The Tier System?

'An Order?'

…yeah, I call bulls.h.i.+t. This place has some sort of connection with

ORDER

without a doubt. For now, it'd be a good idea to understand what meaning it holds in this world.

"What is an 'Order'?" I asked.

Casper still looked a bit dumbfounded that I truly had no idea what I was, but it only took him a few moments to recover and explain. "The full t.i.tle is actually 'An Order of the Laws'; I simplified it, but even that term's a bit archaic. People better know them as 'Thetas' [Θ] nowadays."

"In short," he shrugged. "They're naturally connected to our world's 'laws' and can command 'em; hence the name 'Order'."

"Things like fire and water; light and dark; Life and death; time and s.p.a.ce, you name it kid!"

"The biggest difference between them and magi, is that [Θ]'s don't need anything like a chant, or other medium to activate their magic. They just 'will' something to happen, and it happens."

That sounds too amazing to be true. Perhaps it's because I'm too familiar with the concepts of my old world, but I believe in equivalent exchange. Even in the afterlife, that was true: In order to receive certain perks, I needed to exchange positive karma.

So, you'd have to excuse me if I once again call bulls.h.i.+t.

"There has to be a catch, right?"

"Obviously!" he exclaimed. "There's a reason why they're not common, brat; a reason why you guys' family can get such prime treatment even in a s.h.i.+thole like this."

"First off, you can't just 'decide' to be one; just like you can't decide your race or gender."

I could practically hear the LGBTQ community screaming 'Do your research!' right now; most likely cursing this man's ideologies from back home.

"It's a gift," he continued with crossed arms. "And perhaps the rarest genetic advantage to possess in this world. You and your mother should be grateful to whatever G.o.ds saw fit to give you such luck."

I send my regards,

ORDER

.

But can it really be considered luck in our situation? If anything, I'd call it a bittersweet benefit, considering our living conditions.

On top of that, there was something a bit off about what he said.

"You said me, and my mother were lucky, but what about Karv and Mable?"

"Them?" he said, pointing a thumb in their direction. Neva had been caught at some point, and the two girls were currently wrestling with Karv staring and cackling in the distance.

"They're special, alright. But only you and your b.i.t.c.h mother can be considered a [Θ]."

He pointed at my hair and tail before continuing. "You notice how your fur is different from your siblings, and more like your moms?"

I nodded. "Yea, I recall one of the higher-ups mentioning how I was a 'Nebula' variant; a pure-blood, they said. But I didn't really understand the importance."

Until now, at least.

He nodded. "Your siblings' shade of fur is common among Cloud Cats, but yours is something of a legend amongst their kind. I don't know the history, so don't bother me with that, kid."

He must've noticed I wanted to ask about 'the legend' more specifically, so he drove a nail I that coffin before I could question him.

Clever guy.

"All I know is that, while Cloud Cats do have an affinity for s.p.a.ce, they aren't considered [Θ]'s because they still need a medium to activate their talents; usually with chants or items."

In other words, they're just like normal magi. They require 'something' to activate their magic, but their race has a specific talent in s.p.a.ce related laws. I wonder if talent refers to their ability to comprehend the laws, or their ability to perform them efficiently.

A question for another day, I suppose. What I'm more curious about, is-

"How do you know so much about my kind?"

"Everyone knows about your kind, kid; mankind practically wiped your race out."

…

Noting my silence, he continued. "There are definitely survivors out there; it'd be impossible to catch an entire race of beast-men with talents relating to s.p.a.ce. Their ability to travel and escape outstripped others by a wide margin."

"But," he continued. "They are most likely hiding out in fear. The only time you'll probably see them now, is in places like this."

It seems I'll have to look into our race's background a bit more if I want to understand my abilities and potential.

I'm curious about what other races are out there that are like me, but that kind of knowledge wouldn't do me any good at this point.

"You made it sound like there was another reason [Θ]'s aren't common. Why is that?"

"From what I heard, a [Θ] is just like any magi in one aspect: Mana. With such a miracle ability they possess, there are obviously some downsides."

"Mana is still required to connect to the law they have an affinity for. A [Θ] can 'will' something to happen, but the magnitude will require an equal amount of mana as the price; the slightest misjudgment in amount could cripple someone or result in death."

He scratched his head, seemingly trying to dig out whatever knowledge he had on the subject. "There's no handbook out there on how to train a [Θ]; at least, none I've heard of. Because of that lack of knowledge, they usually die from reckless mana depletion before they can become someone important in the world."

We both sighed deeply.

Him, likely because of how long-winded this conversation had become.

For me, it was just quite a lot of information to absorb in one sitting. My thoughts were swirling about, trying to decided my next course of action, whilst trying to suppress my endless curiosity for the way things work.

"And another-"

*CLANG* *CLANG*

"It's showtime, ya' filthy animals! Get your a.s.ses cleaned up. We got some VIPs comin' in today, so you better act to impress!"

The sound of a blunt object slamming into the doors could be heard echoing throughout the Zoo, cutting off whatever Casper had planned to say. The voice of an irritated guard barking commands sounded out to the various prisoners in their keep.

"Tch- they didn't say something about a showing today…must've been a surprise visit."

Casper growled, obviously annoyed about the current situation. He looked to the kids in the corner who stopped their antics when the guards voice bounded through the cavernous hall.

"Come, Neva." he beckoned to his grandaughter. The little fox girl complied, slipping through my sister's grip, practically bouncing to his side.

He stroked her hair, wiping any excess dirt she collected from rolling on the ground. "This'll be your first showing, we'll need to go over a few things for your safety."

