The swirling energy of the Rift surrounded us as we stepped through, and the world around us shifted instantly. Gone was the chaotic Academy courtyard; now we stood in an alien landscape, a mix of different environments designed to test our limits. Towering trees with roots glowing with Aether jutted out of jagged terrain, casting eerie blue shadows across the ground. The air buzzed with energy, a mix of Aether and tension that tingled beneath my skin.
"Stay close," Vallen said, his voice steady while his eyes scanned our surroundings. He was like an anchor in the unknown, though I knew the burden he carried — The idea of his abilities slipping out of control scared him, and he constantly worried about what it could mean for everyone around him.
Lilith floated off to the side, her feet barely touching the ground as her psychic energy subtly lifted her. Her silver eyes glowed in the dim light, and I could sense her tension. Since the Night of Terror, Lilith had changed. Experiencing everyone's subconscious fears and desires while awake had left her shaken. Despite her confident demeanor, she struggled with the fear of losing control over her abilities, haunted by the overwhelming darkness and light she had sensed that night — a constant reminder of the fragile balance she had to maintain.
And then there was me. My power had always felt like an extension of my body — as natural as breathing — but even I knew there were parts of it I didn't understand. Sometimes, the Aether seemed to move without my command, like it had a mind of its own. It scared me, though I'd never admit it. I wanted mastery without becoming the monster I feared might be inside me. I had no idea what my lineage truly meant, but I could feel its power, and that power was both exhilarating and terrifying.
The Rift was unnaturally silent, except for the occasional rustle of leaves or a distant growl that seemed to echo from nowhere and everywhere at once. We moved forward cautiously, the air heavy with anticipation, each step feeling more significant than the last. The landscape seemed to shift with every movement, a patchwork of environments merging without logic. One moment, we found ourselves walking through a dense, glowing forest; the next, we were surrounded by jagged cliffs, with streams of Aether cascading down their sides like glowing waterfalls. The constant transitions were disorienting, a reminder that the Rift played by its own rules, and we were merely players in its chaotic game.
"Keep an eye out," I said, my voice low as I sent a ripple of water across the ground in front of us, the liquid spreading out like a searching tendril. It was my way of getting a feel for the terrain, the water flowing effortlessly, taking on the shape of my intentions. It was a small comfort in a place that seemed to defy logic, a way to ground myself amid the chaos.
"Any idea where the other candidates went?" Nikolai asked, his eyes darting around. The cocky grin from earlier was replaced with a more serious expression — a rare sight for him. Even Nikolai, with all his bravado, knew the Rift was no joke.
Lilith's eyes narrowed as she focused, her psychic energy rippling through the air. "I sense them... scattered. They're farther out, some are already fighting. We're clear for now."
"Good," Vallen replied. "We need to move deeper, find a place to get our bearings before the real Phantasms show up." His voice was confident, but there was a tightness to it — a tension that never left him. He was always on edge, always fearing that a single mistake could unleash the destructive power inside him.
"If we're moving, let's move," I said, taking the lead. The further we went, the more I felt the raw energy of the Rift pulsing through the ground. The water I'd summoned rippled beside me, a silent companion, ready to react at my command. It was comforting, even as the strange landscape closed in on us.
"Do you ever wonder why they put us through this?" Lilith's voice was softer, almost thoughtful. She looked around, her gaze distant as if she could see beyond the twisted landscape. "Why make us fight each other? The Phantasms? What's the point?"
"It's a show of strength," Nikolai said with a shrug, though there was an edge to his voice. "They want to know who's the strongest, who's worth keeping around. It's always about power."
"More than that," Vallen added, his eyes darkening slightly. "They want to see if we'll break under pressure. If we're dangerous to the Academy, or worse, to the Syndicates. This isn't just about proving ourselves. It's about control."
His words hung in the air, reminding us of the stakes. The Academy wasn't just a school; it was a place where we were shaped and molded into weapons — tools for those in power. If we couldn't control our abilities or were deemed too dangerous, we wouldn't get the chance to learn. The fear of being deemed a threat was always there, lurking beneath the surface, a constant reminder of what failure could mean.
The wind shifted, a faint howl echoing through the twisted trees. A shiver ran down my spine. Something was close. I could feel it.
