Cyrus Solaris
It wasn't long before all the participants of the totem game were teleported back to the auditorium. Three hundred battered and beaten kids sat in their seats, tending to their wounds, conversing about the results.
I put on a facade, making my injuries and exhaustion seem minuscule as I strolled past others and found a seat alone in the front of the auditorium.
I didn't understand the purpose of another meeting. They can just send the trophy to my room.
The only thing on my mind was feeding my stomach.
Murmurs filled the vast room, growing until they sounded like a crowd in a shopping center. Normally, I would try to drown out the noise, but I couldn't help but listen to the conversations of my triumphs.
I felt a sense of pride well up inside, even if it was just a little bit; I felt closer to achieving my goal.
A few minutes passed before Head Master Naga appeared from behind the red satin curtains and stepped out onto the black marble floor of the stage.
His face was brimming with excitement. Made me wonder whether he found young students beating each other up amusing.
"Welcome back, students. You have completed your final test of the entrance evaluation." He said, gesturing to the leaderboards that were projected on screens to his left and right.
"Some of you affirmed what we already thought of you, while others surprised us with your actions and decisions." The headmaster continued, scanning the room until he met my gaze.
"Some may ask what the true purpose of the totem game is?" He said, letting silence linger for a moment.
"You learned that strength alone will not grant you success. You learned that your choices do matter and that you need an unyielding will. Two out of the three things that every great Rift Runner understands and embodies. But now I must leave you with a question, something that doesn't need to be answered until the end of the year."
"What is the most important quality a Rift Runner needs?"
The auditorium fell silent. Students scrunched their faces as they thought long and hard about the answer.
I already had my answer.
Power.
Not breaking his gaze with me, the Head Master continued.
"Needless to say, I think we are in for a real treat here at Xhatal Astral Academy."
"Now, students, it is time for you to rest up and recover. If you check your watches, some of you will see that you have a care package waiting for you. You will also see where to pick up your sleeping bags, as permanent dorm assignments won't be given until tomorrow's special assembly. The most comfortable spot would be the recreation building, but anywhere on the main isle is allowed."
"Some of you might receive messages from guild representatives." The headmaster said.
"I don't think I need to explain how to comport yourselves. I will need you all ready for an important assembly tomorrow."
Soon afterwards, we were all dismissed to get our sleeping bags and our care packages.
Dusk was settling in, with only a small bit of sun peaking through the veil of night.
Reminding me of the first teachings of Solaris, which were carved on ancient slabs of emerald ore resting in front of our temples:
The dark tricks those of little faith, because it knows that even the faintest of lights will lead the way to salvation.
A saying my father ingrained into me during our two-year stint traveling. A saying I need to hold myself to, if I'm going to rise through the ranks of this school, and in the world.
My path is narrow, but it is the only path to kill Theron.
Walking along the cement pavement, my eyes were bombarded by an array of light fixtures protruding from each building like rose thorns, illuminating my path.
Looking at the school map, I saw that the path I was on led me toward the north pavilion—the one with the cafeteria. I hadn't eaten much in the past week, and I could use a good meal.
The cafeteria was fashioned like a fine dining restaurant I would see back home in the capital of Arthenos. Vintage chandeliers hung from the ceiling, velvet clothes lined every table, and a warm fire crackled in the back corner of the room.
"This is what happens when nobles are left to design things," I whispered to myself. There weren't many students present.
Most took the advice of getting some rest. Which was perfect for me, I didn't want to run into anyone I met during the totem games.
The smell of savory meats caught my attention and led me to the buffet area stationed to the right side of the cafeteria. I settled for beef skewers and rustic garlic potatoes.
Reaching for the tongs, something soft and smooth grazed my hand as it reached for the same item.
A slight shock zapped me, causing my hand to jump back.
Annoyed, I followed the hand back to its body. Tired blue eyes, coupled with frizzy white hair, stared at me. I turned and walked away from the station.
A firm grip coated with a small current of electricity wrapped itself around my wrist.
"Don't run away from me!"
I pulled my hand away. "What do you want?"
She hurried behind me and slammed her hands on the counter next to me.
"You almost killed me! I need to know why?"
I shrugged my shoulders, "Simple. You were a pawn, a pawn that affected the biggest piece on the board." Her eyes twitched, and her hair puffed from all the static.
It was a cold response, but it was the truth.
"I watched Jace. He only interfered when you were in danger. So to win, I had to make him think I was going to break the rules and kill you. Simple."
"How did you know he would save me in time?"
"I didn't. It was a gamble." Her face tightened.
"I don't understand you at all. Yes, Xhatal Academy is cutthroat, but you treat people like cattle. You won't last long at the academy like this."
I put food on my plate. "Out of three hundred students, I came out on top, by myself. Do I really need any help?"
Static popping like bubbles, broke the brief silence.
"If you'll excuse me, I would like to eat alone."