A red-headed girl stood before the grand academy gates, her fiery hair catching the sunlight and creating a halo around her head. Her amber eyes sparkled with wonder as she absorbed the breathtaking sight before her: the towering gates, standing sentinel against the backdrop of a clear blue sky.
Clutching her cherished book tightly to her chest, she looked up with a little too much fervor, her heart racing with anticipation.
"Let the heavens bear witness... that I, Sunray Bowan, have been chosen!"
Sunray's voice rang out dramatically, her grin as wide as the horizon beyond.
The guard monitoring the academy gates via the floating monitors cast a tired, skeptical glance her way. Another one of these kids, huh? he thought wearily, rubbing his temple. The flow of peculiar students entering this academy seemed endless.
Sunray, oblivious to his reaction, continued her inner monologue. "Miara would be so proud of me," she mused, puffing her chest out in a flourish of self-assurance.
"Sunray, here's your luggage." Her father handed her the suitcase, its worn leather surface warm from the sun. Behind him, the faint silhouette of a ship hovered on the horizon, small yet striking against the vast expanse of the azure sky. To the side, the Englesor Crossing stretched gracefully atop the isthmus, a marvel of engineering that connected their secluded peninsula to the bustling mainland. The bridge seemed to vanish into the distance, a ribbon of stone and steel that beckoned travelers onward. Below, the sweeping view of Languor unfolded like a vibrant tapestry, its terracotta rooftops and lush greenery a vivid reminder of their elevated perch, where land met sea in a harmonious embrace.
The father and daughter pair stood for a moment in silent awe, gazing beyond the imposing academy gates. The architecture ahead was equal parts beautiful and intimidating, its grandeur enough to make even the boldest hesitate. The centerpiece of the entrance was a majestic fountain, framed by ten branching pathways, each leading to a different house within the academy. The largest, straightest path pointed directly toward the Great House of Avarise.
Joel turned to Sunray, his voice soft but lined with concern. "You'll be here for the entire term. Are you absolutely certain about this?"
Sunray nodded resolutely, stuffing her dear book into the fat bookholster strapped to her waist. "Yes! I'll just call you if I miss you. Phones aren't banned here, you know."
Joel sighed but nodded. "Alright then. Off you go."
Sunray squared her shoulders, marching forward like a soldier headed into battle. "Do your best, kiddo!" Joel called after her.
"Heck yeah, I will!" she shouted back.
Joel smiled wistfully, watching her determined form. Ah, they grow up so fast...
Bang!
Sunray collided face-first with an invisible barrier at the gates. Staggering back, she blinked in confusion, clutching her face. The guard in the monitor jolted upward, who had been lazily slouching until that moment. "Hey! What are you doing?!" he barked. "You can't just waltz through. Your ID needs to be verified in the system!"
Sunray, rubbing her forehead, glared at him indignantly. "You didn't say that earlier!"
"It's basic protocol!"
"Just put it down manually! You can do that, can't you?"
The guard narrowed his eyes. "You think I'd still have this job if I just let random kids in?!"
Sunray jabbed a finger at the barrier, her voice rising. "Let me through, or you'll regret this!"
"WHAT?"
"I'M THE CHOSEN ONE, YOU SON OF AN ELDRITCH—"
"SCRAM BEFORE THINGS GET UGLY!"
Joel buried his face in his hands, muttering a prayer for patience. How could he forget something so crucial?
He stepped forward, trying to salvage the situation. "E-excuse me," he addressed the guard, producing the ID. "My daughter is a descendant of the Bowan family, and I'm her father, Joel Patsy. We've already registered her. Here's her identification card."
The guard grumbled something under his breath before saying, "Please hold it up for a moment. I'll scan it to confirm the data."
Joel smiled tightly, striving to keep his composure as Sunray fidgeted restlessly beside him. "That's fine. Take your time."
"BEG FOR YOUR LIFE, VILLAIN!" Sunray howled into the swaying greenery beside the pathway, her voice echoing like a battle cry through the otherwise serene forest.
The guard raised an unimpressed eyebrow as he scanned their identification card, his expression a mixture of judgment and thinly veiled confusion. "Your kid is very... hyperactive," he muttered dryly, the faintest hint of pity lacing his tone.
Joel Patsy, standing awkwardly beside his energetic daughter, chuckled nervously. "Actually, she usually isn't like this," he explained, his hand instinctively rubbing the back of his neck. "I think it's... a good thing?"
The guard froze mid-scan, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief. A parent who wants their kid to act like this? Am I dreaming?
Before he could recover, Sunray's voice erupted again, shaking the tranquility of the forest. "AND WE SHALL FEAST UPON—"
Joel cut her off with a firm grip on her arm. "Stop it," he said, his voice caught between patience and exasperation. "I know you're excited, but there's no need to yell like that. Just look how peaceful it is."
He gestured toward their surroundings, trying to redirect her attention. The lush greenery stretched endlessly, the leaves dancing softly with the breeze. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs weaving through the gentle rustle of branches.
Joel took a deep breath, savoring the calm that seemed to wrap around him like a warm blanket. It was completely unlike the bustling noise of Enkopha, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief here. "I don't think they'll appreciate noise pollution in a place like this," he added, his tone more relaxed.
However, Sunray, that gremlin, didn't appear even slightly fazed by his words.
The guard's voice broke the moment, monotone and efficient. "Okay, it's done." His expression screamed finally. "You can enter now."
Joel gave a polite nod. "Thank you."
Joel handed Sunray her identification card with a firm reminder to take good care of it.
"Remember to be happy, make friends, and most importantly," he added, pulling her cheek playfully, "don't forget Papa."
Sunray gave a determined shake of her head, her voice firm, "Never!"
Joel chuckled, his hands resting on her shoulders as he gave her a gentle push. "Go now. Your new life awaits."
They shared a brief but meaningful farewell. Sunray took a step toward the grand gate, making sure to shoot a smug look at the monitor—just to see the guard twitch. She grinned and marched inside.
Excited, Sunray's eyes darted around the space, taking in the view. The court stretched before her, surrounded by lush greenery. Trees stand tall with thick canopies, the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filling the air. Some of the Houses peered from the distance, their forms obscured by the trees. Truly a sight to behold.
A thought crossed her mind as she surveyed the beauty around her. This looks like a place for rich kids. How am I here...? She pondered for a moment, then shrugged. Eh, should've thought about that before getting on the bus.
The court itself was a vast, circular plaza made of smooth, pale stone that had weathered with time, but still gleamed with an ethereal sheen when kissed by the sunlight. At the center stood a grand fountain, intricately carved, its water cascading in rhythmic arcs that danced under the sunlight. Ten distinct paths, like spokes of a wheel, spread out from around the fountain, each leading to one of the distant academy houses. The paths were framed by well-maintained hedges, flowering trees, and stone lanterns that would light the way come nightfall. Scattered throughout the plaza stood several statues, their solemn faces carved with an air of importance.
