Cyrus Solaris
Nothing could have quelled the disgust I felt after receiving the message from the Eclipsing Dawn rep.
I'm nothing like him, was the only thought that ran through my mind this morning, as I walked toward the auditorium for Headmaster Naga's announcement.
No one was present in the dimly lit room. Relieved, I took my place on the far left side closest to the wall. Resting my head, I closed my eyes for a moment and just breathed.
"Tough first night on campus?"
My eyes jolted open. In front of me stood a tall man in a collared shirt and slacks, his bronze skin on full display.
"You could say that, but who are you?"
"You know, in a way, finding places to be by yourself is the closest way for us to understand what a star feels like."
"I don't think stars feel. Who are you?" I asked again.
The man's face grew a wide grin. "Oh, but they do. Everything out there does."
Just as the man finished, there was a distinct clatter of steps echoing throughout the auditorium.
"Professor Rhondall, why are you pestering the student?" A stern voice said, overpowering the sound of his steps.
"Pestering? No. Just giving the student a valuable fact. Head Master Naga."
"Rhondall, you know the rules. Communication with students before the selection is not permitted." Head Master Naga said, standing before the professor, arms crossed.
I watched as the professor sank in the headmaster's presence.
"I was just excited, that's all. Been a while since a prospect like him has presented themselves."
"Excuse me, but what do you mean by selection?" I interjected.
Head Master Naga turned to me with a slight smile.
"Cyrus, don't worry, you will find out shortly. Now, Rhondall, go sit with the rest of the teachers backstage."
Just as the two slipped behind the stage curtains, the auditorium doors swung open, and students began to file in.
My shoulders tensed.
As the rest of the students found their seats, I saw a group of familiar faces in the middle section of the auditorium. Voen, Sora, Jace, and that green-haired girl. A group that probably hates my guts.
Now that everyone was seated, the auditorium lights focused on the stage.
The Head Master and a group of ten professors stepped onto the stage from behind the crimson curtains. The Head Master raised a hand, and everyone fell silent.
"Welcome, students. Today marks the first official day of Xhatal Academy and the day of house placements. Each house has a speciality that a Rift Runner team or better known as a cluster, needs to conquer a rift.
There are six specialties; therefore, there are six houses. We have used your written exams, your astral reflection, and your showing during the totem games to help determine your best fit. These houses will also be your permanent dorms moving forward. No more sleeping in the rec-center or the lawn." Murmurs from students started to fill the auditorium.
As the chatter increased, the monitors positioned on the walls of the auditorium blinked on. The six names of the houses and their specifications were shown:
[House Wanareth. Rift Runner Position: Truth Seeker].
[House Heilen. Rift Runner Position: Vitalist.
[House Chakana. Rift Runner Position; Concordant].
[ House Bronzard. Rift Runner Position; Armament Tech].
[House Obalex. Rift Runner Position: Arbiter].
[House Mulanu. Rift Runner Position: Astronomer].
Looking at the list, I wondered which house the top students would be selected to.
Despite that, two houses stood out to me. House Wanareth, because I remembered people begging Theron to be their Truth Seeker, forcing him to leave Arthenos from time to time, and House Obalex, because of how grandpa vaguely mentioned he was an Arbiter.
Sharing blood with those two leads me to think I would at least fall under one of those houses.
"Now we shall announce the placements. First house up will be House Wanareth." Many students start to tense up around me. Some began praying to their pantheon, hoping they wouldn't be picked for this house, while others begged to be selected.
As someone who has entered a rift and emerged alive, I didn't see the point in worrying about which position you were selected for.
Fifty students were selected to House Wanareth, but I was not among them. I thought back to the message I received from Theron's assistant, and how he made it seem like I was following in his footsteps.
Part of me was pleased to know that we did have differences, but it also created doubt. Thoughts of not having what it takes to reach his level left a dull ache in my spirit.
But one student caught my attention. The green-haired girl. She was a part of Sora's team. Her name was Nerena, and, surprisingly, she was one of the students who seemed pleased to be part of House Wanareth as she received her house pin.
The brass pin had the image of a book, enclosed by a bronze ring. Standing out by contrasting with the black jackets we all wore.
House Heilen was up next. I recognised that a couple of Slytharions were called up to the stage, reminding me of Lady Arya. But right after, I saw my old acquaintance greeting the respective professors of the house.
So Voen will be a vitalist. I didn't know anything about the position, but I found it interesting that he would have anything in common with a Slytharion.
This is when I noticed that each house would select fifty students, evenly splitting the three hundred first-years.
Two houses were down, and yet I was not called. It made me wonder why I wasn't suited for those positions. But I pushed the thought aside as House Chakana announced their members.
"Jace Brontarion," Head Master Naga called out. The cocky twin of Sora didn't even bother to go up the stage. He was asleep and wouldn't wake up despite his sister's attempts.
My chest tightened. I couldn't believe that someone like him got the better of me and made me feel like I'd put to shame Gramps's training this summer.
I was going to make it my duty to prove that I was better.
As House Bronzard announced its members, whispers from the remaining students grew.
There was a hierarchy of positions I didn't know about, and the Armament Tech's position wasn't high on it.
Mira took the stage with confidence, her cosmic energy palpable. Whatever students had planned for House Bronzard, I doubt she would let it happen.
"Next up, House Obalex." Head Master Naga announced.
"So the chosen leaders will finally be revealed," students behind me chirped, causing me to sit up in my seat.
I just knew this had to be the house for me.
I was bred to be the leader of my clan.
Gramps held this position, and I came out on top during the totem games. I was more than qualified.
"Bogdan Zmei." Many of the students started cheering as a tall boy with pale skin, dark hair, and cold blue eyes took the stage. He gave a slight bow to the crowd and accepted his house pin, which was shaped like a crown, barely noticeable compared to the other jewellery he was wearing.
"Of course, the heir of the great Zmei clan would be chosen to be an arbiter." I overheard. Then, one after another, heirs of great clans were called to the stage.
Cendra Pyrralis, Kelda Morzeth, Bayu Kazehoshi, Sora Brontarion, and lastly Stravos Vortaris.
My name was never called.
Despite my performance, I wasn't viewed as one of the best or as a leader. The praise that those heirs received felt like a direct insult to me.
I could feel the looks from others; I just knew they were mocking me.
Head Master Naga stepped to the microphone.
"Lastly, House Mulanu"
"I don't even understand why a group of Rift Runners even needs astronomers." A student who sat a couple of rows ahead of me said. Then the first name was called.
"Cyrus Bennu," Hundreds of eyes turned toward me. Watching me as I walked to the stage.
"I knew it was a fluke that he won the totem games," A student said.
I wanted to lash out.
I wanted to challenge everyone in the auditorium who doubted me.
But I could feel the presence of someone stronger exerting their will to suppress the chatter.
It was the Head Master.
He offered a pleasant smile and motioned me to meet the leader of House Mulanu.
On the stage, a familiar man stood next to the Head Master. Professor Rhondall.
He stood with a sheepish grin, waiting to shake my hand.
"Cyrus, I'm going to make you the greatest astronomer this world has ever seen."