Orientation

'-No more hiding- I said.' Sighed Leon as he was being lectured by Selia.

'The students are likely even less proficient with practical application of power.' He thought. 'I might have to keep suppressing myself.'

Shortly after they left the chaotic marketplace, he had experienced his first betrayal. Felix told on him to their parents – the fact that his curiosity put him close to the fight.

Selia was really laying it on him for that. Even Garthem was quiet, a faint pressure pervaded his surroundings. One of many byproducts of having been a powerful Integrated in the past.

"Are you listening?!" Loudly questioned Selia at the distracted youth. It was then that Leon realized how dismissive he was at the concerns his family had for him.

Although he felt that he was in no danger at the time, Felix did put himself in a position where he could have been harmed.

"Yeah... Sorry." He answered in shame, not knowing what else to say.

Recognizing the sincere guilt he displayed, Garthem began, "Boy, do you know why I retired from my job as a Ferrier, despite being 32?"

Selia, visibly saddened by the words, went silent.

"It was because of people." He lingered, "It was my fellow Ferriers that caused my being Disingegrated."

He lingered on the word, letting it sink in.

Cut off from the system, Garthem felt like his future was torn away from his arms.

"I can still barely be called a Rank C strength, but those days are behind me. What I mean to say is that—people are dangerous. Much more than the storms or the beasts in the wild." His words held a steely edge.

Leon stood still, staring at the floor while digesting the answer to one of his questions. 'Felix said that father used to be Rank B. Simple Disintegration would not have reduced his strength to such a degree.'

Pursing his lips, Leon understood just how little he knew.

"...Okay." He didn't know how else to respond, but knew that Garthem was right.

With the presences of all the different Laws, singular Wills, and unique Traits, some terrible combinations were bound to appear.

* * *

Thud—A foot loudly stepped on the floor. 'It's today.' Thought Leon, as he quickly made his way to the bathroom. He was about to start going to the Institution.

Woken by the sounds of footsteps, everyone else got up to send Leon off for his first day. "I hope Leia gets along with him." Said Felix to Tanya, as their rooms were beside each other.

"Don't tell me you don't know." An uncharacteristically weary Tanya answered. Felix's obliviousness was legendary.

'I hope Leon won't end up like him.' She thought, making her way towards the dining room.

*

Leia Edarin was getting ready as well. She had been learning at the Institute since she was little. Due to her father's influence, Edward Edarin, she had always received stellar treatment—in part, also because of her own competence.

'I'm sure it was because of dad that Leon was admitted without question.' She assumed. Her father and Garthem had been rivals and friends since they were low level Ferriers.

Remembering Leon, she quickly finished her preparations and left the house with Edward.

* * *

Outside the Oaken Household

Selia hugged Leon tightly, trying to hide her tears. "And make sure to eat properly," she whispered.

Students at the Institute's Academy are only allowed to return home on the weekends.

"I will, Mom," Leon replied softly. "I won't cause trouble."

"Sure," Felix quipped. "Caused plenty for me."

"Sorry about that," Leon said, scratching his head. He had learned to curb his curiosity for his family's sake.

Tanya hugged him tightly. "He wasn't looking for an apology, little prince." She smiled faintly. "Good luck. And don't slack off."

"I'll try," Leon said with a small grin.

Garthem placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Leon," he said, looking him straight in the eye. "Don't worry about what other people think. Just be yourself, is all I ask."

Leon nodded. "Okay, Dad. I'll do my best."

* * *

A carriage was moving past the busy city, towards the outskirts. Leon's gaze swept over the Institute's entrance, carved into the twin mountains that stood like eternal guardians over the valley. Known as The Sentinels, their sheer cliffs loomed high into the heavens, shrouded in mist that lent them an air of timeless mystery. The entrance was barred by immense iron gates embedded into the rock itself, their intricate designs portraying the balance between chaos and order.

By now, the brothers were seated in the open sections of the carriage. With the vehicle's defenses no longer obstructing their view, they could fully take in the surrounding sights.

As Leon and Felix passed through the gates, they entered a vast passage carved into the base of The Sentinels. They were flanked by dense rock, sunlight pouring from far above.

The walls shimmered faintly with embedded crystalline veins, pulsating with soft light that guided their path. The muffled sound of rushing water grew louder as they emerged on the other side, where the valley opened into a breathtaking expanse.

Here, the Oran Institute of High Order's true grandeur revealed itself.

The buildings seemed to grow out of the mountains themselves. The first structures clung to the cliffs, interconnected by stone bridges that spanned cascading waterfalls.

These initial buildings served as the administrative halls and where the adults worked. Statues of prominent figures lined the pathways, their expressions somber, their stances commanding respect.

Beyond this outer segment, the valley widened into a lush and vibrant expanse, where the pride of the institute unfolded, the Academy.

Majestic spires rose in the distance, their tops piercing the clouds. Gardens filled with exotic flora thrived in every corner, vibrant colors contrasting with the grey stone and white concrete.

Streams wound their way through the academy grounds, merging into larger pools that reflected the towering architecture above. Deeper still lay the grand halls of learning, the dormitories, and the training arenas, each one grander than the last, culminating in the great amphitheater at the valley's heart—a place of discourse, ceremony, and, as Leon imagined, the birthplace of legends.

Felix paused for a moment, his face a mix of awe and nostalgia. "It hasn't changed much," he murmured, his voice tinged with melancholy. Leon glanced at him, curious but silent, sensing a deeper significance to the words. Felix's time at the academy had been filled with its own lessons, and its own scars.

