"Did you really think this was the end of your journey?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Did you truly believe you had made it?"
The words sank in, heavy and sudden. Whispers and murmurs broke out. My fingers dug into the edge of the railing in front of me.
What the hell is she saying?
"House of Aegis has always been the training ground for the next set of protectors and rulers of this galaxy. We take your natural abilities and train you to be unstoppable forces."
Her heels clicked, echoing through the silence as she made her way closer to the edge of the stage.
"This year marks the first time in our history that one million applicants have been admitted," she continued, her voice steady, unshakable. "It also marks the first year non nobles and royals are allowed to participate"
Whispered murmurs filled in the crowd.
"But" the still silence returned. All focused on the principal, "The House still maintains its standards. As such only the top one thousand will earn a permanent place here."
My stomach dropped. Around me, jaws slackened, whispers got even louder, some turned into gasps, and someone behind me swore. Beside me, the boy who had been the most unedge got even more unsteady, biting his fingernail until I thought he might draw blood. His hands shook.
"Only a thousand?" he muttered, pale. A slight heat radiating from him. "0.1%. You're telling me… only 0.1% of us will make it?"
I swallowed. I felt my pulse in my throat, in my ears, and somewhere deep in my chest. This was the real test, wasn't it.
Of course, I knew something was off. Damn it.
"For the three months," the Principal continued, "you will train under our most capable lecturers. You will learn, grow, and then compete in a tournament to showcase your strengths. Only those who prove themselves worthy will remain. Noble or non noble."
Holographic banners flickered behind her, glowing in colors that seemed too vivid to be real. Five symbols appeared, each representing a class tier: Double S, A, B, C and D.
"Based on your performance, the top 1000 will be placed in different ranks. D Class means you barely made it through while Double S means you're the crème of the crop," she said, a faint, almost teasing smirk curling her lips. "But do not despair. You will always get to rise the ranks in the next school year. Your goal now is just to show us you belong here."
I looked around. Some students straightened, pride in their posture, confidence on their faces. Others slumped, their excitement drained, as though someone had stolen the air from their lungs. I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar strangling weight return. This time even heavier.
This wasn't something I prepared for. I'm always prepared. How else can I be perfect if I didn't prepare?
I rubbed my hands on my thighs. Tears stung the back of my eyelids. I fiddled with the vinyl tubes at the side of my masks. I was starting to find it hard to breathe.
"I will now invite the Vice Principal to say a few words then introduce you to some of our staff."
A few clapped, their hands uncertain. The rest of us stayed silent, caught somewhere between awe and disbelief. Or maybe just despair.
"Ok…" A man stepped forward. He tugged at his ear, face red. "Well that was a lot…aum.. thank you Principal Allen for rushing into the assembly's points. Very… efficient."
He rubbed the back of his neck before taking a deep breath. He exhaled.
"Good morning, everyone." He stood with his hands clasped in front, teeth drawn in a tight smile.
"I know everyone must be taken aback by what Principal Allen said, but be relieved to know that there are equal opportunities for everyone here and you will get a recommendation and transfer of credits from us to enroll into a high ranking college on your different planets should you... fall short in the rankings."
The crowd grumbled.
"Now now. You have made it this far. Think of it as a great start. Give yourselves a clap."
Begrudgingly, the auditorium erupted in strained clapping.
"Good." He smiled. He had the kindest eyes. They were almost teary. They matched his baby face perfectly.
"I'm Vice Principal, Mr. Hanson Hughs. I also double as the school's counselor so if you ever need help don't be afraid to stop by my office. On that note all students please ensure to check in at your assigned dorms and visit the clinic on campus to receive your Viva tech after this assembly. Now for lecturer introductions."
The lights dimmed. Spotlights snapped to life, illuminating the lecturers lined up on the stage. Each figure stood straight seeking to out intimidate the other.
All except one.
Tall. Flashy. Effortlessly confident. Dressed more casually than the others. A professor smiled. He placed a cigarette between his lips inhaling toxins. The smirk remained on his face as he exhaled. He could have walked out of a magazine or a high-end drama.
Based on the slight silver in his hair, I could guess he was probably around my parents' age.
"I'm Professor Case, Korbin Case. Head of Combat and Tactical Arts," he said, voice smooth, calm, and commanding all at once. The cigarette bouncing in the corner of his lips "I hope to see fire in your eyes. You'll need it."
Even from where I stood, I felt the pull of his presence.
He must be really strong.
After the ceremony, we were herded toward our dorms. My shuttle glided silently over the campus, passing towers, gardens, and glowing walkways, each part of the campus humming with life. It felt like a small city unto itself. I pressed my forehead against the glass, trying to take it all in.
We stopped in front of my dorm. A quaint house with floating balconies that sparkled faintly under the sunlight. Two bodyguards stood stationed at the front of the door, expressionless.
"Bodyguards?" I whispered under my breath.
Please don't be for me. Please don't be for me.
They stepped aside, giving nothing more than a curt nod. The door slid open, revealing a dorm that was warmer, brighter, and more alive than I had imagined. Furniture floated a few inches above the floor. Panoramic windows showed the campus, lights twinkling in the distance. I could smell faint cleaning oils mixed with the floral scent of air purifiers.
Inside, a group of students laughed and joked in the common area. I assumed there were other year groups mixed in as some of them weren't wearing masks. One of the girls, a masked one, waved to me. She said goodbye to her friends before bouncing over.
"Hi! You must be my new roommate!" she said, practically radiating energy. "I'm Violet. You're princess Ka'laniyah right?"
She had long silver hair and the brightest silver eyes. Her slender legs were elegant as she walked. She towered a bit over me.
I blinked at her enthusiasm, letting a small unsure smile creep across my face.
"You must be wondering how I know your name. I'm not some stalker, don't worry. My parents got your file before we came here so I know a bit about you."
"Ok.." I narrowed my eyes.
"Not in like a creepy way, they just worry a lot about me. They wanted someone who wouldn't give trouble. You know. They are always on my back. I had to beg them to come here." She laughed
She talks too much.
"Just wanted to let you know just in case you get freaked out by my guards. But I mean you're royal so I guess you know how that is. How's that by the way? Being a princess and everything. I'm a noble and it's hard I can't image being a princess"
"Oh they're here for you?" I pointed to the door.
I looked her up and down. Not in a condescending way, I was just curious.
Is she sickly?… Or troubled?
"Sadly," she rubbed the back of her neck.
"Hope they aren't too much trouble."
As long as they aren't for me I couldn't care less.
"It's ok. I don't mind." I smiled.
I walked to the window, looking out at the expansive campus. Lost in thought.
Only one thousand of us would make it. My stomach tightened. Breath hitched in my throat.
I'm almost there. And I wasn't going to let anything stop me now. I refuse to be a failure.
I can't afford to be.