As the children sped through their lives—at the gods’ amusement—a scheme was brewing: one that had the intent of intensifying the conflict between Illt’en and Bakhr. There was a group somewhere that sought to ignite a war between the two countries. They were a militia run by those who wanted freedom, for those who wanted freedom. Orcs, Beasts, Men, and many more races participated in this fight—if Illt’en was allowed to stay a great power, then many minorities would stay oppressed.

“Alright men!” announced a man wearing a deep red uniform. “Ready yourselves. Seven days until we march!”

“Yeah!” yelled back countless voices.

They too were wearing that dark red uniform. It had black sleeves with black embroidery around the cuffs and waist. On the back of the uniform was a large, white, embroidered skull. The skull had its mouth open, biting down on the emblem of Illt’en’s Holy Court: a nine-sided star with an eye in the middle.

The men returned to their duties; some polished swords, some men took theirs to grindstones.

“Sir,” said a man, just sliding his sword into its sheath.

“Yes?” responded the man with the title of Sir. He had broad shoulders, and tan skin. Standing at six and a half feet tall, he looked down on the man before him. He examined the dagger in his hands, then sheathed it.

“We have reports from the west,” the other man continued. “That… there’s a new Great Power…”

“...” the man called Sir had a wild look on his face—he almost looked scared. Then a smile emerged on his face. The smile of a man overcome with joy. “Can we depart in five days?”

“I think we could make it happen.”

“Great!” the man started laughing hysterically. “HAHA! A Great Power? Wonderful!” He stood once again on his pedestal. “Men! Five days! We march on the Night of the Golden Moon!” Cheers returned his announcement. There was a glint in his eyes, the kind you only see in someone truly empowered.

----------------------------------------

“Ok,” announced Death. “This is where it should pick up.” He once again took the dial in his hands, this time turning it counterclockwise. Now, the monitor slowed, into what almost looked like slow motion to the other gods, as they had been watching it fast for a few hours.

“You better be right about this,” the fiery god muttered.

The siblings stood at the bottom of their doorstep, tears streaming down their faces. It was likewise for their parents. Alexander tried to keep a smile on his face, but he couldn’t help but feel sad, knowing that his children would be gone for three years. Mary, too, couldn’t stop the tears.

“Mother, Father,” Sakura choked out, “I’ll miss you!” She came closer and embraced them.

“You two,” Mary said, “good luck. We’ll be praying for you.”

“Yes,” Alexander added, “and stay strong. We won’t be disappointed, no matter what.” Sakura stepped back and the siblings bade their parents farewell. They would be heading to the royal capital to train their skills.

The Capital was near the center of the country, and the family lived east, near the border of Bakhr.

Sakura and Hayato would be taking a horse-pulled cart to their destination. Not the nicest way to travel, but that’s what they could afford. They got into the cart, waving to their parents.

“Glad that’s over,” Hayato muttered. “I hate goodbyes…”

“Have some compassion!” Sakura ordered. “Just because they’re not our original parents doesn’t mean you can’t love them.”

Hayato looked down.

Sakura decided that it would probably be good to get some rest before they arrived. It would be important to be fully awake and aware.

As the sun set in the west, Hayato found himself less and less drowsy. Sakura, on the other hand, was fast asleep. As they finally approached the magnificent capital, Hayato shook his sister awake. They would buy a room for a night, and get one day to explore the city. They needed to be at the school by the evening of the Night of the Golden Moon.

As they walked, the siblings almost forgot why they were there in the first place. The spiraling towers, giant houses, stores, and giant buildings. It was nothing like they had ever seen in their life—old or new. And to top it all off, in the center of the city, towering over the rest, was an enormous, gothic architecture castle. Gold crested turrets, dark stone parapets. At the front was a great set of wooden doors. It was truly a palace fit for the king of this great country.

Near the castle was the Berent Academy: the destination of the kids, and all of the others who came from far and wide to train their skills. The school was named after the first Great Person: Berent the Wise, who was gifted the skill Intellectual, which gave him an intelligence higher than any that had been seen before. He’s credited with many contributions to the kingdom, such as the invention of writing paper, and the discovery of precious metals in the Heaven’s Peaks—a mountain range in northern Illt’en. Of course, he made many more inventions, and many discoveries that have benefited Illt’en, but those are his most notable achievements.

