A heavy weight hung over those who remained. The tension in the room was palpable—some students who had failed still lingered, their faces reflecting bitter disappointment, while others had already left, their dreams of entering the Order of Odysseus shattered.
Few crying while other thinking of giving other try as order provides 2 chances for every candidate each year in Total of 6 chances in lifetime.
At the front of the hall, the 11 successful candidates stood in a straight line before the instructors, the air around them charged with an unspoken sense of accomplishment and responsibility.
Among them were:
Edrin Vale: the light sky blue fabric now threaded with streaks of vibrant emerald green, and a soft, golden glow that pulsed from the silver embroidery.
Ignacia Steelheart: Her uniform pulsed with vibrant crimson and deep, slivery tones, showcasing her fire and metal magic.
Vixen Sorrelwind: Her uniform was a soft, swirling blend of green and brown Feline furr texure, hinting at her demi human heritage.
Kinet Zenith: His uniform crackled with deep blue and purple, matching his storm and gravity affinities.
Areion de Lorium: His uniform remained its original form, unchanged by his pure light affinity.
Gavriel Duskbane: His uniform was a stark contrast, a blend of deep grey and obsidian black, revealing his mist and void affinities.
Selene Draymoor: Her uniform shimmered with iridescent violet and a swirling, almost translucent pattern, revealing her Spatial and water magic.
Varian Blackthorn: His uniform was a sturdy brown, reflecting his earth and body manipulation affinities.
Sylphie Crestwell: Her uniform flowed with a light, sky-blue sheen, reflecting her wind and water affinity.
Orin Nightshard: His uniform was a deep, unsettling black, with a faint, almost imperceptible pulsation of dark and Dream affinity.
A few minutes later, Romona appeared, now wearing the same uniform as the other successful candidates, a blend of white and red, according to her blessing and fire affinities.
Before them, the instructors stood in solemn silence, studying them with unreadable expressions.
Then, Lady Belladonna stepped forward, holding a stack of navy-blue long blazers. Each bore the golden insignia of the Order—a serpent entwined around an open book, symbolizing both wisdom and power.
One by one, she draped the blazers over the shoulders of the chosen students.
"Wear this with pride," she said, her voice carrying through the hall. "The emblem upon it represents not just your success today, but the burden of the path you have chosen."
Areion felt the weight of the blazer settle over him. The fabric was thick, well-tailored, the embroidered emblem shimmering under the enchanted lights. He felt warmth inside and smiles again, lady belladonna seems satisfied by his smile.
Next came the emblem. A small but intricately designed crest, pinned onto the left chest of their uniforms.
Lady Belladonna held up the emblem for all to see.
"This marks you as students of the Order of Odysseus. A place where history itself has been written time and time again. Those who wear this have a duty—to themselves, to their peers, and to the legacy that precedes them."
With a flick of her fingers, the emblems glowed briefly as they were affixed to each student's blazer, signifying their official induction.
Then, finally, the book.
A thick, heavy tome bound in worn brown leather, its cover adorned with a white sigil glowing faintly in the center.
"This," Belladonna continued, "contains the foundational knowledge of the Order. Its rules, its history, and the basic principles of shaktih and ethics, how you gonna behave within the campus boundaries and you are expected to master. You will read this. You will memorize it. And you will be tested on it in first year. First step always has to be based on strong foundation that we will be teaching you all." She pause and walks in front of them examining their reactions, shy, confident, happy, intent, aloof and no reaction at all before continuing. "No matter where you are from what is your culture what values you learnt at home, no matter what house hold you belong to" she paused again looking at Areion, "Royalty or even the next king himself." Areion's smile widened while Romona didn't like the way she is talking but understanding the position she is in, "You all are one family here, so learn to get along."
As she placed the book in Areion's hands, he immediately felt its sheer weight.
"Feels heavier than it looks…" he murmured, adjusting his grip.
Belladonna smirked knowingly.
"That's because it is not just paper and ink. The book will test you as much as you test it. Do not take it lightly."
Areion's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity flaring. [A sentient book? Interesting,] With inner frustration that he have to read book again even after dying once.
As each student received their own tome, an unspoken understanding passed between them—their real journey had only just begun.
When all was said and done, the instructors took a step back, their gazes sweeping over the newly inducted students.
A young male instructor with a sharp, well-groomed beard stepped forward, clearing his throat.
"You have all passed the entrance examination of the Order of Odysseus." His voice was firm, authoritative. "But do not mistake this for a victory."
His gaze hardened, scanning each of them.
"This is merely the beginning. You students are merely infants at your current condition. Expect Few." His gaze fell on orin right after that statement.
The air grew tense as the students stood at attention.
"Some of you may thrive. Others may struggle. But one truth remains—the Order is not kind to those who falter."
His words lingered in the air, a stark warning.
Then, after a brief pause, he unrolled a scroll and read aloud:
"Edrin Vale. Passed."
"Ignacia Steelheart. Passed."
"Vixen Sorrelwind. Passed."
"Kinet Zenith. Passed."
"Areion de Lorium. Passed."
"Romona Humer. Passed."
He continued until all 11 names had been spoken.
"Welcome," he finished, rolling the scroll closed. "You are now students of the Order of Odysseus."
For a moment, silence filled the hall.
Then, as the realization settled, some students let out quiet sighs of relief. Others straightened, shoulders squared.
Areion simply exhaled, staring at the insignia on his chest.