The System Archivist

Chapter 12: "Electives and Encounters"



Snake Calendar, Year 2025

11th Day of August, Morning

Unity College of System Studies, Main Lecture Halls Building (4305)

The sun bathed the Unity College campus in a golden hue as students hustled to their respective classes. The hum of energy filled the air, an eclectic mix of excitement and nerves as Accel Winchester navigated his way to the Main Lecture Halls Building. His destination: Room 5 on the third floor of the 4th Main Lecture Hall, where his first class of the day was about to begin.

Accel had reviewed his Thursday schedule the previous night. Unlike his Monday and Friday classes, these electives focused on broader interdisciplinary studies, aimed at expanding students' understanding of various systems and their applications.

First Class: Principles of System Efficiency (9 am to 10.30 am)

As Accel entered the classroom, a few students were already seated. The room buzzed with murmurs of early morning conversations. He spotted a familiar face—Ewan, his blockmate from the Archivist program—and slid into the seat beside him.

"Morning," Ewan greeted, adjusting his glasses. "Ready for another day of brain-melting lectures?"

Accel chuckled, stretching his arms. "After Brax's hell training, sitting in a chair feels like a vacation."

The professor, a tall woman with sharp features and a commanding presence, entered the room. She introduced herself as Professor Amara Delvine, an expert in energy optimization within user systems.

"Welcome to Principles of System Efficiency," she began, her voice firm yet engaging. "This course will teach you how to manage your energy output and enhance the efficiency of your skills. Whether you're a Combatant, Archivist, or Support Specialist, mastering energy control is vital to achieving optimal results."

The class perked up as Professor Delvine continued, outlining the syllabus. The session soon turned into an open discussion as students asked questions.

A student from the front row raised her hand. "Professor, is energy efficiency more critical for combat classes than support roles?"

"Excellent question," Professor Delvine replied. "While combat classes often rely on burst energy for high-impact moves, support roles need sustained energy for long-term effectiveness. Efficiency is key for both—it's simply applied differently."

Accel listened intently, jotting down notes. As an Archivist, energy management was crucial for skills like Scanning and Storing, which drained his reserves over time.

During the short break before the next class, Accel exchanged thoughts with Ewan and a few others. "I never realized how much energy optimization plays into long-term battles," he mused.

"It's like budgeting," Ewan added. "Only, instead of money, you're managing energy. Makes sense, though."

Second Class: Interdisciplinary Systems and Synergy (10.30 am to 12 nn)

The second class took place in the same room, with a different instructor arriving promptly at 10:30. This time, the professor was Dr. Kaleb Thorne, a jovial man with a penchant for storytelling.

"Welcome, everyone!" Dr. Thorne exclaimed, his voice booming. "In this course, we'll explore how different systems—be they technological, magical, or biological—interact and complement each other. Understanding synergy is the first step to innovation."

He began by introducing examples of synergy across disciplines. "Take, for instance, the Archivist System combined with a Combatant System. Alone, they're effective in their ways. Together, they create a user who can not only fight but also catalog and analyze opponents' weaknesses in real-time."

A student near the window raised their hand. "Does synergy always work, or can systems conflict with each other?"

"Great question!" Dr. Thorne clapped his hands. "Not all systems mesh well. Part of this class is learning how to identify compatible systems and avoid conflicts. It's like trying to mix oil and water—some things just don't blend."

Accel found himself fascinated by the examples. He thought about his Auto-Adaptation skill and wondered how it might synergize with other abilities in the future.

The class ended with an assignment: think of two systems and theorize how they could work together.

Lunch Break (12 nn to 1.30 pm)

Accel and Ewan headed to the campus cafeteria, joining Hannah and Lila at a corner table. Everyone was abuzz with thoughts about the morning classes.

"That synergy class sounds fun," Hannah said, biting into her sandwich. "I'd love to see how my Support System could mesh with a Druid System."

Lila nodded. "It's all so new. I feel like there's so much I don't know yet."

"Same," Accel admitted. "But it's exciting, right? It feels like there's always more to learn."

Third Class: Practical System Applications (1.30 pm to 3 pm)

The final class of the day was held in a larger lecture hall to accommodate multiple departments. Instructor Maris Vyler, a no-nonsense educator with years of field experience, introduced herself.

"This course will bridge theory and practice," she explained. "We'll explore how systems function in real-world scenarios. Expect simulations, group projects, and occasional fieldwork."

The students groaned collectively at the mention of group projects, but Instructor Vyler ignored them, diving straight into the first activity. "Pair up," she instructed, "and discuss one practical challenge your system might face in the field."

Accel partnered with a tall boy named Ronan, who was part of the Combatant department.

"I guess my challenge is stamina," Ronan admitted. "I burn through energy too quickly in prolonged fights."

"Mine's versatility," Accel said. "My system's great for knowledge and analysis, but it lacks direct combat abilities."

Their discussion was lively, and Instructor Vyler moved through the room, offering insights and feedback.

End of the Day (3.30 pm)

As the clock struck 3:30, Accel gathered his things and left the lecture hall, feeling both exhausted and invigorated. The day had been full of new ideas and interactions, each class pushing him to think differently about his skills and their potential.

The Archivist System notified Accel about gaining the incomplete data and understanding of Energy Manipulation for the Beginner First Level, this enables Accel to reduce the cost of using his Neural Commands and Increase Energy Regeneration. "Wow, that was pretty lucky receiving this... But, since it's currently restricted due to incompletion on understanding this ability, it's still impossible to use it."


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