Sakura walked down the street, intent on finding their room for the night before exploring. Hayato, on the other hand, was fascinated by the city—he had never seen anything like this back in Japan.

Sakura soon spotted her prey: a bar on the end of a corner, the sign on the front said “cheap rooms”. She pulled Hayato into the big building, and walked up to the counter. Not many people filled the tables—it seemed to be a downtime for the establishment.

They walked up to the counter, where a quite intimidating man stood. He stood at at least six foot two, with a big beard and a bald head. He had scars all over his face, and a mean scowl.

“Hi,” Sakura announced, “We’d like to buy a room for the night.”

“Just one?” the man responded. Sakura and Hayato were completely taken aback by his voice. The high pitched, almost girly voice did not fit the speaker. At first, they thought someone else was talking. After a moment of silence, Sakura broke the confusion and answered.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“That’ll be ten Gelt for one night,” the girly-voiced man behind the counter said. “My name’s Stovei, I’m happy to help if you need anything. Your room’s number thirteen, up the stairs and to the left.”

“Thank you,” the siblings responded in tandem. They walked up the stairs, taking a turn to the left at the end of the hall.

The door on room thirteen was slightly ajar, as if someone was there. Sakura approached the door, the anticipation swelling. She reached for the handle, the cool metal chilling her hand. She pushed the door open, slowly at first, but pushing it off her hand and letting inertia take care of the rest.

“This seems unnecessarily creepy,” Hayato muttered. The door creaked open and what was there surprised them.

Silence. Nothing was there but a lonesome desk and a bed sitting in the room. The dust that had risen up settled, and the siblings entered the room. Across from the door was a round window looking out to the bustling street. To the left of the window sat the bed, and next to that was the desk and chair. Both wooden, but that’s how many things were built in this world. Not much sign of metal structures or furniture. To the right of the window was a small bathroom with a curtain in front of the doorway.

“I guess this is what you get for cheap,” Hayato sighed.

Sakura promptly entered the room, dropping her bag on the floor. She fell face first onto the bed and laid there for a bit. Hayato followed in her footsteps and sat in the chair. Although it wasn’t comfortable, it beat staying standing, as they had been for the last two hours.

“Ugh,” Sakura groaned. “I don’t wanna get up.”

“That’s unlike you,” Hayato replied. “But I understand. We should get as much rest as we can before tomorrow night. Um, can you make some room on the bed so I can lay there too?”

“That’d be weird. No.”

Hayato layed on the cold, wooden floor, contemplating things.

I hope it goes well, he thought. Things could be great tomorrow, or it could be disappointing. I really want a cool skill, but I don’t know what I’ll do if I end up without one. Man, this is intense.

----------------------------------------

The morning came, and Hayato was a bit sore from sleeping on the floor. He sat up, a headache pounding the back of his brain.

“Uhh,” he groaned. “My head hurts.” He looked up to the bed. Sakura was splayed out on the mattress, half covered by the sheet.

“Sakura?” Hayato called. “Sakura, get up, it’s morning. How the tables have turned, now I’m the one waking you up,” he laughed.

He leaned over his sister, realizing something was wrong.

“...” he stared. “You’re… not my sister!”

“You got me!” the girl on the bed announced as she jumped up, causing Hayto to recoil in shock. “I’m Sakura’s friend, Lichta!”

Hayato looked into her eyes. They were a beautiful silver, the same as her hair, which hung down her back as if she was wearing a snow white cape. She was slightly tanned, and wore a red uniform adorned with the symbol of the upper class of Berent Academy.

“Sakura’s… friend?” Hayato questioned. “It’s only morning, how’s she found a friend?”

“Dummy, It’s past lunch time,” Lichta teased. Hayato blushed.

“Past… lunch time? I slept that late?”

Lichta chuckled.

“We tried to wake you,” she shrugged. “Anyhow, c’mon, let’s go, Sakura’s waiting for us.”