She found herself stopping in front of one statue that particularly caught her eye, One statue caught Sunray's attention, its features chiseled and proud. She stared up at the blue sky, her thoughts swirling. A magical academy... she mused. It's different from the schools I went to, but nothing seems weird.
She inspected the statue's face—hard, determined. Its eyes were closed, and the stone seals etched into its hands were painstakingly detailed. There are statues like these, but that's normal too.
Suddenly, the statue's eyes snapped open, locking with hers.
"Ow, what the [BEEP]?!" she yelped, her voice echoing across the plaza.
A nearby student sighed as they passed by, muttering under their breath, "I just arrived, and someone's already cussing out the statues..."
But Sunray didn't hear them. She was too busy gasping for air, still staring at the statue with wide eyes. Was that a hallucination?! A ghost in daylight?!
The statue continued to stare, its eyes resolute and unblinking.
Sunray finally calmed down after a few more deep breaths, the shock beginning to subside. "Oh... right. It's magic." She blinked in disbelief, still trying to wrap her mind around it. "This is way too weird..."
Suddenly, a scream pierced the air, followed by a thud and the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps. Sunray turned to see a group of students dashing across the court, carrying a huge tupperware emitting thick yellow gas. The gas didn't look friendly.
"Go, go, go!" The students yelled as they ran, while one of them, panting and sweating, wailed as he chased after them. "I really don't think this is a good idea!"
Another voice from the ground shouted, "Ugh, y-you lunatics will pay for this!"
"Sorry!" the students yelled in unison as they disappeared down the path.
Sunray looked in the direction of the shout and saw a girl with chin-length, blue hair crouched on the ground, picking up books that had scattered in the chaos. The girl looked a little shaken but was quickly gathering herself, her large round glasses slightly askew on her soft face. She seemed to be around Sunray's age.
A sudden thought sparked in Sunray's mind. A favor for a favor. If she helped this girl, maybe she could convince her to be her guide for the day. Sunray was completely new here, and she could use some assistance.
With that thought, she grinned and approached the girl. "I'll help you!"
The girl's head whipped up, her eyes wide in alarm. "W-wait, no—!"
But Sunray was already bending down, picking up scattered pages. To her surprise, one of the pages had a seal integrated into it, and as her thumb brushed against it, a brilliant red flare erupted from the paper.
The girl's face drained of color as a soft voice emanated from the page, "The world may remain forever unaware of this significant aspect I conceal—"
Sunray's eyes lit up with excitement. "I didn't know pages could talk. Is this your voice?"
The girl froze, her face pale as the page continued speaking, almost shyly, "Though in my thoughts, I ponder—"
"Dang, that's some nice wording."
"—The athletes are hot."
Sunray stared at the girl, her mind scrambling to process what had just happened. The girl stared back, her face slowly turning to resemble a tomato.
"..."
"..."
Without another word, the bluenette snatched the pages from Sunray's hands and bolted away, leaving Sunray to stand there in stunned silence.
"Where are you going?!" Sunray called out after her, still unsure of what had just happened.
The girl's voice was steely, her earlier quiver gone, replaced with a new determination. "Preferably outside the continent, or under the sea."
"Why?"
"To save myself from shame!" the girl's voice pitched upwards in a near sob before she disappeared into the distance.
Sunray blinked, watching her retreating figure. "Well, that started out well..." she muttered to herself. It seemed she wouldn't be getting the girl to be her guide after all. She'd have to find someone else.
Looking around, Sunray noticed that no one seemed to be paying attention to the commotion. Everyone was simply going about their business, chatting and laughing, looking completely unbothered. Guess this kind of thing is normal here.
With a deep breath, she walked toward the entrance hall of the Great House. As she stepped inside, she couldn't help but feel a surge of awe.
The entrance hall of the Great House was an expansive, towering space, with silver and gold accents softened by rich, dark wood paneling. The deep blue marble floors reflected the light from tall, arched windows that bathed the room in a warm, welcoming glow. A massive staircase of polished stone curved upward, its ornate silver railings shimmering in the light. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, catching the light in delicate sparkles, and the academy's crest, a symbol of tradition and prestige, proudly adorned the walls.
Sunray handed her luggage to one of the staff members working at the reception. The porter scanned her ID and attached a sticky QR code to her suitcase. "Once you're sorted into your House, we'll take care of your luggage," the porter explained. "It'll be delivered directly to your room."
She took another look around the entrance hall, her gaze eventually landing on the long shadow her own figure cast across the polished floor. Despite the bustling activity around her, she felt a sudden pang of loneliness. Everyone around her seemed so certain of their place, so at ease. She, on the other hand, felt adrift, unsure of what awaited her here.
She had told her father she'd be fine, but standing in the vast hall, far from home, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was alone in this strange new world. Will it really be as fun as she thought it would be?
Lost in thought, Sunray didn't notice the person walking in front of her, and crashed straight into their back. The thick fabric of their top muffled her elegant "Augh!" as her nose was suddenly assaulted by a soft, flowery scent, giving her a whiplash.
"Oh my!" a melodious voice exclaimed. "How can someone just walk into another in broad daylight?"
Sunray looked up, startled, her gaze catching the owner of the stunning voice. Who could this gorgeous voice belong to? When her eyes settled on the figure in front of her, she let out an audible gasp.
The person standing before her was incredibly tall, towering over her with an elegance that seemed to rival the statues in the court. Dark hair cascaded like a glossy curtain down to their waist, framing a delicate face with sharp features and ashy green eyes. Those eyes, currently flickering with annoyance, locked onto hers with a weight that made her feel like she'd just committed a mortal offense. Despite the displeasure crinkling their perfect face, they radiated a kind of unreal elegance that left Sunray momentarily speechless.
This was an angel. A fake one, of course, because Sunray knew real angels were rumored to look… well, not this flawless. They reminded her of someone, though she couldn't quite put her finger on who. Someone important. Someone cool.
"Darling..." the person started slowly, their voice deceptively soft, "Did it hurt when your mother dropped you as kindling?"
Blinking in confusion, Sunray stared at them. "Uh…"
"Oh, let me rephrase," their smile turned saccharine. "Are you unstable in the head? You can't even walk straight."
Sunray rubbed her hands together with a large grin, her voice placating, "I probably am."
The person flinched slightly, caught off guard by her calm response, but quickly bounded back with a chuckle, holding a snowy hand to their mouth. "Oh, who am I kidding? She probably wasn't even there to drop you."
Sunray raised an eyebrow in surprise. "How do you know?"
The person gaped at her. "W-wha—??"
Seeing them flabbergasted and unable to retort, Sunray took the chance to shoot back. "Anyways, did it hurt when you fell from the heavens?"
The person's face twitched, and they sighed, a hand pressing to their forehead. "Just go wherever you were going, kid," they turned on their heel, muttering under their breath, "Another cheeky novice."
