Oh, great mother, Mistress of all. Befall us your wisdom - How do we kill our lord?
. . . . . . . . . . .
We are in a Cave—a large, cold, misty cave, with walls that seem to be damaged, with cracks spreading through every nook and cranny of the room.
Unlike the other cave, light from any of the three suns or the seven moons was forbidden, so suspended ambers of bright blue flames illuminated the cave.
The ceiling couldn't be seen, just thick darkness hiding it.
We have been in frightening, cold places with terrifying inhabitants, but the habitat of this coven is beyond fear - it's dread, and the fleeting feeling of hope.
Between two large flames was a large sculpture of a dragon skull carved into a wall. The tongue resembled a seat, with the person, or thing, sitting on the supposed throne, was ugly, horrible, and dreadful.
The creature bore no semblance of a human, but perhaps... a demon?
It was gargantuan; 84 craters in height. Its skin was scarlet red, with 6 yellow eyes with bloodshot pupils, with a bigger one on the forehead, but with a cross symbol replacing the pupil.
The mouth was occupied by 2 tusks, with its long, red hair, which didn't look to be taken care of. The creature appears to be dressed in a red robe, with blue trimmings, yellow bangs decorating the sleeves, purple sashes, and black bracelets to top it all off.
The creature radiated nothing but dread. The Dragon's throne looked realistic, so that it could instil the fear of being eaten by it.
Who dares to stand up to this beast? Who will be mad enough to face this abomination?
Something that counters the fear of death is the greed of man.
A human was there, far below the dragon's throne, and standing patiently on the bare ground of the cave. The human looked nothing special.
Blood was splattered everywhere, but none was on the man. He stood between an entire fleet of dead soldiers, who looked like smaller versions of the giant demon.
The human stood brave, with valour in his eyes. I wish not to describe his physical attributes, but he was adorned with a long black robe with gold trimmings to combat the cold, but I wasn't sure which was colder.
An entire cave shrouded with freezing mist that can kill a normal living thing.
Or.
The human standing in his triumph over dead soldiers while maintaining a fashionable taste with a stare as hard as steel.
State your name, the demon bellowed. You wretched animal. The giant demon's voice was so loud, but so hollow.
The human looked at his side, studying something that wasn't there, like an invisible menu of food.
Baarak, the great devourer, the human murmured. That is your name, right? Now tell me, are you the demon king? The Man's voice was calm and polished, and his statement brought a shock to Baarak's face.
You insolent fool, how do you know my name? Baarak asked. I have been shrouded in darkness for centuries. How can a pest like you call on my mighty name?
The man didn't seem to pay attention because he was busy studying the same invisible menu, and he began to murmur to himself.
50,000 xp, and 18 extra stat points. The man chuckled. This battle is going to test my limits. Baarak isn't the demon king? That explains why his abode stinks.
The insult of the human depleted Baarak's patience.
You foul animal, Baarak roared. It smells because you have decided to plaster my walls with the blood of my legion. Baarak was furious, but hesitant. A plain-looking human defeating his army- how possible is that?
I should check his power, Baarak thought inwardly.
His forehead eye glowed deep crimson, with the cross projecting itself in a dim blood colour. Baarak's face was flushed with colour.
His grace is little, Baarak siloqiuzed. Who is this human? He reminds me of...
The blinding light of a sword flashed in his memory, and a shiver ran down his spine. He remembered the only human who ended his reign a long time ago and forced him to live in the shadows.
Millennia of tyranny ended with the blade of a masked human, with a sword that glows green. Baarak's entire glory and ego were stripped, with most of his army terminated. Now, another human aims to kill him. Humans... the race that feeds their greed by taking from others.
Well, I guess I have no choice. The man then turned to Baarak. Uh, can you please not kill me as I kill you? I promise it will be painless.
Baarak stood up from his throne and jumped down to meet the human. The sound of the landing was deafening, and the shockwave was deadly, but the Man wasn't fazed. Who is this man, you might ask?
He came from nowhere and claimed he was lost and that he was from another world. What a joke.
The man freed his hand from under his robe, and a dagger appeared in his hand. The dagger had a purple rose hilt, with a crooked, blue blade, with the edges glinting under the light of the blue ambers.
Baraak also freed his hands and brought out a shield. The shield was 10 times the size of a human, constructed out of bones and beating organs, with strange markings and drawings.
You, humans, think you are very powerful, Baarak grinned. If you want to kill me, you have to do it while I try to kill you. Doesn't it make it more fun?
Baraak roared, and the warm, blue amber flames turned into scorching red flames. The room temperature rose by 500 degrees, Malcey.
