Will all SeeD candidates who participated in yesterday's exam report to the auditorium, Ayo's voice asked over the intercom. Repeat, will all SeeD candidates who participated in yesterday's exam, report to the auditorium.

Jay set down his lunch; it had been tasteless anyway. Tossing the food into one of the disposals, he set the tray on top and headed towards the concourse.

Hey, man.

This time, Jay had noticed Tycho coming up behind him, and merely looked at him expressionlessly.

So, here it comes. The moment where all our training pays off, and we see if we have to spend another year of our lives trying to make it. Nervous?

Not yet, but keep trying.

Tycho grinned. Hey, don't worry about it. We offed a giant mama Grendel and picked up a GF! How can they fail us?

I don't think turning the GF on Chang got us any points.

Hey, he wanted proof, I gave it to him.

The two students sat down on the lift, which raised them to the 2F and the auditorium. Jay — and even Tycho — then silently filed in and took a pair of seats in the front.

One of the Faculty members was already there, holding a clipboard. Jay thought he recognised him as the one from the landing feild, but wasn't sure. Shortly after the thirty candidates were gathered, the slight form of Headmaster Ayo appeared from backstage. All conversation ceased immediately.

First of all, she said, I wish to congratulate each and every one of you who made it this far. While the majority of you will not become SeeDs today, you have all shown excellent potential, and it is my hope that you will apply again next year. She paused for a beat. But even for those of you who passed yesterday's exam, remember that your trial does not end here. From now until the day you resign, you will be expected to perform as stated in the Garden code and whatever contract you are working to fulfill. You will be members of an elite force, the pride of Garden, and are expected to act accordingly.

She nodded to the Faculty member, who cleared his throat and took a step forward. Ahem. Will the following students please step forward. Tycho DaLannen.

Tycho whispered, before standing and trying not to run to the stage.

Samson Inoba. Joa Kristov.

Samson and Joa both jumped up and nearly collided with each other, before regaining their composures and walking calmly up to the stage.

Traci Loper. Kailie Loren.

Jay didn't know Traci well, but she looked happy enough. Kailie was trying to hold back a smile, and not doing a very good job.

That was about when the tension started to mount on Jay. His name was toward the end, and they were going alphabetically, so he couldn't know yet. If he failed...was he willing to go through another year of training?

Jiri Nasima.

Jiri was practically bouncing up the stairs.

Both the other people in my squad made it, Jay thought. Does that mean I will, too? Or maybe they just chose to blame me, the leader.

Jaysen Trager.

He almost didn't hear. And when it registered, he wondered if he had misheard. But no one else was stepping up. A little shakily, Jay got to his feet and forced himself to the stage. No one demanded, What the hell are you doing?' so he assumed that his name had in fact been called.

Medri Univar. The Faculty member checked over his clipboard. That is all.

There was a low moan from the students who hadn't passed, but Ayo motioned for silence. The rest of you are dismissed. I hope to see some of your faces in next year's graduating class.

She then walked over to the Faculty member, who pulled a number of sheets off his clipboard, handing them to her. These are your SeeD rank reports, she said, and handed the first to Tycho. She also muttered something to him, too softly for Jay to hear, then shook his hand.

When she came to Jay, she said, Trust yourself, Jaysen. Remember that your only limits are those you impose on yourself. She shook his hand, and left him to wonder what exactly she had meant. Ignoring the words for the moment, he looked down at the sheet of paper.

Trager, Jaysen.
Conduct — 64%
Judgement — 76%
Attack — 100%
Spirit — 85%
Attitude — 91%

83.2%

SeeD Rank: 8

Jay smiled. Despite his poor marks in Conduct and Judgement — probably for the cave business — he had recieved a very high grade. Starting SeeDs could not reach higher than a ten, and after being apprehensive about even passing, Jay would have taken just about anything.

Report to the main office for your new room assignments, Ayo said. You will recieve your first assignments in one to twenty days. Dismissed.


Tycho yelled as soon as they were back in the hallway, loud enough to make Jaysen wince. Seven! Can you believe that?

Jay said.

Tycho mock-punched him. So what did you get, Boss?



Joa nodded. Me too.

Jiri and Medri said together.

Samson put in.

Traci said unhappily.

Everyone turned to Kailie, who coughed demurely and hid her report behind her back. Jiri said to her friend. What'd you get?

Kailie said, clearly avoiding the question.



she said quietly.

Tycho snapped. How did you do that?

Best student in Garden, Traci said, grimacing.

Kailie shrugged. Oh! Hey, Hahn! She took off as she spotted her friend disappearing down the hall. Jiri followed.

Come on, Tycho said, tugging at Jay's arm. Let's clean out our room. I wanna see my new one before the party!

Oh, right, Jay thought. The commencement celebration. Another party where I get to stand by the drinks table and listen to the music.

he said, almost managing to feign enthusiasm. Party. Fun.