Two million years ago, chaos reigned on the planet of Gaia, throwing a very advanced human civilization into an apocalyptic period.
Meteors struck the planet everywhere, destroying more than 75% of all the existing life within just a few months. Fortunately, by that time, mankind's space program was advanced to the point that they managed to evacuate those with the potential to develop society to other star systems, leaving behind the unfortunate.
Meanwhile, the animals mutated into terrifying beasts and got rampant, bringing the rule of the animal kingdom to the planet. It wasn't just animals. Several species of plants were also turned into monstrous plants.
To counter this, the Guardian God, an entity of immense power and wisdom, descended upon the planet.
Through divine intervention, he introduced runic magic, a system that allowed mortals to harness the energies of their world, and genetically altered human DNA, granting them abilities to stand against the beasts.
But this was not enough as he was aware that it would take centuries for humans to become strong enough.
Recognizing the need for leaders with unparalleled strength and experience, the Guardian God revived warriors from Gaia's history who had divine bloodlines yet met untimely deaths, giving them a second opportunity. These warriors were blessed with the knowledge and power of the gods, transforming them into defenders of mortal realms.
Among these resurrected champions was Achilles—the mortal son of the ancient sea goddess Thetis. In his second life, Achilles swiftly proved himself to be one of the strongest protectors of the mortal world. Armed with unmatched skill in combat and a mind tempered by wisdom, Achilles earned the title of the Mortal God of War.
Time, however, spared no one, not even the divine. Over time, most of these resurrected legends faded away, their duties fulfilled. Only four remained; their strength and purpose were almost lost after two million years. Each of them took a different path and became a mortal god, i.e., the strongest under the god realm.
The four are:
Achilles – Mortal God of War Cu Chulainn – Mortal God of Vengeance Sekhmet – Mortal Goddess of Judgment Julius Caesar – Mortal God of the Kings
Present Day, half an hour ago;
Achilles was watching the battle in a crystal mirror, how Rael, Eon, and Artaigne passed the entrance trial.
While the three of them were escorted to the reception, he was filled with thoughts. "As Aurelius stated in the letter, the one with the scythe is his boy, Azrael. The girl with the hourglass should be Eon, and the one who possessed the power of Arcana Riversis should be Morgana's daughter. Hmm… Azrael is good, but compared to Eon, he doesn't seem much. Eon's hourglass could freeze the time of this entire world. Even I can only sense it but cannot resist its effect. Artaigne's Arcane Riversis is something unique on its own. But, according to what I know, this boy crushed Alexandrus' disciple. I guess there must be more to him."
After a while;
The door was knocked on once.
"Come in." He allowed Yasmin to get inside. The three of them followed her.
Yasmin bowed. "Headmaster Achilles, I've brought you these new students who made it into the special division. There's... an unusual request regarding their dormitory arrangements."
Achilles studied the trio. His gaze lingered on Rael and Eon, who both stood firm despite his overwhelming presence. "Speak," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "What is this request?"
Rael stepped forward and explained their situation, keeping his tone respectful but resolute. "My sister and I have never been apart. We're not asking for special treatment. We're asking for an exception based on our bond. It's how we've thrived so far."
Achilles regarded them for a long moment before speaking. "Your bond is admirable, but rules exist for a reason. The dormitory regulations are in place to maintain discipline and decorum."
Eon interjected, her voice filled with determination. "We're not asking for leniency. We're asking for understanding. If this causes any issues, we'll take responsibility."
Achilles smirked faintly, amused by their boldness. "You speak with conviction for ones so young."
He turned to Yasmin. "Their age makes the situation less inappropriate, but it's still unconventional. However, the academy values individuality as much as discipline. What is your opinion, Miss Yasmin?"
Yasmin was taken aback and cast a sidelong glance at Rael, who was staring at her. She composed herself and spoke. "Headmaster, regardless of their reasoning, if you grant such a request, the other students may feel that you have shown partiality to these two. And if even you accept, where would students Azrael and Eon stay? in the boys' dorm or the girls' dorm? Regardless of the choice, other students would not be comfortable. In such a case, there is only one option. They can stay in a residential house outside the academy. In the early morning, they come to the academy and return to their residence after sunset. Considering they are students of a special division, the academy can rent a house for them and hire a special warden to look after the house and the twins."
Achilles let out a smile. "That's a wonderful suggestion, Miss Yasmin." He then glanced at Artaigne. "And you—are you comfortable with this arrangement, or do you wish to stay in the girls' dormitory?"
Artaigne looked surprised by the question but answered truthfully. "Im betrothed to Rael. And we would be married after graduation. So, I don't see any problem staying with them under one roof.
Achilles chuckled softly. "Betrothed so young, huh... sounds like Arthur. Very well. I accept your request. Yasmin, I will put you up for this task."
"Yes, Headmaster Achilles." Yasmin nodded.
Rael then spoke. "I apologize but I think we would arrange our own stay."
"Huh?" Achilles and Yasmin were taken aback.
Rael continued. "We came here with our knights. We are also neither in short of security nor money. It is not a problem for us to look for a house on our own. I hope the Headmaster will accept our request."
Achilles stared at him meaningfully for a couple of seconds as Rael stared back at him without fear, the Headmaster nodded. "Alright."
As they left the room, Achilles couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia because of Rael and Eon's close bond. He mumbled the name of a warrior whom he considered a younger brother, someone he loved more than his own wife and children. "Patroclus."
Meanwhile, as the trio left Achilles' office and eventually exited the academy gates, the knights gathered before them, everyone being curious about the results.
Naturally, all of them were elated to hear that the trio made it to the academy's special division.
Congratulations poured from every knight. However, the joyful atmosphere turned tense as Rael informed them about their living arrangements.
While the Knights of Garcia House weren't sure how to react to it, the royal knight, Remia, expressed her disapproval. "Lady Artaigne," she began, her voice firm, "this arrangement is highly inappropriate. A lady of your standing should not be living under the same roof as a boy. Moreover, staying outside the academy is extremely dangerous."
Artaigne hesitated, knowing Remia's concern stemmed from loyalty.
Eon added, supporting her statement. "Well, if you ask me, I agree with you too. It is indeed better for Artaigne to live in the dorm but I don't want my brother to feel like he was abandoning her and feel guilty about it. Well, considering Artaigne's personality, she would feel a lot better if she stayed with us."
Before Remia could give her response to that, Rael spoke up. "I understand your concern, Knight Remia. But rest assured, with our knights protecting the house alongside you, her safety is more guaranteed with us than anywhere else. Moreover, we are betrothed. Some day, she will be my wife, too. You may write it to His Majesty, and if he says we cannot live together under the same roof, we'll do something about it. Even someone like Saint Achilles has no problem with it. I don't think His Majesty would worry either."
Remia's expression softened slightly, but her unease remained. "This is highly unconventional, but if the headmaster has approved it, I will accept it for now. But, I will still write a letter to His Majesty for permission."
"Do as you wish."