A few days after the incident during the exam, I was completely back to myself—and just in time, since it was the first day of school. All students were to report to the auditorium for the opening ceremony.
As I entered the auditorium, it was packed with students from all years, excitedly waiting to start school. I found Lyra, who had saved a seat for me next to her, and sat down. She then handed me what seemed to be a patch.
"One of the staff told me to give this to you. It goes on your uniform, on the side of your shoulder," she explained.
I took a good look at it and realized it was my ranking patch. The exams determined where first-years ranked in terms of combat abilities and how well they could use their powers. The top rank gets a patch with five golden stars, while the rest get silver stars. Additionally, the top two and three get a little number representing their rank to differentiate them from the rest of the five stars. I gladly put the patch on my shoulder, and the ceremony began.
It started with the headmaster giving a few words of advice.
"As many of you know, this school has centuries of history, and many heroes of our kingdom were taught here," the headmaster began. Despite not using a microphone, his voice resonated across the auditorium. "You're not just here to master your abilities but also to build your character. Your character makes a big impact in the real world. Those entrance exams were only the beginning; it will only get harder from here."
The auditorium buzzed with excitement as I glanced at Lyra and smiled. The headmaster continued.
"Whether you're from a poor family, middle class, or even the high class, you are all descendants of powerful beings. You are responsible for carrying a legacy, and with that, I want you all to remember these words: discipline, honor, and most importantly, determination."
After the headmaster's speech, the newly elected student council president introduced herself. Her hair was a mix of warm colors that represented summer itself, and her eyes were vivid amber. She walked with elegance and authority. She also had a golden five star patch on her shoulder.
"Greetings, students of Valoria High. My name is Amara Stellarune, a second year here at Valoria high. My duty as student council president is not just to ensure the school runs properly but to make sure everyone feels welcome and free from discrimination," she began, her words seeming to put many students at ease as she continued. "As you all know, our school has won the Valorian Champions Competition for the seventh time in a row. We aim to continue this streak and prove that we are the best school in Valoria."
After the closing remarks, we received our schedules, and Lyra and I compared them to see if we had all our classes together.
"Nice, we have all our classes together," she said happily. We were making our way outside when I heard someone calling my name. I turned around and saw that it was Amara.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Can I have a few moments of your time, Ansel?" she asked, looking at Lyra as well. "And you too, Lyra?"
"Of course!" Lyra said, looking at me hopefully.
"Sure, I suppose," I sighed, sensing that this couldn't be good.
We followed her into the school and up to the third floor, where the student council room seemed to be located. As we entered, I noticed a long rectangular table in the middle and a room filled with various items, along with what seemed to be the president's private desk.
"I called you both here because you are the top scorers among the first years," Amara started, looking at me. "As the student president, it's my responsibility to choose the right people for the council, so I was wondering if you would be open to becoming my vice president."
"Me?" I blinked. "Wouldn't Lyra be a better fit since she's the princess?"
"She might, but I think you fit best. And even then, people usually vote for the strongest and most skilled in their grade, so they'll most likely vote for Lyra to represent the first years since you will be the vice president... at least I hope you accept my offer." She stared at me with pleading eyes, and I turned to Lyra, who was apparently doing the same.
"And why are you looking at me like that?" I asked Lyra.
"Because if you don't accept, she'll ask me to do it, and you know how much I hate responsibility, especially since I'm already the princess. So please accept it," she shook me as she pleaded.
"Alright, I'll accept. Just stop shaking me." Lyra then stopped shaking me.
"Wonderful!" Amara said. "I look forward to working with you," she smiled.
"Same here, but I do have one question. What exactly is the Valorian Champions competition?" I asked, curious ever since she mentioned it in the opening ceremony.
"Ah yes, it's a competition we have every year where the schools of Valoria compete against other. It's a series of events where students compete, and whichever school scores the most points wins. You're aware of the other ten schools, right?" she asked.
"Yes, I'm aware," I responded. The other ten schools also taught descendants and were located in different regions of Valoria, some from kingdoms we had conquered, like Elaria.
"Well, I have another favor to ask of you. typically we don't let first years compete in the tournament due to their lack of experience, but I was hoping you and Lyra would compete in it," Amara said.
Lyra and I were stunned. We looked at each other and then back to Amara. "I beg your pardon?" I asked.
"I've reviewed the footage of both your entrance exams, and something about you two separates you from the rest of the first years," she said, addressing Lyra. "You're the princess of our kingdom. I'm guessing you've been taught to fight?"
"Yes. My parents hired teachers to train me in combat," Lyra replied.
"And you, Ansel?" Amara then asked me.
"My dad usually taught me, and my mom helped me control my ability," I answered, noticing Amara analyzing us both.
"I see. Despite your training, you both fight like seasoned veterans. Although you can control your abilities well, you close the gap on your opponents with your skills with a blade and spear," Amara said. "You both are capable of competing in the duel competition, so I beg of you," she then bowed, "please enter the competition."
I looked at Lyra. "Well? Do you want to do it?" I asked.
"As long as I'm fighting with you, it's fine by me," Lyra smiled.
"Fine, we'll do it. So please stop bowing," I said to Amara.
"Wonderful!" Amara stood straight again, now happy. "That's all I wanted to talk about, but I have something private to say to Ansel, so Lyra can go to her class. I already told the teacher where you were," she said.
"Ah, alright then," Lyra said. "I'll see you later, Ansel." She then left, leaving me and Amara alone.
"So, what did you want to—" I began asking, but Amara interrupted me.
"Illusions, that's what happened in the exam, no?" Amara asked.
I was stunned. I didn't expect someone to see right through it. Yes, the skill needed work, but I didn't expect a student to see through the illusion.
"Do you know what I'm a descendant of, Ansel?" she asked. "I'm a descendant of both Althara and Liora, goddesses of magic and summer. I'm capable of seeing through illusions thanks to my mystic eyes," she said as her eyes changed from amber to purple and back to amber. "All abilities that descendants have weave in with magic, so illusions make no difference."
"I see," I said, still slightly stunned.
"I won't ask why you're hiding your capabilities, but I want you to know the real reason I asked you to be my vice president. I need someone equally or stronger than me to lead this school, and I believe you are capable of it," she said.
After that, I left the student council room, still trying to process the information that had just been dumped on me. I sighed, realizing that my school life was about to get a lot more chaotic from here.