Chương 29: Chosen...crucified
Zhilakoa's eyes locked onto Eryn's, her mind racing with questions. What did he mean by "Special orders"? The room erupted into whispers and murmurs as cadets exchanged worried glances.
Artena's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Eryn and Zhilakoa. "Very well, Threnody," Artena said. "It seems you've made your choice. Let's proceed with the annex assignments."
The three leaders, Artena, Styx, and Eryn, took turns explaining the layout of the Crystal Palace and the classes the cadets would attend.
"Your schedule will consist of Combat Training, Flight Mastery, and Battle Briefings," Artena explained.
Styx added, "Combat Training will focus on hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and defensive tactics. Flight Mastery will teach you aerial maneuvers and control on a flarion. Battle Briefings will prepare you for mission planning and execution."
Eryn nodded, "You'll also have Physical Conditioning and Crystal Resonance classes to enhance your connection to the crystals."
Just then, Artena stepped forward, "For those of you who do not know, in a few weeks, Threshing will commence. This is a crucial event where Flarions will gather to observe and choose cadets they find worthy."
"Threshing is not just a selection process, it's a trial by fire. You'll be pushed to your limits, and your worth will be weighed. Some of you will be chosen, others... crucified. The Flarions will decide who among you has the potential to become true warriors of the Crystal Division."
Zhilakoa's heart dropped. Crucified? What did Artena mean?
Kaida's whispered question echoed her own concern, "What does 'crucified' mean, exactly?"
Styx elaborated, "During Threshing, each Flarion will select a cadet to bond with. If chosen, you'll form a lifelong partnership, amplifying your strength and abilities."
Eryn's voice added, "But if rejected, you will not graduate to your second year. Try not to annoy the Flarions. Their energy will overwhelm you, resulting in... consequences. Only those who resonate with their chosen Flarion will survive."
Kaida whispered, "Consequences?"
A nearby cadet replied, "Death. If the bonding fails, the Flarion's power will destroy the cadet."
Zhilakoa's resolve hardened. She would not back down.
Styx, the leader of the Second Annex, stepped forward, his voice booming across the hall. "Now that you're assigned to your respective annexes, listen up. Our rules are simple:
1. No harming or killing fellow annex members outside of combat classes.
2. Inter-annex cooperation is mandatory for group missions.
3. Respect the hierarchy; leaders' decisions are final.
4. Curfew is at midnight; violators will face disciplinary action.
5. All cadets are required to attend weekly strategy sessions.
6. Senior cadets will mentor junior cadets.
7. Combat training injuries require immediate reporting.
8. Unauthorized flights or expeditions are strictly prohibited.
9. Maintain confidentiality regarding missions.
10. Betrayal or treason will result in severe consequences.
Artena added, "Additional regulations:
1. No unauthorized access to restricted areas.
2. Daily inspections will ensure quarters are maintained.
3. Respect Crystal Palace staff and faculty.
4. No external communication devices allowed until your second year.
Eryn's gaze swept across the room, his eyes lingering on Zhilakoa before addressing the cadets.
"Welcome to the First Year. You all have survived the balustrade, but the true test has only begun. This year, you'll face challenges that will push you to the brink. Some of you will lose your footing, some your resolve, and others... their very sense of self. The Crystal Palace doesn't coddle; it forges. You'll be forced to confront your demons, and the line between loyalty and self-preservation will blur."
His voice dropped as he continued, "By the end of this year, you'll be remade, reshaped by the trials and tribulations of this place. Not all of you will emerge unscathed. Some will crack, others will break, but those who endure... will be forged into the very essence of the Crystal Division."
"Now, let's introduce your instructors:
- Combat Training: Instructor Kaelin haven
- Flight Mastery: Instructor Flynn Fitcher
- Battle Briefings: Instructor Arcturus Blackwood
- Physical Conditioning: Instructor Vesper Shade
- Crystal Resonance: Instructor Elara Corvin
- Strategy Sessions: Instructor Thane Silvermist
- Tactical Analysis: Instructor Zara Emberstone
Your lesson schedule will be distributed shortly. Familiarize yourselves with the Crystal Palace's layout and rules.Explore the Yellow Spires, the training areas, and the library. Knowledge is power, and you'll need every advantage."
A soft chime echoed through the hall, signaling the end of the orientation.
"Dismissed," Artena declared. "Report to your respective annexes for further instructions."
As the cadets began to disperse, Zhilakoa felt a gentle tug on her arm. Kaida came next to her and they both walked out of the grand assembly hall, discussing the orientation.
"Threshing, bonding, and potential death? Sounds like a typical Tuesday," Kaida said.
Zhilakoa rolled her eyes, chuckling. "You're not helping."
Who do you think attacked you?" Kaida asked.
Zhilakoa's jaw clenched. "No idea. But I'll find out."
"And your shoulder?" Kaida inquired gently.
Zhilakoa winced. "Eryn fixed it. It's not too bad."
"And what's with Eryn claiming you for his annex?" Kaida teased. "Did you charm him with your wounded shoulder?"
Zhilakoa playfully pushed Kaida. "Shut up, he didn't claim me."
As they made their way to their quarters, they spotted Eryn conversing with a fellow 3rd-year cadet. His attention seemed focused on the conversation, but his head tilted slightly, sensing Zhilakoa's presence.
A sly smile spread across his face, though his eyes never left the person he was talking to.
"Well, well," Kaida whispered, nudging Zhilakoa. "Looks like someone's aware of your presence."
Zhilakoa's cheeks flushed. "Don't read into it."
Kaida grinned mischievously. "Too late. I've already shipped you two."
Zhilakoa's face grew hotter.
Eryn's smile grew wider, still engaged in conversation.
Zhilakoa whispered , "Kaida you can't ship me with Eryn Threnody. He's our annex leader, and that's it."
Kaida's grin persisted. "Oh, come on. 'Special orders,' indeed."
Zhilakoa shook her head, attempting to dispel the notion. "It's just politics, Kaida. Don't romanticize it."
Eryn's smile never wavered, his eyes still locked on the cadet he was conversing with. Yet, his attention seemed divided.
As Zhilakoa and Kaida passed by, Eryn's voice drifted over. "Montegail."
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