The school was an impressive institution, divided into four main houses, each identified by a distinct color and name:
Red House: Known for its emphasis on bravery and strength, Red House prided itself on producing courageous knights and leaders. Its emblem was a roaring lion, symbolizing courage and determination, set against a vibrant red background.
Blue House: Focusing on intelligence and strategy, members of Blue House excelled in academics and tactical thinking. Their emblem was an owl perched on a scroll, representing knowledge and wisdom, set against a deep blue background.
White House: This house emphasized integrity and loyalty, valuing a sense of duty above all else. Their emblem was a shining shield, symbolizing purity and righteousness, set against a pristine white background.
Green House: Celebrated for teamwork and collaboration, Green House believed in the power of community and working together. Their emblem was a pair of clasped hands, representing unity and cooperation, set against a lush green background.
Robert was assigned to Blue House, where intelligence and strategy were highly valued. As he entered his new room, he found it modest yet comfortable, designed to foster discipline and camaraderie.
The room had two beds positioned on either side. One bed was neatly made, indicating it was already occupied. On the other bed, Robert found a blank space, ready for his belongings. He glanced around, noting the simple wooden desk and chair beside each bed, ideal for study and reflection. There was a wardrobe for their uniforms and personal items, and a window that let in plenty of natural light, providing a serene view of the Academy grounds.
Robert set to work preparing his bedding on the empty bed, laying out his sheets and blankets with meticulous care. The room was quiet, save for the distant sounds of training and activity elsewhere in the Academy.
As soon as Riven laid down on his freshly prepared bed, he felt the weight of the day's events begin to lift. The room was a haven of quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling Academy. Just as he began to relax, the door swung open. A boy around his age entered, followed by two others, their faces alight with curiosity and energy. All three were dressed in the standard white uniforms, their movements quick and lively.
"Hey there, new guy!" the first boy called out with a friendly grin. "I'm Jasper, and these are my friends, Leo and Max."
Riven sat up slowly, his expression calm yet distant. "Riven," he replied politely but without much enthusiasm. His tone conveyed a sense of detachment, not rudeness but rather a disinterest in engaging deeply.
Jasper, seemingly unfazed by Riven's lack of excitement, continued, "So, where are you from?"
"North side of the country," Riven answered, his voice still flat. He watched as the boys began setting up a game on the small table in the middle of the room, their chatter filling the silence.
The boys continued to prepare their game, a board with intricately carved pieces that suggested strategy and skill. Their laughter and conversation were light, occasionally glancing at Riven, perhaps wondering if he would join them.
Leo looked up from the game and said, "Hey, Riven, wanna join us? It's a strategy game. The goal is to protect your King while attacking the others."
Riven hesitated, reminded of the importance of maintaining good relationships with his peers. It's crucial to be on good terms with them, he thought. It could make my time here much smoother.
With that in mind, he nodded. "Sure, why not," he said, attempting a more engaged tone.
The boys explained the rules in detail. The objective was simple yet challenging: protect your King while attacking the other Kings. They added an additional board for Riven, and the game began.
Riven's mind quickly adapted to the strategy required. He observed the board with a keen eye, analyzing his opponents' moves and formulating his own. His tactical prowess became apparent as he executed calculated maneuvers, disrupting the other players' plans with precision. Within a short time, he had outmaneuvered them, securing a decisive victory.
The boys stared at him in awe, impressed by his skill. Jasper exclaimed, "Wow, Riven, you're really good at this!"
Riven maintained his serious demeanor, only nodding in acknowledgment. "Thanks," he said simply. Then, glancing around the room, he asked, "By the way, who is my roommate? I see only one bed is occupied."
The boys exchanged glances before Jasper replied, "That would be me. Glad to have you on board, Riven."
The camaraderie was evident, despite Riven's reserved nature, marking a promising start to his journey at the Knight Academy.
After Riven secured a couple of victories, the speaker in the room crackled to life, announcing that all students should head for supper. The boys exchanged looks and began tidying up their game. Riven, still maintaining his calm demeanor, followed them out of the room.
