"I'm Normah," he said, gesturing to himself with his free hand. "Leader of the Crimson Friends. I'm a mage. I like to... bend... the Academy's rules. That's why we're calling you a technician. On paper, you're responsible for our gear. In reality, you're going to be our secret weapon."
Robert just nodded, not knowing what to say. Normah's gaze was as if trying to read the very depths of his mind.
"Now, time to meet the rest of the family," Normah said, turning to the group behind him.
Robert's gaze shifted to the man standing right next to Normah, a silent threat in his very presence. The man's left arm was normal, ending in a strong, calloused hand. But his right arm... His right arm, from the shoulder down, was a single, solid piece of rusted, wrought iron, shaped into a sword with a roughly sharpened tip. The metal was bound to his skin with no visible stitches or seams, as if it had grown organically from him. Runes that Robert didn't understand were carved into the metal's surface, glowing with a faint light. He wore worn, brown leather armor, scarred from countless battles. His face had sharp features and gray eyes, shadowed by a world-weary expression.
"This is Tersan," Normah introduced. "Our warrior. He doesn't like to talk much; he lets his sword do the talking. But he's loyal. You'd have an easier time squeezing water from a rock than getting a secret out of Tersan."
Tersan gave Robert only a brief nod. A faint creak came from his metallic arm. His voice was muffled and metallic, as if a rusty door was opening. "Welcome, Technician."
Robert's attention was suddenly broken by a shadow falling over him. When he looked up, his breath was literally taken away. The woman standing behind Tersan was a giant. At over eight feet tall (2.5 meters), she towered over Robert and the rest of the group. But the word 'giant' wasn't enough to describe her elegance and beauty. Long, braided, wheat-blonde hair fell to her waist. Her face looked as if it had been carved by a sculptor inspired by Scandinavian goddesses: a strong jawline, crystal-clear blue eyes, and full lips held in a gentle smile. She wore armor of tarnished bronze and leather, fitted perfectly to her muscular yet shapely body. On her back hung a massive battle-axe, nearly as tall as she was. Her presence was a strange combination of overwhelming power and calm serenity.
"And this is our dear Karnah," Normah said, his voice holding obvious affection as he looked at her. "She's also a warrior. The muscle and the conscience of the group. Don't be fooled by her appearance; she'd hesitate to hurt a butterfly. But if someone dares to hurt one of her friends... well, that's when you'll meet her axe."
Karnah bent down from her incredible height toward Robert. As her face came level with his, her smile widened. Her voice, in contrast to her size, was soft and melodic. "Welcome to the team, little man. If Normah chose you, there must be something special about you. I hope you know how to cook. The cook in this group is terrible."
Robert couldn't help but smile at the sincerity of this giant beauty. "I know a little."
"Wonderful! Then we have a deal."
Robert's eye was now caught by one of the more active members of the group. This was a female humanoid with a delicate build, constantly bouncing lightly on her feet, full of energy. Her most prominent feature was the feathered wings emerging from her back, which, even folded, were clearly as wide as an albatross's. Her feathers started as a silvery-white at the roots, fading into a brilliant sky-blue at the tips. She had short, white hair that looked perpetually wind-swept and curious, bright blue eyes that were constantly scanning her surroundings. She wore a practical, lightweight jumpsuit made of an aerodynamic fabric that didn't restrict her movement.
"Vingyu," Normah cut in. "Wind class. Our scout and our fastest member. She hates staying on the ground and talks a bit too much."
Vingyu created a small breeze by stretching her wings slightly and suddenly appeared right in front of Robert. "It's not called talking too much, it's called effective communication! Welcome! An Imagination Bender, huh? That's so cool! Can you imagine me a flying cake one day? Make it chocolate!" Her voice was chirpy, like a bird's song.