He changed his focus to me, bowing his head a bit in mock apology. "Sorry, brat. As much as I'd love to satisfy your insatiable curiosity, we don't have the same freedom you do."

As he said this, he began to usher his daughter toward a corner of the room where they would drop off some wet towels for them to clean up with.

"Stop by another time, will ya? I'm sure Neva would like that. Right?"

The small little fox girl nodded with a sad smile this time, clearly disappointed that she had to separate from her new company. She escaped her grandfather's clutches, skittering into my personal s.p.a.ce quicker than a blink.

"Let's play together next time, okay Chess?"

That's quite the adorable look she's giving me. How unfortunate that I'm immune.

"I'll play with you!" said a chipper Karv.

"No thanks."

Harsh.

I'd almost feel bad for Karv, if I didn't know he was enjoying it with very fiber of his being. The shutter of his shoulder and drool dribbling from his mouth were all the signs I needed.

Neva then turned her smile toward Mable. "It was fun, Mable. Let's play again!"

"I'll cut you."

"Hehe~, you shouldn't kid about that kinda stuff, ya know?"

"I'm wasn't joking."

I shook my head.

These girls…

I wonder if they'll ever be able to get along.

"Hey! Shut your f.u.c.kin' mouths! Hurry up and- oh G.o.d. It's YOU three again!"

The guard who'd been hounding everyone to get ready must've heard the arguing going on between Neva and Mable. He showed up at the door, intent on delivering a few choice words and poisonous remarks, but halted when he saw us.

He had dark brown hair in the usual leather get-up all the guards wore. His eyes were a pale green, and he looked as if he slept poorly with the dark bags under his eyes.

You should take care of your-self, man. Some of the slaves look better than you do.

"Hey Jerald, good to see you again." I said to the familiar guard.

"…"

This guard, for some reason, is always around where we are. Not by choice, of course. To him, it's become a regular, unfortunate circ.u.mstance to run in to us.

He knows he can't do anything to us, so he can only send us looks of disdain. He especially hates how we treat him on a first name basis. The familiarity drives him insane at times, and we all love to abuse it.

It's become fun trying to grate his nerves. It helps to pa.s.s the time.

"…do you little b.a.s.t.a.r.ds stalk me or something? How come whenever I'm on duty, I always run into you?"

"How should we know, you geriatric f.u.c.k!"

"Wh I'm not that old you little-"

"If anything, we should be asking YOU that question! Is the old man havin' you spy on us? Huh?!"

Mable never liked the guy.

Actually, Mable doesn't like anyone. Besides her family of course.

Knowing who she meant, the guard couldn't help but sputter unintelligible sounds and words. Chief Damon was feared amongst the guards, not just the slaves. He WAS the one who hung the last guard who tried getting us killed, so I can see why.

*AHEM*

He coughed into his arm, showing a wry smile. "I'm just a small fry. There's no way the chief would have me do anything for him…listen, can you guys just leave already? I'm just doing my job, okay?"

"You're pretty pathetic, huh?"

I don't think you're one to talk, Karv. We all saw your sad display for the past thirty minutes.

Jerald was one of the few guards who actually interacted with us. I'm not sure where his hate for other races come from, but it shouldn't be difficult to find out.

He seems easy.

I turned to Casper, waving my hand. "We'll stop by again, old man. We've got a lot to talk about."

I turned to Neva, half closing the lids of my eyes and sending her my best 'genuine' smile. "I promise, we can play next time. Okay?"

She seemed to like my response as she clasped her hands together, held over her heart. She bounced a little, and her tail swayed side to side in excitement. "Great! I'd love that!"

She brought her face closer, whispering lightly into my ear, "Your sister's a bit violent, so I hope you won't be the same. Please be gentle with me!"

Does everyone still ignore the fact that we're all beast-men and can still hear EVERYTHING at this range?

I wish you'd chosen a better way to say that. I'm getting a bit tired of Mable's staring for one day.

She'll actually kill you, you know?

"Come on Mabs, Karv. Since we finished early, we can go to the Mines and Chute."

"Kicka.s.s!"

"Hehe~, you're the best bro!"

[>>>] FAST FORWARD [>>>]

"Hey Jerald!"

I know how my siblings are when things get too quiet. They would either:

1: Bug me

2: Bug each other

3: Bug others.

I had a lot on my mind at present. That talk with Casper was eye-opening.

Findinf out that I'm what's called 'An Order.'

A [Θ] Theta.

"Jerald?"

The knowledge was a bit…overwhelming, to say the least.

There's many things I still need to learn about the world, and there's a lot of things I want to do; to experience.

I haven't said it outright, and mostly kept it to myself, but…

It's frustrating.

"Jeeeeerald!"

Frustrating that I have no control over this situation.

Frustrating…that I have no control over others.

FRUSTRATING!

…

…..

…

…that I have no control of my life.

It's been a while since I've felt this irritated; so powerless.

But I know, the journey has only just started.

It begins with an idea; and I believe I have my game-plan from this point on.

"JERALD!"

Hence, why I decided to journey along with the guard, Jerald, as we made our exit from the Zoo. He'd serve as a nice distraction for my siblings as I collect my thoughts.

"…what do you want, little girl."

"I just wanted to say…stop ignoring us!"

"…"

Good work Jerald. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.

"…"

So…

A Nebula variant. Essentially, my mom and I are unique specimens even amongst my own race. That explains the obssession my father has over my well-being. Our very existence is akin to fantasy, and yet, there are two of us in one facility.

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He must've felt like he hit the jackpot; all the officials probably did. It makes me laugh, really. They couldn't be more wrong about me. I won't be their dream ticket to success, or whatever plans they have.

I'm a nightmare.

And my first step is clear:

Strength.