"We're not alone anymore," I said, my eyes scanning the treeline. The water at my feet rippled, reacting to the subtle shifts in the air, the way the atmosphere seemed to change around us.
"Phantasms?" Vallen asked, his hands already crackling with energy.
Lilith nodded, her eyes glowing with psychic energy. "They're coming. Get ready."
The trees seemed to shudder as the first of the Phantasms emerged — twisted, otherworldly creatures, their forms barely solid, shifting in and out of reality as they moved. Their eyes glowed with a cold, unnatural light, and they moved with eerie, fluid grace like they were part of the Rift itself.
"Here we go," Nikolai said, wind swirling around him, lifting him slightly off the ground. His grin was back, but there was a dangerous edge to it now. "Let's see what these things are made of."
I took a deep breath, feeling the water surge around me, the cool liquid flowing up my arms, coiling like serpents ready to strike. I could feel the power thrumming beneath my skin, the Aether pulsing in time with my heartbeat. This was it — the moment everything we'd trained for would be put to the test.
The Phantasms lunged, their forms flickering as they charged at us. Vallen moved first, his hands igniting in a flash of light as he unleashed a blast of nuclear energy, the searing heat cutting through the creatures like a blade. He was powerful, but I could see the tension in his movements — the careful control he had to maintain, the fear that one wrong move could unleash something far worse.
Lilith's eyes glowed brightly as she focused, her psychic energy forming a barrier around us, holding back the Phantasms. Her face was pale, her brow furrowed in concentration. The strain of holding back not only her own fears but also the residual nightmares of those around her was evident. She was powerful, but that power came with a price — a constant struggle to keep her abilities in check, to not be overwhelmed by the darkness she'd glimpsed. I could see her hands trembling, the toll of her abilities weighing heavily on her.
I moved with them, the water flowing around me like an extension of my body. I sent tendrils of liquid lashing out at the Phantasms, the water slicing through their flickering forms, dissolving them into mist. There was a rhythm to it, a flow that I could feel deep within me, but it was elusive, slipping away every time I thought I'd grasped it. It was like trying to hold onto a dream — always just out of reach.
The Phantasms were relentless, their forms shifting and changing, adapting to our attacks. Vallen's energy blasts cut through them, but they reformed almost instantly, their bodies flowing like liquid. Lilith's barrier held, but I could see the strain in her eyes, the way her hands trembled as she fought to maintain control.
Suddenly, a new wave of enemies emerged from the shadows — Gloomkin, small, impish creatures with blackened, leathery skin and sharp, needle-like teeth. Their eyes were entirely white, and they moved in a quick, unsettling manner, scuttling through the shadows with eerie agility.
"Gloomkin!" Vallen shouted, his energy crackling more fiercely as he prepared to face them. "Watch out for their Misery Aura!"
The air seemed to grow heavier as the Gloomkin spread out, their dark forms surrounding us. I could feel it — the Misery Aura they emitted, a deep, gnawing sense of despair that seemed to sap my strength. My thoughts grew sluggish, a sense of hopelessness threatening to take hold.
"Focus!" Lilith called out, her eyes glowing as she pushed back against the creeping despair. Her psychic energy surged, forming a barrier that blocked the worst of the Gloomkin's aura. "Don't let them get to you!"
The Gloomkin darted in and out of the shadows, their quick movements making them difficult to track. One of them lunged at me, its needle-like teeth bared, but I reacted just in time, sending a blast of water that caught it mid-air, slamming it into a tree. It let out a shriek before dissolving into mist.
"These things are relentless!" Nikolai shouted, his wind swirling around him as he tried to keep the Gloomkin at bay. "And what's with this aura? It's like they're trying to drown us in despair!"
"That's exactly what they're doing," Vallen said, his voice strained as he unleashed another blast of energy. "They're lesser demons of Purgatory — they feed on our misery. We have to take them out fast, or they'll wear us down."
As if things weren't bad enough, a new sound cut through the chaos — the unmistakable flapping of leathery wings. I looked up, and my heart sank. Desmoda. Bat-like creatures with leathery wings, sharp fangs, and dark, oily fur. They moved quickly, their glowing red eyes locking onto us as they swooped down from above.