They walked down the corridors, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the chatter of other students heading towards the dining hall. The hall itself was grand, with long tables and benches set neatly in rows. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of the evening meal, and the clamor of students finding their seats added to the lively atmosphere.
Riven and his new acquaintances—Jasper, Leo, and Max—found a spot at one of the tables. As they settled in, their conversation naturally flowed back to the game they had just played. Jasper couldn't help but bring it up again, saying, "Man, Riven, you really wiped the floor with us! Where did you learn to play like that?"
Riven shrugged modestly, "Just picked it up along the way."
As the meal progressed, the topic shifted from the game to the broader happenings of the Academy. Leo, with a sense of awe, mentioned, "Did you hear about Rosa? She's been amazing this year, achieving top marks in almost everything."
Max nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, she's even the school captain now. Can you believe it?"
Riven listened with mild interest as they recounted Rosa's accomplishments. She seemed to be a force to be reckoned with, and her position as school captain clearly earned her a lot of respect.
"She sounds impressive," Riven commented, maintaining his serious expression. "It'll be interesting to see what she's capable of."
Jasper leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Rosa's not just impressive; she's legendary around here. If you ever get the chance to see her in action, don't miss it.
In the bustling dining room, Miranda's eyes scanned the crowd until she spotted a familiar face. Her expression brightened with excitement, and she quickly made her way over to Riven. Without a second thought, she jumped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "So good to see you, Robert!" she exclaimed.
Riven, maintaining his composed demeanor, gently corrected her, "It's Riven here."
Miranda laughed, still clinging to his back. The group at the table looked on in surprise, their eyes wide with curiosity. As they all took their seats at the table, they couldn't help but ask questions.
"So, what's the story between you two?" one of the boys asked, clearly intrigued.
"And why did she call you Robert?" another added.
Riven answered each question with patience and clarity, leaving no room for doubt. "Miranda and I have known each other for quite some time. 'Robert' was a nickname I had when I was younger, but here, I go by Riven."
The group nodded, their curiosity satisfied. One of them then mentioned, "Did you know Miranda got the highest score during the entrance examination? She's from the famous doctor family."
Leo chimed in, "Yeah, she came out on top. Impressive, right?"
As the conversation continued, Riven's mind wandered. So that's how I ended up in Blue House, he thought to himself. The only area I did well in was the strategic planning exams, the Tactics Trials.
As the conversation buzzed around the table, the dining hall slowly began to quiet down as students finished their meals and prepared to leave. Riven, still processing the newfound information about the entrance exams and house assignments, noticed the shift in the atmosphere.
Miranda, ever the social butterfly, continued chatting animatedly with her friends. The lively discussion turned to the various achievements of students, with each of them sharing stories of their experiences and accomplishments. Riven listened intently, taking mental notes about the key figures within the Academy.
Just then, the hall's main doors swung open, and a tall figure walked in, commanding immediate attention. It was Rosa, the school captain. Her presence was magnetic, and the entire room seemed to turn toward her. She made her way through the hall with a confident stride, greeting students and exchanging a few words here and there.
"That's Rosa," Jasper whispered to Riven, his voice filled with admiration. "She's the one we were talking about. She's practically a legend around here."
Riven observed Rosa carefully, his expression unreadable. He could see why she was held in such high regard. Her demeanor was both commanding and approachable, a rare combination that earned her the respect of her peers.
As Rosa continued her rounds, the students began to disperse, heading back to their respective houses. Miranda stood up, stretching her arms. "Well, it's been fun, but I've got some studying to do," she announced. She turned to Riven, a mischievous smile on her face. "Don't be a stranger, Riven."
With that, she and her friends headed out, leaving Riven to reflect on the day's events. He walked back to his room, the evening air cool against his face. Thoughts of his training, the interactions with his new acquaintances, and the upcoming challenges at the Academy filled his mind.
Back in his room, Riven settled onto his bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. He knew that his journey at the Knight Academy was just beginning, and there were many trials ahead. But he was ready, his resolve as steadfast as ever.