It was here, under the shadow of The Sentinels and within the embrace of this sprawling institution, that Leon would take his first steps toward an uncertain future. The magnificence of the place belied the trials that awaited him, and he couldn't help but feel the weight of its history pressing upon him as he moved deeper into the valley.

Leon and Felix exited the carriage. It was a work of art, laced in mellow yet vibrant jewelry. Equipped to handle sudden attacks by Amalgams—Integrated Creatures, as well as small tornadoes, but the defenses have long felt obsolete in this place.

Before them stood a building over 15 meters tall. The sharp ends of the black portcullis visible near the arched ceiling. Guards in black chainmail and glowing steel armor stood guard on both sides.

Vehicles were not allowed from here, so they lingered by the gates. Leon's eyes were fixed on the beautiful and solidly built structures and winding pathways they had passed. It was being crossed by fellow students, breathing life into the jungle of green and white.

Carved into the mountainside, the Institution was a blend of natural majesty and architectural brilliance, its ivory concrete mixed with the wild flora. Five towering spires pierced the clouds, while stone bridges stretched across the waterfalls that tumbled from unseen heights. Embedded crystals in the walls shimmered faintly, illuminating the misty air. Statues of ancient Ferriers and Warriors lined the courtyard, their faces captured in eternal vigilance.

Leon noticed his brother's expression soften as they passed the statues and approached the enormous portcullis. "You've been here before?"

Felix nodded. "I studied here when I was younger. Mom and Dad were proud back then. Before…" He trailed off, shaking his head as if to dispel the memories. "You'll be fine. Just… watch your back. Not everyone here is what they seem."

Before Leon could press further, another carriage arrived. From it stepped Leia Edarin, her presence exuding quiet confidence. Karl, and then their father, Edward Edarin, followed behind him. His movements were deliberate, his aura commanding enough to quiet even the bustling crowd of students nearby.

Edward's piercing gaze landed on Leon. "You're Garthem's boy," he said, his voice low and steady. He extended a hand, and though his expression was unreadable, there was a weight to his words. "Your father has made many sacrifices. Don't squander them."

Leon hesitated, unsure how to respond, but shook Edward's hand firmly. "I won't, sir."

Leia observed the exchange silently, then smiled nervously. "Welcome to the Institute, Leon. I'll help you get through today."

Karl ignored Leon, only looking at Felix. "I'll graduate at the top." He said, hinting at the regrets that Felix had. Not out of malice, but as if taking the mantle. Felix only nodded.

As they passed through the gates, Felix took a moment, looking back at the towering spires. His usual cheerful demeanor faltered as memories of his own time at the academy surfaced. The rivalries, the relentless competition, and the betrayals—he had seen the danger firsthand.

As he and Leon said their goodbyes, Felix stayed by the carriage. "You'll be okay," he murmured to himself.

* * *

The grand auditorium was a marvel of design. Its ceiling shimmered with shifting constellations, each star pulsing faintly in rhythm with the breath of the gathered students. Rows of chairs spiraled toward the center, where a podium of obsidian and gold stood. An odd layout which took full advantage of the circular room.

"Welcome, future Ferriers and Defenders of Stability," the Headmaster began, his voice rich and commanding. "You stand at the edge of greatness, tasked with preserving the very essence of existence. Here, you will be forged into the guardians this world needs—or fall short of its demands."

Leon's attention shifted between the Headmaster and the students around him. Some radiated confidence, their gazes sharp and calculating. Others looked nervous or overwhelmed. A few boys had their eyes particularly focused on him.

Leia leaned in slightly. "It's a lot to take in, but you'll get used to it," she said. Her voice carried a reassuring calm, though Leon noted the subtle way she scanned the room, as if assessing potential threats.

He nodded but remained silent. Garthem's warning echoed in his mind: People are dangerous. The academy was filled with ambition, and the tension in the air felt almost palpable.

* * *

The day passed in a blur of introductions and lectures. Leia stayed close, her familiarity with the academy's sprawling layout proving invaluable. She pointed out the key areas: the training grounds, the towering libraries, and the various wings where specific disciplines were taught.

As the sun began to set, Leon returned to his dormitory, a modest room overlooking the cascading waterfalls and a wide courtyard. The sound of rushing water filled the air, offering a moment of solace after the day's chaos.

He leaned against the windowsill, his thoughts heavy. Felix's words about the academy echoed in his mind. Watch your back.

Sitting by the window, Leon stared out at the cascading water and beautifully floating orbs of light, his thoughts heavy. "Dad was right," he murmured. "People are dangerous."

He thought of Edward's sharp gaze, of the calculating looks from some of the other students, and of the faint tension that seemed to cling to everything in this place.

The feeling that some instructors and guards gave off was dire. Leon was too quick to judge. The fight he witnessed in the marketplace must have looked like children playing to the people here.

Something about Edward lingered in his thoughts too. His father's friend was an enigma—commanding and protective, but distant.

Still, one thing was clear: the academy was no place for complacency. Everyone had their own ambitions, their own secrets, and Leon was determined to uncover them.

"No more hiding," he murmured to himself, gripping the windowsill tightly. "For real this time." His father had prepared him for this, and he would not let that preparation go to waste. 'Be yourself.'

As the stars began to dot the sky, and the arc began to dim, Leon went to bed, half excited for the next day, half bracing himself for the challenges ahead.