"Desmoda incoming!" I called out, the water around me surging as I prepared for the new threat. The Desmoda were nocturnal predators, and their presence here meant only one thing — they were ready to feast.
One of the Desmoda dove toward us, its fangs bared, but I intercepted it with a jet of water, knocking it off course. It screeched, its wings flapping wildly as it tried to regain control. Another swooped in from the side, but Vallen was ready, his energy blast incinerating it mid-air.
"They're trying to separate us!" Lilith shouted, her psychic energy flaring as she pushed back the Gloomkin and Desmoda. "We can't let them divide us — stay together!"
But the enemies were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. The Serenas continued to press in, their glowing forms adding to the chaos, while the Gloomkin and Desmoda worked together to try and break our defenses. It was a coordinated assault, and it was working.
"We need to move!" Vallen called out, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "We're too exposed here!"
I nodded, the water around me surging forward, creating a path through the Phantasms and Gloomkin. "This way!" I shouted, motioning for the others to follow. We needed to find higher ground, somewhere we could regroup and plan our next move.
Lilith's eyes flickered, her psychic energy flaring as she pushed the Phantasms back, creating a gap in their ranks. Vallen moved beside her, his energy crackling around him, ready to strike at anything that got too close. Nikolai followed, his wind carrying him effortlessly as he kept an eye on our flanks.
We pushed forward, the Phantasms and Gloomkin closing in around us, their forms flickering in and out of existence. The air was thick with tension, the energy of the Rift pressing down on us like a weight. But we kept moving, our focus unbroken, our determination unwavering.
Suddenly, the ground beneath us trembled, and an ear-splitting roar echoed through the Rift. The trees shuddered, and the air seemed to vibrate with raw power. My heart skipped a beat as I turned to see what could possibly make such a sound.
Emerging from the depths of the forest, a massive figure loomed over us — Khumbaba, the Guardian of the Verdant Rift. His colossal, horned form towered above the treetops, his eyes glowing with an intense, feral light. The air around him seemed to shimmer, the Aether itself bending to his will.
"Khumbaba," Vallen whispered, his voice filled with awe and fear. "We're in his territory now."
Khumbaba let out another roar, the force of it creating shockwaves that tore through the forest, uprooting trees and sending debris flying. I could feel the power in that roar — it wasn't just physical force. It was Aether, raw and untamed, disrupting the energy around us and making it nearly impossible to focus.
"We can't fight him head-on!" Lilith shouted, her psychic energy flaring as she tried to shield us from the shockwaves. "We need to retreat, now!"
But Khumbaba wasn't giving us the option. He raised one massive arm, and with a sweep of his hand, summoned a gust of wind that sent us sprawling. The ground shook as roots burst from beneath us, twisting and coiling as they tried to entangle our legs.
I struggled to my feet, the water around me surging as I tried to push back against the roots. "We need to get out of here!" I shouted, my heart pounding. This was no ordinary Phantasm — Khumbaba was in a league of his own.
Vallen's eyes narrowed, his hands crackling with energy as he prepared to unleash another blast. "I'll hold him off. You all need to move — now!"
"Are you crazy?" Nikolai shouted, his wind swirling around him as he tried to keep the Gloomkin and Desmoda at bay. "You can't take him on alone!"
"We don't have a choice!" Vallen shot back, his voice filled with determination. "I'll buy us some time. Just go!"
Lilith's eyes met mine, her expression filled with fear and determination. "We can't leave him," she said, her voice barely a whisper
The roar of Khumbaba reverberated through the entire Rift, shaking the ground beneath us. The force of his Aetheric Roar unleashed a wave of energy so powerful that it blew back the trees, scattering leaves and dust everywhere. This was no longer just a skirmish – it had become a fight for survival.
The wind screamed around us, and from the center of the Verdant Rift, Khumbaba slammed his foot into the ground. The impact triggered something deep within the forest. A massive surge of energy began to pulse outward, and I knew instantly what was happening.
"He's overloading the Rift Core!" Vallen shouted, his eyes widening. "We're going to have a full-scale outbreak on our hands!"
The ground beneath us glowed a sickly green as the Rift Core absorbed Khumbaba's energy, growing unstable with each passing second. The core's light intensified, and then it cracked, sending out a shockwave that split the sky in two.