Sunray called after them, her voice cheerful, "I hope we meet again!"
The person didn't even glance back, their long, wavy hair fluttering as they walked away, leaving Sunray standing there with a smile still tugging at the corners of her lips.
If there are people like that around here, Sunray thought, this place is bound to be anything but boring!
With renewed resolve, she turned to head toward her destination...
... And then stopped dead in her tracks, realization hitting her like a freight train.
She had absolutely no idea where she was going.
Groaning to herself, she remembered how the online forums had made it sound like the Echotrium would be huge, but she hadn't realized just how massive this place really was. It was easy to get lost in the sprawling, labyrinthine halls of the academy. Now, she was faced with the realization that she'd have to ask for help at the reception desk, despite having boasted to them just moments prior that she knew everything about the place. It seemed that lying for no reason wasn't such a great idea after all.
Just as she was considering swallowing her pride and asking for help, she spotted a group of students walking together, their movements casual but purposeful. They looked about her age, though there were some older students among them. Her eyes immediately locked on two girls at the back of the group. One had white hair with blue tips, the other sported magenta hair pulled into tight twin braids. If anyone had the look of being 'important,' these two surely did.
"Perfect," Sunray thought. Important or not, she'd bother them all the same, especially if they were around her age.
With quick strides, she caught up to them, tapping the white-haired girl on the shoulder. The girl whipped around so fast she had to take a step back.
"Hey, I like your style," Sunray said with a grin. "Anyway, do you know where the Echotrium is?"
For a brief moment, Sunray allowed herself to celebrate the fact that this 'important-looking' girl was shorter than her. But her small victory was short-lived, as the girl's eyebrows furrowed and her expression hardened. She looked ready to punch Sunray. The redhead mentally dubbed her Frownie.
The girl's face twisted into something bordering on a scowl as she glared at Sunray. "Yeah," she replied flatly, her irritation barely masked. "It's literally the center point of the Great House. How do you not know that?"
Sunray shot a glance at the rest of the group, noticing the girl's friend—the one with the magenta braids—watching them curiously from behind. She chuckled. "Hahaha, I definitely knew, I was just checking if you knew."
Frownie rolled her eyes with such force it almost looked painful. "As if."
"So, ya'll going there?" Sunray asked, not giving up.
"Where else?" Frownie sounded impatient. Then she added with a snort, "Your dictionary sucks."
Sunray smirked. "Says the person who used 'dictionary' instead of 'vocabulary.'"
"Some of us are busy pondering greater things."
"Obviously, since you're not tall enough to reach the greater things."
The punch was coming. Sunray braced herself—she could practically feel the wind of the fist as it shot toward her face.
But before the punch could land, Twinbraids, who had been silently observing, intervened. With a disapproving look, she caught Frownie's fist mid-air, holding it in place. "Stop fighting," she said in a voice that was steady and commanding. "We'll be late for the orientation."
She gave Sunray a small, dismissive nod, before dragging her friend off to rejoin the group.
Sunray, undeterred, tagged along behind them. She had no shame whatsoever—and no idea where she was going anyway. Sticking close seemed like the smartest plan.
The group was being led by an older student, and soon they reached one of the many entrances to the Echotrium. As Sunray crossed the threshold, she was momentarily left speechless.
Echotrium was vast. A massive circular space that soared upwards across all five floors of the academy, its sheer height dizzying. Grand arches and balconies lined each level, each floor offering a clear view of the central area below, where students milled about, their voices echoing through the open expanse. The floor was tiered in a concentric circle around a stage to one side, made of dark, polished wood with intricate carvings representing each House.
Her gaze was drawn toward the ceiling, a massive domed structure of segmented glass that stretched high above them. Sunlight poured through the geometric patterns, casting soft, shifting glimmers of light across the walls and floor. The quiet hum of voices and soft footfalls echoed through the space, giving it a serene, almost sacred feel.
Around the Echotrium's perimeter, wide staircases stood at the cardinal points, spiraling elegantly upward. Small alcoves embedded in the walls housed glowing orbs of light, which seemed to hum faintly, providing ample illumination even in shadowed corners. Sunray guessed the orbs were mainly for nighttime use since the sunlight was already flooding the space.
She squinted upward again, something having caught her attention. Floating lanterns hung suspended just beneath the glass dome, their intricate metallic frames glinting faintly in the sunlight. They were unlit, drifting gently as if swayed by an invisible breeze. For a moment, confusion flickered in her mind. Why were they there? The orbs along the alcoves seemed sufficient enough for lighting. Then a memory stirred—a snippet of something she had read about this place. These 'lanterns' weren't just decorations. They were part of something much more significant.
Lanternglow.
The group she followed took their seats in one of the front rows, closest to the stage. Sunray, not wanting to miss anything, quickly sat down beside them, though neither Frownie nor Twinbraids acknowledged her presence.
Her attention turned to the stage. A group of elders, distinguishable by their flowing robes and dignified demeanor, stood in a neat formation, murmuring quietly among themselves. The lectern in the center of the stage stood empty, an imposing focal point made of dark, intricately carved stone.
The wait wasn't long. A hush fell over the room as a figure emerged from the entrance directly behind the stage. Dressed in a sweeping coat of silver and deep charcoal, the Grand Elder strode onto the stage with commanding grace, her steps measured and deliberate as she ascended the stage. Her arrival sent a ripple of whispers through the crowd, but Sunray barely noticed. Her wide eyes stayed glued to the stage as the Grand Elder approached the lectern, radiating a presence so commanding it seemed to silence the entire Echotrium in an instant.
Sunray straightened in her seat, feeling the excitement build. This was it. It was beginning.
One of the elders called out over the hushed murmurs of newcomers, "Students, please pay attention. The Grand Elder will make a speech."
A heavy silence descended over the Echotrium as the Grand Elder stepped forward, her presence commanding immediate respect. With grey-streaked dark hair neatly tied into a top bun and her calm brown eyes hidden behind glasses, her face exuded an aura of quiet authority. Sunray had never seen anyone appear so effortlessly cool.
The Grand Elder's voice resonated clearly through the speakers, rich and calm as she addressed the gathered students. "I am your Grand Elder, Alithia. Students, welcome to Avarise. The grand assembly of a new academic year is upon us, and it brings me great joy to welcome each and every one of you to the prestigious Academy of Avarise. Here, you shall embark on a journey of knowledge, magic, and self-discovery."
Sunray's gaze wandered upward to the large portrait that hung on the wall behind the stage. It was mounted high, flanked by two alcoves containing enchanted orbs that cast a soft glow on the artwork. The portrait itself stood out against the rest of the décor in the Echotrium, not only because of its large size but also due to the commanding presence of the figure it depicted. The portrait depicted a woman with long white hair, her expression severe and unyielding, and piercing eyes as red as Sunray's hair.
She nudged Frownie, pointing to the portrait once the other turned around, mouthing, "Your ancestor?"
