entered the room in a near sprint, his feet began to slide across the polished from in an attempt to slow him down.

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With all eyes on him, a short haired woman stepped forward with a stern look etched into her face. ”You
e late, explain before I have you removed from the campus. ” For a moment, Joe worked to catch his haggard breath before looking up to meet the eyes of this intimidating woman. Once he did, he again felt his breath leave his lungs. Standing at shoulder height with red hair barely long enough to pass her own slim shoulders, Joe was at a loss for words in her presence. His uncles words rang in his head thus snapping him back to reality.

”I apologize for my late arrival Instructor Summers, Instructor Merril requested an exchange of words between the two of us following the prior examination. ” With a slight bow, Joes words came as both sincere and respectful but they failed to show even a slimmer of the fear the instructor was used to from these new students.

”Understood. What is your name so I can refer to him the validity of what you have just said? ”

Coming to a straightened posture, no emotion could be read from Joes face before his mouth opened to answer. ”Joseph Merril, Maam. ”

Now, it was her turn to show he glint of shock across her face. As brief as that was, to Joe, it was unmistakable. With his heightened sight from his bodys physical boast, near nothing escaped his notice if it occurred under his mindful eyes. ”Very well, as I have explained to the others whom had arrived on time to my introduction, this is the final portion of the exam. Here we will be testing which path you have awoken into that way you can be properly assigned your classes from here on. You seem to already know my name so I won waste time on who I am. However, should you have awoken within the physical path then you will fall under my charge and I do not tolerate tardiness. Am I clear, Mr. Merril? ”

”Absolutely maam. After today I will be in your care. ” With a slight bow, Joe made his way to the back of the line of other new students. Before the line stood a crystalline platform and behind it was another screen. It became transparently obvious that the academy would not allow for its students to hide their strengths from one another. The first to step onto the platform was Clara James. On the screen reflected behind her, her name, age and the word Physical Path appeared.