Suddenly, all around us, dozens of new Phantasms began materializing. The familiar forms of Serenas, Gloomkins, Desmodas, and the eerie Nyxx emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes fixed on us. Only now, each one was emanating an enhanced aura—the Rift had boosted their power.
"This is bad," Nikolai muttered, the grin he'd worn earlier now replaced by a grim determination. He twirled his hands, creating a barrier of swirling wind to protect us from the advancing creatures. "These Phantasms… they're not like before."
Lilith's eyes glowed with an intense silver light as she struggled to expand her psychic barrier, but the sheer number of Phantasms was overwhelming. "There are too many," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I can barely hold them back!"
Khumbaba's roar echoed again, and more creatures surged forward, their forms twisted and terrifying. The Nyxx moved among the others, their skeletal hands raised, glowing with eerie red energy that seemed to drain the life from the very air around us. I could feel my energy being sapped, a weakness settling in my bones.
We were losing ground. No matter how hard we fought, the waves of monsters kept coming, relentless in their pursuit. Vallen's blasts of energy ripped through the ranks of Phantasms, but he was breathing heavily, the strain starting to show. Lilith's psychic energy was faltering, her silver aura flickering like a candle in a storm.
I looked at my friends, each of them fighting with everything they had—and it still wasn't enough.
"Vallen," I shouted, my voice cutting through the chaos. He turned, his eyes locking with mine. "Let me take the lead. Trust me."
There was a moment of hesitation, and then, with a nod, he stepped back, relinquishing control. I could see the trust in his eyes, despite the uncertainty.
"Do it, Lucian," he said, his voice firm. "We're with you."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. This was it—the culmination of two years of training, of experimenting, of struggling to understand the power within me. I closed my eyes, reaching deep inside, searching for that source of energy I had only begun to understand.
"Come forth," I whispered, my voice steady, "Crown of the Celestial Heir."
A brilliant light exploded around me, a golden glow radiating outward as the Crown appeared above my head. It was ethereal, a ring of intricate symbols and designs, shimmering with Aetheric power. I could feel my perception expanding, my awareness growing sharper, as if I could see every movement, every pulse of energy in the battlefield. The world slowed, and for the first time, I felt truly in control.
The Aether surged within me, and I reached out with my Osmosis. The energy of the Rift flowed into me, the very essence of the Phantasms absorbed and converted, transformed into Animara—pure energy that I could shape and mold. I could feel the Genesis Codes of the creatures around me, the building blocks of their existence, and I knew exactly what to do.
"Legion, Resurface," I commanded, my voice resonating with power.
The ground beneath me glowed as the Animara I had absorbed began to take the form of a wave rushing on both sides of me. Figures emerged from the water—soldiers, beasts, beings of pure energy. My Imperial Legion. They were perfect, enhanced versions of the creatures we had been fighting. Serenas with wings of pure light, Desmodas with sharper claws and keener eyes, Nyxx with a solid, imposing presence. They stood beside us, ready to fight.
"Attack!" I shouted, and the Legion moved as one, surging forward to meet the oncoming waves of Phantasms.
The battlefield erupted into chaos once more, but this time, we had the upper hand. The Legion clashed with the Phantasms, their enhanced forms cutting through the enemy ranks with precision and power. I could see the shock in the eyes of my friends, the awe as they watched the tide of the battle turn.
Nikolai let out a laugh, his wind swirling around him as he launched himself back into the fray. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"
Lilith's eyes glowed brighter, her psychic energy stabilizing as the pressure lessened. She looked at me, a smile tugging at her lips. "You really had this up your sleeve the whole time?"
Vallen stood beside me, his hands crackling with energy. He glanced at the glowing crown above my head, then back at me. "I knew you were strong," he said, "but this… this is something else."
I nodded, feeling the power coursing through me, the connection to my Legion, the control I had over the battlefield. This was what I had been working toward, what I had been struggling to achieve. The Crown amplified everything—my perception, my power, my control. I could see every movement of the Phantasms, anticipate their attacks, counter them before they even moved.
Khumbaba let out another roar, his massive form charging toward us, his eyes filled with rage. He raised his arms, summoning the wind to create a massive tornado, aiming to sweep us away.