"You're still here-?" She cut herself off, scrunching her nose. "Nevermind." She glanced up at the portrait, then gave Sunray a incredulous look. "What the heck? That's the founder of Avarise, why would she be my ancestor?"
Twinbraids, sitting next to them, chimed in. "White hair might be uncommon, even among ensealers, but there are still a handful of people who have it naturally, excluding albinos. It's not that surprising."
Meanwhile, the Grand Elder continued her speech, her calm voice flowing through the hall, "Our institution is a beacon of learning, and your potential knows no limits. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to guiding you toward greatness, nurturing your talents, and broadening your horizons."
As cool as Sunray thought the Grand Elder looked, she was starting to grow bored. Sitting in the front row meant she couldn't even use her phone to pass the time. With nothing else to occupy her, she glanced up at the portrait of the founder again—and this time, she noticed something new. A black cat sat on the founder's right shoulder. From this distance, it was hard to make out more than its silhouette, but the creature's coat was sleek and glossy, with an unnatural shine that seemed almost artificial.
She couldn't help but comment, "Nice to know the founder liked cats, eh?"
Frownie rolled her eyes. "Why are you still talking to us—?" She paused mid-sentence, frowning in confusion. "Wait, what did you just say?"
Before Sunray could answer, hushed whispers from the seats behind them interrupted her.
"Senior, why are we here? We're not newbies!" someone said in a complaining tone.
"Hush, kid. You don't wanna miss her show."
"Who...?"
"One of my little cultivator friends told me he didn't see her in the portrait this morning. She's escaped."
There were a few excited murmurs that spread through the crowd, their excitement palpable.
"Want to bet exactly when Lewna will appear?"
"Nah, I think we all know when she will."
Sunray turned her head to glance at the chattering group behind them before returning her attention to Frownie. She raised an eyebrow. "Who's Lewna?"
Frownie shrugged. "How would I know? I'm new here too."
Sunray shook her head, letting her gaze drift back to the stage, where the Grand Elder continued speaking.
"It is a tradition here at Avarise to embrace diversity and unity, for in this diversity, we find the strength to illuminate the world." She picked up a paper, her eyes skimming over it. "As you're sorted into your respective houses, remember that each one offers a unique path to knowledge and gro-"
"-Worrrr!"
Sunray's heart nearly leapt out of her chest, much like the black cat that suddenly jumped out of the portrait with a sharp yowl. Shocked gasps rippled through the crowd as the cat's unnaturally fast body bolted through the air before landing squarely on the lectern in front of the Grand Elder.
The chaos escalated when one of the elders to let out an earsplitting shriek.
"AHHHHHH!"
The Grand Elder's composed face twitched ever so slightly. She turned her calm gaze toward the screeching man. "Mr. Caliope, it's good to know you have such healthy lungs."
Mr. Caliope's face flushed in embarrassment as he stammered, "Y-Yes, Grand Elder…"
The other elders exchanged glances. Some looked startled, while others wore expressions of exasperation, as if this was not the first time such an incident had occurred. But none of that mattered to Sunray at the moment. Her mind was fixated on one burning question: How could a cat jump out of a painting?
Before she could voice her thoughts, Frownie muttered beside her in a tone dripping with disbelief, "That's a two-dimensional cat."
"What? I'm pretty sure we live in a three-dimensional world—" Sunray stopped mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing as she took a closer look at the cat. She hadn't noticed it before, but now, something felt off. The cat's dark coat was so deep that its texture almost eluded her at first, but as her gaze sharpened, she realized that wasn't a real cat at all—it was a paper cat. The texture was unmistakable, and though it looked solid for a moment, the pressure from the jump had left it appearing flat in places. It looked... wrong.
Twinbraids, however, seemed more intrigued than disturbed. "That must be Lewna," she said, her tone tinged with admiration. "One of Avarise's most renowned artifacts. I've read about her."
Both Frownie and Sunray turned to her, eyebrows raised.
"That's an artifact?" Frownie asked, frowning even harder.
"Yeah," Twinbraids said with an enthusiastic nod. "Lewna has countless seals embedded into her body. The fact that she's still intact and functional is a testament to the artisans who created her. She's a miracle—a lifelike object that defies the boundaries of stillness. And she's capable of performing a variety of magical tasks. Truly impressive."
Sunray wasn't sure the people on stage shared Twinbraids' enthusiasm. Lewna, the 2D paper cat, was now licking her paw atop the lectern, her back turned to the Grand Elder. Alithia stared at the cat for a long moment before glancing at the deputy head, Elder Charme, who looked thoroughly dumbfounded. "Elder Charme," she said crisply, "please remove the cat."
"M-me?" Elder Charme stammered, before clearing his throat and straightening his posture. "I mean, yes, Grand Elder."
He approached Lewna cautiously, arms outstretched like he was attempting to tame a wild beast.
Lewna hissed, her ears flattening against her paper-thin head.
Lewna crouched, poised to spring at Elder Charme. But at the sound of Mr. Caliope's yelp, she abruptly shifted course, leaping straight at him instead. The man let out another piercing screech.
Before Mr. Caliope could collapse in fright, Elder Charme darted forward, grabbing the cat by the scruff of its neck. Lewna hissed and flailed in his grasp, emitting eerie, papery sounds, but he held firm. Ignoring her bizarre cries, he marched offstage to hand her to a waiting staff member.
Mr. Caliope, thoroughly embarrassed, wiped his face with a handkerchief as whispers and stifled laughter spread among the students.
"Did you see his face?"
"Who's even that scared of cats? And it's made of paper!"
"Do you think cat costumes would scare him too? Asking for a friend."
One of the elders, dressed in black and wearing a scowl that rivaled Frownie's, shouted, "Silence, children!"
Grand Elder Alithia turned her attention to him, her tone unflinching. "Elder Wraithwood, is it? Your lungs are also in excellent condition."
The man's eyes widened slightly before he cast them downward, muttering, "…Yes, Grand Elder."
When the Grand Elder resumed her speech, the room fell silent on its own. Sunray couldn't help but admire her presence. Must be amazing to command a room like that.
"As I was saying," the Grand Elder continued smoothly, as though nothing had happened, "the lessons you will learn here extend beyond the classroom. They are lessons in empathy, kindness, and the shared responsibility of upholding our values. Support one another, and together, you shall flourish and achieve feats beyond your wildest dreams."
Her gaze swept across the sea of newcomers, her voice steady and clear. "As we stand here under the same vast sky that has witnessed countless generations of students like you, remember that the power of magic is a gift and a responsibility. Use it wisely and for the betterment of our world." She paused, her tone softening. "Together, we can shape a future that knows no bounds."
The audience erupted into applause and cheers.
Frownie muttered under her breath, "So dramatic…"
"She looks pretty pleased with herself," Sunray pointed out, gesturing toward the Grand Elder.