Sweat trickled from the human's skin, but he grinned. He took his stance, and his eyes glowed bright purple. You are right; it is more fun.
The human grabbed his dagger fiercely and rushed to his opponent.
Time to survive, the human whispered. Bane by blood
The human attacked Baarak, and three giant stone spears appeared above him.
* * * * * * * * * *
Calm down; the war is young, and our soldiers are younger.
Hello Fen, Chalybe shrugged. Long time no see.
Fenrir's eyes went dark, and his teeth vibrated.
Hello, Chalybe, Fenrir shivered. You look... well.
When Fenrir laid his eyes on Aurelia, he swiftly hid behind Caesar.
Fenrir suited his torn blazer and brushed his spiky hair with his nails, smoothing it a little.
My fair lady, Aurelia, Fenrir bowed. You look as wonderful as always.
Aurelia looked disgusted at Fenrir and walked away.
What did I do? Fenrir whimpered. Was it my breath?
No, not at all, Izobel waved her hands. She just... uh... had somewhere to be.
Izobel, you can't keep lying to comfort me.
Fenrir looked unhappy fast. He had fancied Aurelia for a very long time, but she was in love with Caesar.
Everyone was aware of it - That was the major reason Fenrir asked his father to teach him to be mature.
But anyway, I haven't seen you guys since the trials. Fenrir dusted himself. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Caesar wasn't excited when he saw Fenrir, and neither was Chalybe. The two battled in the Trials, and the fight was intense.
Every battle was intense, make no mistake, but this particular battle took a lot from Chalybe and Fenrir, and the winner was equally surprising.
Izobel chuckled. Has your wound healed, Fenrir?
Fenrir touched his face and sighed. It took weeks for it to completely heal, ya know, and even now, I still feel the stinging pain of the scar.
Don't you think you have enough scars already? Caesar joked.
The group burst out laughing, but Fenrir suddenly stopped and sniffed the air.
Fen, Izobel touched his arm. You okay?
Fenrir quickly shifted his gaze to an Unkindness of Ravens. The ravens gathered on a fruit tree and began cawing loudly.
That's weird, Fenrir brushed his hair. Slaver beak Ravens are rarely seen in the Morning.
It might be a good omen, Izobel stared in amazement. But they scare me.
The Slaver beak Ravens aren't creatures to marvel at. They possess sharp claws, deep midnight black feathers, and four royal blue eyes that seem to pierce into your souls.
Caesar noticed Chalybe frowning at the flock, and he looked like he wanted to kill every one of them.
Still angry about the miscarriage? Caesar patted Chalybe's back.
They were always present when my mother had them, Chalybe sighed. 3 times, Caesar. 3
Caesar looked at his companion as Chalybe returned to his calm demeanour.
A loud siren boomed across the entire compound, and a male voice was heard.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the voice began. On behalf of our Grandmaster, Reginald Dan Gerald, I welcome you all to the Black Meadows Academy.
All the students cheered.
Everyone here has awakened their Divinity, a gift bestowed upon us by our god, the Almighty. May he be worshipped, Amen.
Everyone chorused the same, Amen.
But don't be so comfortable, you growing sparrows, the voice charged. You might be a prince, a scion, a Heir, a majesty - but here, what determines your status is your power and drive. Do you have what it takes to climb to the top and serve your kingdom with all your strength? DO YOU WANT TO BE A KNIGHT!!!!
The student roared, Yes!!!!
The voice laughed. Welcome to your new chapter, you Diamonds in the rough.
When the voice ceased, a 15-creter-high Oberon door swung open, revealing the Interior of the Academy.
Race you there. Caesar ran off, and his companions followed.
As Caesar, Chalybe, Izobel, and Fenrir walked into the chill inside of the Academy, entering the main hall, they were shocked. None of them would have imagined that the gruesome school would be so magnificent.
The hall was massive, with marble pillars holding the wide roof, decorated with various and detailed murals and chandeliers. The floors seemed to change colours, from red to orange to pink, which made Izobel delighted.
Four major staircases sat in the middle of the hall, each with a diverse outline and symbols. The walls of the Academy were decorated with multiple paintings that seemed to move, with stone, marble, gloydon, steel, and bronze sculptures of knights adding more beauty to the hall.
In between two Red Stone sculptures was a Machine. The machine was large, triple the height of Chalybe, with a panel covered in countless carvings and initials, presumably from former Black Meadows pupils.
The sky shook with thunder and lightning, as a loud voice called out from nowhere. Yo, Caesa.
The entire hall went quiet, and all waves of sound or whispers swiftly ceased. The pupils' eyes drifted to the entry as a violent tornado fell from the sky.
