Chapter 8: Ch 8 – Levels

"Alright kid, it's time to go."

After sleeping for an unknown amount of time, Issac was shaken awake by his mother. As his eyes opened, he found that his room was totally empty, leaving behind discoloration on the floor and walls that indicated something had once been there. There were also bright lights coming from his window despite it being night. 

"...Alright."

Knowing that this was coming, he pulled himself out of bed. Walking out of his room and down to the ground floor, he found that everything was gone. Pictures on the walls, tables, couches, decorations, cabinets. Nothing remained of the house Issac had known for all his life. It was an odd sight, giving him weird feelings. 

Then, the two walked outside. Parked in front of the house was a ship. It was a bit smaller than the one Asphodel was picked up in and was constructed with an obviously different design. Still, the thing easily eclipsed the house in size. 

Several men were loading cargo into this ship. It was all the stuff from the house and lab. After Issac walked out, these men loaded up the last of the items. 

"Issac! Are you ready?"

Suddenly, Anthony came from the ship, jogging over to Issac with a wide smile. Issac shrugged his shoulders. While this was an exciting endeavor, the feeling of melancholy from the night before still lingered in his mind. It greatly dampened how thrilled he should be. 

"Hey, perk up guy. What, have you already fallen for that girl?"

"Shut up. Let's go already."

"Haha, sure, sure."

Chuckling, Anthony pat Issac's shoulder, the two walking up the ramp into the ship. After everything was packed and everyone had double checked their belongings, the ship closed up and activated its engines. 

Flames billowed from the thrusters, scorching the farm underneath it. Before long, it had risen into the sky, shooting off toward outer space. 

Issac stood by a window as they rose from the ground. He watched as the house he had grown up in disappeared from view. Soon, he couldn't even see the city nearby. The planet gradually came into view, showing off its splendor of green, brown, and blue. 

Outside the planet was another small fleet. This fleet wasn't as enormous as the fleet that came to pick up Asphodel, but it was still impressive. Issac's ship was quick to dock in one of the larger carrier ships. 

After docking, Issac walked into the carrier with his parents, Cornelius, and Anthony. It was here that they walked past dozens of soldiers, all of them saluting Cornelius as he walked by. 

Crossing several hallways, they walked into a command room. There was a large table in this room, and above it was a display of a planet. It wasn't the planet they had just come from, but the Mantle, their destination. 

"Alright, chart a course. Fire up the fracture drive."

"Roger!"

After Cornelius gave the order, several other officers moved to carry them out. At the same time, the display above the table changed. It zoomed out to show the galaxy with two dots and a path between them. 

The galaxy was generally divided into three territories. The human race occupied the western portion of the galaxy, their territory extending down into the southern and northern portions. It was almost a third of the entire galaxy. Then there was the Aatrix who occupied the galaxy in the east, going from humanity's territory in the south all the way up toward the eastern half. Then, the Zandran occupied the northern portion of the galaxy between them. 

Like this, the three main civilizations of the galaxy controlled a relatively even territory of three-thirds. 

As for the planet Issac had grown up on his entire life, it was located in the southern section of the human territories, not far from the borders of Aatrix territory and halfway between the edge and center of the galaxy. Then there was the Mantle. In order to put it in a place where all three civilizations could get to it without encroaching on each other's territory much, it was placed near the center of the galaxy right in the middle of the human territories. That way, even though the Aatrix and Zandran had to enter the Human territories, they wouldn't enter their depths. 

From the outskirts of the human territories in the south to the middle of human territory near the center of the galaxy. This was the path plotted for the ship. To get there, the fracture drive in the carrier would shuttle between hundreds of stars in order to cross the distance. The total trip time was a few days. 

With that, the ship began its shuttle sequence. Through a window, Issac could see the front of the ship. Out of nowhere, space began to crack and shatter, a black abyss being exposed from between the cracks. Then, the cracks warped in on themselves, forming something like a wormhole. 

With a burst of power, the ship flew in. Issac felt a light distortion in his mind, not unlike when he used the portal to get to his laboratory. After that, the distortion gradually faded as the view outside the ship window turned to a blur of black and gray streaks. 

"We'll be shuttling for the next 75 galactic hours, or 3 galactic days. After that, we'll be placed right outside the Mantle. Get comfortable everyone."

Cornelius announced to everyone in the room. With that, several people left to do their own thing. 

Issac remained standing where he was, continuing to stare out the window that showed the colorless void flying past them. 

After a few seconds though, he heard a voice. 

"Issac, come with me for a bit."

It was Victoria, Issac's mother. Pulling his eyes away from the view, Issac followed his waving mother out of the command room and down a few hallways, coming upon one of the rooms in the ship for its inhabitants. 

Entering the room, Issac found that while it wasn't large, it was comfortable enough. Victoria took a seat on one of the chairs while Issac leaned on one of the walls near her. 

"Alright son, you're going to be entering perhaps the most prestigious school in the entire galaxy. Luckily, you're by no means unprepared. Only, there's some common knowledge native to this particular environment that you should know."