"Legion, with me!" I called out, raising my hand. The soldiers of the Legion moved in unison, their forms glowing as they braced against the oncoming storm. I could feel the energy of the tornado, the raw power of Khumbaba's attack, but I wasn't afraid.
"Osmosis!" I shouted, extending my power, absorbing the Aether from the swirling winds, converting it into Animara. The tornado began to weaken, its power drained as I absorbed it, the energy flowing into me, fueling my strength.
With a burst of power, I redirected the energy, channeling it into a massive wave of water that surged forward, crashing into Khumbaba. The force of the impact sent him stumbling back, his roar of rage turning into one of surprise.
"Vallen, now!" I shouted.
Vallen didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, his hands blazing with nuclear energy, and unleashed a blast straight at Khumbaba. The beam of light cut through the air, slamming into the guardian's chest, sending him crashing to the ground.
The battlefield fell silent for a moment, the only sound the crackling of energy fading into the air. Khumbaba lay still, his massive form slumped against the shattered remains of the forest.
I took a deep breath, the Crown fading from above my head as I let the power settle. My Legion stood victorious, the Phantasms around us dissipating, their forms dissolving back into the Aether.
"We did it," Lilith said, her voice filled with relief.
"No," I corrected, a smile forming on my lips. "We did it together. HAHAHA! I tried but even that was too corny for me "
The others gathered around, their faces a mix of exhaustion and triumph. For the first time since we entered the Rift, I felt a sense of calm, a sense of unity. We had faced the impossible, and we had come out stronger.
And this was only the beginning.
"Wait where's Kiran? Did he not come in with us?" Lilith asked.
The Rift shuddered, and the world began to twist as our surroundings melted away. I stepped through, and the familiar chaos of the Exam Hall enveloped us. The air was thick with excitement and exhaustion—students were either celebrating or catching their breath. I glanced around, expecting to see Kiran somewhere among the crowd, but he was nowhere to be found. Not that I cared. He made his own team the moment we split up, and from the looks of the scoreboard, they topped the ranks. Typical Kiran.
Lilith looked over at me, her gaze questioning. "Should we go find Kiran?" she asked, her voice hesitant. I could sense the unspoken worry in her tone.
I shook my head dismissively. "Nah, he's fine. He was smart enough to get his own crew. Besides, I'd rather not spend time tracking down someone who thinks they're better than everyone else," I said, my tone edged with annoyance. Lilith frowned but didn't push the matter.
Vallen raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He knew better than to try to convince me otherwise. Kiran was resourceful, always had been. And if he chose to go off on his own, that was his decision—one I wasn't going to chase after.
"Let's just report in," Nikolai said, his voice tired but still carrying a hint of his usual bravado. His wind-swept hair and dirt-covered clothes bore testament to the trials we'd faced, but he still managed a grin. "We did well out there. We deserve some rest."
We moved through the bustling Exam Hall, the chatter of students filling the massive space. It was a mix of relief, triumph, and frustration. Some were celebrating their successful completion of the Rift, while others were clearly nursing their bruised pride. I caught a glimpse of a few other groups—some had emerged victorious, others had clearly struggled. The Rift had not been kind, but we'd made it out in one piece.
The sound of a bell echoed through the Hall, silencing the chatter. A large holographic display lit up above us, showcasing the results of the entrance exams. Names flashed across the screen, grouped by ranking and the scores each team had earned. I wasn't surprised to see Kiran's name near the top—he and his group had managed to dominate their part of the Rift, claiming the highest score. Our team was what shocked us, We placed first and I scored the most points too which brought a slight, satisfied smirk to my lips.
"Attention, students," came a voice from the stage at the front of the Hall. Standing there was Nasir Florgale, his gaze cold as it swept across the room. "You have all successfully completed the entrance examination, and now it is time to determine your placements. The House Assignments will begin."
The hall fell silent, every eye fixed on Nasir. There was an intensity in the air, a mix of hope, fear, and raw determination. House placement at Vesperian Academy wasn't just about training—it determined your path, your allies, and, most importantly, your standing in this new world of power.
"There are four Houses," Nasir continued, his voice steady. "House Anima, House Psyche, House Nexus, and House Phantasm. Each of you will be placed based on your strengths and affinities. These Houses are your family for the duration of your time at Vesperian Academy. Your success, your survival, will depend on how well you adapt and thrive within these Houses."