They left the room, walking down the stairs to the bar, where they found Sakura waiting at a table, sipping something out of a mug.

“Good morning, Hayato,” Sakura grinned. “How’d you sleep?”

“Uhm, okay, I guess,” Hayato was still processing. “Who’s this?” He pointed at Lichta.

“I met her down here and we quickly became friends.”

Hayato sat at the table across from his sister.

“Say, Sis’, did you see her uniform?” Hayato whispered behind his hand, leaning over the table. “She’s totally upper echelon! Like, super noble family!”

“Mm-hmm,” Sakura confirmed nonchalantly. “She’s gonna go with us to the academy when it’s time.”

“Woah…”

Lichta sat beside Hayato.

“I can teach you lots of things while you’re here,” she whispered into his ear, prompting Hayato to turn bright red.

“Thanks… I guess,” He mumbled. “So, when are we leaving?”

Sakura looked down to check her nonexistent watch, and announced:

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

“Two hours and thirteen minutes. If you hadn’t slept so late, we might have gotten the chance to see more of the capital.”

“Don’t worry you two,” Lichta assured. “You’ll have plenty of time to see this city once you’re accepted into the academy!”

They rose from their seats at the table, and walked out of the bar. Hayato stretched his arms in the air. The trio walked down the cobbled roads, admiring the scenery. They visited a few stores, although Hayato and Sakura didn’t have the funds to spare on trinkets. Lichta, on the other hand, bought a couple of necklaces for her new friends.

The necklaces were meant to symbolize companionship, and if you had one, it had the additional capability to track any of the other’s general location.

They continued walking down random roads, occasionally taking tiny alleys on Lichta’s directions. The siblings were a bit worried they wouldn’t be able to find their way back.

Under scrutiny from Hayato and Sakura, Lichta had led them all to a hole-in-the-wall shop, which despite its looks, smelled heavenly. Lichta led the way, opening the door. Just when the siblings thought it had peaked, the smell coming from inside got even better as they entered.

Sakura had always loved the smell of freshly baked bread, but this was on another level. For the first time since coming to this world, she felt truly happy to be here.

“How come a noblewoman like you knows of such a small, homely shop?” Sakura asked, sitting down at a table.

“I’ve a fondness for exploring,” Lichta responded. “That’s all.”

“Well, it seems to have led you well.”

They were going to sit down, but there was only one table left, with two seats. One of them would have to stay outside…

Both of the girls looked immediately to Hayato. Of course. He was always discluded when it came to group activities.

“Alright, I’ll wait outside.”

“Thank you so much for being so understanding, Hayato,” his sister said, smiling.

Hayato walked outside.

Shit. I was a fool to think anything ever changed coming here. I’m still the same person, after all.

He took his necklace off, and threw it at the curb. It snapped, jewels flying as it beautifully hit the ground. Its shininess dulled as it was cast into shadow, left and forgotten.

The girls came out from the shop, happily chewing on some bread they’d bought.

“Hayato!” Sakura called. “Come try some! It’s great!”

Hayato stood there for a moment, thinking.

He started walking.

Sakura handed him a piece of loaf bread.

He took a bite.

He felt a bit better now.

Hayato’s looking a bit down. I hope nothing’s wrong…

Leaving the bakery, Sakura looked up to the clock on the corner of the intersection. It was two o’clock. They had to be there a quarter to three. It would be best to start walking now.

“You know what they say,” Lichta told the two. “Early is on time, and on time is late. Let’s get going to the Academy now.”

Neither Hayato nor Sakura had ever heard anyone say that.

The walk back where they came was much harder than the trip there. Hayato found it much more tiring to walk uphill than down, and both siblings found the cobblestone roads to be extremely taxing on their feet.

Reaching the top of the hill, all three stopped to take a breath.

“We’d better get a move on,” Lichta panted. “It’s still a bit of a walk from here.”

And so they walked.

And into view it came.

The magnificent castle, dedicated to the kingdom’s Skilled; those trained to become pawns of war for this “Holy Nation.”

Berent Academy.

