Road Of Advancement

"Well, guess you really did make a bit of a splash with your speech, has the University not made a problem out of it?" Theodore cheekily answered. Since he knew his aptitude score broke the 90 mark and he had done well in his tests, Theodore had become more relaxed.

"Those old badgers won't be troubling me over something as trivial as that. Remember, I'm young and they see promise in me. I'm currently their new golden boy, they won't make any problems as long as I get results. Sure, I can't get away with too much, but I have fairly much credit."

"Figures, they're betting you're going to bring in billions of cred right?"

"Well, they're amply funding me and the atmosphere is good here. I'm not really missing out. My name is on everything I create and every research I finish and the proceedings are rather favourably distributed." Boulton shrugged. "Anyways we've been over this before. It's time to talk about you and your test results. How did you think you did?"

"My scores were pretty decent I think. You know about my aptitude score I presume? So a place in KMU is guaranteed regardless. I've been at my best after that, gave me a little boost and relieved me of some weight on my shoulders." Theodore admitted.

"Well, you did well. I can honestly say you've surprised me."

"This batch has been somewhat exceptional. Among the legacies, there are a few who could easily test in a first-rate university. From what I've been told, the KMU has expended huge efforts into recruiting the best talents this year. They're very serious about their plans to advance to a tier 1 university in the next few years."

"Even among the examinees of today, the standard has been a lot higher than in previous years. You will be surprised to know that Dwight Hightower from your group did not finish first on the simulation or field test today. He was third overall in both tests. Normally Dwight would've been first by a length but even his third place is under pressure."

"The same applies to the field of science. This is the hardest year to get in - since ever. Because of the amount of talent, only very few people will be selected based on their overall result. KMU generally believes specialist triumph generalists."

"Though your scores are impressive in their own rights, even more so if we were to factor in how fast you've improved over the last three-and-a-half months, you aren't nearly at the top of this batch." Professor Boulton words were like a cold shower to Theodore. He had just become comfortable and proud of his results, only to be firmly put in his place.

A silence ensued, which was slowly killing Theodore. His anxiety levels slowly rising. Summit even started to report several statusses.

"Host his blood pressure is rising. Host temperature is nearing critical levels. Host breathing is unsteady. You are advised to adjust your breathing and calm down. If unable, please report, than i will report to the medical bay." Summit reported. His voice calming down Theodore as he followed his instructions and started doing a set of breathing exercises.

"You will be happy to know that you've been given various options to attend the KMU nonetheless." Boulton smiled.

"House Horus offers a spot to you in the elite class. They will cover your 'expenses' for all your classes regarding combat, mech piloting, officer classes and so on."

"House Mimir is offering you a spot in their regular class. They will cover your 'expenses' for a track of your choice in the science department."

"The same goes for the houses Regin and Vanir. With the difference that they will not offer to cover your expenses."

"The evaluation of Horus housemaster Freyain is that you're a diamond in the rough. You are impulsive. Reckless even. You have very unpolished movement. But he also states that you are determined, brave, creative and have a natural sense for danger and opportunities. Qualities that he likes to see in future Mech Pilots and combatants in general."

"Housemaster Ingress says that your fundamentals are very solid, - courtesy of yours truly -, but that your advanced knowledge is spread a little thin. You are fine in some departments, but lacking in others. She, however, likes that you try and infer answers on your own and that you seem to have a good analytical brain. You lack the qualifications to enter the elite class based on your scores, but she hopes you don't throw away your apparent talent in the field of science."

"House masters Raquees of Regin and Housemaster Breedlove simply state that they believe in your potential and that you are welcome to join their houses."

"It's basically up to you to decide where you want to be sorted into. Whatever you aspire to become, this is your first crossroad."

Theodore's mood had regained part of his usual bearing after hearing so many positive words but he felt lost even more so after hearing he had to make a choice now. It's easier to be sorted than to make a choice!

'If I join house Horus I will be an elite Cadet. The house will also bear the cost of my studies. Which is nice, since credits are a hard currency inside the KMU. However, would I not limit myself if I just went after the free combat-oriented tracks'

'If I join house Mimir I will be sponsored a free track of my choice. Science is also the easiest road to gaining credits as far as I know. This will cover the expenses of any other classes that I want. Gramps did warn me that credits are harder to earn than I might think. I might think to light of it.'

'I'm not that interested in craftsmanship and engineering. With all due respects, becoming a specialised craftsman does not fit my ambitions.'

'Business might be different in this world and time, but I'm more than confident in myself. I won't need to join Vanir to operate and grow a successful business.'

"Can you tell me more about the tracks and classes of Horus and Mimir?" Theodore decided to get informed before making a decision. Asking questions was also a great way to delay a final answer as his mind had not settled on either path.

'Im pretty lost right now. I studied and worked so hard, but what do I want?'

"As you know, Horus is the most famous house at KMU, followed by Mimir. As a military University, there is a core focus on combat classes and sciences. The KMU earns billions with their state of the art research so don't belittle house Mimirs standing."