The large screen above Nasir shifted, showing the four House crests—each symbol representing the core values and specialties of the House. I found my gaze drawn to the House Phantasm crest, its intricate design of swirling Aether and ghostly forms reflecting my own connection to the Phantasmal Arts.
"House Anima—specializing in Aether Density, Physical Power, and Elemental Combat. House Psyche—mastery of Mind Arts, Psychic Warfare, and Perception. House Nexus—tactical combat, spatial control, and the bending of the battlefield. And finally, House Phantasm—Aether Control, finesse over force, and mastery of Phantasmic Arts," Nasir announced, his tone unwavering.
"Each House brings a different strength to the Academy," he continued, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked over the crowd. "But remember this—you are all rivals. The House system is built on competition. Achievement Points, or AP, will determine your success, both within your House and across the Academy. Excelling in your classes, ranking high in the Nexus Arena, and, of course, winning House Wars will bring you power, influence, and recognition."
I exchanged glances with my team. Vallen looked thoughtful, his eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. Lilith appeared a little uncertain, while Nikolai's grin widened—the idea of House Wars clearly appealing to his competitive nature.
"Achievement Points are your currency here," Nasir said, his voice echoing across the Hall. "They determine your rank, your privileges, and your future at Vesperian Academy. Ten Achievement Points are required to advance through each level of training. Fall behind, and you'll be left behind. Excel and the Academy will reward you."
The Hall was buzzing with energy now—students whispering to one another, weighing their chances. I felt my own pulse quicken. House placement was just the beginning, but it felt like everything hung on this moment. A chance to prove myself, to push my limits, and to carve out my place in this chaotic world.
"Your placements are as follows," Nasir called out, the holographic screen shifting once more. Names began to appear under each House crest, and the Hall watched in silence as the list grew.
"Nikolai and Vallen—House Anima." I glanced at Nikolai, who simply smirked, cracking his knuckles as he nodded. It made sense. House Anima was all about raw power, and Nikolai had plenty of that.
"Lilith—House Psyche." Lilith seemed to take a deep breath, her silver eyes flickering with emotion before she composed herself. House Psyche was a perfect fit for her—her psychic abilities had always been her strength, and she was destined for the Mind Arts.
"Kiran Valeris—House Nexus." I clenched my jaw at the mention of Kiran's name. It was no surprise. Nexus was all about precision, strategy, and the manipulation of the battlefield—everything Kiran excelled at.
The list continued with names scrolling under each crest. Finally, my name appeared.
"Lucian—House Phantasm." I felt a rush of conflicting emotions—relief, anticipation, and a flicker of something else. This was it. House Phantasm, where finesse ruled over force. It was the perfect place for someone like me, someone who was still trying to understand the full extent of my power.
As the assignments finished, Nasir's gaze swept over the crowd once more. "You have your Houses. Remember, this Academy is not just a school—it's a proving ground. Your Houses are your allies, but every other House is your rival. The House Wars will occur every three months, testing your abilities in Speed, Strength, Mind, and Endurance. Excelling in these will bring prestige not just to you, but to your House."
The room was filled with an electric tension—everyone was eager, nervous, and ready to prove themselves. I looked at Vallen, who was now in House Anima alongside Nikolai. He gave me a small nod—a promise that no matter what House we were in, we would continue to push each other to be better. Lilith caught my eye, her gaze steady despite her obvious apprehension. Nikolai, standing with a few other members of House Anima, gave me a thumbs-up, his cocky grin never faltering.
It was strange—we had been a team just moments ago, fighting side by side in the Rift. Now, we were divided, forced to see each other as rivals. It was a shift I wasn't entirely new to, but one I would have to adapt to quickly. This was Vesperian Academy, after all. There was no room for hesitation.
"Welcome to the Houses," Nasir said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "May your strength, your wits, and your courage see you to the top. The House Wars begin soon, and the first test of your abilities will come sooner than you think. Dismissed."
The Hall erupted in noise—students moving to join their new Houses, some cheering, others wearing expressions of determination or worry. I took a deep breath, letting it all sink in. This was just the beginning. House Phantasm, Achievement Points, House Wars—all of it was a part of the game we had to play if we wanted to survive, if we wanted to thrive.