Of course, on paper, it was to “aid the kingdom in times of need,” but if you had the misfortune of being gifted a Great Skill, you weren’t likely to live an easy life. After all, they were outliers across the world. And what happens to outliers?

Experimenting.

----------------------------------------

Reaching the gates of the school, which were nothing to shrug at, the trio was greeted by a “long-ass line,” in Hayato’s words.

Waiting in said line didn’t take too long, however (Lichta abused her status to budge).

Once they reached the front of the line, they presented a guard with their IDs—just a safety measure, not that anyone would actually try to infiltrate the castle.

Hayato was lined up last of the three, and was still getting used to the fact that pants in this world don’t have pockets. He dug into the front of his pants, hoping no one noticed and thought it weird, and retrieved his card.

“ID, please,” the guard requested.

“Here you are.”

Hayato handed her the card, and got a strange look from the guard. He dismissed it, and continued walking after getting his ID back.

“Did she give you a weird look too, Sakura?” Hayato whispered to his sister.

“Yeah… Makes me feel uneasy.”

They continued walking, reaching the Hall of a Thousand Minds. This is where they’d be receiving their Skills—if they had any.

The siblings looked up at the vast ceiling looming over them, amazed something this big could ever hold up.

“What’s up guys?” Lichta asked.

“‘What’s up?’” Hayato responded. “Does this thing not amaze you?”

“—I guess it’s cool, but this is, like, the size of my house, so…”

You could hear both Hayato and Sakura’s jaws drop.

Brushing the comment aside, the three continued walking until they found a suitable place to sit. Unfortunately, Lichta would have to part with Hayato and Sakura, with her being a noble and all.

“See you on the other side!” she said to her new friends. “I wish you the best of luck. May the odds be ever in your favor!”

Lichta walked to her allocated area, sitting with a group of well-off-looking kids.

Meanwhile, the siblings looked around, trying to figure out the best place to sit. To the right was a table full of jock-looking students; to the left was a group of nerd-looking students. It wasn’t looking good for the siblings… Where would they sit?

Finally, a table arose, free of generalized peoples. Just some normal, run-of-the-mill kids.

“Listen… she wants you—”

“Oh no.. what’ll happen if I don’t get a Skill—?”

“You did WHAT with a minor—?!”

“Dude, shut up—!”

Of course. It just couldn't be that easy.

Hayato and Sakura sat down, between two other groups.

“I told you we should have looked longer,” Hayato muttered to his sister. “But, ‘no! Don’t listen to your little brother.’”

“Whatev’. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

The table quieted a bit.

“You see that girl over there?” a boy whispered to his friend. “She’s kinda fine.”

“Whatever you say,” another responded. “I’ve my sights on a different girl already.”

The first boy stood up and walked towards the siblings.

“Hi, I noticed you looked a bit lonely and thought I’d introduce myself. It’s nice to meet you, my name’s Sebastian, but my friends call me ‘Sebas.’ What’s yours?”

The boy introducing himself couldn’t look any less arrogant, puffing his chest, acting like he was the coolest guy ever.

“I’m not interested,” Sakura answered.

“What a beautiful name, I hope we can—”

He had been going on autopilot. The rest of the table chuckled.

“Don’t mind him,” the second boy laughed. “He goes after any woman who comes within a ten meter radius. Anyway, my name’s Eclair, and anyone who knows me says I’m as sweet as one, too.” He winked.

It wasn’t a wink like Sebas might have given; this one was more warm and friendly. It made Sakura feel more comfortable.

“My name’s Sakura. It’s nice to meet you all. This is my little brother, Hayato.” Hayato gave a small wave and smile.

The boys sat back down in their seats, and the whole of the hall was greeted by a voice that seemed to emanate from all directions. The siblings instantly recoiled. It reminded them of that god.

“We welcome all of you new students to the great school: Berent Academy! We hope for you to make the most of your time here, whether that time be spent honing a Skill, or training more physical skills.”

They didn’t want to sound mean to ones who wouldn’t be blessed with Skills.

“We ask that you all quiet down, and await the calling of your name. We wish you the best of luck, and hope Berent’s blessing is upon us!”

