INSIGNIAS: THE LUX SIGNIFER ACADEMY

The three men and Skhy left the others in what seems like a dining room. They passed a regular office earlier. A long oblong hardwood table sat in the middle of the room below a small but sparkling chandelier. Twelve tall wooden chairs around the table. Clyne silently enjoyed the feeling of the soft cushion on his chair but his expression of anxiety mirrored the others except for Faz. He was glaring at the air, clenching and unclenching his fist resting on the table. Clyne sat beside Lei, Tessa, and Faz on one side while Aria, Storm, Blondie (Hanne), and Nate on the other side. Several paintings of sunset hanged on the white walls. The room was barely empty except for the table and chairs. He was a bit upset that rich people waste such a fully furnished room without any other furniture. Looking at each of the people in his group, he knew that they are used to this lavish lifestyle. But he didn’t mind, he considered these people his saviors and friends.

Before Skhy was led outside by the three men, he told the others to ‘be mindful of your words.’ Clyne didn’t understand it at first but when he saw Aria keenly looking around, he realized that the whole place was full of bugs. They were recording everything. It didn’t come as a surprise. But what surprised Clyne was Faz’s reactions. He wasn’t a patient fellow but he didn’t say a word when the men asked for Skhy nor when the group was left alone. He just kept glaring at no one in particular. It must have been because of his conversation with Skhy two days ago. Clyne was awakened by two voices whisper-shouting behind a tree. Whatever they talked about Faz didn’t share with him.

“That person approached me first,” he heard Faz said.

“Still, you don’t have business with her,” Skhy replied. Who are they talking about? He wanted to listen more but his body was tired and aching that his eyes drifted to sleep after Faz’s reply.

“Jealous, are we?” Then darkness.

Clyne glanced at Faz, who had folded his arms on his chest. He noticed Tessa staring at his unmoving friend but he couldn’t see her expression. Did they fight?

“How long have we been waiting?” Nate finally broke the tensed silence. Aria glanced at her wristwatch.

“10 minutes,” she replied flatly. Her eyes found Clyne’s and he smiled broadly.

“What?” she mouthed. Clyne tapped his forefinger between his eyebrows then massaged it white still staring at her. Relax. She clearly understood his message but his frown only relaxed a little. It’s enough.

“Do you think Skhy will be able to convince them?” Tessa asked no one in particular.

“Even if he will be able to, there’s a price,” Nate replied.

“Skhy will find a way,” Tessa commented. Faz scoffed. This earned him a glare from Tessa, Aria, and Lei. Ooppsiee…

“You trust him so much. If he fails…”

“Then the rest of us will find a way,” Tessa cut him off. Why did they have to seat next to each other? The two already had bad blood from the start but Tessa was subtle and calm when facing him.

“We came here knowing that we’ll be facing oppositions so we have to be patient,” Nate interrupted.

“That’s right,” Lei agreed.

“Also, we are prepared for this scenario, remember?” Everyone looked at Storm, who lifted his hooded eyes and glanced at each person. If they successfully face the Academy officials, they will lay down their cards. Currently, Skhy was negotiating his. If it fails, someone in the group will reveal their secret. Ah I don’t want that...It’s too troublesome.

“Ehem. We know that, but it’s best not to reveal anything yet.” Tessa appeared anxious. What is it that you don’t want to reveal?

They weren’t able to continue their conversation because of the heavy footsteps behind the door that connects to an office. Skhy entered followed by two men. The man with white hair who initially greeted the group wasn’t with them. Skhy’s face didn’t reveal anything, making Clyne a little anxious.

“Ah! We forgot to introduce ourselves,” the man in a white suit, glasses, and with a deep smile said. Skhy remained standing near Aria. He looked really tired. The spectacled man motioned for the other man to introduce himself.

“I’m Karl Dwightfrey.” His voice was deeper than the two men but clearer. “I currently work as an accountant in Westward.” He quickly turned to the other man.

“I’ll be on my way.” Then he looked back at the young adults and smiled for the first time since they met him. “Good luck,” he said then left the room.

“Alright. I’m Leon Knightwood,” he continued, “the Premier of the Lux Signifer Academy.” Several gasps were heard, Clyne’s was one of them. He finally met the Leader of the Academy.

“We don’t need pleasantries right now,” Faz suddenly commented. The Premier only chuckled.

“Are you going to let us inside the school?” Tessa carefully asked. Clyne’s heart was drumming in his chest. This was the first time that he felt scared upon entering the Academy’s gates.

“Sorry our conversation took so long. We had to consult all members of the Consortium.” That’s not related to her question though.

“Can you please answer the question?” Aria was gritting her teeth. Clyne understood her impatience.

“They will let us study here,” Skhy finally answered. Clyne sighed, relieved. Everyone else except Faz released a deep sigh.

“But…” The Premier started. “It’s not without a price.”

“Of course,” Faz mumbled. The Premier seemed to be unaffected by Faz’s tantrums and intense glares. Why?

“What is it?” Tessa probed. He placed his hands behind him. The smile left his face.

“You have to follow the rules and regulations of the Academy.” It’s a given when you in school, right? But based on Skhy’s tensed face, there’s more.

“The Consortium doesn’t believe in that prophesy. But whether any of you possess something greater than the others, we will closely monitor.”

“Are we guinea pigs?” Clyne murmured, which earned him a glare from Aria.

“It is wrong to chase away possible students but you will have to prove to us that you deserve to be here.”

“How will we do that?” Nate asked. Clyne wondered that if they have to do a written exam, he would undoubtedly fail. Faz will too… The thought made him laugh internally.

“A tournament,” Faz answered. Clyne forgot for a moment that his friend was originally from here but Clyne only knew a small portion of his past. He wondered if he will be able to uncover it once they’re inside the school.

“Sports?” Aria asked.

“Is there a specific event?” Tessa asked.

“Duels?” Nate asked.

“Win gets to stay?” Clyne asked with a smile.

“Are we going against each other?” Lei’s question hanged in the air. Everyone waited for the Premier’s answer. Clyne doubted that Faz will try to answer because not everyone in the room knows that he had been a student here before.

“Once you’re inside someone will explain everything. But for now, we have to guide you to your dormitories and give you your schedules and uniforms.”

Clyne couldn’t believe it. He was ecstatic that it’s finally happening. The others seemed relieved but Skhy, Faz, and Storm remained passive.

“We’ll give you tomorrow and the next day to rest and prepare yourself for the classes,” the Premier continued.

Someone knocked on the door.

“I have to go. Skhy,” he gestured at him, “will tell you the rest.” He smiled one last time before leaving the room. Skhy let out a deep sigh.

“What he said isn’t everything, right?” Storm’s statement was more of a confirmation than a question.

“Where do I start?” Skhy sat on the chair on the edge of the table.

Clyne looked around, glancing at each of the members of their group. Their homes and the Academy may be in the same country but the Academy was in a different world. His eyes landed back on Skhy, who appeared confident and relieved.

What missions are in store for us?