Walking under the moon or moons as the case may be, nobody knew how it happened, then the world originally had one moon but when the first marked appeared a second moon appeared then it continued until now the fifth moon in addition to the original one, nobody payed attention to it until humanity began to settle that's how they recognized the pattern. The last moon appeared two decades ago signifying the growth of humanity.
But that was non of Eclipse's concern as he steeled himself at what was about to happen, the countdown read.
"Three hours sixteen minutes twelve seconds".
'Three hours until midnight huh'. Eclipse wore a tired expression on his face, the hunting reminder of been close to his doom was hard on him. But it wasn't just him but the entire class as a whole, everyone became agitated and sought an outlet to pour out the emotions, they organized a party in the class room, but when they got there the class room still held whispers of what happened in the morning, souring the atmosphere. He directly got up and left for the library the place he uses to escape reality. When he got there he saw Aria going through some books, they had become some kind of library Buddy, always bumping into each other, normally they would have escaped greetings but neither was on the mood. He took a seat and fished out the book he was previously reading, but today was different he couldn't quite concentrate of his book. With a sigh he dropped the book and looked in the direction of Aria only to see her looking in his direction.
"Hey". He tried to steer a conversation.
"Hey". But it seems she wasn't feeling it.
"So I was wondering and all if you come back what are your plans, I seem a bit at loss". He didn't have any family to go to and he couldn't go war as he would instead become a burden.
"Work with my mom in the hospital until I pass my Enlightenment Trial and become an Enlightened..... I guess". She didn't sound too sure.
"What about you".
"Me I guess I just stay in the Academy till I pass my Enlightenment Trial". The Academy second year was basically therepy for those not ready to go into the real world, and staying more than second year you would basically become a teacher or join in helping out in the Academy. How could he bring himself to tell her that he was thinking of joining a Legacy clan. That was the best thing he could think off, he was done with therepy, staying in school did cross his mind but he had no patience and wasn't about to grow some just to teach some children.
"That's also great, and more fun too you get access to greater book of knowledge".
"Yeah that would be fun". He didn't know what to say anymore and from the silence he could tell she didn't too.
"Sooo what about Ria". Ria was the name of that timid girl, she seems to be glued to her body as if she was obsessed with Aria.
Aria let out a cute chuckle. "You know I usually come to the library to hide from her, it's my only free time".
"Yeah she's possessive of you". Eclipse find it kinda weird how could a girl be obsessed over another girl, Ria always acted like a cat, she came to him one day and threatened him about ever hurting Aria, he didn't want a fight so he just nodded his way out of the situation, he likened her possessive to love which was found only in sisters which they were not.
"Yeah she's kinda clingy, but she's helpful at times".
"What time scaring your admirars".
"No she's just protective, she has the best interest of everyone in her heart".
"Or just your's, you remember that time in the cafeteria when Charles mistakely poured tea on you, she almost ate him".
"Yeah those were the good old times".
Looking at her he could tell the resemblance between her and her mother, her long wavy brown hair and her green eyes betrayed her lineage— Patel. Yes Ryder and Patel were her parents, but she didn't have the overly happy halo like her mother or the bitchy attitude of her father, she instead toke on a scholarly vibe. Her Exousia has something to do with healing just as her presence brought peace to everyone around her, he could tell it had something to do with her Soul aspect. Unknownly three hours had gone by, together they walked in silence back to their class, she took the door nub just as she was about to twist it she hesitated.
"I guess I this is the end".
With a chuckle he responded. "Come on don't act as if it's the end, you thought me to be hopeful so listen to your own advice".
"Sorry". She let out a light chuckle. "I guess I see you on the other side, and back here". Without waiting for him to reply she twisted the door knob and went inside.
"Yeah I guess so too". With a sigh he got into the class ignored Ria who was staring daggers at him and went to his seat. The class was soaked in deep silence as everyone waited with stilled breath as if witnessing a final vandit been passed on.
Then they felt it as if a presence descended on them. "It time". Orion announced in a somber voice. The students filed out of the class in an orderly noiseless fashion. As they walked under the moons and stars, Eclipse started to feel fear, fear of the future, also known as the unknown.
They were headed to the crystal pyramids behind the school, a place he had never been before. The air was thick with an eerie, pulsating energy that seemed to emanate from the pyramids themselves. As they approached the pyramids, Eclipse saw that they were surrounded by a group of still figures that appeared to not be alive at all, their faces hidden behind masks of polished silver. Although there were standing there, there was this stillness not of human or Stain, and directly in front of them stood robed figures.
