The Music Speaks

How many times do I have to listen to this? Doesn't everyone know already? I wish the time of the ceremony would come faster in order for me to finally become an [Enlightened] and start making real money.

"Class, can anyone remind me what the [melody] is?"

As he scans his surroundings, the professor can't help but allow the enchanting, golden-haired girl sitting in the front row to answer his question.

'Of course, it's Sylvia, It's always Sylvia.'

Sylvia FullCastle, daughter of Selena FullCastle. A 3rd stage Enlightened allegedly nearing the 4th stage. As far as nobles go, she stands far above them all. If it wasn't enough that her mother is such an exalted figure, on top of that, her grandfather is one of the few singular entities to have reached the 4th stage. I can't help but let a discouraged sigh escape my lips every time she enters my field of view. Her and I are simply too different.

'I wonder sometimes if the professor thinks he scores points with her family every time Sylvia gets to speak.'

Sylvia stands up, ensuring that we can all see her. "Thank you for this opportunity to share my knowledge." She clears her throat and begins her explanation.

"As all of you know I'm sure, the [melody] is something that exists within all of us. No matter one's heritage, way of life, culture or appearance, everyone possesses it. Every year, during the autumnal equinox, [it] seeps out of the [fracture] and awakens the [melody] within us. This phenomenon occurs for every human who is 18 years of age, and it is at this exact moment that one enters the 1st stage of acceptance which consists of being able to hear and comprehend your own [melody]. This [melody], in turn, gives rise to unique abilities within the individual, and because no two [melodies] can be the exact same, every ability is unique to a certain extent."

Obviously, she doesn't mention the 2nd , 3rd , and 4th stages of acceptance, as only the elite can reach those levels. It's not like she's forbidden from telling us either. In fact, except for the 4th stage, information is not tightly guarded at all. The reason is much simpler. There is quite literally just no need to re-iterate this part to riff-raff like most of us as the majority of the people in this class will not even reach [enlightenment]. At the end of the day, it's all about power and connections. She, with the aid of her family, might reach the 3rd stage in her lifetime, maybe even the 4th if she's talented or lucky, or both. Meanwhile, should I attain [enlightenment], I would be surprised if I can surpass the barrier between the 1st and 2nd stages.

That doesn't mean I'll let her off this easy though.

I raise my hand and shout loud enough for the entire room to hear. "What about the other stages?" I ask.

It takes a moment for her to answer. From her front row seat, she throws a glance at me. A few moments of silence pass, but eventually, she finds her words. ".... Right, you're right, I suppose I should explain that too." She fixes her hair and decides to answer me. "...The 2nd stage consists of learning to manipulate the flow of the melody within you to quantitatively and qualitatively affect the nature of your abilities. This is already considered the realm of the talented and few ever reach it. After the 2nd stage, however, even fewer can advance in the path of acceptance, making information more scarce. What I can tell you is that the 3rd stage consists of learning the title of your [melody]. While it may seem like an abstract concept, all that needs to be understood is that learning its name allows one to understand the essence of their [melody] and thus the essence of their being...Truth be told, even I'm not fully sure what that means..." She pause shortly before finishing her explanation. "...As for the 4th stage, that information is closely guarded, hence, I can't say even if I knew."

She seems uncomfortable answering this question, not that I especially care.

The professor in the front happily claps his hands. "Thank you for this masterful explanation, Ms. FullCastle! Now, without further wait, let us proceed to the ritual area! The time of the [fracture] is nearing and I'm sure you're all excited to discover the sound of your [melody]!"

He picks up his teaching material and leads us outside where our academy's [fracture] ritual is being held.

The ritual place is nothing special. The only stipulation for an adequate space during the [fracture] is to be in an open-air area filled with life which can come in the form of other people, wildlife or plant life. This results in some going to the forest for their ceremony. I've also heard that the sea works quite well too if one wants to try something different. It is the birthplace of all life after all. In any case, the reason for this condition is that the [melody] is essentially the essence of life itself. Having life surround you eases the process of understanding it, or so they say. It doesn't take long for everyone to choose a place to sit after we've entered the ritual area.

