~~~(POV: Jun Seros)~~~
Young Sunrider almost flawlessly uses Makashi to probe my defenses and parry retaliatory attacks. It's hard to believe he's made such amazing progress with Makashi since his one-on-one training with me started four months ago.
Out of everyone I've trained in my time as the Battlemaster, Ryan is by far the most gifted of students. His connection to the Force alone helps him, but he's a natural with the lightsaber, too.
If I was his age again, I'd be a jealous Youngling. I had not known better than to be jealous when I was his age. Even now, I can't help thinking about what I could achieve if I had his natural talent. I'm by no means envious or jealous, but it makes me wonder. What one's potential would look like if it was yours instead.
A common thought and process among the living. But I'm forced back to the current situation as another flurry of strikes comes my way. You wouldn't think Ryan is a small child by looking at him. Well, you would. But if you only heard of his potential and skills alone, you wouldn't believe it.
He's just a child still.
Today, if my memory serves me right, marks Ryan's birthday. At a mere three cycles old, he's already advancing at a pace that would befit a padawan. This accelerated progress is a clear sign of his exceptional potential.
It's a unique situation; one could argue that Ryan is already a padawan. He's undergoing training with three different Masters and is immersed in specialized training, a path usually reserved for padawans. This exceptional circumstance further underscores his potential.
He forces me to shift into Soresu, which is saying a lot for someone his age against someone with my experience and skill. It's not to say that I'm a bad Battlemaster, but Ryan is an exceptional Jedi learner. Everything about lightsabers and the Force, he absorbs.
It's quite an amazing thing to watch if I'm being honest. Being able to see tangible improvement as it happens in front of you… I've never seen anything like it. The Force blessed the boy with unbelievable power. My worry is, for what reason…
Once again, I have to retaliate with Djem-So to slow him down on his offense. Forcing him to rethink his approach. We've been sparring for almost three minutes now, and that's longer than what most Knights can handle against me. To be fair, I'm holding back.
I'm here to teach him.
All he knows is Shii-Cho and Makashi, yet he's brilliantly mixing the two of them together. He pushes forward again, using the deflecting abilities of Shii-Cho to push into my defense. Then, mix in Makashi while not fully dropping Shii-Cho.
However, he's still learning, and it shows. As he makes me adjust back to Soresu, I see errors and flaws in his forms. Taking advantage of the opening, I grab Ryan's wrist and force him to drop his training lightsaber as I twist his arm back.
I almost believe I've won the spar, but the Force warns me of an incoming strike. I have to let go, and that's when I see the lightsaber floating off the ground. Blade slicing through the air at where I was a moment ago. I can see the slight exasperation on Ryan's face.
He's not frustrated or angry, which is what you'd expect from someone his age. He's showing that he's finding it difficult to get an attack on me. It'd be the first if he could.
"Master Seros, I don't know If I'll ever be able to land a strike on you. Let alone a significant one. Even when using Telekinesis to help me launch a surprise attack, you were able to adjust. I'm just running out of ideas here."
All I do is smile as I see the calculating look on the small child's face. He's thinking of something. Even though all his previous attempts have failed, it's admirable he's not giving up. I watch as the training saber floats back into his hand, and he reenters Makashi's opening stance.
"Normally, I'd see some discouragement or the loss of the will to continue fighting. This is a sparring session, Ryan. However, if it were a real dual against a Sith, you would've perished long ago. Sometimes, a tactical retreat is the best or only option."
He takes in my words with a serious expression. As serious as a kid can give. Then I watch his features relax a little, but the Force warns me again. In the next second, I'm on my heels as an assault of Shii-Cho and Makashi bombard me. A mixture of the forms I haven't seen yet.
But the exhaustion is starting to show for young Sunrider. After around 30 seconds of this impressive attack, his body slows down, and his movements become weaker. Allowing me to easily disarm him. His training lightsaber flies from his hand and lands outside the sparring circle in the dojo.
Instead of being angry or upset at his loss, I watch him smile as he falls on his back. Looking up at the ceiling as sweat drips from his brow.
