“So, what will happen now?” Ellie asked the big, overly excited lady.

  “A lot of choices are pending, Ellie. You want to do it, right?“

  “Of course!” Ellie said without hesitation.

  “Even though you don't know what is waiting for you?”

  “Yes.” She continued, yet to realize that her voice came too quickly. “Or... Do you want me to do something else? I know that I am not a perfect teacher, and that teaching takes many forms. Lectures, fieldwork, or getting work for Rank 0? Am I fit for something like that, or are you looking for specific prospects or directives? Like, focus sounds extremely important and us... regulars, could be fine that way.”

  “I don't think so,” Heidi said, smiling at her choice of words.

  “Oh.” Ellie sounded disappointed, but knew it shouldn't be the case forever. She can also learn, so that was that.

  “However, lectures and guidance are something you do more than well. Burton's words, by the way. He praised your hard work and dedication to working with Walkers on an individual level, and I think it would be a great opportunity that might make a great difference. A little can go a long way, Ellie.”

  “Yes, little; can you tell me more details, please?” Ellie urged, as she hid her agitation, her trembling hands gripping her dress in a stiff, anxious hold.

  “First, the Examination will lead a lot of young Walkers entering the Federation, like each does whenever it's held. Most of them are older, ready, and willing to learn and see the bigger world, yet most come for Rank 1 and don't seem to care about the world. I don't think they are a good fit for you, though I propose two sets of classes. One with pre-awakened Walkers, and one with Rank 1s who has some issues, which... by the way, are more than likely if you know what Forced Awakening does to them.”

  “That is... oh. It means a lot, doesn't it?”

  “Did you think when the Association gave its approval that things would become smaller? I think Rey wanted to do something like this for a long time, but couldn't do it properly for some reason. Perhaps my stab at this sequence sparked an effective vision in his mind.” Heidi hummed in wonder, while Ellie couldn't refute that and listened to every word she said. She couldn't even imagine what went on in the Emblem Association. She was hardly aware of what was going on in that place or what Heads, or Rey, the High Pillar, did.

  “The Federation has been in an excellent position for quite a few years. Multiple places will become closer to us, merge with us, and work with us more effectively if they are not already doing so. In terms of Walkers, there are talents everywhere, and with many deals behind the scenes, there are places that are quite attentive.”

  “Which means?” Ellie fished for an answer and pleaded with her eyes.

  “One thing. Exceed their expectations so no doubts will arise.” Heidi said importantly, and her smile lost its luster. It was a very serious topic, and Ellie swore she had seen a bit of Kaufman in her.

  “Alright,” was her simple answer.

  “Of course, there are a large number of matters at hand, and I need to tell you even more things than this. The truth is, you will be one of a few leading figures in charge of the young Walkers, and how far our library ties this idea together can be tougher than what the Association does. We will be judged. , I mean! How much access is good? How far is too far? Dark Age in the upper floors is extreme, so how much can you guide those troubles, at troubles?”

  “Celeste and William took it well,” Ellie argued.

  “That's their case, and... did they?”

  Ellie was positive and nodded twice without any doubts, but part of it was because she believed it was part of their personality. She prodded them a little, but in the end, Celeste was curious by nature and fearless. William was good across the board and wasn't foolish. Most issues were still under the waters of his history, and... well, the future. Celeste was a bit different because Ellie did not doubt that her whole personality and issues described the untouchable.

  “Alright. I am expecting their time to be good after the Examinations. I also knew you would be like this, and I expect a lot out of you.”

  Ellie cheered in her mind, glad that there was almost nothing bad about this talk. No limits! She saw a brand new horizon ahead!

  “Also, your payment and benefits will increase, and your links to Walkers will include interesting reminders that will teach you. I want you to be positive about this and start working with already grown-up Walkers. The kind that already accepted my dealings, so you would know their ideas. It is less sensitive because many of them have regular people as servants, family, and the like. It is not a big deal.”

  “Grown?” Ellie wasn't following this idea, but didn't voice it any further.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “Know them, see them, feel them. Know what Emblems do, know what the System is like. Listen and learn. The library will be fully open to you.” Heidi explained in a calm tone, leaning back in her heavy chair. She waited for a reply from a far too excited girl who couldn't hide it.

  “Good. I would do it even if there were problems. Since Miss is saying so, why would I say no to anything? I know it won't be easy, but I won't be running away from it and will work towards it.”

  “Because it is and will be a lot of work. Furthermore, certain restrictions will happen because of it, or in the future. A lot of what you might discover is not intended for this project, and there will be failures, even on our part and the Association's. There are unknowns ahead, but in the end, youths are troublesome.”

  “I knew that long ago. I don't fear restrictions; if anything, I respect them, and I understand the need for secrecy. Most of it is already punishable by law.”