Apparently they were going in alphabetical order of last name. This meant that the siblings were going to be waiting for a bit. There were at least one-thousand kids in the Hall, afterall.

“Lindorf, Kayto, please rise.”

She approached the stage, sitting in a chair in front of a large crystal orb. She placed her hands on the crystal and awaited the answer. Sweat beaded on her forehead.

The orb glowed a soft orange and shone words into the air. Although they seemed to be in a foreign language, a man next to it was able to decipher it.

“Skilled. Diplomacy.”

Kayto let out a sigh of relief and got up. The crowd clapped, as was customary. Kayto walked to the “Skilled” wing of the building.

There were three wings total: Skilled, UnSkilled, and one for possessors of Great Skills. The Great Skill Wing hadn’t been used since King Calladan had come through this school.

“Keep an eye on her,” a man at the front whispered to a colleague. “She seems useful.”

“Marx, Sebastian, please rise.”

He walked to the crystal, confident as ever. He knew he was getting a skill.

The crystal didn’t glow.

“UnSkilled.”

Sebas sat there for a moment, speechless.

“You may go.”

He got up, and walked the opposite way of Kayto. Towards the UnSkilled wing.

His head hung low.

He cried.

“Narl, Egris, please rise.”

The boy with the weird name limped up to the stage. Like all the ones before him, he set his hands upon the crystal.

Like Sebas, it didn’t glow for him either. His head hung low before it was even announced.

“UnSkilled.”

Egris walked off.

“Aw..” he groaned.

It arrived on another familiar name.

“Rönlun, Eclair, please rise.”

He walked confidently. Not in an arrogant way like Sebas did, but he certainly carried himself.

He sat down, putting his hands atop the crystal, and almost immediately, it glowed a similar orange to the others who’d been gifted Skills.

“Skilled. Charisma.”

Eclair stood up and smiled at the crowd. Not just the crowd, though.

At Sakura.

His smile radiated warmth, and almost forced Sakura to smile back.

----------------------------------------

Finally, it reached the Saitos.

“...Saito, Sakura, please rise.”

There was an uncanny silence in the crowd.

Sakura fought the urge to stay hidden. She was strong-willed, after all!

She walked up the aisle, feeling stares pierce her body. It almost hurt. She reached the stage, and climbed the stairs. The room felt colder than before.

She put her hands on the crystal, feeling its cold, smooth surface. She looked at her reflection within, and waited.

It started glowing, a radiant gold, brighter than anyone else who’d been gifted that night. Sakura was almost blinded by its dazzling luminosity. The words glowed in the air and the man responsible for translating stood aghast, staring.

“G- g- g-” he stuttered. “Great Skill! Divine Right!”

The crowd sat stationary, staring at the spectacle.

Hayato cheered.

“That’s my Sis’!” He clapped.

The audience followed suit, bursting into applause.

All of the faculty on the stage stood there, unable to process.

A Great Skill?!

After all this while!

Amazing!

Sakura was escorted to the Great Skill Wing, which had been left forgotten for decades.

Now it was Hayato’s turn.

Oh my gods! That was so cool! I hope I get something that cool… I don’t want to let any more people down.

“S- Saito, Hayato, please rise.”

He rose.

“Another one?”

“Will he have a Great Skill, too?”

He approached the stage, climbing those same stairs that so many before him have. He put his hands on that crystal like so many before him have. And his future was decided, like so many people’s were before him.

The crystal stayed dark. But not in the way that the UnSkilled were. It darkened. Like a void. Like Space. Like a black hole. It emanated darkness.

Someone gasped.

A pounding came at the door to the grand hall.

The door was pulled open.

A guard stood, holding a scroll.

“Urgent News! Multiple reports of intruders infiltrating the academy!”

“What!” someone on the stage asked. “Where are they?”

“I think they’re—”

An arrow pierced her chest, armor and all. Another one came through. The guard collapsed onto the hard stone, her plates clanging on the ground.

Blood spilled out of the wounds, puddling on the floor.

“—Here,” a man wearing deep red armor announced.