Ryan concerns me—his behavior, mannerisms, and aptitude with the Force. If I'm not careful in his training… If we're… Not careful in his training, we could be creating something that is never meant to exist. A Jedi that could one day overpower the Order on his own.
"Geez, Master Seros. I don't know who taught you, but whoever they were. They had to be a true Master with a lightsaber. Nothing I did worked. I tried every idea I had."
The admiration and joy in his voice are so much different than what I'm used to dealing with. Even among Knights and Masters, there are those who would never act like this upon defeating them. It's like he doesn't feel pride or have an ego.
As much training as a Jedi has, there are always times when certain emotions come through. But it's like Ryan is always on the exact same wavelength.
I don't know how he does it, and does it as a child…
"My Master taught me a great deal. But that was a long time ago. You were impressive today, Ryan. You've come a very long way with Makashi. I take it you've been training alone in your free time?"
He nods his head lightly as he's lying on the ground. Confirming he's been training outside his time with the three Masters. That's another point of concern I have. His ambition isn't something a Jedi or a child his age should have. Not to the degree I see it.
But considering he's aware of his responsibility to the Republic, I shouldn't be surprised. I'll talk with him about when I think it's becoming too much. Right now, it's just the right amount he needs.
"How are the other Younglings training coming along? Rana and Roka tell me they're trying hard to improve, but they don't really explain to me what the lessons entail. Qel talks to me only about how he's falling behind… Is it true?"
Ryan shows a healthy amount of concern for his friends. While he doesn't train with them anymore, he does still sleep in the sleeping quarters that Boma and Heliost clans share. It would be weird if he didn't keep up with what his friends were doing.
As to how the Younglings are coming along… I'd say it's great for some, average for most, and bad for others. Youngling Haadé is improving with his lightsaber, but he feels he has a great deal to prove in comparison to Ryan. It's causing concern among the Jedi teachers.
Roka and Rasana are pushing themselves way harder than any of the other Younglings, and Qel is right there with them in that mindset. When Ryan told them he'd be undergoing advanced training, they changed.
It's amazing how much of an effect Ryan's had on them. Both good and bad.
"I get worried about them 'cause they don't talk to me like they used to, and I feel like there keeping something from me."
Ryan's connection to the Force would allow him a greater insight into his friends. It's admirable that the Younglings of his generation are so close. But it's also a danger. The loss of friends has been a path to the Darkside for many Jedi.
Especially in recent years who've been thrust into this war. Something we're completely unfamiliar with and not prepared for. Jedi haven't been warriors for a long time, and now we have to be that again.
I know there is a council meeting today about the public sentiment regarding the Jedi and the war with the Empire. I'm not a part of it, but I wish I was. I know a lot about what's going on out there from correspondence with my friends, however, I fear something of great change for the Jedi is on the horizon.
And we're blind to it. But before I can continue this line of thought, Ryan looks at me with a raised eyebrow. Having not answered him for longer than one would expect after being asked a question.
"They're doing just fine. You don't need to worry about them. That's the job of your Masters. Now, our lessons are done for today."
I walk up to Ryan and stick my hand out.
"Here, there are some things I want to speak with you about. You're not in trouble, but we need to have a talk."
He looks at me with slight confusion, but after a second, he takes my hand, and I pull him up. Once standing, we make our way to one of the benches and sit down. I need to have a conversation with him about his growth. A serious one. One he hasn't had yet.
~~~(POV: Ryan Sunrider)~~~
After Master Seros and I sit down on the bench, a heavy silence falls on the dojo. I look at my teacher, expecting the conversation to start. I don't know what it's about, but I do know a serious expression like the one he's got means it's important.
"I'll be blunt about what I want to speak with you about. Dancing around the subject doesn't do you any good."
I'm half worried that something changed with the timeline or expected events with words like that. However, that's quickly put to rest as he begins the topic.
