Lone

Emrys was stuffed to the brim after his meal. The food server kept going back and forth to his table multiple times, attracting the attention of other students.

On the second floor, the atmosphere was less crowded. Four men sat facing each other at a square table.

Their expressions were grim, and except for one, none of them seemed interested in touching the food prepared for them. Magnus Silver, a 5th Grade Falcon and Guild Leader of the Black Dragons, sighed.

He seemed bored at his table. Soon, he stood up and forced a smile as he excused himself. "I need some fresh air."

He received no response from the others and left without another word.

As he walked towards the open balcony with his hands in his pockets, he encountered one of the nobles, Lucien Li.

Without uttering a word, they simply locked eyes for a moment before Magnus bowed and the man passed him by.

Back on the lower floor of the Dining Hall Castle, Emrys finally stopped eating. He felt like he was about to throw up from being so full.

He leaned back in his chair and burped loudly. Heji laughed. "Do you want more?"

Emrys smiled. "You're right. They have an endless supply of food here. If I could, I'd bring some back for the old man. It's so delicious! I'm sure they'd love it."

A glass was repeatedly struck by a spoon, drawing everyone's attention to the upper balcony.

The source of the sharp, attention-grabbing sound was an elderly man.

Emrys estimated that the man was about the same age as Elder Morem, and he almost called out to him, but he was too full to speak properly.

The old man smiled as he captured everyone's attention. He handed the glass and spoon to an attendant and surveyed the crowd. "Good evening to all of you. Especially to our new students, who are the reason we're having this little gathering.

"For those who don't know me, I am Hanzuo Valleri. The Headmaster of the White Temple Institute. Welcome to all the newcomers."

Emrys leaned closer to Heji and whispered, "What's his current rank?"

"Ah, Headmaster Hanzuo? Currently, he's probably a 9th Grade Tempest. Aside from the three High Elders of the Institute, he has the highest rank in this school."

"High Elders?"

"They oversee all the Institute's activities. They are the guardians of the law, the enforcers, and the judges. And let me give you some advice as someone who knows you. Don't ever make the mistake of opposing them if you don't want to disappear from the world without a trace. They are dangerous if they find out someone is defying them."

"Ahh." Emrys simply replied before burping again, causing him to smile sheepishly.

"I'm sure an hour and a half is enough for everyone to fill their stomachs," Hanzuo continued. "So let's not prolong this evening and start choosing the Guild Leaders for our new members!"

The majority of the crowd applauded and cheered. Emrys noticed that the tables on either side were being moved to create space in the center.

Clover, who was now standing beside the Headmaster, pulled out a list from his hand before speaking loudly. "All twelve new students, please stand in the middle of the hall when your name is called."

"Sai Floshen..."

"Loan Lin..."

"Eris Asval..."

"Liam Dojin..."

"Bryan Vell..."

"Celo Kotrei..."

"Jin Dui..."

"Jenni Shun..."

"Lucien Li..."

"Tyron Chien..."

"Warren Kan..."

"And Emrys Valestron..."

Not far from the lower floor, Desmond leaned against the wall, watching Emrys walk towards the center of the hall where the others were gathered.

They all looked up at Hanzuo. The old man smiled as he observed the young people. He stroked his beard and was amazed to see how powerful the three princes in the group were. "Good. There's no denying that they inherit the power of their parents. There's no doubt about it. Clover? Introduce them to the four Guild Leaders."

Clover nodded. He pointed to the four men standing beside him, who were watching the twelve students below with serious expressions.

"The first is Magnus Silver. Guild Leader of the Black Dragons. Twenty-three years old. Current rank, 5th Grade Falcon, and he hails from the Silver Moon Clan."

"Next to him is Dao Daishin. Gray Phoenix Guild Leader. Age, twenty-two. Current rank, 3rd Grade Falcon, and he comes from the Devil Fox Clan."

"The third is Rein Flamio. Scarlet Fox Guild Leader. Age, twenty-two. Current rank, 6th Grade Falcon, and he hails from the Red Flame Clan."

"And finally, none other than Xin Blades. White Hunters Guild Leader. Age, twenty-four. Current rank, 6th Grade Falcon, and he comes from the Deer Hunter Clan. That's it."

The Headmaster nodded after Clover's brief introduction of the esteemed Guild Leaders of the institution. "Let's not waste any more time. Let's start with Magnus and his three chosen members."

The selection process didn't take long, as the Guild Leaders knew exactly which students were worthy of joining them.

The Black Dragons Guild picked Liam Dojin, Lucien Li, and Celo Kotrei.

The Gray Phoenix Guild chose Tyron Chien, Bryan Vell, and Jenni Shun.

The White Hunters Guild, with Xin, chose the three friends Sai, Loan, and Eris together, so they remained a group.

And lastly, the Scarlet Fox Guild, with Rein, selected only Warren Kan and Jin Dui.

Each of the four Guilds was supposed to choose three members, but in an unbelievable turn of events, none of the Guild Leaders even glanced at Emrys where he stood.

Whispers started to spread among those witnessing this humiliation. Desmond shook his head and left the hall without looking back. He was disappointed with the outcome. The student he thought was incredibly strong and would be sought after by the Guild Leaders ended up being humiliated in front of the entire institution.