The atmosphere in the main hall felt cold and oppressive, filled with a silence that weighed heavily on the chest. The new students from various backgrounds stood straight, each trying to mask their deepening nervousness. Rael stood among them, his gaze fixed on the tall figure of an elderly man with a stern face on the stage. This was Lord Caius Vernal, one of the highest-ranking members of the Dominion's Holy Council, responsible for overseeing the Dominion Elite Academy. Accompanying Lord Caius were two other Holy Council members and a sharp-eyed man—Calista Dreyer, the feared and respected Holy Council's personal guard.
Lord Caius's piercing gaze swept across the hall, like an eagle's eyes scrutinising every student standing there. Rael felt as if that gaze penetrated deep into him, searching out any hidden secrets or weaknesses. Then, Lord Caius's voice filled the hall, deep and resonant, vibrating against the walls and seemingly settling into the bones of the listeners.
"Here," he said, his voice stern and void of any compassion, "you will undergo training that will separate the strong from the weak. You will face missions that will test your loyalty and your courage. Not all of you will succeed."
Each word was like a bullet striking deep, adding to the tension that was already at its peak. A few students visibly swallowed, their faces revealing their anxiety despite their best efforts.
"But for those who do succeed," continued Lord Caius, his voice lowering to an even more threatening tone, "an honoured place awaits you in Dominion. A place of respect and protection."
Rael felt those words sink deeply into him. The phrase "a rightful place" echoed in his mind, pulling his thoughts back to his life at Pariah Wall—a life of hardship and sacrifice. Perhaps this was his chance to change his fate, to prove himself in a world that had long looked down upon those from the outer circles.
Lord Caius signalled to a red-haired woman standing beside him. She stepped forward with a confident gait, her face bearing a sardonic smile that complemented her commanding aura. "This is Instructor Lena Varis, head of Bellator House," said Lord Caius. "From today onwards, you will each be placed in your respective houses, and each instructor will monitor and assess your progress."
Instructor Lena stepped forward, her gaze sharp and filled with confidence as she looked over each student. "This academy has four main houses," she announced, her voice calm yet firm. "Umbra, Auctoritas, Ingenium, and Bellator. Each house represents your core strengths. You will face challenges designed to shape your abilities and your loyalty to Dominion."
She paused, allowing her words to sink into the hearts of the students standing before her. Her gaze moved across each face, as though she wanted to ensure they truly understood the weight of what lay ahead.
"Umbra House is for those skilled in the arts of disguise and infiltration," she continued. "In this house, you will learn to move within the shadows, wielding silent yet deadly weapons. You will become Dominion's spies, moving unseen, carrying out missions undetected."
Several students began whispering, captivated by the mystique of Umbra House. Rael felt a stirring of excitement as he listened, imagining himself moving within the shadows, silent and lethal.
"Auctoritas House, on the other hand, is for those born with leadership and resilience," Lena continued. "These are students with exceptional physical strength and endurance. They are trained as frontline warriors for high-risk missions. They are also taught the art of leadership, as they will often command small units in battle."
Lena's gaze shifted to the students who looked especially self-assured, perhaps already envisioning themselves as Dominion's future leaders.
"Ingenium is the house for those gifted in intelligence and technology. Students here are not only smart but skilled in creating tools and strategies to strengthen Dominion. They are the creators, the guardians of the technology that protects our city."
Instructor Lena paused, paying particular attention to a few students who appeared serious and intelligent.
"Lastly, Bellator House," Lena said with a voice filled with pride, "is for those skilled in long-range combat tactics, with a keen eye for precision and strategic positioning. They are experts in ranged weapons and act as snipers or combat support from safe distances. This class suits students with a high level of accuracy and an aptitude for observing the battlefield."
Rael observed the faces of students who looked energised and eager, likely possessing the heart of a warrior. He realised that each house held unique qualities, yet they all shared a common goal—to protect Dominion with every strength they possessed.
