William thought he knew what to expect when he went to collect the mail, but getting accepted into the Clear Pursuit of Knowledge, the best university in all of Haecerra was not something he predicted.
He had submitted his form along with his one patented invention, a pot that used built up steam pressure, which would shorten cooking time at high altitudes. It was the only working invention that William had made and had gained him some notoriety and enough of a stable income to keep the small apartment he owns, but that was nothing compared to the numerous major inventions and brilliant machines that the students and teachers at the CPK made on a daily basis.
So here he was, hands shaking and staring in disbelief at the opened letter in his hands, in the crowded marketplace and probably blocking the traffic of all the people trying to actually get somewhere. He should really get a move on unless he wants to get run over.
His back hits something and William straightens up hurriedly and puts his letter and cheques in his bag. With a muttered "sorry" to the man he pushed, William walked forward towards the market square.
A loud horn startled William. The steam engine was early today, and he could see some new CPK students hop off, their school-issued school suits noticeable through the crowd. William himself will wear similar clothes this following school year, but for now, he would have to settle for the dirtied grey jumpsuit paired with his durable goggles and his worn leather satchel.
From what William can see, the new aspiring engineers were mostly from Khali and Kani, with a few from Mesini, their darker skin standing out from the Khalinian and Kaniens.
The new students seems a bit skewed, thought William as he ran his gloved hand through his tangled hair. He started walking to his workshop/home. It was a small dingy place on top of a bookstore. It wasn't the best but it was what he considered home. Climbing up the flight of stairs, William unlocked his door and flicked on the lights the familiar hum of electricity greeted him. Taking a seat at his desk he started to tinker with an engine his client brought to be fixed. As he tightened a bolt, he turned to face the view from the window in front of his desk. His flat was small and a bit rundown but it was worth it for the view.
Through the afternoon sun, William could see CPK built right in the center of Ventione, framed with the ocean watchtowers accompanied by the clear backdrop of the ocean glittering behind it. It was a sight to behold and soon William will get to see the inside of that architectural masterpiece. He was getting excited just thinking about it!
A chime brought William out of his wonder. Strange, he didn't have any appointments today
"Knock, knock."
Ah, he knew that melodious voice. "I'm sorry but I don't take walk-ins," William said cheekily as he turned to face the tan skinned Upian, dressed in a white button up underneath black slacks held up with suspenders.
"Har. Har" Arata replied. "So funny, William the master comedian."
William turned back around to face his desk and continued working on the engine. "I thought you'd still have work, isn't it the busiest time of the day?"
William can hear Arata walking around behind him and felt their overbearing presence behind him as he worked.
"Eh, Chylee will handle it," Arata said. They pointed towards a valve in the engine and added, "Shouldn't that valve be more loose to allow the steam through?"
William nodded, "Normally yeah, but this engine is an Arc-3 model and the steam valve is replaced with a fan up here," he corrected as he pointed towards an opening at the top of the engine.