The storm glowed bright red, the crimson light blinding the pupils.
This dude, Caesar, smiled.
Lightning emerged from the tornado and struck the marble floor, the arches of thunder forming a human.
The sky turned scarlet, the air felt heavy, and the tornado formed a skull, laughing with glee and amusement.
Nobody dared to breathe or cough.
Caesar grinned in excitement as one of his great companions entered the room.
I was wondering when you would arrive, Fenrir laughed.
The loud voice drew the attention of the entire crowd, and everyone didn't fear him -but admired him.
The lighting created the living embodiment of grit and hard work: Zeus Orson Lancelot, the son of Leto Micah Lancelot, the governor of Shawnforth.
Zeus was tall, taller than Chalybe. He was muscular with beautiful dark skin.
He had scarlet eyes and beautiful braided hair, with the side skillfully trimmed and the 'Z' initial carved into it. But he unfortunately had a harsh face.
He casually walked over to Caesar, smartly dressed, with his bag hovering, as the storm dispersed.
Yo, Caesar waved. Miss me?
Zeus walked up to Caesar and grabbed him by his collar, lifting him with one arm.
The two nobles stared at each other, the tension building up like a volcano. Zeus' scarlet eyes flashed with lightning, while Caesar's brown eyes stared back with unquestionable pride.
The stare prolonged until Zeus scoffed with a light smirk.
You are still the same idiot, Caesar. Zeus calmly dropped him.
My man, Caesar and Zeus shook hands. Looking good, I see.
The young lad scoffed again. My sister, Artemis, forced me to get it.
Zeus! Izobel spoke up. What a pleasant surprise! How are you?
He slowly turned to Izobel. Hello, Izobel, life's been punching harder than lately, and the prince...
Zeus looked at Chalybe, who smiled at him.
Still haven't forgotten about that Boar you owe me, Chalybe said.
Zeus turned to Caesar. That announcement just now pissed me off?
Yeah, they sounded serious about the whole 'power deciding your status, ' Caesar answered. Are they trying to make this academy a battle royale?
Caesar wasn't a believer in the typical 'the weak die and the strong survive' mindset.
Any fool in a story or real life who says that is just overconfident or hasn't met those far more powerful than them.
But I will get to the top, Zeus smiled. It's just a matter of who reaches it first and becomes a knight.
That's so you. Caesar laughed. You literally spent like...what? Your entire pre-teens to force your divinity out. I'm still in shock that it's even possible.
Don't forget me, Chalybe said. I might be number 1 first.
In your dreams, boys, Izobel flung her hair. What if I reach it first?
I just wanna be good, Fenrir chided. But, yeah, numb'r 1 it is.
The entire group broke into laughter.
Zeus' gaze shifted to the machine in the hall, standing tall and bold.
The damned machine, Zeus growled. That thing will decide our factions.
The whole group stared at it warily.
Caesar wanted Chalybe, Izobel, Zeus, maybe even Fenrir, in the same faction.
I like to gamble, Chalybe said. I am going to check my faction first.
The prince walked away before anybody could change his mind.
Fenrir cleared his throat. Ain't that lovely. Me next, me next!!!
The four Factions of black Meadows Academy were named after the four Mythical amber beasts, 4 animals who rose above their entire species:
Juhnzu the Apocalypse Beast - A powerful Sun Lion capable of toppling nations. Its roar was powerful enough to sink a continent.
Absalom the Depths Eater - A large leviathan that swam to the deepest trench ever recorded, Tartarus Reach, and survived unscathed despite the threats that lurked underneath.
Thunderclaw the Heavenly Wings - An abnormally gargantuan white dove that flew to the 5th level of heaven, the highest a living thing has ever gotten.
And Madagar the Haunted Adagar - An adagar born from the scorched land of the Rainbow Clan. Its horn was a gamble, capable of destroying or restoring anything.
These are four powerful creatures with unknown origins but undeniable power.
The group joined a crowd of students eagerly surrounding the Machine.
It hummed rhythmically, engulfed in a cosmic aura that fluctuated, with multiple miniature stars being born and dying in a little supernova.
Suddenly, the machine split open, spewing a thick fog that blanketed the floor around.
A large, robotic hand, alive with whirring gears, reached out of the machine, causing the crowd of students to shuffle backwards in fear.
Another arm reached out, clawing the air and gripping the ground. Both hands seemed to pull at reality itself.
The atmosphere got heavier, the machine hummed louder, and the aura grew into a large ember of the cosmos, showcasing stars, naked singularities, and planets of untainted life.
However, the hands immediately returned inside the machine, and the atmosphere returned to normal.