"Horus has been delivering high-quality novices to the market for years. Many chose to go into military service. Some directly join the private sector, however. Most graduates go on to become advanced pilots. A lot of alumni become senior staff in the army, with Colonel de Ruyter as a great example of former alumni gone career-militarist. He's hot stuff now since he promoted to rear Admiral."

"Fleet command is a subject that you can choose in your second year. First-year entrants to space command are scouted personally by the academy based on prior achievements. Currently, six of the elite cadets, brought in as legacies, have been accepted. And as stated before, they are the cream of the crop."

"As long as you're interested in military positions, house Horus has a suitable track available for you. As it stands, they offer you a full scholarship. So you can freely join tracks and classes on your own volition. This freedom can both break you up as can help you climb the ranks. At the very least, they are down to invest in you."

"Mimir is a powerhouse in science. They deliver scholars yearly that make decent careers all over the galaxy. Both in applied and pure sciences, they offer almost all the classes you can think of. I myself teach power related subjects as well as pure physics. An odd fish in a track they host together with house Regin and Vanir, mech design."

"It's not a pure science or research related track. It's something I think is suitable for you. With your sturdy foundation in sciences and your instincts as a pilot, you will do great, I think."

Theodore's interest was peaked by the last remark.

"That does seem like a great track.." Theodore admitted.

"Have you made up your mind or will you continue to barter for time?"

"I haven't quite made up my mind.. I admit that I have somewhat of an infatuation with mechs. They are truly fascinating and I feel comfortable piloting them. They resonate with me somewhat for some reason. I just don't know what I want to choose, both options are great.."

"Well, Theodore, picking a house might not mean you have to give up either. Remember, credits can get you access to anything here. KMU actively stimulates students to gain credits by doing chores, participating in research or extracurricular activities. As long as you have enough credits, you can 'buy' all classes in the Mech design Track."

"Will I even be able to gain that much credits?" Theodore sighed.

"Well, Horus does sponsor all your classes and expenses. So everything you earn becomes a surplus. Sure, you have to set aside credits for meals, teaching materials, extra teaching sessions and training sessions, but you will have a lot more surplus than most cadets."

"True. But I can't split myself up in many pieces. I have to attend many classes and earn a lot of credits, how can I then still attend all Mech Design classes?" Theodore asked.

A big smile bloomed on Boultons face.

'Shit, he planned on this. He definitely wants something of me.'

"Well, Theodore, I think I can help you out with this. As a teacher, I'm entitled to given out several jobs. These jobs can pay pretty well. I can set you up with a pretty good one; as a teacher's personal attendant you can earn a good amount of credits. The catch is simple, you become a formal apprentice of mine - but unlike your apprenticeship to Wilkinson, I will take you in as a direct disciple. Secondly, you will after I find you of a suitable level, take over my first-year classes."

"With your ability to learn, you should be capable of that very soon. Not to mention, with access to my private research and library, it should be a pinch for you. With you taking over some of my classes I will have extra time to direct my research and produce results." Boulton explained.

'Trading with Boulton is like trading with the devil. Sure you get what you want, but you're definitely going to pay for it somewhere down the road. But, regardless, it's probably the safest and easiest way to secure the necessary credits.'

'I'll have to ask grandfather about becoming an apprentice though. He even reminded me to not be casual about my relationsh.i.p.s with people since I'm the heir.' Theodore lamented.

"Can I ask grandfather his approval for this deal? You must understand, it does involve our family in some way." Theodore asked.

"If you must," Boulton stated. His face was as straight as an arrow, but Theodore swore he could see a glint of amus.e.m.e.nt and annoyance flash through his face. Though conflicting, Theodore understood this immediately.

Boulton liked it when people thought for themselves and didn't rush decisions. In this sense, Theodore had learned a lot.

He also knew that dealing with his grandfather was going to be a pain for Boulton. How he dealt with Dr Morgan was a great example of how much the old fox could gain from negotiations.

Theodore messaged the context of Boulton's proposal to his grandfather and almost immediately gained a response from his grandfather.

"Leave negotiations to me. Tell him I'll contact him. It'll be fine." This short succinct message made Theodore smile. He could rely on his grandfather to settle the negotiations and he could start looking forward to his time at KMU as a Horus student who doubled as a Mech Design Track student.

"Grandfather will contact you, he seems agreeable so I think your deal will go through. Just know that he won't go easy on you - even if it's you." Theodore joked.

"Well, leave the old badger to me then. Even if he's an old fox, we both stand to gain something from making a deal." Boulton scoffed.

"Now get out of my office, I have to take care of more students today." Boulton said with a sourly face.

Theodore left the office happily laughing at Boultons misfortune. The man really did not like formalities.

Boulton simply smiled as he saw the young man leave his office. In front of him on a VR display a test was displayed: Theodore Thompson - score: 192 - no.2.