The way back to the church was longer than usual, atleast it felt like it was, but that was solely because there was much to think about.
'SCC...'
The SCC, short for Soul Chip Corporation was as the name would suggest the creator of the Soul Chip. The Soul Chips were a form of user interface created to make people's access to their innate soul powers, much easier to access than it was in the past. It displayed the name of one's power and the users proficiency in it. Other things it displayed were the persons elemental attribute and it even had a small guide book in it for users to read.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say this was one of the biggest invention in the history of the post Cataclysm era. This easily made SCC the most influential corporation in todays world.
Still just because the chip was able to display one's innate strength it didn't change the fact, that not everyone even had the qualification to wield these powers in the first place.
That was also one of the many reasons SCC took rounds scouring the wasteland for potential talent to bring under their wings.
'Doesn't matter, it's pointless to think about such things for too long... still I guess Granny isn't entirely wrong checking it out is free after all.'
Having thought about things for a bit Ash quickly changed his mind about not attending the recruitment test.
'I can think about accepting the recruitment after the test...'
After the seemingly long walk Ash has arrived back before his orphanage.
Inside most kids were already preparing things for lunch.
'Guess I arrived just in time.'
Ash quickly found his designated place among the seats available and sat down at the large table.
Soon a figure with long blond hair, dressed in a long white robe arrived and sat at the end of the seemingly endless table.
'Father Adam...'
The priest in charge of the church and orphanage, and also the sole reason behind the church's news services.
'There's definitely more to him than it seems.'
Soon everyone arrived and it was time for everyone to eat, but not before the usual prayer.
After the prayer the food was served, and it was rather a high quality meal for an orphanage. Some rice, a few grilled veggies and some unknown sauce on the side. Overall a prestine vegan meal.
After the meal was over as the kids were about to leave Father Adam stood up and spoke.
"Some may have heard already, but next week the SCC will be coming by for their round of recruitment. All children over the age of 10 may take place in the recruitment, but I'd still advise being cautious. That is all"
Finishing his short speech he got up and left the dinning area, but behind him the sound of chatter could already be heard.
"So they are really coming..."
"This is my chance..."
"But what could being cautious mean?"
Ash observing everyone else could only think of the same thing.
'Be cautious...hmm...'
The only thing that came to his mind was the fact that SCC contracts were for life, so while they allowed people to use their powers it also put pretty heavy chains around them.
'I can't think of anything else.'
Soon the kids started to leave. The young children went back to studying lead by some of the sisters. While the older kids Ash included were free to do as they pleased.
'In the end I guess there's only one place to go.'
Ash left the orphanage once more this time heading toward the edge of town, where a large barrier welcomed him.
These barriers were a necessity as the beings dwelling in the wasteland were less than friendly.
There at the edge stood a small hole, around the size of a mini fridge.
"Hup...still the same as yesterday."
Entering the hole, what welcomed Ash was an oddly well furnished little cave. Yes, this was Ash's "personal" cave. One he happened upon a few months ago, since then he had been coming here regularly and by now it became no less than his second home.
Of course saying it was well furnished was an overstatement, as the "furnishings" were all made out of things he found littered around, so rather than a home this little cave looked more a homeless man's hideout, but in Ash's eyes this was his greatest treasure.
'No matter how ugly it is this place is just so cozy, no one to disturb me, not even the wind can reach me here. Hahaha.'
Ash looked around and after placing a few pieces of newspaper down under himself, he started to doze off. The reason Ash treasured this place was because it allowed him to peacefully sleep to his hearts content, no children to disturb him, no wind to make him cold, just a small cozy cave.
...
Waking up it was seemingly already time to head back. Following a heartfelt goodbye from his cave Ash proceeded to head back.
Arriving before the orphanage a group of kids could be seen gathering. Peaking his interest Ash walked closer, it seems there was a small fight going on among two kids around his age. One was a bulky guy with red hair, while the other one was a glasses wearing geek type of guy. Ash soon realized that this was a seemingly normal case of bullying and immediately lost interest, it's not like he knew either of the people involved.
As an eccentic loner his relationships even within the orphanage were surface level at best, it could be said that Granny Agate was the person he got along with most, but even that connection was shallow.
Just as he was about to leave a voice reverberated from behind him.
"ASH HELP ME!!"
Ash was startled and in that moment started looking around seeing if there were any other Ashes around, but that did not seem to be the case.
Ash was dumbfounded as he had no idea why his name would be called in this situation.
"Are you talking about me?"
The guy in glasses was vehemently nodding his head in agreement.
"I don't even know you, we never even talked. Why should I help you?"
Ash naturally wanted none of this, why would he help some rando he doesn't know. No way he'll risk being the fatties next bully target.
"I know where your ca..."
Ash quickly interrupted the guy before he could finish.
"Guess it doesn't hurt to be nice sometimes right? Good karma and shit, haha..."
Ash felt a jolt of electricity run through him the moment he heard the guy mention his cave, I mean no way he would give up the luxury of that little home of his.
Bullies? Who cares, you can always just be stronger than them and they would give up eventually, and if you are weaker just run away. But a place of peace and quite was hard to come by and Ash would not give it up.
'I might beat this guys ass myself later, but not now.'
So although reluctant Ash stepped forth and stood before the towering red giant.
"Mister Orcman, leave this guy alone he doesn't enjoy getting bullied."
Silent descended upon the grounds as everyone shut up after Ash's statement.
"No shit Sherlock, no one likes getting bullied. Also don't call me an orc."
Ash was surprised because he expected the guy to already be attacking him, but he seemed more composed than he expected.
"Hey, do you really need me here? This guy seems pretty chill, maybe it was just a misunderstanding and he wasn't even bullying yo..."
"No I was bullying him."
The guy proclaimed proudly. And soon an even deeper silence descended.
"Huh...? Really...? Why though..? And why are you so proud of it?"
"That's cuz he has glasses, only losers wear glasses."
Soon as he said those words chatter could be heard from the crowd and eventually a large group of guys wearing glasses came out.
"We are not losers, you are just stupid. Glasses are for smart people."
At this point Ash had long since forgotten that he was initially here to fight as the absurdity of the situation made him question his very existence.
'Where am I is this a kindergarden, or is this a skit what's going on?'
Looking around Ash wasn't the only one carrying a confused look on his face seemingly everyone was feeling the same way as him.
"Intelligence is for losers, and losers wear glasses, I'm a winner."
By this point it could be said that the longer one stayed here the more braincells they would lose, as such the crowd that had formed started to disperce. With the crowd went Ash and even the guy who was the initial target of this odd case of bullying.
On their way back to the bunks Ash turned to the glasses guy and asked him.
"So what's your name?"