23) A stroll into Hexora

Hexora had a complex history. The foundation and formation of such an institution were bound to inculcate grandiosity at some point. However, more than mere luxury and extravagance, what put aside Hexora was its culture and purpose—the reason for its formation—a fight for what was true, a rebellion against oppression, and a path that allowed for the comprehension of universal lessons.

After the death of the Forgotten King, there was a major imbalance within society. Naturally, the general order of things began to fall apart. Relationships maintained through fear and reverence were slowly breaking apart. Weirdly enough, it was only after his disappearance that the world truly began to value his life. Regardless, Hexora emerged as a structure of Order in Chaotic times. They strived for that at least. 

(A/N: referring to the emperor Dio, and not the current student)

He clarified and understood runes and magic like no one ever did. He understood knowledge for what it was, he questioned his thoughts consistently and never failed to test his magic. The diversity and intricacies present within magic can and should be attributed to Dio. He was a pioneer, a torchbearer of limitless imagination. Then how did he die? How did he cease to exist so seamlessly? There were no traces of any intrusion or attack, and most importantly, there was no mana residue.

Society was and will always be more rigid than its members, who in return, enforce its rules and norms. For example, standardized magic was a bigger bane than a boon. While the number of people accessing magic did increase, standardization allowed for regulation of it, which proved to be more harmful eventually. 

There was a set method of using spells, anything that differed from the norm would be considered deviant. Much like our language, which was standardized for various reasons thus, eventually. giving rise to dialects and local variations of one language. Moreover, another trick or strategy inculcated by society was to assign the labels of "low value and status" to those that deviated the most from the norm. 

 Of course, these actions were taken in the shadow, and not so openly, allowing for more discretion and manipulation as and when necessary. If the public knew that they were being played, and their beliefs and ideologies were planted into their minds, then it wouldn't be anywhere as effective.

Any student walking by would agree that Hexora was built on its Culture and Origin. There were a plethora of murals, inspired by mages of different generations, some that lived even till the current day, some whose whereabouts were as mysterious as their being. Nevertheless, the idea that the institution was made only after the amalgamation of many people, was thoroughly translated.

 "You had no reason to push yourself so much," Alex said while breaking the silence shared between them. Luscious and rich green plants burst into their view, the sound of birds chirping and insects buzzing. This was one of the main locations where the majority of the students would come to sit back and clear their minds.

"What choice did I have?" Dio cocked his head at the silly question. Had he not reacted as quickly as he did, John would be in a critical state, it was clear that the attack launched by Jin had murderous intent behind it, which was what prompted Dio to act the way he did.

She nodded slowly, she was well aware that there wasn't much that could've been done. "I just didn't...just stay safer?" she spoke out as she recalled Dio's parents, rather she was recovering from the shock of what could've happened.

"Is that even a question," Dio smiled confidently, "he's likely going to qualify and apparently I might be the reason for that…" veins on the back of his hand popped out as he clenched his fist. 

"Seriously…? Do you think you're the one at fault? You saved someone! who cares if he was let in on a technicality!!? If anything aren't you more confident in stopping him if he stays around you?" Another reason why they were as close as they were. Alex knew exactly how to motivate him, or in certain cases, challenge him.

"You're….right….." His eyes widened, the image of him sitting on Jin's back and eating grapes replayed at least a dozen times, a rather creepy smile appeared on his face as he enjoyed that thought. 

"Nevertheless it wouldn't hurt to stay away from him. The reckless behavior and rather catchy last name would point towards a powerful backing," she cleared her throat and spoke with her face slightly turned away. Truthfully, her feelings were now beginning to get complicated. 

"Uh…huh.." He looked away with a bead of sweat dripping down his forehead, after clearing his throat, Dio looked around and realized the students surrounding them had now begun to gather somewhere, "what's going on?"

"If I'm not wrong….it should be the sorting ceremony. We should be going as well," 

The sorting ceremony was a tradition that had been passed down since the beginning of the institution. As the name suggests, it involved the new students introducing themselves and placing their hands over a gemstone that then assigned the individual to a random House.

While there were rumors regarding the gemstone and its origins, along with whether or not it truly was random, none of that could be truly confirmed due to the fact that the gemstone itself predated the institution. Even the founders had difficulty understanding how exactly it worked. 

Once the students were assigned to their Houses, they were then required to assemble at their respective dorms. Hexora had six enormous watch towers circumventing the entire stronghold, each tower acting as a point of defense and residence for the students. Of course, these buildings were assigned a House, and the students were only allowed to stay on the lower floors. 

It was an interesting design, one worth observing carefully, or so Dio thought to himself as he continued walking beside Alex, whose eyes were brimming with determination. There was something about this place that made him feel rather alarmed. 

'Well, nobody would want to ruin such a perfect face. It would truly be a loss for the world,' he put his hand over his face and smirked.