Michael Proxy took out his wand and began chanting and waving his hands, causing the hardwood platform to vibrate as pillars the length of his arms appeared. He constructed four pillars and placed the blade in his hand on the one closest to him.
Mr. Weeks set a pair of spherical spectacles on the pillar after pulling them out of his pockets, Madam Shirley placed one of her earrings on top, and Sensei Orine placed one of his beads on top.
They all stood behind the pillars, and Mr. Lumley said:
"We'd want to see the front row of first-year students stand and approach the stage together. This option contains a knighting process in which a person stands before a pillar; if one of the master's goods glows as you approach it, you can enter that hall because your factor can synchronize with it.
If all of the master's belongings dazzle in your presence, you must decide which hall to visit. "If they don't."
While saying this, he turned to Brandon and said:
"You'll be placed in the martial casting hall. That's all; now please move ahead."
One by one, names were called out.
"Sandy Welbell, Your hall is Assimilation Hall"
"George Kirsch your hall is Item Hall"
Your hall is a casting hall.
It carried on for a while until a youth with ice-colored short hair emerged on stage and glanced at the pillars. Suddenly, they all glittered, causing the gathering of second and third years to gasp in surprise, followed by whispers and chatter.
"He is similar to Matthews, who was a standout in his rookie season. "The masters want him to enter their halls."
"Look even the Item Hall"
"Just what type of factor does he have?"
"Look at him, he is hot"
"Handsome I must say"
The boy grinned briefly before returning to a neutral expression, thinking, 'I must be in a Hall that will help me understand more about my factor's limits and evolve as I progress in life. He took a breath and said:
"It will be an honor to join the Casting hall," he bowed and returned to his seat.
Brandon laughed and recalled the time Matthews joined the Assimilation as a result of his change. Before I was placed in the martial casting hall due to a lack of a factor, I recall it showing me what the original Brandon was like. He was a hard worker who refused to let the world limit his possibilities anymore. So he wanted to achieve the fourth year and have his factor reopened, but after hearing Dad mention he was the one who sealed them, I'll have to question why when I get home.
Just then, I heard a voice from the stage as a learner argued with the pillar that held a luminous thing.
"No, this must be a prank; I can't go to the martial casting hall. There is a half-breed.
"And so?" As she gazed at the young lady fighting with the conclusion she didn't want to see, she asked the deputy principal.
"I demand a redo"
"That would be completely unnecessary, Ms. Flake. The master has a saying that if you show any potential, you can prove that the martial casting class isn't for you. You will have to demonstrate your abilities as a Class 1 being Ms. Flake, or you can simply shut up and sit down while the others choose their Hall."
Mrs. Flake then spoke with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice:
"A subject must be patient with their princess, even if she can't decide between a dress or an abundance of food from hardworking hands. Miss Deputy Principal, I will prove that I am not a damsel in distress, and I will exhibit the might of the great Flake family or clan if you insist on using the archaic methods of characterizing them.
The deputy smiled slightly and added:
"Very well, if you land a hit on the third year representing the Martial casting hall, you will be welcomed in another hall; however, if you lose, you will return to your hall regardless of whether there is a Half-breed. We live in a free society, Mrs. Flake and no one will get preferential treatment.
She paused and added:
"Especially petite girls who still read Prince Charming novels, outdated literature, and fairytales about a time when you did not witness a war, therefore Mrs Flake, you will receive your task. Master Orine, may you call out your student to demonstrate your tremendous hall."
Master Orine didn't say anything, simply nodded, and stared in my general direction. I nodded as well, grabbed something from my backpack, removed my jacket, folded it neatly, and placed it in a bag. I rose and approached the stage, looking around at my third-year classmates from last year and some new faces in the crowd. I noticed no smiles on their faces, only disdain, the same expression as loathing.
I shrugged as I climbed the steps to the stage, hearing murmurs from the first years about some Lost Age shenanigans, or how Drean, the leader of the Half-breed revolution, killed children to gain power, and how I might be related to the group that still wanted to bring back that chaotic age.
Lords, how I despise conflict, especially the ones that may be avoided by simply talking it out and reaching an agreement... I occasionally find politicians to be quite helpful if not bribed. My mother used to call the bribe "Tsogo-le-kobong" (1). God, I miss her, and I hope my siblings are doing well. I wish I had been more of an elder brother to them before leaving and dying.
When I reached the center of the stage, near the deputy principal, she motioned for me to approach her, and I did. She leaned her body to my ear and added:
"This time you can now, show us what you have got Young Breed"
I nodded, then brought my two hands forward to make a fist and an open palm, combining them. I bowed to Mrs. Flake and added:
"I will be in your care"
"The pleasure is all mine," Mrs. Flake replied in a pompous tone as if she were someone high and mighty, twirling her deep white hair. Alina Flake is a slender, small girl with white hair, freckles on her face, pinkish skin, green eyes, and a blue ribbon that ties her hair into a ponytail.
She appeared to be seventeen years old, which is typical of first-year students. I took out the object I had in my pocket, which was a small hair tie, and I used it to knot my hair. Even though it was brief, I recall the original Brandon having knotted his hair while fighting.
When I glanced at the young lady who didn't want to be in the same group as me, I had no expression on my face.
Master Michael Proxy's wand became long, like a staff, and then touched the ground. He tapped it on the ground three times, and glittering gold-covered magic seeped from the cane as it mingled with the stage's structure. As he tapped, the room altered. The stage became circular as the space twisted, as the beings present warped in shape as the hall transformed into an indoor stage, and Brandon and Alina found themselves opposite one other.
They were surrounded by seats of spectators from everyone in the hall, murmurs of praise for Master Michael were heard as they admired his magical abilities as he was able to distort the space around him and create an environment for both of us as we were about to duel, and I was given the permission to show myself a little.
Occasionally, the principal of this institution would bribe me to make me appear like a scapegoat in an attempt to win over the new children's wealthy parents. Because of our age and position as half-breeds, both my father and I are unemployed.
So he took bribes to boost his scholarship and money for eating. Since his second year, he had been noticed by the vice principal, and she was able to influence certain things for me. I was previously satisfied, and this year she provided me an opportunity that no money could take away... An opportunity for remembrance and redemption.
Matthew's POV:
I desired what was best for my friend for a long time, practically abandoning my duty to my clan to cheer him up because of his circumstances and race. He constantly put a positive light on life's obstacles, saying:
"Matthews, allow me to tell you something about life. Life is always a test that will reward me the most when I pass it and become the person I aspire to be. I will be the man who is perceived as strong without relying on my factor."
I always smiled and psyched him up when he spoke those words, but I knew the reality deep down. That mentality would not lead him anywhere, so dear friend, I had to cut you off. Even if it is painful, it will push you to grow stronger without my presence.
But you brushed my hand as I tried to help you, which you described as a betrayal. But I haven't helped my cause now, have I?
I called you something that would make you detest me: "My father was correct that I should have supported you more in life. "You'd become ungrateful like your kind Drean."
You left me that day, and I wanted to apologize, but I was preoccupied with keeping people from coming after you. I knew they were bullying you again, but I still call myself a friend without assisting you properly.
But I sense something has changed about you, so all I can do is observe the mental shift and see the desire to reclaim what is yours without a factor already in your possession.