Victoria got comfortable in her seat. Seeing how this was going to be a small lecture, Issac also took a seat on one of the beds. 

She continued. 

"The first thing I need to speak with you about is your ability. All your life we've told you to hide your powers. This especially goes for your shadow clone. As for Hardlight, that can be exposed. Anyway, the reason for that is because in this universe, there is no such thing as having two powers. All power users, otherwise known as Echelons, always have a single power. Although that one power may give them multiple abilities, they still only have a single power. You, on the other hand, have two. I can't say that I've ever seen a live case of someone having two powers in my life, only rumors. Thus, your case is very unique. You understand this, right?"

Victoria seriously gazed at her son. After processing her words for a bit, Issac nodded. 

"Good. So, you can never expose your shadow clone. This is especially so at the place you're going to. Every single person at the Mantle is under careful scrutiny, the most attention going to the most powerful and talented people. Everyone will always attempt to get a grasp on your abilities, and attempting to hide something is close to impossible when you use it. Thankfully your shadow clone is at least discreet when activated. As long as nobody sees it and connects it to you, you'll be okay. Just err on the side of caution.

"Anyway, putting powers aside, I want to talk to you about Dark Tech. You've been under my tutelage ever since you showed talent for it. I believe it was just after we repaired your hands that you got into it. I've taught you many things since then, giving you as much as you could take. However, upon entering the Mantle, you'll be exposed to a certain classification system for Dark Tech. You need to categorize the knowledge in your brain according to these levels."

Saying that, Victoria suddenly took out a device, pulling up a screen. It had a few lines on it. 

"There are four levels of technology that are generally know by the public. They are levels one through four, and each level is respectively classified as Unrestricted, Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. This leveling system applies to both standard technology and dark technology alike. For instance, the knowledge behind the workings of the fracture drive in this carrier ship is Level 4 tech, Top secret. 

"This logic is similarly applied when classifying dark technology, only it is usually determined by the scale of power the tech handles. For instance, if you're a Personal Echelon, then the technology in your mech suit is Level 1, Unrestricted. However, if you're a Strategic Echelon, then the technology in your mech suit would be Top Secret. Tactical Echelons usually use either Level 2 or 3 dark tech. This is the kind of classification you'll see when working with different pieces of dark technology. The stronger the tech, the higher the level. 

"By that logic, Dark Technicians are also classified according to the level of tech they can both understand and construct. A level 4 dark technician would be able to construct a carrier-class fracture drive and strategic echelon mech equipment. A level 2 dark technician would be able to construct tactical echelon level mech equipment and things like quantum computers or some smaller, basic ships."

"So what level have I reached?"

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After his mother finished, Issac asked curiously. However, he actually had an idea as to what level he was at. 

Issac had already long understood quantum computers. Not only that, he had constructed a mech conversion core at the tactical echelon with Asphodel only the night before. According to his mother's words, he would be at least a level 2 dark technician, maybe even level 3.

Victoria quickly answered. 

"According to the knowledge I've given you, your understanding, and your applied knowledge in the form of your mech suit and Nifty, I would say you're just barely below a level 3 dark technician. Given the knowledge to study, you could easily become a level 3 technician. Only, there are some problems with me giving that kind of information to you. This is also a reason you need to go to the Mantle."

"They don't just hand out secret information."

"Exactly. If you entered the Mantle and immediately displayed level 3 skill and knowledge, then several problems would crop up. However, I have given you the theoretical foundation for being a level 3 technician. That's why, with just a little nudge, you'll easily advance. At least in terms of pure theoretical knowledge. There is still a lot of level 2 knowledge that you don't know but could easily comprehend. For instance, you understand how a nuclear reactor works?"

"Yes."

"And you could construct one given the materials?"

"I believe so, although it would take time to design every mechanism."

"Then you're already a level 2 technician. Plus, you've already installed that quantum computer inside Nifty, arming it with a basic AI as well. That stuff alone would make you a level 2 technician."

Victoria smiled at Issac. He also nodded. He was beginning to understand where he was in this intellectual hierarchy.

"Anyway, being a dark technician is easily the most competitive thing you can do at the Mantle. It's why that place is a massive hub for technological innovation. Once you go there, you'll also be cleared to start learning level 3 tech. However, you'll need to pledge your allegiance to the human race before you can do that."

"Pledge my allegiance?"

Issac tilted his head. Victoria nodded. 

"Yes. The Humans, Aatrix, and Zandran form the three galactic civilizations, and they are extremely competitive and on guard with each other. As a Human, you will naturally be someone who sides with the Human race. Thus, before you can be taught level 3 information and above, you need to provide the SSC with enough assurance that you won't go leaking secret tech to our rivals. Right now you'll only need to symbolically side with them. In the future though, if you want to learn pieces of technology, you'll need to earn the right to do so by building up prestige. That can be done by taking on assignments and contributing to the already vast knowledge pool of the SSC. Of course, you can also develop the tech yourself and bypass all of that, but that's probably the hardest route to take."