  “Good. That is about it. More is coming, and it is becoming increasingly hectic if the Assembly considers further requests about it. It is a rather long-term project, but raising Walkers is a peculiar problem everywhere. If anything, I believe it will need much more attention to make it possible. From me, and others, and merits.”

  “I believe in Miss Heidi,” Ellie approved of her with all of her clenched fists and firm voice.

  “I will take this as your confirmation and willingness. Further details in the coming days could mean different results. I am also waiting for Heads and Rey to finish their deals. Think of this as an opportunity to become a pioneer for the future Walkers, or your colleagues, even if you're not one yourself. It isn't about them alone. There might be disapproval from parents, Walkers, or the youths themselves. It can be painful or doubtful. Some don't take normal people seriously, you see. Who knows what will happen? I don't.”

  “I will think about when it matters, Miss Heidi. I fear no children or young Walkers, who are still children. They are meant to protect our world, while the knowledge is most often out of their reach.”

  A smile crept on Heidi's cheek once more. Ellie's words left her with nothing but a positive attitude. In truth, she had plenty of worrisome problems that could arise from this, and it was up to her to solve them because Ellie couldn't do everything. All she could do was do her best, push those boundaries, and crash this trial period to success!

  Creating an independent space outside of the Assembly's influence was challenging. It was one of Heidi's main prerequisites, which was quite arrogant, but in the end, the Association did it too, and her father had influenced this library for ages. Now, things were even more interesting.

  It was as if Heidi was proposing to be outside of the Assembly's reach but still hovering just before their noses. Frankly, there were plenty of spaces that acted like mini-academies and even private matters, but each was under the Walkers alone, and everyone respected the Assembly's hierarchy and structure. Lectures or lessons were more oriented toward them, toward the truth that stayed rather than the one that didn't.

  Heidi wanted to create lectures and classes that would engage a diverse range of outsiders and have an impact on the Federation. It was similar to the technological schools that some Engineers managed and Machinists attempted.

  What about the worst-case scenario and retaliation? Emblem Academy was not so far away, and even though it was private and better, that place might see it as a provocation. Still, the library was always providing a lot of information for many Walkers, so this proposition shouldn't be irrefutable or seen as bad. Heidi had good cards up her sleeve, and since the Association agreed to work with it, she was confident it would work.

  “I have nothing else to add right now. You may leave. We will discuss it further when we have more things to discuss and do your contract.” Heidi said thoughtfully.

  “Of course. May the great moon be a good night.” Ellie got from her chair and bowed in politeness.

  Walking back towards the door, Heidi observed her back as she left.

  “I wonder. Could this be a solution to survivability? Youngsters are so eager these days, yet they die as quickly as their lack of knowledge undermines their foundations. Where could the problem lie? The military could be part of it. They have a lot to learn, and the military has a history that can't be ignored, but many people can't help themselves. Arrogance... Overconfidence... Awareness of limits? Walkers of older generations are not keen on it, but conserving the status quo and this hierarchy is not productive. They are binding it, yet who is the biggest issue? The Assembly has some of them, but Old Dream showed nothing too terrible. Prime Hunter did, and Yondu was sceptical. The rest didn't care. As long as I can offer something in return, they agree to let me be.” Heid fell into a wonderful state and leaned back in her chair as she gazed at the ceiling filled with ancient murals.

  “Fusing the knowledge and military training together. What could it solve? Is it the knowledge, confidence, or spirit? The Assembly needs to agree and be on the same page. That is troublesome. I am asking for too much. How upsetting.” Heidi pondered aloud and felt stress already creeping into her Emblem under her clothes.

  Burton gave this idea to her like a gift, yet it was a Trojan Horse! It concealed a great deal of work, while important results weren't noticeable. They troubled her thoughts or possibilities until she inevitably thought of her father and cursed out loud.

  “How to make it worth it for those old fools?! Should I ask the youths instead? Look for the best seedlings? Those might give it something I can't do. Hm. Possible. Ultimately, it needs to be worthwhile and yield results. As always, that's the brutal truth of this new world.”

  As it was, this process required a lot of skilled personnel familiar with Walkers; their knowledge would have to be streamlined, and everything revolving around Darks would have to be top-tier. It meant youths would have less time to worry about their fundamental knowledge, so their focus could shift to more important matters.

  Streamlining this growth period was the right focus, and getting the right people for this sort of work was even harder. Burton offered himself up, and Heidi agreed since he was the perfect candidate, yet he was tricky with his toughness, so perhaps pushing him on the children was excessive.

  “Thinking of it like school is wrong. It is more like a camp with limitations. Time. How much is good, and how much is low? People. Attention. Is the month a lot? Is a year too much?”

  There was no doubt that the military would dislike this idea and think of her as batshit insane because she was about to steal part of their assignments and attention, but not the resources, so was that outrageous? Heidi thought not. Placing her hands on the table, a deep, mischievous smile spread on her face.

  “Let them think hells and dreams alike, for I do this for them too. Fools. I want to see who would dare to oppose me.”