"You're natural power is something you need to be wary and cautious of, Ryan. One day, you'll be an adult, and your formal training will be complete. When that day comes, I don't know how strong you'll be. All I know is you'll have surpassed almost, if not everyone, in the Jedi Order."
I look away from Master Seros and to the center of the empty training room. It's the first time a Jedi has been openly talking about my potential with me. Master Par danced around it, trying to hint at it. But this is an outright discussion.
"You'll continue to grow, and while we'll do our best to guide you. The final shape you'll take is up to you. There will be great trials ahead of you. Ones that will test you. The Darkside will tempt you. You need to know that if you fall to darkness, the Jedi Order is finished."
As I hear that last sentence, I instantly turn my head to look at him. I never expected anyone to put that kind of pressure on another person. Let alone a child. He's lucky I'm an adult in a reborn body. In truth, that almost sounds like emotional manipulation.
Like a mother or father saying, if you don't love them enough, you can go live with other relatives. That's what I'm reminded of when I hear that.
"The last four months of your training have opened my eyes to how different you truly are compared to everyone else. There are powerful Force users in the galaxy, but one day, you'll be stronger than all of them combined."
All I can do is listen as he speaks. It reminds me of the problems I'm having with certain Younglings. Mostly Kason. He takes every opportunity to try to antagonize me. It doesn't bother me in the slightest, given he's a child and I'm an adult.
It'd be strange if it did bother me. Still, if someone Kason's age can recognize the difference, then everyone else should be able to feel it, too.
Including a powerful Sith like the Emperor. I have no doubt he knows about me due to Syo Bakarn. If he's aware of my potential like everyone else is, then I should expect trouble once I'm out of the Temple. Right now, before ATC. I'm the safest I'm gonna be.
"Why are you telling me all this?"
I'm genuinely curious as to why he's sharing this with me. I'd assume the reason I haven't been talked to about it yet is either that I'm too young or the Jedi are mostly under an agreement not to speak with me about it. And if so, Master Seros is breaking that agreement right now.
He turns his head to look at me, and his features have a slightly sad look. There are wrinkles and lines around his eyes, but they are nowhere near the level of the Bounty Hunter campaign compared to the game. This shows that there is a lot of time still to pass.
"Because you scare a lot of the senior members of the Order, Ryan. No one like you has come before, and likely no one after. They're afraid of what you might do."
That silences me.
I didn't think they'd be scared of me. Maybe not in the sense of quaking in their boots, but in the sense of a person seeing something forming. Knowing where it might lead and what will follow if it's catastrophic. Like a time traveler going back in time and seeing someone who'll cause great human atrocities.
"Oh."
That's all I can really say. In response, Master Seros places his hand on my shoulder. Without saying anything, he stands up, and makes his way for the exit. I should be making my way to Master Chi-han by now. I stand up, too, and exit the dojo.
I almost forgot that today is my third birthday. I open my player interface and check the notifications. I looked at the notification I got this morning when I woke up.
It's Your Birthday!
To help with your growth, each birthday, you gain one level.
This will last until you reach 12 cycles.
Knowledge Skills suffer 10*strata levels of degradation.
NOTE:
Degradation decreased by 75% due to perk Photographic Memory.
Degradation suffered is now 2.5*strata
LEVEL-UP!
Level: 11-12
FP: 1300
PP: 2
PerkP: 1
STAM: 126
SP: 5
SKP: 60
"List Stats."
Ryan Sunrider
Age: 3
Species: Human
Title: The Player
Level: 12
HP: 120/120
FP: 15,600/15,600
M-Count: 31,790
PP: 24/24
XP [3500/13,000]
STAM [276/276]
Hunger [100/100]
STR: 7
VIT: 7
AGI: 7
INT: 20
WIS: 10
CHA: 4
Luck: 0 [20]
SP: 37
PerkP: 3
PPP: 2
SKP: 300
Credits: 0
It's a lot of great progress, but it's come with the consequence of standing out more. And, I think it's time that I spend those SP. The benefit it'll give me in the next level up is amazing, and I could use the boost in stats.