Mr. Ryker and Mr. Orion stood at the forefront, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of sadness and pity. Eclipse's classmates seemed to be in a state of nervous anticipation, their eyes fixed on some point ahead as if they were being drawn towards it by an unseen force. Eclipse, on the other hand, his mind was filled with doubts. As they reached the base of the pyramids, the air seemed to vibrate with energy, and Eclipse felt his skin tingling with anticipation. Mr. Ryker stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Aria for a brief moment then turned to her classmates. "You all have been chosen to participate in the trials," he said, his voice low and somber. "To ensure that your body would be in a perfect shape during the trial, you will be encased in crystal." Eclipse felt a shiver run down his spine, encased in crystal?. He wanted to ask a question like how but it wasn't a time for questions.
He glanced at his classmates, and saw that they were all pale and nervous, their eyes wide with fear. The air was alive with anticipation as the students stood before the shimmering crystal pyramid. Their journey was about to take a profound turn, and they could feel it. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, commanding attention and exuding an aura of wisdom.
The Headmaster, a towering figure with piercing blue eyes and long silky black hair that cascaded down his back like a river, stepped forward. His presence was imposing, yet gentle, like a summer breeze that carried the whispers of the ancients. His long, flowing robes seemed woven from the very fabric of history itself, with intricate patterns that shimmered and danced in the flickering torchlight. As he approached, the students felt an inexplicable sense of reverence wash over them. It was as if they were standing before a living embodiment of the wisdom, courage, and perseverance that had guided countless generations before them.The Headmaster's eyes, deep pools of wisdom and compassion, swept across the assembly, meeting the gaze of each student in turn. His voice, like thunder on a summer day, boomed out across the chamber, shaking the very foundations of their souls.
"My dear students," he began, his words dripping with a sense of gravity and urgency, "Today marks a turning point in your journey. Today, you stand at the threshold of a great unknown, poised to embark on a path that will test your courage, your wits, and your very souls." He paused, surveying the sea of pitiful faces before him.
You have been chosen for this journey because you possess a spark within you, a spark that sets you apart from your peers. It is a spark of curiosity, of wonder, and of awe. It is a spark that drives you to explore, to discover, and to push beyond the boundaries of what is thought possible."
His eyes seemed to bore into their very souls, as if searching for the deepest, most hidden recesses of their hearts.
"But this journey will not be easy. There will be challenges that will push you to your limits, that will force you to confront your deepest fears and doubts. There will be moments when you will feel lost, alone, and uncertain." His voice dropped to a whisper, taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"But it is in these moments that you will discover your greatest strengths. It is in these moments that you will learn to tap into the deep wellspring of resilience that lies within you. It is in these moments that you will discover the true meaning of courage, of perseverance, and of determination." He paused, his eyes flashing with a fierce inner light.
"So i ask you, my dear students, what is it that drives you? What is it that burns within you, that sets your soul on fire? Is it a desire for knowledge, for power, or for fame? Or is it something deeper, something more profound?". His voice seemed to echo off the walls of the chamber, resonating deep within their chests. "Is it a desire to make a difference, to leave a mark on the world that will outlast you? Is it a desire to push beyond the boundaries of what is thought possible, to explore the unknown, and to discover new worlds?.
He smiled, a warm, gentle smile that seemed to envelop them in a sense of comfort and reassurance."Whatever it is that drives you, I urge you to hold onto it, to nurture it, and to fan it into a flame that will burn brightly for all to see. For it is this flame, this spark within you, that will guide you on your journey, that will illuminate the path ahead, and that will lead you to greatness." His eyes seemed to bore into their very souls, as if searching for the deepest, most hidden recesses of their hearts.
"So go forth, my dear students, and may the light of knowledge, the fire of passion, and the flame of courage guide you on your journey. May you discover new worlds, new civilizations, and new wonders. And may you always remember, no matter where your journey takes you, that you are not alone, that you are part of a community that is bound together by a shared sense of purpose, of passion, and of wonder."
As the Headmaster finished speaking, although there was no applause everone including him knew he had made a profound impact. The Headmaster smiled, a warm, gentle smile that seemed to envelop them in a sense of comfort and reassurance.
"Fear not I have hope you lots will survive."
And with that, the students braced themselves, ready to embark on their journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and ready to discover the wonders that awaited them.