The students looked at themselves in shock, wondering if it perhaps broke.
Caesar calmly walked forward- and kicked the machine.
But nothing happened.
"I think it might be broken after years of..."
Before Caesar could finish his statement, something appeared behind the students. Everyone turned around to see the entity, and their hearts sank to their stomachs.
The entity was a gigantic humanoid robot. Its frame was colored golden and green, with multiple wires connected to its body, looking like tendrils.
It was in a kneeling position. Its face was metallic but oddly human-like as it smiled at the students.
"Who kicked me, me?" The machine said with a metallic but somewhat comforting voice.
The entire group pointed at Caesar, who tensed up, a chill running down his spine with a million laps.
The Machine's bright, chrome eyes landed on Caesar, and it giggled.
"You think I'm old, old?" The Machine chuckled.
"No, no, no, no," Caesar bowed. "Not at all, Miss..."
The entity smiled, revealing rows of sword-like teeth that glistened.
"Sorry for my lack of courtesy, courtesy" the entity bowed back. "I am a miniature version of the Seraphim that guard this city. My official model is a Seraphim Boreas Mark XII, but my makers named me Cybele, the Mother of Metal."
Cybele eye's wirred, and her entire body seemed to shift and reform with mechanical precision. "I believe you want to know your factions?"
The entire group slowly nodded, their eyes glued to the massive figure in front of them, large and beautiful in all its glory.
"Yer beautiful," Fenrir blurted out.
"Why thank you, thank you...Master Fenrir," Cybele smiled at him. "The 4 factions aren't as random as people are led to believe. Your personality, strengths, culture, abilities and weaknesses are taken into account to sort you into your respective faction."
Cybele created 4 extra arms that glowed in different colours.
"Other students arrived days ago, ago. So this isn't my first time doing this."
The 4 hands shot out streaks of light that created 4 large crosses of light that hung in the air, illuminating the room with multiple dazzling lights. Emerging from the crosses were little avatars portraying the 4 mythical beasts.
"These little critters will decide your fate, fate. Hope you enjoy your factions."
A Thunderclaw avatar, bright white with streaks of lightning, landed on Chalybe and Zeus. The animals burst into a radiant light and struck them with lightning bolts that changed their uniform from deep black to snow white.
They had officially joined the Thunderclaw faction.
"I like this colour," Chalybe smirked. "Fits the hair."
Zeus looked at himself in satisfaction
A Madagar avatar, bright golden with streaks of clouds, landed on Izobel. It ran around the princess, bathing her in light and changing her uniform to bright golden.
She was excited, but it changed when she saw Aurelia in the same golden attire.
They had both officially joined the Madagar faction.
"Not bad at all," Aurelia chuckled.
Caesar prayed hard. He wanted a Thunderclaw avatar to pick him so bad. He saw a flash of light approaching him, but his heart sank when it was scarlet.
A Juhnzu avatar engulfed in raging flame roared at Caesar. It rushed at the cadet and burst into a pillar of fire that consumed Caesar, turning his attire bright red.
As he looked over his shoulder, he saw Fenrir wearing the same colour.
They had both officially joined the Juhnzu Faction.
"This'll have to do," Caesar sighed. "At least it's my favourite colour."
"Don't you all look so lovely, lovely." Cybele looked at the students with pride. "Now, catch the stairs."
The students looked at Cybele in confusion.
"You're serious??"
4 staircases zoomed past the students, moving too fast to perceive. They had the heads of the mythical beasts to show which was which.
Caesar, Chalybe, Zeus and Izobel smiled at each other, ready to take on the world.
Izobel sprinted at the Madagar staircase, and she hissed when she saw Aurelia already there. She expertly weaved when the stairs tried to attack her, using her unparalleled agility to outmanoeuvre the wild woodwork.
With a single, flawless flip, she landed on top of her stairs.
Chalybe screamed as he held onto the stairs as it flew him high into the air. Zeus covered himself in lightning to boost his speed. He ran on the body of the stairs, reached its head and leapt higher into the air.
The stairs opened its beak to devour him, but Zeus did a hand sign, and a chain was connected to him and the prince. He pulled him up with his brute strength, caught him, and threw him at the beak.
Chalybe did another hand sign, and Zeus appeared in Chalybe's place, punching the stairs with the wrath of a storm, letting them unto it.
Caesar and Fenrir began to fall as the large lion's maw opened for a devour. Fenrir, however, held the beast's mouth open with both his hands and roared into it, causing the stairs to quake.
Fenrir smiled, and Caesar got swapped into his place, landing a devastating right hook, his fist coated in flame, as both of them got on the stairs.