The tension permeating the air is palpable and I notice more than a few of my classmates attempting to steel their nerves, either by reciting inspiring phrases or by blocking out all distractions. I, on the other hand, simply sit down, close my eyes and wait for it to begin. I do not believe anything I do will help me at this point. Finally, once the clock hits noon, the [fracture] ritual officially begins.

Slowly, but inevitably, time passes. With us all sitting in the lotus position, before I've even noticed, more than a few hours have passed already, and yet I am nowhere close to the goal. You see, in her masterful explanation, what Ms. FullCastle forgot to mention is that comprehending your melody isn't as easy as it sounds. If everyone suddenly gained supernatural abilities which could bend the rules of this world, chaos would surely ensue, no? Why would we call those who have such abilities [Enlightened] if it were so simple?

That's because it is not simple, not at all. There are no second chances. The only opportunity to reach [enlightenment] is when [it] seeps out and when you're 18 years old. From the time the [fracture] occurs, which is noon, and [it] starts speaking to you, you have exactly 12 hours to understand the [melody] within you and manifest an ability. Those who fail to do this can never become [Enlightened]. Unfortunately though, not everyone needs to worry about this. It is a well-known fact that thanks to prior guidance and practice, this is not a problem for those coming from established [enlightened] families or those with a lot of money. In all likelihood, they will obtain [enlightenment], and they will do so without much trouble. This is a problem for a bum like me who's rent is always paid between a day and a week after the deadline however.

Several more hours pass and some rise from the lotus position. Different reactions are heard.

"I see..."

"Not a combat ability..."

"YESSSSSSSS!!!! IM GOING TO BE F***ING RICH!!!"

There are few who demonstrate their accomplishment with actions Instead. A fireball here, a sonic boom there, a flash of light, you name it.

Even with all the noise being made, I remain in the lotus position and maintain my focus. Yet, I genuinely can't hear or perceive anything. For the past few hours, I've been sitting with my eyes closed, pretending to be trying to understand my [melody]. Faced with this situation, I can't help but think that this must be a nightmare! There are about two hours left and I can't hear anything at all! Usually, people hear something, even if they can't make out a meaning within the allotted timeframe, they hear something! Why can't I hear anything?

one more hour elapses and I begin to feel as though [it] has a personal vendetta against me because it is still giving me the silent treatment. Desperation begins to well up within me. I was never confident in reaching [enlightenment], of course. I knew it was a distant dream, but to think I am so untalented that I would fail to hear anything is simply too painful. My frustration grows and grows with every passing minute. It reaches a point where I am tempted to simply give up. Just as I approach my breaking point, however, I finally hear something.

"Hello? Can you hear meee?" the voice says, strangely reminding me my friend Ronnie's words when I would fall asleep in class.

"Uh, yes?" I answer

The voice, sounding rather joyous seems pleased at my words. "Finally! You're a bit dull, you know that? I've been trying to reach you for a while now."

Hopeful, but not too hopeful, I ask the voice a question. "...Are you.... [it]?'

The lets out a long, annoyed sigh. "Why do you all call me that?! My name is [█████]"

What did [it] just say? My head hurts just trying to understand that name. Attempting to ignore that incomprehensible series of sounds, I ask another question.

"Since I can hear you, does this mean I'll get a feel for my [melody] now?"

"Yeah, about that, you don't actually have a [melody]!"

I strain my vocal chords in shock. "What!!? I thought everyone had one!! That we are all born equal or whatever!!"

I can barely contain my astonishment at those words.

"Relax, I said that you don't have one, not that you can't have one"

I frown. "So...? What is that supposed to mean"

I am beyond confused at this point.

"What else could it mean, boy? You're a composer, not a listener! You need to compose your own melody!"