And I had no intention of losing.
The corridors of Vesperian Academy were as grand as they were labyrinthine, a mix of modern design with a flair of mystical energy. After the ceremony, I made my way to the House Phantasm building, my fingers grazing the soft fabric of my newly issued uniform. The jacket reminded me of the one from "Truham High," a place in one of my favorite shows, but ours bore a different insignia—an intricate sigil of swirling aether tendrils that represented the subtlety and precision of our House. The dark tie featured similar patterns, woven with fine silver threads that gleamed when the light hit just right.
I made my way down the winding path to the Phantasm House building. It looked like a small mansion with crooked towers, a blend of traditional stonework and Aetheric structures that seemed to shimmer slightly in the sunlight, similar in vibe to the Black Bulls' hideout I'd read about. The place already felt... different. Mysterious. And definitely not what I'd expected.
The front door creaked slightly as I pushed it open, and I stepped inside to find an unexpectedly warm and bustling space. The main hall had a high ceiling with an elaborate chandelier that gave off a soft blue glow—pure Aether energy. The furniture was comfortable, with mismatched sofas and plush chairs, arranged around a low table that seemed to be in a constant state of chaos, cluttered with books, snacks, and random gadgets.
"Hey, you must be the new guy!" called a voice from the couch. I turned to see a girl standing up, a wide smile on her face. She had wild curls pulled into a loose bun, her skin a light, sun-kissed shade. "Name's Syd Armand. Welcome to House Phantasm." She strode over, offering her hand. She looked to be around eighteen, on the skinnier side, but her energy was anything but small. She had an air of excitement around her, like she was always on the verge of doing something incredible.
"Lucian," I said, shaking her hand. Her grip was firm, her gaze friendly.
Syd gestured to the rest of the room. "You'll fit right in. House Phantasm is all about finesse, you know? Not about bashing things in—we leave that to House Anima. Anyway, let me introduce you to the others."
She led me over to the couch, where a guy sat with his feet propped up on the cluttered table, his head leaning back lazily. He had caramel-toned skin and a build that hinted at athleticism, but his posture was relaxed, exuding an aura of calm confidence.
"Yo," he said, raising a hand casually. "Brodie Vaughn. Nice to meet you, man. You got placed here, so you must have some finesse." He gave a small grin, then lowered his hand. Brodie looked like he could have easily belonged to House Anima, with his athletic frame, but there was a sense of calculation in his eyes.
"Brodie is our Quantum Arts guy," Syd explained. "Probability, chance, all that weird stuff."
Brodie nodded, a knowing smile crossing his face. "Sometimes you make your own luck, you know?"
"And this," Syd said, turning to a girl sitting cross-legged on the floor, leaning against the arm of the couch, "is Lena Ross." Lena looked up from a notebook she'd been scribbling in, her dark eyes sharp. She was petite, with straight black hair falling to her shoulders. Her expression was skeptical, as if she was still deciding whether or not I was worth her time.
"Fire Arts," she said simply, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she went back to her writing.
"She's more of the quiet type," Syd whispered conspiratorially, loud enough for Lena to hear. Lena rolled her eyes but didn't respond.
"Alright, now that you've met the gang—well, most of them—Karlina is around here somewhere." Syd gestured for me to follow her, leading me further into the house. "You'll meet her soon enough. She's... well, let's just say Karlina Morgana is one of a kind. Our House Head is a bit of a wild card—but she's great. You'll see."
Syd led me through the mansion, pointing out the different rooms. There was a kitchen, which looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a while, but had all the essentials. A training room with worn-out mats and a rack of training weapons. A library, which seemed less of a library and more of a chaotic pile of books on every surface imaginable. And then there was the common area, where everyone seemed to gather.
"This is the training room," Syd said, pushing open a door to reveal a spacious area lined with mats and equipment. The walls were covered in various weapons, most of them looking well-worn and frequently used. "We spend a lot of time in here, honing our Arts. Karlina says that practice makes perfect, but here in House Phantasm, it's more like practice makes finesse. You have to be able to control your Arts like they're an extension of yourself."
