Dimensional Descent

On this day, the Southern Lookout was bustling. Actually, it could be said that the past week was easily the liveliest time of the year. Not only was it the time for the agreed upon biannual check-in, but it was also the time for the gathering of Promising Youths.

Many saw the check-in at the Lookouts to be a small vacation from the days of putting their lives on the line. It could be said that this gathering acted as the main attraction, placing a nice bow on the events of the last week.

At this time, many had come together toward the center of the Venice-like city, ready to enjoy all the excitement.

The arena at the center of the Southern Lookout was quite beautiful indeed. It seated about 10 000 people normally, but this only counted the seats available directly on the property.

To the sides of the arenas, there were many artificial rivers of water that allowed boats to float around. If the seating capacity of these various steel behemoths was taken into account, the number of spectators could easily reach 50 000.

Though this number of individuals might not necessarily come out to watch usually, the events of the past week were too shocking. How could any of them bear to miss this event? As a result, let alone 50 000 people, there were even more trying to push their way in.

Those with special water based abilities were making quite a sum of money today, just taking in these people to have a look.

As for who these people had come for? Who else if not that young man known as Indomitable?

On the arena stage, there were already several masked young men and women who stood silently. Their posture could be considered perfect and each of them had the bearing of a military man or woman. Their discipline was immaculate.

Each of their masks held a different symbol that represented their title. One might have pictured a roaring lion, another might have a slithering snake, some had images more abstract painted on theirs, while yet some others were completely straight forward and opted for words.

There were about 40 youths present. The actual number of Promising Youths assigned to the Southern Lookout was easily double this. However, not every youth on the ranking would come forward. After all, this was an organization created for the sake of taking down the Empire, not all of them had the time to spare out of their dangerous daily lives to take part.

put on a good show for the masses. But this time,

out when we provided such good

in an overseer's box, looking toward the arena. Amongst them, there were two men and a single woman. Though they seemed smiling and reserved, it was obvious by the

the ones we reward all the time. Plus, even though they're young, they understand the concept of protecting themselves. The less famous they are, the better it is for them. Stepping forward for short term benefits

this like we're the bad guys for trying to give

the whole rankings to be a bit silly. Why did we create them at all? You know that I was among the few who directly rejected the idea. We should be protecting these youths, not thrusting them into the spotlight

the proceedings. This was only the third gathering to ever take place. After all, the Promising rankings were only created after the Metamorphosis. It was widely known that youths had greater potential during this evolutionary stage, so emphasis was placed on

was only more reason to stop this practice, but it

own concerns as well. Earth's situation is quite

words, the woman fell silent. She too knew that the behind-the-scenes matters weren't so simple. But, even if there were logical reasons, she still found it to be a

exactly what she had been worried about. No matter how sensible they were, the young was still the young, after all. They were only provoked just this little bit and look at how many of them had come out this time. In fact, if it wasn't

by several levels. Who knew if this was a ploy by the

Hutch, it could be said that he was endorsed by the latter as well. Not many would believe that such a

retired officials of their Legion hadn't become disillusioned to the point of defecting in the past… The path they as rebels walked

get to see that kid you hate so much get his just desserts. Look

man pointed toward two young people, one of which was a young man and the other of

a sports bra that held back her breasts. Though her chest couldn't be said to be large, it was still eye catching, causing a few youths to look over and gulp down

spiraling swirls painted onto the young woman's mask, none of them dared to harass her.

a javelin. His full, sturdy chest

of a dark cloud. Everyone knew who he was by this symbol. He was the youth who had just been pushed down

looked around on several occasions, they only saw masks with symbols they recognized.