I take a few minutes on my walk to Chi-han to select which stats I'm upgrading. After a bit of time, I get the end result that I want.
Since the stat screen is open, I don't have to summon it with the command.
Ryan Sunrider
Age: 3
Species: Human
Title: The Player
Level: 12
HP: 200/200
FP: 15,600/15,600
M-Count: 31,790
PP: 24/24
XP [3500/13,000]
STAM [276/276]
Hunger [100/100]
STR: 11
VIT: 15
AGI: 14
INT: 20
WIS: 15
CHA: 16
Luck: 0 [20]
SP: 0
PerkP: 3
PPP: 2
SKP: 300
Credits: 0
The instant I confirm my choices, I feel the tangible difference in my body. My health has risen a considerable amount, and everything is looking stronger. The STAM I get on the next level up will be considerably larger than anything I've gotten so far.
I've found that one of the most important stats is STAM. I use it every day and all the time. Not only has all of this changed, but I've also improved greatly in my lightsaber skills.
"List Skills."
The list appears, and I focus on the top two that appear.
SKILLS
Lightsaber Forms
Form I: Shii-Cho
Savant 480
Having passed Professional 175, you can self-study Form I.
Form II: Makashi
Master 125
Having passed Professional 175, you can self-study Form II
Most of my skills have improved after my one-on-one lessons with my Master's has started. But I don't need to go through all those changes right now.
My attention falls from my Interface as I enter the room I train in with Chi-han. She's waiting for me with a smile on her face.
"You're a little late, Ryan. Did training with Master Seros go longer than you planned?"
I smile as I sit down across from her on one of the soft cushions. She's the most understanding of my teachers. I wouldn't say it's exclusively due to her being a woman, but I think it helps. That, and she works with kids every single day.
"Yeah, it was pretty intense. We talked for a bit after. Sorry, I'm late."
She simply waves her hand and dismisses it. A smile creeps on her lips as I feel a small probe with the Force go through me. I look at her curiosity, and for an explanation; however, she doesn't give me one. Instead, just moving on to the lesson.
"Come, there is much for us to do now that you're here."
Time to get to work. ~~~(POV: Orgus Din)~~~
The setting sun of Coruscant shines through the council windows. I stand alone, looking out into the vast city-spanning planet. I can't imagine what's happening outside the safety of the Jedi and Senate walls. Everything below the first level is becoming more and more lawless.
There is so much that's changed since I was a young boy… It's hard to believe the galaxy has reached such a level of bloodshed.
The large doors leading into the council chambers slowly open. I turn to see five familiar faces; the rest of the council members will attend via hologram. We'll have to keep the meeting short since so many are in the middle or about to start a battle.
I make my way to my seat as conversations around the room begin. As I sit down, I watch Grandmaster Zym enter the room. It's the first time I've seen him back at the temple since the war began.
Tol-Braga and Gnost-Dural take their seats on either side of me. Syo Bakarn takes his seat next to Zym. Jaric Kaeden is also able to be present here in person as well. That's the six that's actually here. The other half will be joining any moment now.
It takes a little more than a minute, and the rest of the seats in the Jedi High Council chambers are filled with holographic images of Masters fighting on the frontlines. There is a heavy silence for a brief moment, but it's filled with a long sigh from Grandmaster Zym.
"This war has taken a heavy toll on us all. But I called this emergency meeting to talk about the state of the galaxy as a whole. I'll be plain: the Republic can't last another five years at this rate. Many Jedi lives have been lost, and now we're training our Younglings for war. We need a solution."
As the subject of the Younglings comes up, there is a palpable tension. While the decision to change the training of the Younglings was up to the Council of First Knowledge, it was discussed here. Master Bakarn, myself, and Jaric are the only council members who were in favor of the change.
If it were up to the High Council, the training regiment for the Younglings would've remained as it was. We're already seeing positive results in many of the Younglings. There are concerns with a few of them developing, though. It's a repercussion of the change.
