Xenovia Academy

***

I'd been reading for almost 3 hours in the library but nothing was put to practice yet. Most of the time I had a hard time manifesting Xer. It had been that way since I was younger, meanwhile my brothers had already begun manifesting their first circle which was a rare feat for anyone below the age of 10. The average first circle maturity was reached around the age of 15 - 16 but that was for people who trained into manifesting it.

Xer is similar to life force, it surrounds the entirety of Xerith by protecting it. It also led to the creation of different animal mutations making certain parts of the Sanctuary of Dawn uninhabitable and dangerous to humans. The three main territories were deemed as such and one was forbidden to enter. Xander had forbidden all access to Nest of the Ancients as it had the most "Corrupted Xer" that took the form of a thick miasma. 

Most raid squads sent to the Nest either went missing or found dead to either corruption, beasts or criminals that resided there. Criminals were sent there as a death sentence by the government for committing heinous crimes that disturbed public order and well being.

"I need to find a book on markings and attributes. There's too much knowledge that I still lack."

Scanning the library slightly, I came across a certain book with a silver book cover and a single word title that was "Flow". Something about this book drew me in. The first page contained a picture of a basic first circle of each attribute. All of the attributes had a chapter each explaining their first circle progression based on past research up until the year 700. New discoveries were made but it was yet to be updated.

"I see you came across that book…I was going to show you it in a bit but you found it nonetheless."

Thump! Thump!

Loud thumps were heard as Iran walked down the stairs. I could hear his voice echoing throughout the huge villa. His tone led me to believe there was more to this book than just being a basic instructions guide.

"That book was written by none other than your biological mother, Elena DracoFist. Edited by myself."

Iran approached the table close to the large library picking the book up from where I left it.

"This, Raphael, Is the last copy of its kind. It was banned by that crooked wing because it contained certain references for DracoFists usages that your mother researched."

"She was a great woman Raphael, people died for her that's the magnitude of loyalty they displayed time and time again."

"Tainted by fate I remain, without a mother, without a father and the only family that is left are my brothers."

I grabbed the book from his hand and opened it on the page explaining about first circle usage and growth progress on my attribute. His sombre expression crumbled into a smile. He realised I was not about to be hung up on blind revenge. 

"Do not be mistaken, this grudge I have can only be repaid in blood and their crumbled wings."

Slamming my hand on the table to get his attention my mouth twitched barely controlling my rage.

"I am not the type to let a grudge go, especially one that altered the fate of me and my brothers."

Iran's lips slightly curved upwards, taking the book in front of himself.

"I understand young master, it is your right to be distrustful to anybody right now. What I offer right now is my loyalty and support till you become of age to create your own Famiglia."

"Until then you are under my guidance and supervision, that is if you agree with it of course."

"I have no reason to object to it, although there will be times when I act alone. I don't really enjoy being supervised as I've acted alone all these years."

"But of course one's way of soul cannot be changed young master, your father used to preach that that's why everybody followed him without question."

He spoke so highly of my parents, I was curious if they were alive. Would things have turned out for the better or not. But that was just baseless thinking. Reality is what it is right now and I can only work on improving myself bit by bit.

"I have good news and bad news Raphael, which do you prefer first."

"I'll have the bad news first."

"Well the bad news is, there is only one available slot to register in the academy, meaning your brothers can only register after this academic year ends."

"And the good news?"

"You have enough time to train for the academy since it's only June and the first semester starts in three months."

The academy was a place you could only enter if you were mentored personally by a Rift Walker of Rank 3 and above or if you had a signed recommendation from a mercenary corp or a guild. Most nobles of high stature were homeschooled from a young age meaning if you had a golden spoon you were guaranteed a spot in the academy. Entering through a guild is sought out more despite people not being vocal about it.

Having experience in real life scenarios is way better than having a pampered noble child as a student. Most Xenovia Academy teachers had covered up their background info in order to prevent any sort of bribery, corruption or underhanded dealings with the nobles. It still happened in the background but it was way more lowkey than when Xenovia was first founded.

Entering through a Mercenary Corp was the easiest but also the most looked down upon. Most people coming through a mercenary corp recommendation were either children of fallen nobles that had fallen into the slums or commoners that came from all over the Sanctuary.

"Get ready Raphael, we are going to visit the academy and have you register."