"Yeah, that's—wait, why are you still talking to me?!"
The Grand Elder raised her hand, signaling for quiet. "Now, as we proceed with The Lanternglow, may you be sorted into a House that complements your abilities and aspirations. Remember, there is no wrong choice, for each House possesses its unique virtues." She turned to Elder Charme and nodded. "The Lanternglow shall commence now."
Elder Charme stepped forward, clapping his hands in a certain rhythm. Above them, the lanterns that had been swirling gracefully through the air paused, then descended slowly. Their polished surfaces glimmered under the sunlight, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow as they glided toward the students.
There were hushed murmurs of awe as the lanterns hovered in front of each newcomer.
Elder Charme's voice rang out. "As you take the handle of one, the sigilantern will glow with the color of the house you belong to. This method has been used for centuries to sort students into their destined Houses, so rest assured—there will be no mistakes."
Sunray stared at the floating sigilantern in front of her, her palms growing clammy with nervous anticipation. The weight of the moment settled on her shoulders, and she couldn't shake the thought of what was to come.
Before arriving, she'd done a little research on The Lanterglow. Avarise, excluding the prestigious Great House, was divided into nine Houses. These Houses were: Nighthall, Amethysta, Snowcrest, Azureleaf, Songwer, Coralblossom, Goldenheal, Verdentfire, and Crimsoncraft.
Now, the House one would be sorted into depended on the color of their Lanternglow. This was a defining moment for every student, something that would shape their entire journey.
What will mine be? She thought, rubbing her damp palms against her pants in a bid to calm her nerves.
"Now, you may take ahold of your sigilanterns," Deputy Head Charme's voice echoed through the hall, calm and instructive.
Sunray slowly extended her hand toward the sigilantern floating before her. The handle was cool and smooth against her skin, a soft golden hue that almost seemed to shimmer under the light. She grasped it gently, lifting it up to eye level. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the others around her doing the same, each with their own lantern.
The sigilanterns began to glow, filling the room with a spectrum of colors. A wave of amazement swept through the newcomers, and voices began to rise in excitement. Some were joyful, others a bit strained, as each person reacted to the unique glow of their sigilantern.
"Mine's blue!"
"Mine's yellow!"
"Mine's... pink?"
The last voice came from somewhere behind her, and another student immediately hollered, "You buffoon! That's salmon, not pink!"
Sunray turned slightly, catching a glimpse of Frownie and Twinbraids as their sigilanterns bloomed into a cool, pale pink. She then glanced at the other student's sigilantern, noting the delicate, almost ethereal glow. She couldn't quite place the color, but it seemed gentle, soft, and yet somehow regal. But then the argument between the two students broke her focus.
"How dare you call me a buffoon?!" came the indignant retort.
"A buffoon should be called a buffoon!" the second student fired back.
Twinbraids' high-pitched voice rang out, cutting through the bickering. "Both of you, shut up. That's obviously rose gold, the color of Songwer."
The two students stared at her, momentarily stunned, before glancing at each other, a bit sheepish.
"Ah, looks like we were both wrong."
"Yeah, but more importantly, you're wrong—"
Sunray, however, was far too focused on her own sigilantern to hear the rest of their conversation. For some strange and irritating reason, her lantern was taking longer to respond than the others. The color flickered unpredictably, like it couldn't quite decide, before finally settling into a brilliant hue.
"YES!!! I GOT RED!!!" she exclaimed, her voice louder than she intended.
She didn't realize how loud she'd been until a sudden silence fell over the room. The crowd was now staring at her with bemused expressions, some shocked, others simply confused. Sunray, oblivious, stared at her sigilantern, practically glowing with pride, muttering under her breath, "The color of bravery and strength. Yes, it totally suits me!"
The silence stretched for a moment too long, and when Sunray finally looked up, she noticed the awkwardness in the room. People were looking at her, some glancing away quickly, others clearly trying to suppress their reactions. It took a few beats before she realized something crucial.
"Wait... which House is red?"
The room collectively paused. Bruh.
Twinbraids, her voice slow and unsure, spoke up. "You just got sorted into Crimsoncraft, the artisans' House." She paused for a moment, then gave a hesitant little clap. "Congrats?"
Sunray blinked, utterly dumbfounded. Of all the Houses, she ended up in Crimsoncraft? The artisans? She had expected something far more... prestigious, something with real power. She had envisioned herself standing tall among the Elementalists, commanding flames or summoning storms, or maybe even with the Cultivators, harnessing raw power to reshape the entire kingdom of plantae as they pleased. Instead, she was sorted into the House of artisans.
Her mind reeled. I'm... an artisan?
Elder Charme cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself. "Congratulations to each and every one of you for being chosen by your respective Houses! Now that the sorting ceremony has commenced, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to follow our esteemed Marshals, who will guide you to your newfound homes. May your journey at the academy be as extraordinary as the magic that brought you here."
He paused, his gaze narrowing slightly, and added dryly, "Oh, and these lanterns aren't for taking." His eyes had landed on a frozen pair of students who had been halfway through stuffing the sigilanterns into their bags. "Put them back, please."
There was a chorus of disappointed mutters.
"Aww..."
"But they're so pretty..."
Sunray watched the exchange with faint amusement, but her mind soon wandered.
She had heard of artisans before, though they weren't as celebrated as elementalists, scholars, or healers. Still, the mere fact she could wield magic at all continued to feel surreal, even weeks after discovering her abilities. She took a deep breath and resolved to focus on the positive—at least she was here, surrounded by opportunity.
Her thoughts snapped back to the present when a group of students entered from one of the entrances. They were older, likely mid to late teens, moving with an air of quiet confidence that immediately caught her eye.
Wait—weren't Elder Charme just talking about 'Marshals'? Could they be the ones he was referring to?
The Marshals were figures of authority within the Houses, known for their leadership and as representatives of their respective Houses. Sunray counted nine of them. At the front of the group was a boy with deep blue eyes, his aides glinting under the light from the sigilanterns. He moved with a calm, composed demeanor that immediately caught her attention.
Sunray's heart fluttered in excitement. They look so cool!
That was, until the boy tripped over absolutely nothing and went crashing into the brunet behind him.
Sunray stared as the scene unfolded, the two Marshals scrambling to their feet amidst a flurry of movement, both looking utterly embarrassed. The blue-eyed boy was furiously apologizing to the brunet, whose exasperated expression betrayed a mix of irritation and resigned patience. The elders scolded them lightly, but Sunray's initial impression of their "coolness" fizzled out.
Just as she was beginning to reconsider her admiration, her eyes landed on someone else in the group, and her breath caught. It was the ethereal-looking person she'd noticed earlier! Were they a Marshal too? That would make sense—they looked like the kind of person who belonged among the best.
The brunet Marshal stepped forward, the others fanning out behind him, leaving him at the center spot. His voice was deep and commanding as he introduced himself. "Let me start by introducing myself. I'm Kalix Bolles, Marshal of House Snowcrest. As your Marshals, we'd like to welcome you to the Academy Houses of Avarise."