As Vingyu spoke, Robert noticed a figure behind her, standing as if she had seeped in from another reality. This being wasn't walking but floating a few inches off the ground. Her movements were so fluid it was as if the air itself was gently carrying her. She wore layers of silk and organza that shimmered in a thousand pale colors. Her skin was pale and translucent, like moonlight. Long, silver hair formed a faint halo around her. Her face held an almost spiritual beauty, too serene to be called expressionless. Her eyes were a soft lavender, with tiny stars swimming within them. A scent of fresh-cut grass and ozone emanated from her.
"And this is Sinf," Normah's voice said, this time in a more respectful tone. "Our healer. If it weren't for her, half of us would have given up our spirits in the halls of this Academy long ago. She is a bit... ethereal."
Sinf glided toward Robert. When she looked into his eyes, Robert felt as if the calmest corners of his mind were being gently touched. Her voice was as soft as a whisper, yet clear enough to cut through the noise of the entire hall. "Wounds are not only of the body, Robert. The mind and spirit also need healing. As long as you are here, you are safe." Her presence was like a calm harbor in a stormy sea.
When Robert pulled his gaze away from Sinf's calming aura, he met the sharp stare of the next member. This was a woman of medium height and athletic build, her skin as smooth and dark as polished obsidian. Short, braided, jet-black hair revealed her sharp features. She wore dark gray, form-fitting, functional armor that allowed for silent movement. But her most striking feature was her eyes. Her eyes were like bright, vivid pieces of amethyst, and when she looked at Robert, it was as if she wasn't just seeing his physical form, but the depths of his soul, his aura, and his hidden fears. Her posture was taut and focused, like a coiled spring ready to strike.
"Uhura," said Normah. "Soul Hunter. Her eyes see things normal senses cannot perceive. Lies, hidden intentions, dimensional tears... Don't try to hide anything from Uhura. You won't succeed."
Uhura didn't say a word. She just inclined her head slightly, greeting Robert, her purple eyes never leaving him. Robert felt a shiver go down his spine. He felt naked under this woman's gaze.
The next member was the most unexpected part of the group. Perched on Tersan's shoulder was a mechanical owl, about half a meter tall. Its body was made of brushed copper and brass. Its wings were composed of hundreds of interlocking metal feathers. But what made it endearing were its large, round glass eyes, which were constantly focusing and whirring like camera lenses. When it tilted its head, a faint clicking and whirring of gears came from its internal mechanisms.
"And this is Bellero," Normah said cheerfully. "Mechanic class. Our scout, our spy, and sometimes our most annoying alarm clock."
Bellero flapped its wings lightly, took off, and landed on Robert's shoulder. Its weight, despite being metal, was surprisingly light. It leaned toward Robert, and from its mechanical beak came a synthesized, melodic, "Hoo-oot! New-Part-Welcome!" Robert couldn't help but smile at this strange but charming creature.
Only one person was left. Standing at the very end of the group, almost in the shadow of the others, was a short girl. But her short stature was in complete contrast to the incredible energy she radiated. Fiery-red, wavy hair fell to her shoulders, and the tips of her hair glowed slightly, as if they were inwardly burning embers. Her skin had a healthy bronze tan, as if she had spent hours in the sun, and her eyes, which shone like molten gold, were constantly moving. She wore simple but practical clothing in shades of red and orange, made of a fabric that looked fire-resistant. Her posture was calm, but Robert could feel the air around her was slightly warped, warmer.
Normah turned toward the girl. "And
finally, this is Tina."
Tina looked at Robert and smiled. But she didn't say a single word. She didn't look like she was about to speak, either. She just stood there quietly, studying him with her golden eyes.
Robert paused for a moment. "She... doesn't she talk?" he asked Normah.
"No," said Normah. "Tina is Fire class. Her communication is different. She doesn't need words."
Just then, the healer, Sinf, gently came forward and glided next to Tina. Tina raised her hand, and in her palm, a small, dancing ball of flame appeared. The flame changed color, shifting from one shape to another; one moment a bird, the next a flower. Robert watched this silent show, mesmerized.
