"Morning, Mr. Thorne."
Devin greeted cheerfully as he deployed the ramp.
"Back to the center again today?"
"Yes."
Marcus confirmed, wheeling himself up into the van.
"I have some additional shopping to do."
"Becoming quite the Transcendent enthusiast, aren't you?"
Devin remarked conversationally as he secured Marcus's wheelchair.
"Can't say I blame you. Wish I could afford a crystal myself, but on a driver's salary?"
He laughed ruefully.
"Maybe in another life."
Marcus studied Devin thoughtfully. There was something genuine about the man's friendly demeanor that set him apart from the practiced smiles of the crystal shop employees.
"Have you ever tried a basic skill crystal?"
Marcus asked as Devin took his place in the driver's seat.
"Me? Nah."
Devin said, shaking his head as he pulled away from the curb.
"Closest I've come is watching the demonstrations they do in the central plaza sometimes. Amazing what people can do with those things, especially the advanced users."
"What would you choose? If you could afford any skill crystal?"
Devin considered the question as he navigated through morning traffic.
"Something practical, I suppose. Earth skills would make my home repairs a lot easier. Though..."
He chuckled.
"If I were to dream, maybe something flashy like Lightning. Not very useful in daily life, but I can imagine the look on people's faces when I zap around like a lightning god. That would be quite thrilling."
Marcus nodded, filing away the information in his mind. He had been so focused on his own needs that he hadn't considered how others viewed skill crystals. For many, they were luxury items, dreams rather than necessities.
The journey to the center passed more quickly today, traffic flowing smoothly under clear skies. When they arrived, Devin waved away Marcus's attempt to pay the waiting fee.
"Company policy allows me thirty minutes free waiting time between fares."
He explained.
"I'll be right here when you're done, no charge."
"Thank you."
Marcus replied, genuinely appreciative of the small kindness.
The Professional Shopping Center was busier today, the ground floor teeming with shoppers examining the latest basic crystals. Marcus bypassed the Crystal Artisans store where he had purchased his Wind crystal yesterday, instead heading for the central elevator bank. His destination was the Transcendent Authority Registration Office on the fourth floor.
The elevator was spacious and accessible, easily accommodating his wheelchair. As he ascended, Marcus activated his Contract Visualization, curious about what he might see in a building filled with skill users and crystals.
The result was stunning. Golden threads of potential contracts filled his vision, crisscrossing the elevator car like an elaborate web. Most were thin and faint, indicating low compatibility or high EP costs, but they were everywhere—connecting him potentially to the elevator itself, to the security camera in the corner, to the crystalline decorative elements inlaid in the walls.
The visualization confirmed what the system had told him. He could potentially form a contract with anything. The limitation wasn't in the targets but in the EP cost and his own capacity to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.
The elevator chimed as it reached the fourth floor. The doors opened to reveal a space that more closely resembled a government office than a retail environment. There were no flashy displays and sales associates in pristine uniforms. Instead, utilitarian furniture and employees in navy blue and silver uniforms occupied the space.
Marcus maneuvered himself to the reception desk, where a middle-aged woman with silver-streaked hair smiled professionally at his approach.
"Welcome to the Registration Office."
She greeted him before asking:
"How may I assist you today?"
"I need to register as a skill user."
Marcus stated.
"Certainly. First-time registration?"
When Marcus nodded, she continued:
"I'll need to see your skill crystal purchase receipt or certification of natural ability assessment."
Marcus produced the receipt from his Wind crystal purchase, which the receptionist scanned into her system.
"Basic Wind, purchased yesterday."
She noted.
"And will you be registering any additional skills today?"
"Not at this time."
"Very well."
She said, handing him a tablet.
"Please complete the registration form. Sections one through three are mandatory, section four is optional demographic information used for statistical purposes only."
Marcus took the tablet and moved to a quiet corner of the waiting area. The form was straightforward: personal details, contact information, current residence, and a lengthy waiver acknowledging the legal restrictions on skill use in public spaces.
The registration fee was five hundred credits, which was substantial for what amounted to a simple database entry and a digital ID, but Marcus paid without complaint. The benefits outweighed the cost.
When he returned the completed form, the receptionist processed his payment and took his photograph for the official Transcendent ID.
"Based on your declared abilities, you'll be classified as F-Rank."
She informed him, confirming the system's earlier assessment.
"Your digital ID will be sent to your registered communication device within the hour. The physical ID card will be mailed to your residence within five to seven business days."
"Is there anything else I need to know?"
Marcus inquired, even though he had already done his research before arriving.
"As an F-Rank Transcendent, you're subject to minimal restrictions. Basic skills may be used in public spaces provided they don't endanger others or damage property. Use of skills for criminal activities will result in immediate rank reduction and possible criminal charges."
She said, passing him a digital brochure titled "Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Registered Transcendent."
"This covers everything in detail. Any questions?"
"Yes. Does my registration grant me access to the Transcendent Library?"
"It does."
She confirmed.
"Your digital ID will provide access to all public areas of any Transcendent facility, including libraries, training grounds, and community centers."
Marcus thanked her and exited the registration office, his primary objective complete. The entire process had been far more streamlined than he'd anticipated. His communication device pinged fifteen minutes later with the arrival of his digital ID—a simple code with his photograph, registration number, and F-Rank designation.
With his new status officially recognized, he directed his wheelchair toward the elevator once more. His next destination was the third-floor Transcendent Library, where he hoped to find information about the creature that had killed Mrs. Abernathy.
The library was a stark contrast to both the commercial bustle of the lower floors and the bureaucratic efficiency of the registration office. High ceilings, soft lighting, and rows of comfortable seating created an atmosphere of quiet study.
Digital terminals lined the walls, while the center of the space held traditional printed books, rare in this digital age, but still valued for their reliability and freedom from system crashes.
Marcus approached the information desk, where an elderly man with wire-rimmed glasses looked up from a thick tome.
"Welcome to the Transcendent Library."
The man greeted, his voice appropriately hushed, not to disturb any patron.
"How may I assist you?"
Marcus hesitated, unsure how to phrase his question without sounding deranged. After a moment's consideration, he decided on directness.
"I'm looking for information on ethereal creatures that appeared after The Awakening. Specifically, entities that appear translucent with eyes like burning coals."
The librarian showed no surprise at the unusual query.
"Spectral classification, then. Terminal Seven has the complete Transcendent Bestiary. You'll want to focus on the Ethereal and Spectral categories."
"Thank you."
Marcus replied, guiding his wheelchair toward the indicated terminal.
The Transcendent Bestiary proved to be a comprehensive database of all documented non-human entities that had appeared following The Awakening. The classification system was complex, dividing creatures into primary categories (Corporeal, Ethereal, Composite) and numerous subcategories based on observed abilities and behaviors.
Marcus navigated to the Ethereal category and began scanning through the entries, looking for anything that matched what he had witnessed. Most Ethereal entities existed partially out of phase with normal reality, making them difficult to observe and even more difficult to affect with physical means. Many could only be perceived by those with specialized skills or, occasionally, by those who had experienced near-death trauma.
After nearly an hour of methodical searching, he found it—an entry titled "Vitality Wraith."