The will of the majority

Will against the Empire

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned three years ago in a tragic accident, and that I got into their most prestigious school by sheer luck. I tell them that upon graduation I will happily join the rest of civilised society and allow my strength, energy and drive – which they call Will – to be siphoned from me and contributed to those in power, as millions of others do. As everyone must, eventually.

I tell them I am one of them. They believe me.

But really, I was sent to the academy to find an answer. To solve a murder. To find an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that could tear the Republic apart.

And I will never, under any circumstances, give my Will to the Empire that executed my family. But to survive, I must first climb the academy’s ranks, smile, make friends and pretend to be one of them. I have to win. Because if I don’t, those who seek to control me and know my real name will no longer have any use for me.

And if the Hierarchy discovers who I really am, I will lose my life.