We don't say that name. It can crumble the morale of our soldiers in a whisper.
. . . . . . . .
Caesar was briefly paralysed. He looked around his class, gaining more interest in them. He couldn't believe some students passed the Entrance trials without a Divinity.
As Caesar remembered the trials, a sudden chill went down his spine.
But...
I know, the announcer said it. Ms Fiah chuckled. I don't know why, but he lied. But in all honesty, some of your classmates do not have any Divinity. Take that student, for example.
She gestured to a girl, who squirmed when she realised that she was the one the teacher was referring to. With her chalk-white hair cut in a masculine fashion, flawless brown skin, and rimless glasses, she looked beautiful by normal standards.
She also had deep blue eyes that shifted gradients like a lava lamp, and her hair always swayed despite the absence of wind.
Atlanta Florence North. Ms Fiah teased, which made Atlanta cover her face with a notebook. Anyways, Caesar, she is a marine spirit who entered the trials and passed with flying colours. She has advanced mastery over some attributes like Never Neverland or Heavy Trident, and she also inherited powerful abilities from her blood. But zero Divinity.
Caesar watched in awe as Atlanta turned translucent due to shame.
As Caesar wanted to greet Atlanta, a sweet tune, like a melody, was repeatedly played.
Already? Ms Fiah asked, Well, children, looks like class is dismissed; you can go to your next lesson.
As everyone was exiting the class, Caesar was eager to talk to Atlanta. Before he could leave, Ms Fiah placed her hands on Caesar's shoulder and whispered, You still have questions, right?
Caesar smiled. A lot, actually. It's about Melios and more about divinity.
Ms Fiah didn't smile but kept a neutral face.
"There are things about the paths of Melios, the 66 sub-category of grace, what Divinity is, etc." Ms Fiah sighed. "I'm not getting any rest soon."
Caesar smiled and left the room. His brain was still itching for answers. None of the main points of the story made any sense.
Melios was portrayed as a pure ghoul at the start of the story, and at the climax, he suddenly ran amok. And there was no reason for his actions, and they just decided to grant him an execution?
What a terrible story, in my opinion.
And this is where you get to see Caesar's burden for curiosity. It felt like there was a big hole in his chest waiting to be filled with answers.
The next lesson was Hexes; the study of runes and their composition, and it was hectic.
The professor summoned a vile, demonic creature that the students were tasked to seal away using nothing but hand-drawn runes and scribes.
Caesar got poisoned, and Aurelia, who was in his class, almost lost her arms.
After countless tries, no one could fully seal the beast, forcing the professor to do it himself with nothing but a quick scribble.
Hailing from Ebony, with well-sculpted muscles pushing against his shirt, his long, lush brown hair, you could almost not pay attention to his razor-sharp rows of teeth, his gills on his neck, and his light green skin.
He was the Neptunian, Pierrot Zeen Cumberland, or Mr Pierr for short.
"Didn't expect the monster to be that strong," He smiled awkwardly. "How about something simpler?"
He summoned weaker creatures, which were still difficult to seal away, but manageable.
A student got possessed by one of the creatures, leading to an unexpectedly amusing lesson.
Caesar also made an acquaintance with Atlanta, so it was an overall progressive class.
1st break arrived after the sweet melody of the dismiss sound.
Caesar, Chalybe, Izobel, Zeus, and Fenrir met up in a grassy field. The Black Meadows grass field was impeccable, with low-cut grass that caught the light of the sun, Zuizui.
Trees were randomly planted around the field, housing various fruits that were safe for consumption. Many students arrived at the venue, so the quintet lounged under a Gerry-plum tree, a small, red fruit.
They all plopped themselves under the tree, opened their hovering bags to bring out their food and cuisines, and began to share stories of their experiences.
Fenrir said that he attended Biology, or Life graph inputting, which made Zeus cough up his Greyfruit juice.
He said it was confusing but fun, as he enjoyed getting acquainted with Megara.
Izzy complained about Caesar asking too many questions, which made the group laugh.
Fenrir also showed his companions his data.
Name: Fenrir Wolf Endymion
Blessed Name: David
Race: Demiwolf
Year: Year 1
Year Rank: 11th out of 209
Divinity: Ragnarok (Unrecognisable)
Divinity Class: Unavailable and unattainable.
Attributes: [Neverland], [Berserk], [Spawn of fangs], [Mountain lord]
Class: Sentinel — The shield, the frontline, and the immovable strength of any unit.
Grace Efficiency [ A+] Intelligence quotient [C+ ] Social Power [B- ] Versatility [A+ ] Weaponry [C- ] Physical Ability [S+]
Overall Rating: 87/100
Fenrir sighed. Guess I'm not the sh'rpest wolf.
Caesar shared his void of intelligence with his companions; his suspicion of the Melios story and his inability to bury his theory that they are hiding something. Caesar appreciated the way they listened and didn't judge.
Chalybe's snow-white hair glistened under the sunlight as he took a bite of his Cardigen fish rice. I am not going to lie; no answer will satisfy you.
Caesar blinked at Chalybe. What do you mean, mister?
Chalybe gulped down a spoonful of rice. Anytime you claim that you are satisfied with your curiosity, another comes up. You are always wondering, looking for a mystery to be solved.
Caesar spread his arms.
Because this world is just one big question, and the answer leads to more. Caesar's voice turned more serious. It's like ... this world is built on mysteries. A world of mysteries.
Izobel looked at the two boys and sighed.
You boys and your fantasy. Izobel then touched her chin, but I have to say, Caesar's question in history intrigued me. The story of Melios sounded too, what's the word?, incomplete.
Caesar's eyes gleamed, like they were hiding something.
Well, I'm no sm'rt wolf, Fenrir proclaimed, but I don't think the kingdom is hiding anything. Zion has been a symbol of light and everything good, so to think they can keep such secr't is crazy. The Almighty would never.
Fenrir's eye drifted to Zeus, who was gulping down a drink from his metal bottle. Hey Zeus, does my nose smell red grape juice?
I'm not sharing it, Fenrir. Zeus replied
C'mon, they are really good. Fenrir pleaded
After a series of discussions and Atlanta waving at Caesar shyly, the sweet melody sounded, and the group headed to class.
Caesar walked slowly, reflecting on his companion's words. I don't think the kingdom is hiding anything. That's what Fenrir thought, and that's what they all thought.
Caesar took a deep breath and trudged to his class through the halls, marvelling at the countless luminous pillars.
Hey, Ceasa, stop slacking, Zeus called out, while finally giving Fenrir a sip from his bottle.
Caesar smiled with one of his devious, yet charming smiles and galloped to his next class with his confidants.
As Caesar laughed with his companions, he had no way of knowing that his family's estate had been marked with blood.
. . . . .
Alarms blared.
The Percival manor had been shaken to its core.
The Percivals are in despair.
Albert's study was trashed, as if a mighty hurricane had rummaged through the place.
The paintings, the pieces of furniture, the rugs, the bed, the stove; they were all destroyed and covered in blood.
Albert Gregory Percival was attacked, and he was nowhere to be found.