"Hm..."

Issac crossed his arms. Committing oneself to anything or anyone was never an easy decision to make. And when it came to this, siding with one side meant putting yourself against the others. To Issac who had a rather amazing first impression with an Aatrix, he preferred not to put himself against them. 

Victoria could guess these thoughts of his too, so she spoke to reassure him. 

"Don't worry too much about this. The only people I have any problems with are the Zandran. Honestly, if it had been one of them instead of that Aatrix girl, then I guarantee neither me nor Cornelius would have treated them so nicely. As for the Aatrix, I have no problems with them, and standing with the SSC won't make you an enemy of the Aatrix because the SSC isn't opposed to the Aatrix. However, I hope you don't ever plan on giving away knowledge. If it's found that you have, there will be hell to pay. Knowledge is everything in this galaxy. Not even handing a rival a weapon would be as bad as handing them blueprints. Do be sure to get this point into your head."

"...Why are you against the Zandran?"

Not directly answering her, Issac changed the topic. Victoria didn't press it and answered. 

"The Zandran are incredibly militaristic, easily the most aggressive civilization of the three. They're a very hostile species, even to each other. Strength reigns supreme there. Anyway, the Humans have had no shortage of battles and even a galactic war with the Zandran. Your father and I have personally fought many battles against the Zandran and many good people have been lost because of them. While one might try to sympathize with them, I can guarantee you that if not for our own strength, they would have no problems wiping us from the galaxy. We seem to be natural enemies in this galaxy. You'll understand this after entering the Mantle. If you have an encounter with any Zandran, don't show any mercy or weakness, because they won't show it to you."

"...I understand."

Issac nodded surprisedly. He didn't expect the Zandran to have such great conflicts with Humans. He made a mental note to be at least on guard against them in the future. 

"Anyway, for being a dark technician, that's the main stuff you need to know. You'll rapidly advance after entering the Mantle, pushing your skills to another level while acquiring tech along the way. However, this technological acquisition is the second most important aspect of the Mantle. This is because you'll be handling mechs. If you were just a dark technician like me, then there would be no need for you to do anything other than study. After going to the Mantle, you would spend a lot of your time working on other people's mechs as well. However, you have your own pilot suit, and you'll be getting a mech as well. Thus, you'll have to work both sides of the coin."

"Mm. What's a pilot suit?"

"It's the suit you made. It's formally called a pilot suit, not a mech suit, and the people who drive mechs are called pilots."

Victoria explained, clearing up things for Issac. He pondered as she continued. 

"Despite having a power, building a pilot suit, and even being a dark technician, you haven't had much exposure to actually flying mechs. Thankfully, it's not something you can't learn. Pilots aren't actually rated because the power of a pilot is usually determined by their Echelon ranking. With your neural implant, you can link with your pilot suit and control it as if it were your body. So with a bit of adaptation, anybody can skillfully pilot their mechs. While there are skill gaps, it's incredibly difficult to cross a power gap with skill. The only thing that can allow someone to reliably fight above their power level is high quality equipment.

"Anyway, just remember that you'll be getting a mech of your own. In fact, you'll be building many pieces of equipment yourself. This will save you lots of money despite needing extra work, and it'll help you greatly. As both a dark technician and a pilot, you handle everything about your mech. It's a great combination if handled correctly. So, when we get to the Mantle, you'll need to do lots of studying in order to build your mech. All this information will help you with that. Do you understand?" 

"...Yes."

Issac nodded. He wasn't overwhelmed by the information, just that there was a lot. Victoria smiled at him before standing up.

"Don't worry. You'll adapt quickly. And, here. This is for you."

Victoria handed him a small device. It fit into the palm of his hand and was flat with a screen in it.

"It's a galactic terminal. With this, you can send and receive messages from any planet that has an interplanetary transmitter on it to anywhere else in the galaxy. It also has a unique galactic number. Don't give that to just anybody. Oh, and be careful if you integrate it with Nifty, please. Those things aren't common."

"Sure. Thanks."

Issac smiled as he took the device. Asphodel had a similar galactic terminal. Until now, Issac didn't need one, but now that he was being let out into the wider galaxy, it was about time he received one. This was a nice present. He was also very eager to now integrate this into Nifty's systems. 

"Well, get some rest now. These three days are probably going to be the last of the peaceful days you have for a long while. After you arrive, things are going to be constantly moving. There won't be much time to rest, unlike the years of slow life you've had until now."

"Sure. Hopefully it'll at least be fun."

"It's fun in its own way. The fun part is having your hard work pay off. My advice: just keep looking to the future if you ever feel down. Anyway, I'm going to go find your father. Do be sure to talk to Anthony sometime. You both will be each other's support in that unfamiliar environment."

"Okay."

With that, Victoria left, leaving Issac to himself. After pondering for a bit, he quickly left his room and found the cargo bay where all his items were located. After tearing some things out and setting up a makeshift workstation, he got to work on integrating the galactic terminal into Nifty. This new present was a good way to get his mind off of his lingering melancholy. 

 

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