Page 62 of Light Leech

“What are we supposed to do until then?”

“Mingle! Greet your fellow competitors. Most will fail out within the first round, but it is best to know your enemies and those who might become your future acquaintances.”

“How many rounds are there?”

The being shook its head, a smile stretching wide. “No cheating.”

“What’s the passing rate?” Ralia asked.

“While a failing group is common, we have had as many as five competitors pass in previous rounds.”

I had so many questions but held them back, fearing they would give away how unqualified I was for all of this. I had already thanked Ralia for all she had done, but if we had any chance at success, it would be because of her. I was no scholar. She might not have been either, but her intellect was sharp enough to deceive even the most rigid of systems.

The floor pushed us forward as if our square of ground was on a track. Looking back, I saw the greeter speaking with a new entrant. No one else entered with a companion like me, but the greeting sentinels hadn’t said anything about it. As long as I had Ralia, I had hope.

She started to walk, keeping us in the gaps between crowds, though there were plenty of “competitors” who stood alone and looked like they wanted to be left as such.

Zhu, are you here?

“Always, Bakuh.”

Just had to check if you followed me here.

“You’re more like me now.”

How so?

“Ascend.”

Of course that’s what you would say.

“You are nearing green.”

What about Ralia and Sha?

“Sha is an enigma. Investigate if you can. My old companion has been distant as of late.”

Alright, but you’re still close with Sun and Bei?

“There is so much you do not see.”

“Perfect timing,” Ralia said, pulling me from my conversation with Zhu. “No wonder those assassins were rushing after you with the end of this approaching. Good timing on our part, too.”

I nodded. “I’m glad we didn’t miss today’s batch. How do you think everyone else got here?”

“Noting that they didn’t kill us? Whoever is running this thing must have set tasks for these wannabe scholars to accomplish.”

“Think we’ll figure out who’s running this?”

“If we can win.”

“With you, we’ve got a shot.”

“Awe, babe, thanks. I mean, don’t we already know it’s the Correction? Someone behind Pure Knowledge? It’s basically the same thing as education.”

I scoffed. “You think the guk they were teaching at Water Hills qualifies as knowledge?”

“Zeg, no, which is why these people are so hungry for Pure Knowledge.” She lowered her voice. “We already know the whole zegging world is a lie.”