Caesar bade his companions farewell, clutching the side of the stairs. It felt like a rollercoaster of doom.
The staircase was wide, with smooth, wooden handrails and ceramic-coated floors.
Caesar and Fenrir slowly climbed it until they reached a door that led to the faction. They both took a deep breath and advanced into darkness.
. . . . . . . .
The stairs seemed to move from door to door, searching for the room with available space. As Caesar tried to walk into the room, they began to float.
They were aware of the bizarre conditions of their room, but the aesthetic was still breathtaking.
The room was massive, according to Fenrir's intuition.
Bunk beds were stationed at the circumference of several platinum colored metal pillars that stretched down to an unknown depth.
Each bed hovered and slowly completed rotations around each bar.
The interior of the Juhnzu faction was impressive: Walls plastered with several murals and graffiti, some indicating self-portraits of former Juhnzu pupils, famous knights, and initials.
At the far east of the hall, there was a hand-painted picture of a beast with a large golden mane, bright blue skin, six powerful legs with sharp claws, and an open jaw housing deadly canines, while chasing some prey. It was the Juhnzu.
Suspiciously, some areas seemed covered in white powder to erase drawings, and it was replaced with portraits.
The large room had no ceiling, just a large plane of glass with gloydon trim and reinforcement, welcoming light from the three suns in the morning, and the seven moons in the night.
Inside the pillars were wardrobes filled with students' personal belongings that were posted to the school a few days before the resumption day.
Isn't that Caesar? A girl whispered. He is so cute.
Caesar waved at the girl, and they joyfully waved back. The other students threw glances at Caesar and Fenrir, and they both greeted them warmly.
Caesar and Fenrir recognised most of them, some from nursery, playdates, family functions, or even arranged outings.
Whoa, I see Rebecca, Fenrir said. And Jaxon, Julius, Colby, Far'h... they ar' all here.
The diversity of the room was spectacular.
Humans, Ferrels, titans, Neptunians, Hoggoth, Frosters, Skylanders, and even the legendary Dwarves were all present in the large room.
As Caesar arrived at his bed, he felt a chilling presence. Students immediately stopped talking, and time seemed to slow down.
G...g...good to see you, the voice stuttered. B...b..rother Ca...esar.
Caesar slowly turned around to see a mischievous grin addressing him.
The sound of bullets rang in his ears, the smell of gunpowder blocked his nose, and the heat of machinery scorched his skin- all the unpleasant memories of the trials flooded back into Caesar's head.
In the entry trials of Black Meadows, as Chalybe battled Fenrir, Caesar battled another powerful opponent.
Caesar was sure he stared into the cold face of death on that day, as he stared at the boy who almost took his life.
His name was Jacques Louis Valeur IX, the son of Henri Pierre Valeur IV, the fleet admiral in charge of the Zion kingdom's Navy.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
In another domain in the institution, there was a secluded room filled with monitors and rows of employees. The employees intently studied the students' behaviour and well-being, while skillfully documenting their observations.
In the middle of the room, on a raised platform, there stood a man hidden in the shadows. He watched on a larger monitor, spectating the current confrontation of Caesar, Fenrir, and Jacques in silence.
Good work, Jeremiah, for the opening speech, a male employee said. That was a hard announcement. I don't know how you do it.
Jeremiah stared at the screen with untouched concentration, his face blank with emotion.
Well, a female employee smiled. What a wonderful start to the term, don't you think, Jeremiah?
Jeremiah ignored the woman's gesture.
As the employees returned to their work, a low voice said, Interesting.
All the workers turned to Jeremiah, showing a glint of interest.
What is? The male employee asked.
Jeremiah studied Caesar's facial expression, understanding his fear.
We have three prodigies together, Jeremiah murmured. Isn't that interesting?
The workers looked at themselves in confusion.
But all Students are special, the female worker gulped. Aren't prodigies and geniuses the same...
What a foolish conclusion, Jeremiah interrupted her, and the employees gasped.
Prodigies and Geniuses are different, Jeremiah said. Let's look at geniuses, which make up 97.66% of the current school population.
A genius is someone who has learned to use their divinity almost perfectly. These are fast learners who embody pure hard work and determination to thrive.
Jeremiah's eyes were filled with greed. They are those who are gifted with intelligence to be the standard building block of a society structured in power.
But we have Prodigies, Jeremiah said with disgust. I still remember the one that scarred me.
All employees looked at each other, not with confusion but fear.
What is wrong with a Prodigy? The female asked.
Jeremiah's eyes were tainted with rage. People like Caesar, Fenrir, and Jacques...They are just curses.