"Tina says," translated Sinf's soft whisper, her eyes never leaving the flame, "that she can feel the fire inside you is also strong. Not like an uncontrolled forest fire, but a focused fire, like in a blacksmith's forge. That's why she wasn't surprised Normah chose you. She is happy you will bring warmth to our group."
Robert looked in awe at this silent, fiery girl and the spiritual healer who understood her. This team was truly like an impossible puzzle, with each piece from a different universe. A mage, a cyborg, a giant, a winged scout, a fairy, a soul-reader, a mechanical animal, a fire-bender... and now, an imagination-bender.
"Yep, that's it," Normah said, opening his arms to indicate the whole team. "We are the Crimson Friends. A little crazy, a little loud, and the Academy's biggest headache. But we watch each other's backs. You're one of us now, Technician. Remember, your name might be Robert, but here, you're our machinist, our dreamer, our wild card."
Normah clapped Robert on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Come on. Don't keep us waiting in this crowd any longer. It's time to show you our new home, our lounge."
Normah turned and started to walk. The others followed him. Tersan with a metallic creak, Karnah with ground-shaking steps, Vingyu with a cheerful bounce, Sinf gliding silently, Uhura as quiet as a shadow, Bellero clicking on Robert's shoulder, and Tina, radiating a gentle warmth...
Robert stood in place for a moment. He took a deep breath. His basement in Oakhaven, the storm, his project... all of it belonged to another life, another universe now. This was his new reality. This strange, mismatched, dangerous, but somehow... promising family.
And with them, he walked toward the exit of the massive hall.
Robert suddenly felt like a piece of driftwood caught in a river's current. A moment ago, he was all alone in the midst of thousands of beings, and now, as part of this strange and noisy eight-person family, he was moving through the massive corridors of the Academy. They left the magnificent and overwhelming atmosphere of the main hall where the Selective Conference was held and dived into narrower, more functional passageways. These were the living, breathing veins of the Academy. The walls, no longer self-illuminated white, had taken on a darker, metallic tone, with thin, illuminated circuit patterns flowing over them. The ceilings were lower, and in the air hung a complex perfume made of completely different scents wafting from the living quarters of different teams: from one door came the smell of spicy smoke, from another the sharp scent of ozone and machine oil, and from yet another, the damp, organic smell of fresh earth and decaying leaves.
The Crimson Friends moved through the corridors as a single unit. In the front, Normah, now in his serious, black-haired leader persona, cleared the way. Immediately behind him, Karnah with her massive size and Tersan with his silent menace walked like bodyguards. Robert, positioned in the middle of this trio, felt surprisingly safe. Bellero, on his shoulder, scanned the surroundings with its mechanical eyes, letting out an occasional, curious "Hoo-oot?"
The most active, however, was Vingyu. Walking on the ground must have been torture for her. She was constantly making small leaps, opening her wings slightly to glide for a few meters, then landing again. One moment she'd appear on Robert's right, asking, "So, does everyone on your world have wings? Isn't just walking so boring?" and before Robert could answer, she'd be on his left, chirping excitedly, "What exactly is Imagination Bending? Like, if I close my eyes right now and think of a delicious cake, can you make it exist? Please say yes!" Her energy was like a hummingbird buzzing around him; a bit exhausting, but with an infectious joy.
As Robert tried to smile at Vingyu's endless questions, he also observed the quieter members at the back of the group. Uhura moved like a sliding shadow, her purple eyes relentlessly scanning every corner, every shadow in the corridor. Sinf, gliding beside her, seemed to balance the chaos created by the group with her calm and serene aura. And at the very back, Tina, with her fiery-red hair, walked silently, occasionally lifting her golden eyes to look at Robert. In those moments, Robert felt as if he could see a question, a spark of curiosity, in Tina's gaze.
"Almost there," said Normah, pointing to a series of doors ahead. "This is the Fourth Sector, where teams 40 to 50 are located. Ours is the last one."
"Why the last one?" Robert asked curiously.
Tersan answered with a creak from his metallic arm. "Because our rank is somewhere around there, too." His voice was dry, completely devoid of mockery, stating only a fact.