"Sir we have a problem…"

"If you mean your background, do not worry young master I had someone deal with your information change to your license. From now on you go by Raphael Rosewood, adoptive son of Iran Rosewood."

***

The sound of a xerat engine caught my attention as I was studying. Iran was outside of the villa getting ready for departure with one of his maids. Through the window he noticed me glancing at them and waved.

"Damn, his senses are sharp."

Clack!

I opened the door and greeted everyone present with a slight wave. The maid bowed and gestured for me to enter the Xerat.

Swoosh!

The door slid open and a box with golden coins, two letters and a new Rift Walkers license were residing on my seat. This was my ticket into the academy, the two letters were forged recommendation letters from Iran himself and a RiftWalker from the Black Flag Syndicate called Cale Sunless.

"This is one hell of a gift don't you think?"

Tanna's voice startled me enough to snap my neck backwards. Amused, her lips curled up like a little gremlin grinning. 

"Stop it, it was not funny Tanna, I was just focused on reading the letter."

"You are worrying too much Raph, don't sweat the small details. Iran already took care of everything beforehand."

"I know he did but I'm just slightly nervous about entering the academy."

Tanna rolled her eyes and entered the xerat's back seat. The driver had started up the engine a while ago and was ready to depart. We soon took off for the academy and I decided to take a small nap since I was tired and there were still two hours before we arrived there.

***

"Raph, wake up, we're here."

Tanna slightly nudged me awake. I could feel the amount of sunlight that was hitting my eyelids as I slowly opened them. The view around the academy was amazing.The last bit of our journey to Xenovia Academy was the most exciting because we had entered the centre part of the "Sanctuary of Dawn '' that was Ferhatim Central, a city that was independent from the other five parts. Ferhatim was the main centre of attraction, even for people from different places in the sanctuary, as it could only be accessed once every 9 months, the reason being that it was reserved for Xenovia academy students.

Ferhatim was divided into three parts: Xenovia Academy's main grounds, the student dormitories, and lastly, the market downtown that was inhabited by different nobles. Having a house on Ferhatim meant you were of high standing and was done as a way to ensure that there were classes even among nobles. That is about what I learned from Tanna and Iran.

Iran was waiting for us at the gate with the two guards behind him. Many students were waiting to get their exams done. Most were in the presence of their parents and some were accompanied by their butler or maid. By the looks we were getting Iran had made a big name for himself it seemed like. We came across multiple teachers of the academy while entering the main grounds. Iran seemed to be well known in the higher ranks, main reason probably being that he was one of the top 100 Ranked RiftWalkers in the "Sanctuary of Dawn". He had done pretty well to hide the fact that he was a DracoFist incident returner. When we entered the exam site we were greeted by a tall middle aged man;

"Iran what an unexpected visit, what's the occasion?"

"Darvin, long time no see, I came to drop off my nephews and make sure they don't get in trouble." they both let out heavy laughs.

"I'm guessing you must be Raphael," he says while turning to greet me.

"That is right, Sir Darvin." I quickly reacted, knowing he will be great to use if we get on good terms.

"Good looks and manners that is a rare sight, why did I never hear of these wonderful boys." he looked at me in great curiosity.

"They were homeschooled Darvin, after their parents death they were mostly in solitude from the shock."

"I totally understand, I'm sorry for your loss little ones." he looked guilty which in term made me feel bad for lying to him.

"Now let us proceed to the identification stand and get going."

"Of course, let us not waste any time

***

[Xenovia Academy Entrance]

Walking right beside me Darvin kept stealing glances with utmost curiosity. During our walk to the reception he kept saying that my eyes had this determined look in them. He didn't make me feel uncomfortable though. I also came to know that he teaches Rune Theory for freshmen and Rune Engraving Practice for sophomores.

"Sir Darvin, I have a question if I may."

"Go ahead Raphael, I'm listening."

"Would I do well in Rune Theory class if my attribute is lighting?"

He halted for a second and started walking again with a very surprised look on his face. His mouth was half open almost about to say something and he finally broke the silence while facing Iran.

"What kind of monster have you been raising in secret for him to have the lightning attribute and it to be unknown."

"That's the least of your worries Darvin, the boy already has two markings."

Darvin stood there with his mouth agape and his whole body coming to a full stop.