Hushed murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Wow, he's so tall..."
"Are they hoarding all the pretty people here?"
"I definitely made the right choice by coming here!"
Kalix's voice rang out over the whispers. "Please follow your Marshals to your respective Houses."
As he finished, each Marshal stepped forward, calling out to their new students.
"House Snowcrest, come with me."
"Azureleaf, this way, please."
"Goldenheal, follow me."
The crowd stirred to life, and Sunray found herself momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden movement. Even Frownie and Twinbraids were already leaving with their Marshal. Panic prickled at her—what was the name of her House again?
"Crimsoncraft!"
Her head snapped toward the source of the voice. A teenage girl with long dark hair and a bright smile was gesturing for students to gather around her.
"Please follow my guidance," the girl said warmly.
Relieved, Sunray hurried to join the group.
They exited the Echotrium and headed toward the fountain at the court, where paths leading to all nine Houses emerged. Sunray noticed students from other Houses heading off in different directions, guided by their Marshals.
The Crimsoncraft Marshal stopped in front of the fountain and turned to address her group. Her smile remained welcoming, and her voice was chipper as she introduced herself. "Hello! My name is Halina Paige. I have been bestowed with the responsibility of the Marshal of Crimsoncraft. It's lovely to meet you all! I'll now show you the way to our House."
Someone in the group raised a hand hesitantly. "I thought Avarise had Portals Rooms?"
Halina nodded. "We do! But since it's your first time, I'll be showing you the direct path. That way, you'll always know how to find your way back to Crimsoncraft, even if the portals are under maintenance."
Sunray was surprised. Portals were becoming increasingly common for short-distance travel, allowing instant transportation. If every House had its own Portal Room, it meant they could easily travel between Houses without the need for long walks. Portals were notoriously expensive to maintain, but they made navigating large spaces like this infinitely more convenient.
The school fees are starting to make more sense now, she thought wryly.
Halina started walking down the path closest to the academy gate on the right side, the group trailing after her. Their footsteps crunched against the forest floor, blending with the ambient hum of birdsong and rustling leaves. Her voice broke the relative quiet, loud yet steady, filling the space where conversations had yet to spark among the newcomers.
"Avarise Academy," she began, her tone carrying a hint of reverence, "was carved from the heart of this peninsula's greatest forest, a place once untouched by human hands. The founders didn't seek to conquer nature but rather to coexist with it. They cleared only what was necessary—just enough to lay the foundation of the academy and its ten houses."
"Senior, why are all the houses so far from each other?" someone asked, curiosity piquing their voice.
Halina paused mid-step, glancing back thoughtfully before responding. "Let's just say it's... complicated. But basically, students from the different houses didn't always see eye to eye." A knowing smile tugged at her lips. "You'll learn more about it later. In short, the separation was intentional. Each house was designed to operate independently, but over time, the academy has thrived by fostering interdependence. Now, students and even elders rely on one another, and that's why it's so important to build connections across houses. So, make sure to be friendly with students from other houses, alright?"
The group murmured their agreement, though their enthusiasm was half-hearted at best. They trudged along in relative silence for a few moments, the path winding gently through dense trees, their shadows casting shifting patterns on the ground.
A girl beside Sunray groaned dramatically, her bright, dark eyes flashing with annoyance. "Man, we've been walking for days!"
Sunray couldn't help but agree. "Seriously, how big is this place?"
A blond boy nearby muttered, "No wonder they have portals inside the academy."
The girl turned to him, a spark of recognition lighting up her face. "Hey, you're the one who sat in front of me on the bus!"
He gave her a flat look. "So what?"
"Can't you see? This is fate, man! Let's be friends!"
"We've literally met twice—"
"Here we are!" Halina's cheerful voice cut through their banter. She stopped abruptly, turning to face the group with a dramatic sweep of her hands. "Ta-daa!"
Sunray's gaze lifted to take in the sight before her: House Crimsoncraft. While it lacked the imposing grandeur of the Great House, it had its own distinct charm and majesty.
The exterior was striking, its deep red brick walls exuding a sense of strength, accented by golden and silver details that gleamed softly in the sunlight. Large arched windows, framed with intricate metallic patterns resembling vines and abstract shapes, adorned the façade. The slate-gray roof added a muted elegance, while the double doors at the entrance—crafted from dark oak and inlaid with delicate silver and gold filigree—were nothing short of imposing.
As the group stepped inside, they were greeted by an impressive foyer. The polished marble floors reflected the warm glow of blown-glass chandeliers overhead, their light casting delicate patterns on the walls painted in a rich, inviting red. Intricate golden frescoes adorned the space, and every so often, faint, sweet musical notes seemed to emanate from the chandeliers. Sunray tilted her head, trying to catch the melody, but it remained elusive.
A grand spiral staircase dominated the center, its balustrade a seamless blend of dark wood and gleaming metal. Directly opposite the entrance, a large mural covered the back wall—an abstract masterpiece depicting creativity itself. Swirling lines of red, gold, and silver converged into a radiant point, captivating all who looked at it.
Flanking the staircase were display cases showcasing exemplary student works. One, in particular, caught Sunray's eye: an intricately crafted metal installation mounted on the wall opposite the staircase. It was a mechanical indoor garden, its flowers and leaves forged from different metals—copper, brass, silver—assembled into lifelike plants. Clockwork mechanisms gave the illusion of motion, and even from a distance, Sunray could see the craftsmanship was nothing short of extraordinary.
Halina's voice pulled her attention back to the tour. "The ground floor houses most of the administrative offices and common spaces. The first and second floors contain the chamberhalls where your classes will take place," she said, starting up the staircase. "Please come to the Marshal's Quarters in the Great House later to collect your schedules—they've already been prepared."
As they ascended further, faint noises from the upper floors began to reach them—laughter, muffled voices, and the occasional clatter of footsteps. The group followed her to the third floor, where rows of tables filled the space. Some students worked intently on projects, while others chatted amiably. On the far wall, several doors led to adjacent rooms. Through an open door, Sunray caught a glimpse of a far more chaotic, yet similar space, cluttered with tools and materials.
"This," Halina explained, gesturing toward the tables, "is the Novice Workshop. Next door is the Apprentice Workshop," she said, pointing to the open door where two students floated on a... piece of cloth? "And beyond that is the Master Workshop."
Someone muttered beside Sunray, "This place is bigger than my dad's bald spot."
Sunray glanced over and recognized the bright-eyed girl from earlier. She made a mental note to befriend her.
Halina's voice brought her back once again. "The dormitories are on the fourth floor," she said, pointing upward. "You'll be sharing a room with three other students, usually. But don't worry—the rooms are more than spacious enough for four people, so it wouldn't feel cramped." The group murmured amongst themselves, but Halina pressed on. "As for which room you'll be assigned, you'll receive an email shortly with the room number. Dorm assignments are done randomly after Lanternglow, but it shouldn't take much time."
