[ WP ] The realm 's last library is stored within a child 's mind .

Intro: 
 
 I am Braxton. 
 
 My parents tell my I'm important, more important than I can ever imagine, but that's just something all parents say to their kids is n't it? Well anyways I recently turned 16 and I've started to notice some adults watching me. My parents tell me stories of the old days when there were things they called books and schools where children went to learn what they needed to know before choosing the job they wanted to have. Now a days we are assigned jobs based on our results in a series of tests, the tests consist of 4 categories: intellectual, creativity, athleticism and natural instinct. 
 
 These tests are all weighted equally I'm told and we will be placed in our given jobs based on our scores in all 4. This year is my year to take the tests. Since there is no preparation for the tests as they change drastically each year I'm naturally nervous. My family has a history of being placed in a job in the athletic category, things like construction or automotive work. I do n't think I have a chance at any of those jobs being a scrawny 5'6'' boy with a small build, do n't get me wrong I'm stronger than I look since my dad has been trying to train me for years, but I've just never been able to gain much muscle and being as short as I am it's hard for me to do some of the things my dad is able to do being a 6'5'' broad shouldered man made completely out of muscle after years of work in the mines. I've always been a curious kid and I've tried time and time again to find out more about my dads job but he just does n't let any information slip. Some of my friends around the neighborhood say they think he works for the government since he's so secretive about his job, but I think he's just a regular mine worker who's tired when he gets home from work. 
 
 Testing day: 
 
 It is the morning of my testing and I'm approached by my mom at breakfast when she glances at me nervously and says `` how do you feel about testing today'' I reply without much thought `` I do n't know, I'm not really expecting much. I'm more nervous for my third and fourth tests, you know since there's a lot of pressure on me to go to work in the mines with dad.'' My mother glances down at her cereal quickly thinking I would n't notice the tears welling up in her eyes if she did n't make eye contact, I figure she's just getting emotional about losing her little boy. She sniffs a little and says `` you do n't need to be nervous, I know you'll do great.'' Another stupid thing parents say to their kids just to make them feel good. 
 
 Testing went by smoothly on day 1, there were 2 tests. The first was short and based on books we used to have. Somehow I knew the answers and was moved on to the second test which got into the specifics of grand historical literature, again I knew every single answer. I was the first one to complete the tests so when I submitted my answers the proctor gave me a questioning glance and dismissed me. Naturally with the trials the kids participating are strictly prohibited to talk about the tests, but I've heard through hushed whispers from kids on the street they said there were 4 tests and that I somehow finished hours before the others. Great, now I'm the center of attention among the 16 year olds and even some of their parents. As I make my way home I keep my head down and do my best to not draw attention, but I can still feel the people staring. They act normal when I look up, but their attempts are futile as its obvious they were staring and their whispers continue once I pass. 
 
 When I get home my mom greets me with a half smile and asks how my tests went. `` Fine'' I reply in between bites of the same bland dinner we have every night. `` I was the first one done with all my tests.'' My mom fumbles with her fork and asks me with a shake in her voice how many tests there were. I say with a shrug `` two, they were both really easy'' and I my mom looks up at me eyes wide and says in the most serious voice I've ever heard her use `` pack everything you can into your bags quickly. I'm going to call your father and we're leaving town tonight''