Finally, they arrived at a heavy, metallic door that had a blood-red ring symbol on it, larger than the others. Robert had a chance to examine the symbol more closely. It wasn't just a simple ring. The ring itself had an uneven, powerful texture, as if it had been beaten on hot metal. Around it were sharp, geometric protrusions, resembling licks of flame. And in the very center of the ring, the heart of the emblem rested: the silhouette of a massive, winged creature, looking upward as if reaching for victory or the sky. The creature's body was the darkest shade of red, almost black, but on it shimmered countless silver specks, like stars in a night sky. It was a fusion of wild power and mysterious grace.
Normah placed his hand on a panel next to the door. The panel glowed green, and the heavy door slid open with a hiss.
The inside was surprisingly... normal, compared to the impossible architecture of the main hall or the futuristic feel of the corridors. It was a wide, circular room. The walls were covered not with smooth metal, but with a material resembling warm, reddish stone. On one side of the room, a series of large, worn, comfortable-looking armchairs and sofas were arranged around a low central table. On the other side, there was a long workbench covered with various tools, circuit boards, and technological parts Robert didn't recognize. In one corner, there was a terminal where the nutrient paste came from and a small kitchen area; in another, eight doors leading to each member's personal room were lined up. The ceiling was low, and the light came from panels embedded in it, providing a warm, yellow illumination. The air was a mix of ozone, polished metal, and that sweet, herbal scent emanating from Sinf.
This didn't look like a military barracks, but more like a messy but cozy common room shared by a group of university students. It was simple but functional. The team's symbol was hung massively on one wall, and beneath it were a few mementos, seemingly from the group's previous adventures: the skull of a strange creature, a shimmering crystal fragment, a damaged piece of armor...
"Welcome home," Karnah said, letting out a sigh of relief as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders as she entered the room. She carefully hung her massive battle-axe on its special rack on the wall. "Sorry for the mess, I don't remember the last time we cleaned."
Tersan grunted and threw himself into what appeared to be his favorite seat, a single armchair with leather cracked in places. His metallic sword-arm landed on the armrest with a dull thud. Vingyu stretched her wings to their full extent in the middle of the room and then took her place in a hammock-like perch hanging near the ceiling. As the others settled into their own corners, Normah turned to Robert and gestured to one of the sofas. "Sit down, Technician. We're going to have a long talk."
Robert sank into the sofa. Its springs creaked slightly. Normah sat in the armchair directly across from him and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Alright," he began. "Welcome to Academy 101. First up, rankings. Lyra probably mentioned it, but teams are everything here. And a team's worth is measured by its place in the rankings. Right now, there are exactly 450 active teams in the Academy."
"Four hundred and fifty?" Robert was astonished by the number. That meant thousands of 'anomalies.'
"Exactly. And we are..." Normah paused for a moment, a wry smile appearing on his face. "...at a proud 406th place."
Vingyu chimed in, hanging upside down from her perch. "Hey! We were 412th last month! That counts as improvement!"
"We only moved up six spots because the Black Claw team was disbanded, Vingyu. That's not an achievement," Tersan rumbled, his eyes still closed.
"Don't get caught up in the details!"
Normah ignored their bickering and continued. "Rankings are determined by competitions held each cycle, the difficulty level of completed missions, and the results of team battles. High-ranking teams get better resources, more challenging missions, and a greater say in the Council. We... well, we mostly just get by on our own. The Council doesn't like us much because we don't take the rules too seriously, which prevents us from getting the most lucrative missions."
Robert was beginning to understand. They were the outcasts, the rebels of the system. "So... what changes with me?"
Normah's eyes lit up. This was the question he'd been waiting for. "Everything. Everything changes, Robert. Because you are an Imagination Bender." He leaned in even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "In the Academy's history, there have only been twelve registered Imagination Benders. The twelfth one disappeared a hundred cycles ago. This discipline is so rare, so little understood, that most beings think it's just a myth. Your abilities, if used correctly, can change the course of a battle, a mission, even a reality. Other teams rely on brute force or existing technology to solve problems. But we... we now have someone who can rewrite the rules."