Syd then pointed out the library, or what passed for one. "Don't let the mess fool you," she said with a grin. "This place has everything you could need—books on Phantasmal Arts, Aether control, even old journals from previous House members. Some of these books are practically ancient, but they hold a lot of secrets. If you're ever looking for something specific, just ask. Karlina knows this place like the back of her hand."
Eventually, she stopped at a door near the end of the hallway. "And here's your room," Syd said, pushing it open. The room was simple but comfortable—a bed, a desk, a closet, and a window overlooking the forest behind the house. There was a stack of clothes on the bed—the rest of my uniforms, neatly folded.
"Thanks," I said, stepping inside and dropping my bag on the bed. It wasn't much, but it was mine, and for now, it was home.
"No problem," Syd said, leaning against the doorframe. "We all have our own rooms. Privacy is kind of a big deal here, especially with the type of Arts we practice. Anyway, Karlina wanted me to give you your schedule." She handed me a small stack of papers, each one with the Academy's emblem at the top. "First day tomorrow—should be exciting."
I glanced over the schedule, noticing the different classes. Aether Control. Phantasmal Arts. Martial Combat. Theoretical Principles of Aether Physics. Each one sounded more intense than the last.
"Don't worry too much," Syd said, giving me a reassuring smile. "We're all in the same boat here. And Karlina's crazy, but she knows what she's doing. She'll make sure you're ready."
"Got it," I said, looking up at her. "Thanks for showing me around."
"Anytime," Syd replied. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day." With that, she turned and headed back down the hallway, leaving me alone in my room.
I took a deep breath, glancing around. It was a lot to take in—the Academy, the House, the expectations. But I'd made it this far, and I wasn't about to back down now. I had my own goals, my own reasons for being here. And whatever House Phantasm had in store for me, I was ready.
After unpacking a few of my things, I stepped over to the window, looking out at the forest beyond. The trees swayed slightly in the breeze, their leaves catching the fading light of the evening. There was something peaceful about the view, a quietness that helped ease the tension that had built up during the day.
I decided to take a quick walk around the house before settling in for the night. The hallways were quiet, and the soft glow of Aether lamps cast gentle shadows along the walls. I peeked into the common room again, where Brodie was still lounging on the couch, this time flipping through a worn-out book. Lena was sitting at the table, her focus entirely on the notes in front of her, the glow of her Arts gently illuminating the pages.
I made my way to the kitchen, curious if there was anything worth eating. The cabinets were stocked with an odd mix of snacks and ingredients—some I recognized, and others that looked distinctly foreign, likely Aether-enhanced. I grabbed an apple and leaned against the counter, letting the atmosphere of the house settle over me. It felt lived-in, like a real home, not just a place where people happened to stay. It was different from what I'd imagined, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
Just as I was finishing my snack, the front door burst open, and a whirlwind of energy filled the room. "Ah, there you are!" a voice called out. I turned to see a woman with fiery red hair and mismatched clothes—flowing robes mixed with combat gear. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her grin was infectious.
"Karlina Morgana," she said, extending her hand dramatically. "Welcome to House Phantasm, Lucian! Sorry I wasn't here earlier—had to deal with a little... situation. But I'm here now, and that's what matters!"
I shook her hand, a little taken aback by her energy. "Nice to meet you. Syd told me a bit about you."
Karlina laughed, a loud, joyous sound that seemed to fill the entire room. "Oh, I bet she did! I hope she didn't scare you off. I can be a bit... eclectic, but I promise you, you'll learn more here than you ever thought possible." She winked, then clapped her hands together. "Alright, enough chit-chat. You need rest, and I need to finish my rounds. Tomorrow's a big day for all of us."
With that, she spun around and headed back out, her energy leaving as quickly as it had come. I couldn't help but smile. House Phantasm was definitely going to be an experience.
I headed back to my room, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me. I changed into more comfortable clothes and lay down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The Academy, the House, my new teammates—all of it felt like the start of something big. Something important. I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but I was ready to face it head-on.
As I drifted off to sleep, I could hear the faint sounds of the house around me—Syd's laughter, Brodie's low voice, the crackle of Lena's Arts. It was comforting, in a way I hadn't expected. Maybe this place could be home, after all.
Tomorrow was the start of something new—a new chapter, a new challenge. And as much as I didn't like to admit it, I was ready for it. Ready to see what this House, this Academy, and this life had in store for me.