Invitation 2
Titanfall Academy
By Authority of the Universal Guild Council
Office of the Director: Verone Astorius
To Rachel Ardent,
It is with great honor and deliberation that I extend to you this formal invitation to join the ranks of Titanfall Academy, one of the Five Great Institutions of Awakener Studies. Your exceptional awakening has not gone unnoticed, and your potential to contribute to the future of our world places you among the rare few deemed worthy of this opportunity.
Titanfall Academy stands as a beacon of knowledge, strength, and innovation, shaping the next generation of awakeners who will lead humanity through the trials of the modern age. Here, you will find not only the tools to master your gifts but also the guidance to unlock your true potential.
Our curriculum is tailored to challenge the mind, fortify the spirit, and hone the body. Under the tutelage of the most skilled mentors and researchers, you will gain unparalleled insight into the mysteries of mana, gates, and the Veil itself. Few are chosen to walk these hallowed halls, and fewer still rise to the heights we believe you are capable of achieving.
Your journey begins now.
You are expected to arrive at Titanfall Academy no later than the 15th of this month. Attached to this letter, you will find all necessary details, including transportation arrangements and your initial itinerary. Upon arrival, you will meet with me personally to discuss your unique circumstances and placement
Know that this invitation is not merely an acknowledgment of your awakening, but a call to greatness. Titanfall Academy does not choose lightly, and we anticipate the extraordinary from you.
May your path burn brightly among the stars.
Sincerely,
Verone Astorius
Director of Titanfall Academy
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Rachel stared at the letter for a long moment, the weight of the words sinking in. The formal tone was expected, but the way Verone spoke of her awakening and potential felt… targeted. Almost personal.
"Greatness, huh?" she murmured to herself, folding the letter neatly. The lofty expectations didn't intimidate her, but something about the academy's insistence on her "unique circumstances" unsettled her. She could still feel the lingering chill of Elena's words about higher beings and the academy's rumored connections.
"So, I have about two more days before attending the academy," she murmured to herself, her tone neutral.
Sitting beside her, Elena leaned back casually, her arms folded behind her head. "You know," Elena began, her voice carrying a dramatic edge, "I'm so jealous of you. You got into Titanfall Academy—Titanfall! One of the most prestigious academies in the entire world. Do you realize how crazy that is? It's like… the golden ticket of awakeners!" She sighed deeply, placing a hand over her chest as though mourning her own lack of luck. "Meanwhile, I got invited to a nice academy… but not Titanfall nice."
Rachel turned her head, studying Elena's expression. Beneath the theatrics, her friend's words carried a faint note of envy. That tugged at Rachel's heart. Though she kept her face calm, the thought of leaving her best friend—her only true friend—behind filled her with a quiet sadness. It wasn't just the idea of separation; it was the thought of not having Elena around to lighten her days. But, as always, she masked her emotions perfectly.
"What's the name of the academy?" Rachel asked, her tone steady. "And where is it located?"
Elena's eyes lit up, and she straightened, her energy returning in full force. "Oh, it's called Silverglade Academy! And it's in Ravenheart—quite far from here, actually. So, I'll have to pack up everything and move there with my parents." She pouted playfully. "Which means no more popping into your room uninvited to annoy you."
Rachel's heart sank further at the thought of Elena moving so far away. But, as always, she kept her emotions in check. She simply nodded, her gaze dropping briefly to the letter in her hands.
Elena noticed the flicker of something on Rachel's face—was it sadness? "Wait," Elena said, leaning in closer with a sly grin. "You're going to miss me, aren't you?"
Rachel shot her a flat look. "Don't flatter yourself."
Elena laughed, poking Rachel's arm. "Come on, admit it! You'll cry like a baby the moment I leave."
"Please," Rachel replied dryly, "if anything, I'll finally get some peace and quiet."
But her words didn't match the faint ache in her chest. Despite the banter, she knew Elena's absence would leave a void. Their constant back-and-forth, Elena's endless teasing—it had become a part of Rachel's daily life. And now it would be gone.
Elena smirked. "Sure, sure. You're totally the stoic, unfeeling ice queen. But I know the truth! Deep down, you're a big softie."
Rachel ignored her, pulling a quill and parchment from her desk drawer. She started drafting her response to the letter from Titanfall Academy. Her handwriting was precise, each stroke of the quill deliberate.
Rachel finished the letter, set the quill down, and stood up. She folded the parchment neatly and placed it into an envelope. Then, turning to Elena, she said, "Let's go. I'm ready to discharge."
Elena's teasing expression faded slightly, replaced with a hint of concern. "Are you really okay?" she asked softly.
Rachel smiled faintly, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine," she replied. The calmness in her tone betrayed nothing of the weakness in her heart.
Elena squinted at her suspiciously. "You know, you're a terrible liar."
Rachel gave her a playful shove. "I'm not lying. Let's go before they decide to keep me here another day just for fun."
As they left the room, Elena's voice echoed down the hallway. "I swear, Rachel, if you end up meeting some brooding, overpowered genius at Titanfall, you better write me letters about all the drama!"
Rachel rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "I'll think about it."
And as they walked together, Rachel silently promised herself that no matter how far apart they ended up, she'd find a way to keep their bond strong. Some things, she thought, were worth holding onto.