"Which is why other teams will be after you," Uhura added, speaking for the first time. She had been standing silently in a corner but had heard every word. Her purple eyes were locked on Robert. "You are now the most valuable treasure in this Academy. And that also makes you the biggest target. When they learn the Crimson Friends chose you, they'll think a weak team 'snatched' a valuable asset. They will challenge us. They will try to take you from us."
The mood in the room suddenly became heavy. Robert felt the weight of the responsibility and the danger bearing down on him. He hadn't just joined a team; he had placed himself in the center of a chessboard.
"Don't worry," Karnah said, her voice warm and reassuring. "What Uhura said is true, but incomplete. We are here to protect you. You're one of us now. A threat to one of us is a threat to all of us."
Normah stood up and walked to the workbench. From one of the drawers, he took out a smooth, black, palm-sized device with rounded edges. There were no buttons or screens on it. He handed it to Robert. "This is yours. It's called a 'Tu'. It'll be your lifeline in the Academy."
Robert took the Tu. Its surface warmed slightly at his touch, and from its smooth face, a three-dimensional, holographic interface projected into the air. The image consisted of a rotating sphere and icons orbiting it, which reacted to Robert's finger movements.
"This is your personal access terminal to the Academy's network," Normah explained. "Everything is on here. Press and hold your thumb on the central sphere. It will sync with your biometrics."
Robert did as he was told. The sphere glowed blue under his thumb, and the holographic display read, "Identity Confirmed: Robert, Technician, Team 406 - Crimson Friends."
"Now, explore the menus," Normah said. "The 'Lessons' icon at the top. Your major, Imagination Bending, and your minor, Basic System Engineering—to support your technician cover—will appear there. Your class schedule, your instructors, and their locations... it's all there."
Robert swiped his finger through the air, touching the icon. The interface changed to a calendar and a list of courses. His first Imagination Bending class was scheduled for tomorrow morning. The instructor's name was listed as "Classified."
"The next icon is the 'Codex'," Normah continued. "The map of the Academy, information on known species, the basic rules, library access... Any data you can think of is in here. You'll use it constantly if you don't want to get lost going to new places."
"And most importantly," he said, pointing to a third icon. "'Nexus'. This is your social hub. It shows the status of your team members, their locations, and our communication channel. You can also see the basic info of other teams and, most importantly, the live ranking table from here."
Robert touched the Nexus icon. The names of the eight members of the Crimson Friends appeared, along with small profile pictures. His own name was at the bottom. When he switched to the ranking table, he saw a long list of 450 team names. His eyes drifted to the bottom of the list, and there, at 406th place, he saw the name "Crimson Friends." Seeing it with his own eyes was more impactful than hearing Normah say it.
At that moment, Tina, who had been sitting quietly, stood up and approached Robert. She held out her hand, and a small, flickering flame appeared in her palm. The flame quickly took on a shape: a small, fiery copy of the Tu device. Then, the winged team emblems appeared next to the flame and rose rapidly, forming a crown above the fiery Tu.
Sinf, once again, translated. "Tina says that device is just a tool. What truly matters is the loyalty of those who use it. The ranking is just a number. Our strength isn't in numbers, but in each other."
The fiery symbol flared for a moment and then gently went out. Robert looked into Tina's golden eyes and smiled. This silent girl had perhaps said more than anyone else in the room.
Robert looked back at the Tu in his hand. Lessons, maps, rules, hundreds of teams... and his new, strange family. His life in Oakhaven felt like it was behind a veil of fog. The storm hadn't just thrown him into another world; it had turned him into a completely different person: an Imagination Bender, the technician for the 406th Team.
"Get some rest, Robert," Normah's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "The door with your name on it is your room. Tomorrow, your first real lesson begins. And believe me, no lesson at the Academy is easy."