During the silence after Grandmaster Zym speaks, one of the fellow council members who isn't present in person decides to raise another issue.
"The state of the war isn't the only issue. In the Rim, we've encountered a lot of Jedi and Republic discontent. We've lost entire systems to the Sith Empire due to the people there wanting to stop war and preferring occupation and rule by the Sith."
All I do is close my eyes and think about the many protests that happen outside. The Senate building is under 24/7 guard and surveillance due to these protests. They're beginning to get violent, and the support for the Jedi in this war has almost reached nothing.
There are even discussions in the Senate about removing the Jedi from the military altogether. Considering many believe we're not helping the war at all. I keep to myself for the next 20 minutes as the discussion about these two topics continues.
I want to bring up something. I know there won't be any support for the idea, but I need my fellow Masters to know about the option.
A moment of silence appears between the discussions, and I take my chance.
"I want to bring up the idea of moving the Younglings off Coruscant."
My words cause everyone's heads to look in my direction. Surprised looks on most, but there are a few who aren't immediately opposed to the idea.
"We don't know how this civil unrest will affect the Jedi here. All we know as of now is things are gonna get way worse before they get better. What happens if the Sith invade with the help of the people against us? Against the war? We're surrounded by potential enemies, and I don't want the future of the Jedi in the middle of that."
I speak calmly and at an even pace. I emphasize how important this is for everyone. There is silence around the room. All faces carry a thinking expression.
"With the current state of Coruscant and how fast the Sith are pushing into the Core systems, I don't think what Master Din has suggested is out of the question. We should have a backup plan for the possibility of invasion or incursion."
Master Bakarn decides now is the time to chime in with his opinion. It's a sound argument. Any tactician or strategist knows a backup plan for when things go bad is imperative. We need to start thinking and planning like military commanders.
"Since we're having a conversation about the Younglings and their safety, an escape plan for them specifically sounds like a necessity. However, the idea of the Jedi having to leave our home for thousands of years is a frightful conversation."
One of the Jedi Masters not here in person also shows her support. I missed the conversation about the state of the Republic for the most part, but I got the bullet points.
It's not good.
"What we should discuss is where we'll send the Younglings if this terrible circumstance is to occur. It's not like we have many remaining installations around the galaxy. Most were decommissioned, and the ones that weren't have been taken by the Empire."
Now that I've got the ball rolling on this, it's time for an open discussion.
"Before we start talking about where they'll be sent, we need to talk about their progress. This generation of Younglings is proving to be powerful; Ryan Sunrider, as everyone knows, is advancing at an accelerated rate. I'm worried about the Darkside corrupting them. We've never trained Younglings like this before. It's a dangerous road."
Master Gnost-Dural is the one to bring up Ryan. I was wondering when someone was gonna bring him up. It's no secret amongst the Jedi that Ryan is special. Many of my constituents believe him to have an important and even vital role in the future of the galaxy.
I'm not among that group, his potential is impressive, and the rate at which he grows is even more so. However, power like his is dangerous. He could be our destruction.
"I'm in agreement with Master Gnost-Dural. Ryan's teachers have written expressed concerns in their reports. Master Chi-han, in particular, frequently iterates how fast Ryan picks up Force abilities. Often outpacing in terms of progress, even Knights. Master Dessix's has iterated that Ryan is a Genius. And there are other Younglings who see him as a goal or someone to beat. While this compounds progress, it also leads down a dark road."
Master Bakarn surprises me with his observations about Ryan. He's one of his biggest supporters inside the Order. But considering the contents of the reports we frequently read about the Younglings, it makes sense to have concerns about Ryan.
"Even in Battlemaster Seros's reports, he states that Ryan will likely surpass him and most Jedi Masters in lightsaber disciplines by the time he's 12 or 13. When and if we move the Younglings, we have to take into consideration their current level at the time. Some will already be ready for war."
When that last sentence leaves Master Bakarn's lips, near chaos erupts inside the council chambers. All I can do is lean back in my chair and look out the window.
This meeting will last longer than I ever thought it would.