Finally, Halina turned to face the group, her expression warm. "I hope the tour has been helpful. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me, the overseers, or even your fellow students." She paused, her smile widening. "We're a community here, so don't hesitate to reach out for help, alright?"
Sunray peered curiously into her dorm room, her gaze sweeping across the practical yet comfortable space. The absence of her roommates was immediately apparent, though two of the beds were clearly already claimed. One was piled with books, tools, and a half-finished contraption; the other had a neatly folded blanket and a small, faceless puppet slumped on the desk beside it, its posture somehow both eerie and oddly charming. The room was neatly divided with four beds, each accompanied by a desk—four closets lined one wall, perfectly placed to maximize the room's functionality.
Spotting an unoccupied bed, Sunray approached it, her attention drawn to the plugs conveniently placed beside the desk. She thought about charging her phone, but her gaze fell on a plain cardboard box sitting on the desk. Her name was neatly printed on the side, accompanied by the Crimsoncraft House sigil. Intrigued, she opened it and found her uniform neatly folded inside.
The academy required all students to submit their measurements during enrollment, allowing them to customize the uniform within set guidelines. Clearly, her uniform had been delivered shortly after her room assignment. Her luggage would likely follow soon.
Pulling out the uniform, she admired the maroon-colored coat. It was long-sleeved with a high collar and buttoned neatly at the front. The sleeves flared slightly at the cuffs, offering a glimpse of the crisp white shirt underneath. It was sharp, clean, and exactly how she had imagined it. Satisfied, she folded the uniform back into the box, intending to store it in the closet later along with her other belongings.
Her attention shifted to the window on the far side of the bed, almost reaching the ceiling. The view was breathtaking. She could see the sprawling campus, dotted with towering trees where birds hopped from branch to branch, the sunlight glinting off their feathers. In the distance, the other Houses loomed against the azure sky proudly. Not that she was a nature enthusiast, but she had to admit, it was a sight to admire.
Her phone rang suddenly, jolting her out of her thoughts. Startled, she fumbled with her phone before accepting the video call. "It hasn't even been an hour."
Joel's grinning face filled the screen. "Oh, hush. I can call my daughter whenever I want," he said dismissively. "Anyway, how's my girl settling in?"
Sunray glanced around the room before grinning. "Pretty good! I really like this place. See?" She turned her phone's camera around to show the dorm.
"Whoa! That's your room?" Joel looked genuinely surprised. "It does look amazing. At least we're getting our money's worth, eh?" He chuckled, though there was a faint strain in his voice.
"There's so much more, so... yeah."
Joel hummed in acknowledgment. After a pause, Sunray hesitated before asking, "Dad, is it really too much?"
"Don't worry about that," Joel said firmly. "Just focus on your studies." He softened his tone, adding, "It really is a cool place. Compared to my dorm back then, this one's like royalty."
Sunray smirked. "Jealous much?"
"You bet! I don't know why your mom would miss something like this. I wouldn't have." Joel sighed. "Then again, all ensealer schools are probably this grand with the kind of funding they get."
Sunray blinked, registering the mention of her mom. "Speaking of her... has she come home yet?"
Joel's expression shifted slightly. "She's supposed to be at work now. Probably stayed with a friend and went straight from there, again."
"Right." Sunray yawned, feeling her energy waning.
Joel noticed and smiled. "You're tired. Go take a nap. I'll call you later."
"'K, bye."
After plugging in her phone, Sunray stretched and yawned again. A nap sounded perfect. She flopped onto the bed unceremoniously, sinking into the deep red comforter.
Her eyelids grew heavy, but just as she was drifting off, the comforter suddenly slipped away. Startled, she yelped as something fell over her body. Shooting up in alarm, she found the comforter now resting awkwardly in her lap. What the heck just happened? Did... did this place actually have ghosts?
The door burst open, and a girl peeked in, her wide violet eyes full of concern. "What happened?!"
Sunray gestured to the comforter. "Uh, a ghost just put this on me?"
The girl looked momentarily confused before stammering, "Th-that's not a ghost. The last student probably enchanted the comforter. So... it just moved on its own."
"Oh," Sunray murmured, staring at the girl. Something about her seemed familiar. "Hey... you're that girl from earlier."
Recognition dawned on the bluenette's face. "AH! It's YOU!"
From the hallway, someone groaned loudly. "Please stop yelling. This is the only time this place will be peaceful."
The bluenette flushed, apologizing over her shoulder, "I-I'm sorry!"
"Come help your senior with this sculpture. Then I'll forgive you."
"O-okay! Coming!" she called, then turned back to Sunray, hissing, "I-I'll be back!" She scurried off, leaving the door ajar.
Sunray sighed, annoyed. Rising reluctantly, she closed it before returning to her bed. She wasn't about to dwell on the bluenette or the magic comforter for now. A nap first—everything else could wait.
Sunray was roused by a gentle shake to her shoulder. A soft, slightly impatient voice murmured, "Lunch is almost over. You should hurry if you want a serving."
Groggy, Sunray sat up, her head swimming with remnants of sleep. Joel had drilled into her the importance of being polite and introducing herself to new people, but her foggy mind barely registered the older girl's words. She caught fragments—"dining hall" and something that sounded like "trend."
She nodded vaguely, mumbling, "Okay, I'm all about trends. Trends are so… trendy."
Her two dormmates stared at her, confused. One looked like she wanted to laugh but held it in. Sunray, unbothered, gave them a casual wave and shuffled out the door after grabbing a hoodie from her suitcase.
As soon as she stepped into the hallway, she was face-to-face with the bluenette from earlier. Sunray's mind caught up: Her dormmate hadn't been talking about "trend", she was talking about "friend." But this girl isn't her friend. So her dormmate was wrong, Sunray was also wrong, but that's unimportant.
The bluenette looked hesitant, her gaze flicking between Sunray and the floor. She fidgeted with her hands before finally speaking, her voice trembling but slightly steadier than before. "I... I wanted to talk to you, but you weren't in the dining hall, so I... I came here to check."
"Great, superb." Sunray yawned and stretched, letting her groggy mind catch up. "You can show me the dining hall, then?"
The bluenette nodded quickly, and before long, they were near the entrance of the spacious dining hall. Sunray's stomach growled audibly at the delicious smells wafting from within, but the bluenette seemed distracted, muttering under her breath.
"S-sheesh, why did I do that...? Why was I walking around with it...?" she whispered, then cast a glance at Sunray. Seeing her companion's clueless face, she sighed and asked nervously, "Y-You didn't tell anyone what you heard earlier, did you?"
"What?" Sunray asked, half-listening.
"You know, the... the athletes, the sealed page?" Her cheeks flushed as she twiddled her thumbs. "It was a page from my d-diary that broke off. N-Nobody was supposed to hear that..."
