wraithmarked
patreon
Chapter 31 sneak peek! Coming tomorrow!
🕑 Added 2025-02-14 21:02:28 +0000 UTCIDGAF if this week was a hell hole. I AM bringing Chapter 31 to Patreon tomorrow, and Chapter 21 to Public Release Monday. Look forward to it! It might be a little less developed than I want even for a rough since it wasn't exactly my main focus this week (if you don't know why that is, I envy you), but it's coming!
For now, enjoy this sneak peek!
*****
They got changed without much chatter, and this time Viv didn’t cave when Logan tried to convince her to take the crutch into the sub-basement. Instead she moved with as much confidence as she’d had all day, striding out on the combat area at the head of their little group, hair in a curling tail at the back of her head, thin chin up. There were more wide-eyed looks from the class this time—likely taking in the boniness of her arms and legs that her uniform had done a fair job of disguising all morning—but Dent, nor any of the sub-instructors, so much as blinked at her entrance. In fact, class got started with so little fanfare that for a moment Rei was legitimately concerned Viv’s situation had been overlooked when they began splitting off into their different Type-groups.
Then he saw the Bishop pull Viv aside and—in a carrying voice that was just shy of being obviously loud—explained she’d be spending the first half of the session working on building her endurance back up by doing laps around combat area…
… with her Device called.
Rei couldn’t find Aria, but he did manage to catch Logan’s eye over on Field 6, and the pair traded concerned frowns. If Viv saw any cause for worry, though, she didn’t show it, because with a snapped salute and a “Yes, ma’am!” she jogged out of the Duelist’s group towards the nearest wall, pausing only to shake her legs out a little.
Then she summoned Gemela, and Rei finally understood what Dent had been after.
The response from the class was actually a bit more subdued than he expected, but that gasps—and a few yelps of “What the hell??”—came regardless. As Viv began to run—newly improved armor gleaming in the sub-basement lighting and silvery eyes trailing their lines of afterglow from her skull-like faceplate—the head of every student followed her for the first lap. The sub-instructors—none of whom had again so much as blinked at Gemela’s new appearance—actually allowed for the distraction, each keeping a careful watch of their respective groups until Viv had finished that initial loop.
‘Yes. Take a good look. Get it over with,’ Rei realized they were silently telling the class.
At least until all six of them brought everyone’s collective attention back to their own training with echoing barks of “Eyes forward, Cadets!”
1-A settled alarmingly quickly. People kept turning to watch Viv as she passed by them, but only for the first dozen or so laps. After that, she seemed to become old news, with no one but the likes of Truant and Selleck continuing to watch her that Rei could see. If anything, he felt like more of his fellow first years had brought their attention around to him than were paying attention to Viv anymore, and Rei felt heat climb into his neck and cheeks while Bretz explained the afternoon’s schedule.
One thing was true about the Galens Institute—had been true since day one. No student who wore the griffin on their arm—or chest, presently—was an idiot. You couldn’t be, and get into the Institute.
Yuuuup… Cat’s officially out of the bag, Rei thought to himself as he sighed internally, barely hearing the Second Lieutenant finish the day’s run down and order them to pair off for warmups.
Comments
Victor Summerhill
I just finished rereading the story so far, and yes Rai has shown off his full body cad. It was either chapter Grace star28/29
saynt
bs and as werent in growth i dont think. i think it was the other specs that were high starting out
Bill Hilliard
Bryce, love that you are a perfectionist, but seriously dont be so hard on yourself brother! You know how it goes, (as do we!) Put out the chapter, get into the next chapter, realize the story is not progressing the way you want… reread the last chapter, bang your head on the desk a few times to wake the exhausted/sleeping brain cells and itll come to you clear as day! Or just sit in a quiet room close your eyes, meditate and clear your head… however, I have found a few thumps on the head works better occasionally. Have to remind the brain whos in charge! 💪😂😂
Karl Shlagel
Happy Saturday
Nz
Been thinking about Vivs growth Spec. Only a few users in the history of the collective have been closely guarded Bs and As…… D doesn’t cut it. I reckon B9 or A0. It’s got to be significant given her CAD growth to full body and unique user! D just doesn’t make sense. Looking forward to this full chapter!!!!!
gratch42
Looking forward to the chappie. Condolences on the RL issues. Thought your reddit post was well spoken.
Lyn Shirley
Looking forward to Saturday! Yay 😁
gratch42
Though I think TS is still sponsor/instructor training use only - though surprised how long he’s been able to hold off using it in class given they’re training him to instinctually and nonvocally use TS.
Devin Jaros
I NEEEEED to see concept art of Viv’s armor ASAP!!!
Zac
Sorry to hear this week has been not that great. Hope next week is better for you, big man.
Voror
Was that in front of everyone though? I'll need to go back and look. It's been a bit
gratch42
Early chapters of book 3 right after the hospital visit when they let Logan beat on Phalanx training Rei.
Xien
🤣🤣🤣 I haven't even read it yet and I can totally understand the commitment. It'll be just fine!!!!
Iron Akela
I love it already and it’s only a few paragraphs!!!
Voror
Huh so does this mean they've also seen Rei's near full armor and got used to it? I'd have to think it leaked onto the net then.
John Kilpatrick
Stressful week, take it out on combat training. Good choice. 😂
Greg C
Bryce proves he loves us with this little Valentine’s Day treat.
Rick
I hope your days going forward are much brighter, and not with the illumination of flames. 😁
Dougie Mitchell
Hype engaged 👍 From what you posted it's not been a good'un this week but kudos on the handling and tftc 😀
Joe Barzilai
I'm sorry for the events that caused your rough week. No publisher wants to deal with that noise.
Nicole Campbell
More, more, more!
