Mitta Bach had arrived at Sinki Embarque School a month before Faneel. Mitta came from a unique background, unlike most students. He was from a fallen royal lineage. This fact weighed heavily on his father's shoulders. Mitta's dad tried hard to restore the family's honor, but Mitta couldn't care less. He was an instinctive person and natural at everything- politics, weaponry, combat arts- and it came effortlessly to him. Despite his talents, Mitta was bored. He was restless because of Sinki's dogmatic rules and bureaucracy.
After his arrival, he had faced an attack but he resolved the tension with his martial arts. Everybody knew he was not the one to be taken lightly. Multiple clans had sought Mitta's allegiance, drawn by his quick wits and combat prowess. He eventually joined the toughest clan in the school, but it failed to meet his expectations. The constant power struggles and mindless adherence to tradition only intensified his passiveness.
When Mitta heard that a new batch of "fish" (new students) was arriving, he saw the prospect of shaking things up in the institution. He decided to play a game that would make his life in Sinki more enthralling. After all, he was having a hard time engaging in the things that Sinki had to offer. He did not have any real connections to the things around him. So, why not create his own?
That's when he met Faneel.
Faneel was an odd mix of wolf and elf, with boyish features that made him look more like a naive kid than a fierce warrior. His wolf-like build was offset by the intense elven traits. When Mitta saw Faneel being targeted by the Minsk clan- stabbed in the back during the orientation- he decided to make him his next project
Helping Faneel would probably bring up some trouble, but Mitta didn't care. He was looking for trouble one way or another.
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Faneel was still reeling from the knife attack when Mitta spoke to him. The blonde boy's words were outspoken and confident. Faneel couldn't tell whether he was being genuine or playing with him.
"If you want to be by my side then I will be by your side even if I have to go against the world" Faneel replied cautiously.
Mitta smiled ear to ear. "That's the spirit. You're going to need that attitude if you want to survive here."
Faneel felt a flicker of hope. At least he found an ally. But he still had some lingering doubts in his mind.
Fannel was happy that he had found a decent ally who was willing to help him despite the whole of Sinki was against him.
Fannel asks Mitta, "Care to explain more about the Ghosters?"
Mitta instantly explained, "Ghosters are the worst of the worst. They do all the dirty work- spying, stealing, and even attacking other students on orders of their leaders. You cannot trust a Ghoster and one who attacked you was one of them as well.
The conversation between them continued to be weirder with every passing minute.
Fannel asked, "What are the rest of the commandments then?"
Mitta dismissively answers," I told you that is not important now, first of all, think of your survival."
Faneel was having a hard time understanding why Mitta was being cryptic against providing answers. But he decided to trust his instincts and rely on him for now.
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Meanwhile, Arva Ellis, the daughter of a popular Palia knight, was steering through her challenges. Arva was prideful but not arrogant, a rare combination of pride and integrity of someone from her lineage. She had done her homework before arriving at Sinki, grateful for her father's connection. She knew about the Ten Commandments and the relentless initiation process. She was prepared for anything that the institution would through at her.
As she lined up in the queue. A girl with curly green hair approached her.
"You're Sir Conan's daughter, aren't you?" the girl asked her tone was duplicitous.
Arva nodded. "Yes. How did you know?"
"We met at the royal militant party last month," the girl replied with a smile.
"Nice to meet you again, I'm Crismi Van Mayer."
"Ah, yes. I remember now," Arva said, even though she didn't remember her. "I'm Arva Ellis of Rakh Valley."
Crismi's eyes sparked with curiosity. "It's nice to officially meet you. You should join my group. We could use someone of your caliber."
Arva smiled putting her guard up. "I'll think about it."
As the headmaster gave her orientation speech, Arva's mind was ruminating about her earlier interaction with the wolf-like features boy with eleven eyes. She hoped he was okay.
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After leaving his son in the Sinki's dormitory. Gord Khast, father of Faneel was making plans of his own. After leaving the Palia Royal Army, Gord had struggled to make ends meet. Now, he was considering joining a Mercenary Group to support his son and have a stable lifestyle.
He found his old friend Ra'ht in a tavern, surrounded by women and spinning frivolous tales of fortune and love.
Ra'ht, "Look at your beautiful hands, the lines show that you will come across huge wealth and love in the coming fortnight."
"I am not telling anyone but I have a big investment coming up, if you are interested I can make room for you as a potential partner. If you capitalize on this opportunity you will have wealth and love."
Gord, the old wolf takes his arm around the neck of Ra'ht's.
Ra'ht exclaims, "Oh! If it isn't the knight Gord Khast, what are you doing here?"
Gord explains, "Excuse me ladies for my manners."
The old wolf takes hold of Ra'ht's neck and brings him out from the company of the ladies.
"How about we cut the bullshit and give me straight, what about my joining of the Mercenary group."
"Okay! okay, hold your horses. You don't have to rush me. I have a line on Aboriginal Mercenary group. I am a man of method and creativity, it takes time for me to make things happen.
Ra'ht explains, "I have already talked to the group's captain, I will make an introduction and you have to pass their test. Please don't ruin my evening, you know I don't forget my debts.
Gord knew Ra'ht from his old days as an Army officer. Ra'ht often contradicts himself but he hoped for him to come through this time, he was counting on him.
Ra'ht continues, "What about Faneel, did you admit him to the Palia? Did you tell him about the Ten Commandments?"
Gord answers, "I have admitted him at Sinki, about the Ten Commandments, it is for him to find out. I have prepared him with enough training to survive here. I hope he makes the right decisions, if he can't then he won't be able to survive this world."
As the night darkened, Faneel lay in his dormitory bed, his thoughts spacing. Sinki was nothing like he had imagined. He had to tackle a lot on his first day. The Ten Commandments, the clans, the constant threat of attack- it was all irrefutable. But he had found Mitta, he was confident that he would overcome whatever, Sinki throws at him.