"Now," Lena said, "each student will go through a selection process to determine the house that best suits your talents and potential. This is a rigorous assessment, and we will not tolerate any weakness."
The selection process began. Each student was called forward one by one, examined and tested by a panel of instructors from each house. The tests didn't involve mystical tools or complex rituals. Instead, they were physical and mental tests designed to reveal their true abilities, challenging their reflexes, mental sharpness, and physical endurance in critical situations.
Rael stood with his heart pounding, waiting nervously for his turn. At last, his name was called. He stepped forward, feeling every eye in the room on him.
The instructor from Umbra observed his movements closely, assessing his control and agility. The instructor from Auctoritas posed questions to test his mental resilience, measuring his ability to think quickly and rationally under pressure. Ingenium's instructor presented him with puzzles to gauge his intelligence, evaluating his skill in solving complex problems. The Bellator instructor challenged his physical strength, putting him through a test that pushed his muscle endurance and stamina to ensure he could withstand difficult situations.
After several intense minutes of assessment, the panel of instructors conferred briefly. Lena Varis then stepped forward and announced the decision. "Rael Landar," her voice echoed through the hall, full of authority, "you will be placed in Umbra House."
Rael let out a long breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Umbra—the house that operated in darkness, in silence, carrying out missions that required cunning and concealed strength. He wasn't sure what awaited him, but deep down, he knew this was the right beginning for his new journey.
Once the selection process was completed, Lena Varis explained the ranks within each house. "Each house has three levels—Inferus, Medius, and Primoris," she said firmly. "You will all start at the Inferus level. To advance to Medius or Primoris, you must show exceptional performance in training and assigned missions. Only those who reach Primoris will be eligible to join Dominion's elite forces."
Her words were met with murmurs of excitement and curiosity among the students, eager to discover their future ranks. Rael looked around, observing the faces filled with determination and trepidation. But he understood how challenging the journey ahead would be. It wasn't just about climbing ranks or achieving high positions; it was about discovering himself and unlocking his hidden potential.
A tall, arrogant-looking student from Auctoritas House sneered, turning to the others with supreme confidence. "You'll all see," he declared, his voice loud and haughty, "Auctoritas House is the best here. We were born to lead."
Rael merely cast a cool glance his way. For him, this journey wasn't about power or dominance, but about seeking his true self amidst a world full of secrets and uncertainties. For perhaps the first time in his life, Rael felt driven to understand himself and to uncover the potential that had long been buried.
Finally, the mentors from each house were introduced: General Kaelan Voss for Auctoritas, Professor Orion Draxus for Ingenium, Instructor Lena Varis for Bellator, and Master Elyon Nacht for Umbra.
"Students of Umbra House, follow me," said Master Elyon, his voice sharp but calm. Rael turned to see a cold-faced man with neatly combed black hair standing before them. He exuded a quiet authority and mystery, making him seem like someone not easily approached.
Rael and the other Umbra students followed Master Elyon through the academy's darkened corridors. Only faint torchlight lit their path, as if symbolising the shadows that would now be their world. After some time, they arrived at a training room designated for Umbra House. Master Elyon stopped in the centre, his gaze sharp and commanding.
"Umbra House is not for those seeking fame," he said softly but firmly. "Here, we are shadows. We are Dominion's eyes and ears. You will learn to move unseen, to infiltrate undetected. This is not a place for the faint-hearted."
Rael listened to every word, his resolve strengthening. He knew this journey wouldn't be easy, but deep inside him, there was a flame that would not be extinguished—a desire to prove himself in this world of mystery.
"Your first training will begin tomorrow morning," continued Master Elyon, his voice cold yet authoritative. "You will start with the basics of stealth, silent movement, and tactical skills. Every step here is for Dominion. Remember, failure is not an option."
After the briefing, Rael moved to his new quarters. In the small room, he sat in thought, reflecting on everything that lay ahead. Dreams, fears, and hopes swirled together in his mind, but he knew one thing—his path now led in a direction from which there was no turning back.