"Oh," Sunray replied, taking a moment to process. "No, I didn't. Not yet, anyway."
The bluenette visibly relaxed but quickly pleaded, "C-Can we keep it that way? P-Please?"
Sunray studied her, noting the nervousness in her voice and the way she kept glancing away. She wasn't a bad person and didn't enjoy making others uncomfortable, but... she also wasn't about to lmiet an opportunity go to waste. Miara would never.
"Fine," she said at last, smirking slightly. "I'll keep it a secret, but you'll have to become my guide. At least temporarily."
"G-Guide?" the girl stammered, her violet eyes wide with surprise.
"I need someone to show me around and explain things. The internet doesn't know everything, you know."
The bluenette hesitated, then nodded. "I... I can do that."
Sunray extended a hand, her grin widening. "Wanna shake on it?"
The bluenette stared at her hand, still looking a little confused, but eventually reached out and shook it. "I-It's a deal."
Inside the dining hall, the two grabbed trays and headed toward the food stations. The room was mostly empty, the late lunch hour leaving the air quieter than usual. They moved towards the stations at the side, where Sunray grabbed a tray while Wvelynn followed her with a quiet step.
Pointing to a dish, the bluenette said, "I-It's really good, you should t-try it."
Sunray frowned, eyeing the purple vegetable curry with some suspicion. "If good, why ugly?"
The other girl rolled her eyes. "Does it m-matter how it looks? And it doesn't even look bad..."
Sunray poked at the curry with a ladle, a slightly disgusted look on her face. "It's literally purple."
"That's b-because of the unique eukaryotes," she explained, "They taste r-really good, I promise."
Sunray shrugged, eventually deciding to try a bit of the curry at the girl's insistence. After filling her tray with food, they made their way to one of the empty tables. Sunray pulled out a chair and sat down, glancing around. "Isn't there a House of chefs? Or did I read that wrong?"
"No, y-you're talking about House Verdantfire," The bluenette explained from across the table. "All the Houses are independent, though. We don't really rely on each other for anything unless... there's a hazard." She sighed heavily, probably still thinking about the deal and the trouble it was causing her. Oh well, that's what you get when you write about your crush in your diary. The girl would be paying the price now.
The taller girl seemed to have come to terms with her fate. She looked up at Sunray and said, "A-anyways, I don't think we've introduced ourselves properly. I-I'm Wvelynn Ilderose."
Sunray blinked, her lips moving awkwardly as she tried to pronounce the name. "Wo... yev..." She winced slightly, fumbling with the unfamiliar sounds. "Sorry, how do you pronounce that?"
Wvelynn gave a nervous smile. "It's W-o-uy-e-velynn. Or W-o-ae-v-elynn, i-if that's too hard..."
"... I'll just call you Eve, how about that?"
Wvelynn nodded quickly. "T-That's fine! What's y-your name?"
"I'm Sunray. Sunray Bowan!"
"Sun... ray? I've never heard a name like that."
"I get that a lot." Sunray shrugged and grabbed a piece of bread from her tray.
Wvelynn scratched her cheek, searching for the right words. The silence stretched, awkward with the sound of eating filling the gaps. Finally, she cleared her throat. "W-well, I'm also in the Novice Phase, so I don't know how much I can help, but I'll try my b-best to explain things to you." A small, charming smile tugged at her lips. "And maybe we'll get along well!"
Sunray stared at her, deep in thought. "… Y'know, you remind me of those NPCs in those chosen one mov—"
WHAM. Sunray stared at Wvelynn's trembling hand as it slammed onto the table. Her expression was sharp, her brows furrowed as she said, "Do not... call me a typical girl. I am not a typical girl." Her voice was the most severe Sunray had heard from her since their meeting.
Sunray nodded slowly. "You're not. You're actually a blueberry. Blueberry girl."
Wvelynn ignored the jibe, sagging in defeat as her anger faded. She muttered an apology, rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I just can't control myself when someone underestimates me..." She waved a hand, quickly shifting the conversation. "Anyways, you were talking about House Verdantfire..."
"Yeah?" Sunray shoved a spoonful of vegetable curry into her mouth, her face immediately curling in disgust. "Yuck."
Wvelynn appeared to be deep in thought, her face tilted down as she hesitated. Finally, she held up a finger almost threateningly. "I'd like to give y-you a piece of advice. Do. Not. Ever. Take free food from them."
"Turn away free stuff? Made by an ensealer chef?" Sunray raised an eyebrow. This girl's crazier than she thought.
"Yes, because th-they're usually experiments," Wvelynn said, her voice serious. "Even if you know them, there's no guarantee the food they give you w-won't have... perverse effects. Especially if it's a suspicious color—"
As if on cue, a voice from across the room shouted, "Yo, check out this cupcake my girl made!"
Another chimed in, "Why is it green?"
"Who cares? It's free!"
Wvelynn's face twitched as she cast a furtive glance at the source of the voices. Her breathing quickened, and a quiet groan escaped her lips when she saw the boy preparing to take a big bite of the cupcake in his hand. "No... not again..."
Sunray's curiosity piqued. "What is it—"
The boy bit into the green cupcake and swallowed it in one go.
Wvelynn whipped her head back to face Sunray. "Duck."
Sunray blinked just as Wvelynn ducked under the table. "Duck? Duck wh—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a green blob of goo exploded out of the boy's mouth and shot toward her. Sunray froze as the projectile smacked her square in the face before flying past her, moving toward another group of students and creating an immediate mess. Yelling and screaming erupted as the green goo splattered all over the hall, seeking new victims.
Just as the goo finally stopped pouring from the boy's mouth, voices rang out across the room, shocked and traumatized.
"Aahhh, Verdantfire has the real weapons!"
"Move, move!"
"I just got shot!"
"There's a body over there—"
"Someone died?!"
The hall was filled with shocked voices as some students rubbed their arms or faces, realizing with horror that their skin was slowly changing color. Wvelynn shakily raised her head, surveying the chaos. At least no one had been hit directly in the face this time...
She glanced at the redhead, but then froze. Sunray's healthy skin had now taken on an ugly green hue, the goo dripping from her face to the table. She looked... sad. Or maybe it was the green tint making her look that way. Wvelynn's breath caught as their eyes met. Slowly, Sunray raised a hand and pointed to her face.
"It doesn't look as bad as I think it does, does it?"
"..."
"... Oh well." Sunray pulled out her phone, flipping the camera around to inspect herself. "Maybe in another world, where I grow up as a vegetable, I'll look like this." She muttered. To the camera, she added, "Nice to meet you, vegetable me."
Wvelynn shuddered, imagining a vegetable with Sunray's face. Her tone turned grim as she spoke, "W-we have to get your face back to n-normal, otherwise—"
"Otherwise?" Sunray pressed.
Wvelynn gulped, "I think it's b-better if you d-don't find out..."