Chapter Text
Harry Potter, age 10, sat in a convoy with several other officers from the TSAB Recruitment Division. A Sargent’s badge on the breast of his white and blue uniform. An emerald gem dangling from a cord around his neck. Harry rested an elbow on the window, chin in hand. He scowled at the cityscape as it passes through the window. A Private twice Harry’s age glanced at him. “Are you okay, Sargent?” Private said.
The other officers flinched and waved their hands. Harry’s scowl deepened. “The TSAB has too much paperwork. Can’t they cut the red tape instead of relying on child exploitation?” Harry said. He clenched a fist, green eyes flashing with neon green light. “I’m missing out on Vivio’s first day of school!”
A Corporal smiled awkwardly. “Captain Takamachi’s daughter… She should be in the Fourth Grade now, right? She’s growing up well.” Corporal said.
Harry slumped in his seat and sighed heavily. “Why should I miss out? I have to go to Earth.” Harry said. He made quotation marks with one hand. “To ‘make connections’ with the local magicals soon. I should be on vacation. I want to spend my remaining time with Vivio.”
“Sargent, it’s your own fault. You told the TSAB recruiting from orphanages would counteract our employee shortages while reducing the education gap between rich and poor on Midchilda.” Driver said.
Harry rolled his eyes. “How was I supposed to know they’d ‘reward’ me with a personal device and drop the project on me? All I did was write an essay in the Academy.” Harry said.
The Driver laughs. “That’s what you get for being gifted, Sargent. Would you complain half us much if they put you in the Air Armaments Service?” Driver said.
Harry made a face. Flying WOULD make my situation more bearable. Stupid TSAB. I’m only here for citizenship and flying, and I can’t do that in the city without permission!
The convoy pulled up to an orphanage. Harry kept his face blank while greeting the Sister in charge. Harry stood with her, watching his subordinates setting up. The orphans were watching from the windows with wide eyes. Harry glanced at them. One girl looked older than him. The Church usually sends children out to find employment with housing included at 12, but it wouldn’t be the first time an orphanage called back some of the struggling older orphans when the TSAB came to recruit.
When everything was set up, the Sister brought out all the children and lined them up. Harry planted his feet equally, hands behind his back. “I am Sargent Potter, Rank B Arial Mage of the TSAB Recruitment Department.” Harry said. He held up the green jewel around his neck. “This is my personal device, Ater Veritas.”
The gem shone neon green. A woman’s soft voice rang out. “I am pleased to meet you.” Ater Veritas said.
“Today, you have the chance to take the TSAB’s proficiency test. You can choose to enlist today with a scholarship in exchange for a set term of military service. If you don’t want to enlist, keep the results with you. Whether you use it to get a job or enroll in an academy, it will be beneficial, so give it your all.” Harry said.
The eldest girl had her chin up. “Do you expect us to believe we all can be Mages?” She said.
“No. We have positions for non-Mages as well. Congratulations, since you spoke up, you can go first. Your name?” Harry said.
“Fuka Reventon.” Fuka said.
Harry jabbed a thumb behind him at an orb placed on a pedestal. A Private stood beside it. “Start with Mana Measurement. You’re either a Mage or you’re not.” Harry said.
Fuka marched to the pedestal. “What am I supposed to do?” Fuka said. The Sister flicked fingers between them. Fuka lowered her head. “Sir.”
The Private beside the orb held out his hand. “Touch the orb and give me your hand. I’ll help you control the Mana if you have it.” Private said.
Fuka held out her hand, then touched the orb. A breath. The orb shone azure, blindingly bright. A wind stirred up, ruffling everyone’s hair. Harry tilted his head. “Magical Potential, S or above. Wind Conversion Affinity.” Harry said.
The Corporal was gaping at Fuka. “That’s even higher than your Magic Power, Sargent!” Corporal said.
Harry’s eyes narrowed. “I’m still growing… or are you saying AAA is low?” Harry said.
The Corporal shook his head rapidly. “I would never, Sargent!” Corporal said.
“Technically, you’re Provisional AAA. Just an A+ without your special condition.” The Driver said.
Harry’s head whipped around, arms crossed. His eyes flashed neon green. “Say that to my face you coward.” Harry said.
The Driver turned his head away. He whistled. Harry snorted and turned back to Fuka. The Privates were already showing her to the next test. It’s not my fault the Saint Church has a bad habit of prioritising orphans descended from Belka. Of course they have high stats.
The sun was setting when they finally finished and packed up. Their convoy was full on the drive back. Not only Fuka, but 7 other children turned out to have Linker Cores. They’d all been encouraged to join by the Sister, and 4 more non-Mages that had scored highly on the tests decided to join.
Harry sat up front, arm resting on the window. His head hurts. Getting the kids to say goodbye was always the worst. Too many tears. To think they were so attached to an orphanage. Uncle Vernon was full of shit. He called them rat infested hovels that can’t feed a dog. Then again, you can like something even if it isn’t well off. Maybe it’s affection?
Ater Veritas flashes green. “You have a new message.” Ater Veritas said.
Harry held up Ater Veritas. Vivio and her friends were projected on a small screen. Harry smiled. Her first day of school went well. I should wrap up quickly and go over for dinner.
“Bring up the reports. Let’s get it done.” Harry said.
“Good choice, My Master.” Ater Veritas said.
Screens popped up around Harry, a keyboard of light at chest level. Harry began typing. In the back, the Privates whispered to their new recruits about him. How Sargent Potter is only sweet when he reads his messages. That if you interrupt, you’ll be cursed. Harry rolls his eyes. I should silence them, but I can’t be bothered.