"What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger"

Celeste~

....'Students, today's trial will be at 4pm, it is a shorter trial based off your ability to do combat without the use of magic. All usage of magic is prohibited during this Trial. If anyone has issues with more, 'unkempt' magic that hasn't already been addressed, please continue with the trial. The watchers will be looking and will see any intentional magic usages. Please do not make this mistake. The trial will end by 9pm in which you will all get a chance to dine before heading to your quarters for the night. Good luck! More information will be passed closer to the Trial. Please make use of the range of facilities available for you in the meantime."

Ah, networking session I see

"So, they want us to talk to each other."

"Yeah, i'm not surprised they want us to network so badly, it's how the world runs I guess."

"Definitely, but honestly though, this whole thing is probably aimed towards the elites, they need this the most." That was a fact.

"It's all about building connections."

"So, where are we going" Markan spoke, probably as exited to meet new people as chloe.

"Hm, let's explore."

Not to my surprise, Markan found himself back with his group of friends by the time we made it outside. We didn't do much exploring before we went to the garden area, only going to the gym and the lounge room beforehand.

The hallways were filled with so many people, I guess no one wanted to go to their rooms today.

Outside was beautiful. The grass was cut perfectly and evenly all throughout the area mirroring the bushes that were unsurprisingly cut with the same splendid precision. There was a confectionery of prestigious cakes and snacks for us to eat that I could see some lingering around.

They also included tables, chairs and benches for us, how considerate. Although Chloe and I had just finished eating we were still a bit peckish, we headed towards the table to grab some food before sitting down.

"This place is amazing." Chloe said as she gobbled down her food in the most un modest way possible.

Looking around It was clear to me that even the people who came here who were initially very reserved were partaking in conversation, chatter flowed and drinks clinked as the time passed until Chimen and Chilisa walked in. There was a slight pause in conversation, not significant and only noticed by those who were already here and paying attention. Everyone's eyes were on them.

Looking professional as usual they both walked in with the type of elegance you would find in a ball. Chisila opted for a loose flowing skirt paired with their trademark black shirts. She had a small cute blazer to pair with the look and a nice set of clear heels to bring it all together; she was the embodiment of class. Chimen had similar attire, a black shirt with simple black trousers, he looked less put together than his sister because of the open, unbuttoned tops of his shirt however his natural grace still allowed for him to radiate the same elegance his sister did.

The only other elite out here was Judias montgomery, parents who are the leaders of North America.

He was chatting with who I presumed was his girlfriend next to him. Princess Latia. Although she was royalty, those who were not the direct children of the king or queen still had to go the the Academy. It was fundamental that we all learned how to function with the power inside us, the only people getting the privilege of training at home being the Monarchy.

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With more than enough funding to have a whole coup of magic practitioners to more than adequately train their offspring, it wasn't necessary. They also didn't need to network like we did; an abundance of suitors ready to marry within the monarchy.

She was a beauty for sure. Her hair was a mixture of brunette with blonde highlights, she wore glasses, framed with gold, encapsulating her face in the most perfect way. She screamed expensive, no she reeked of it.

She had close ties to those in line. Her parents being the Queens brother. She was their only child; a miracle baby after having trouble conceiving for years on end.

Lingering around a seemingly unbothered Judias, she was the only one who didn't really pay attention to the Montgomery's when they walked in, one would usually be least to believe that because of her position of power she was unconcerned with those 'below' her, this was not the case. She was known to be an attention seeker, she got it from her father; who despite many efforts was not powerful enough to be chosen for King. He carried that rejection with him for the rest of his life, always feeling a need to put down the Queen, her husband and their children in an attempt to make himself more important.

To be completely fair it was a close call. The Queen and him were close in power but he lacked the Harmea that was ultimately responsible for his loss. I would be mad too.

She took the trait of insecurity from him and it showed in her every action. She radiated insecurity and jealousy the same way she protruded wealth. With extreme vigor.

She was known for...being a promiscuous individual.

She's had her fair share of boyfriends, obviously all powerful in their own right.

And now it seems like the pin had dropped on her next target, Judias. It was very clear that she wanted to be perceived as important.

I just couldn't seem to wrap my mind around how someone who has such a standing in this society could possibly want more. Yes, she was in an awkward position, not 'main' royalty but enough to keep the title but not really having any...purpose I would say. Those who closely surrounded the Queen were simply there to assist, be ears for the most vulnerable of secrets and to maintain a good reputation for the monarchy overall. Attending balls, dinners, charity events and more. Leaving a good impression for the public eye and covering up any mistakes made.

You would think that that would be enough but no. Not for Latia. Never for Latia.

She wanted more, the crown, the value, the power she would have from being Queen, or by having a chance to be. I mean it was true, she would be forgotten about in a couple decades or so, when the remaining two of the Queen's children have kids for themselves, when the grandchild that is already here gets married and has children too. Suddenly the other bloodline isn't as important anymore.

She wanted to be something. And it was clear that marrying someone elite was her way to that goal, so it was no surprise that she has to give them all a try before finally deciding. Making informed decisions, good on her.

She stood, 'proud' and prestige as usual, looking into Judias' eyes as if she's never seen a tall blonde before.

He was pretty. It was the only word I could really use to describe him. His lack of overt masculinity didn't hinder his looks, instead, the touch of femininity made him glow.

His hair nearly looked white under the sun, his skin glowed and resembled that of a greek god in its tone, his blue eyes squinted under the rays, glowing in between the lids of his eyes.

He was lean in shape but it suited him well. Rather than looking too feminine he held a grace that reminded me of a polished statue that you couldn't touch, too perfect for tainted hands. Not a blemish on his skin not a scar.

He didn't seem too concerned about the princess, most were bewitched by her beauty and couldn't form a full sentence in her presence but he was fine. Some (mostly the very powerful) became like that once the reality of her desperation began to become very apparent. Though she would always shave suitors ready to bend to her every will.

But of course she didn't pay them any mind, too concerned with what didn't serve her, what didn't put her on a pedestal.

"Beautiful isn't she, such a shame she's so ugly on the inside." Chloe remarked, seeing my attention on the princess. While also having a reputation of being passed around she was also know to ruin relationships to get what she wanted. Not many people liked that.

"Honestly, could've really done something with herself."

A chuckle formed behind me, before getting a chance to see who it was I heard "Right? how pathetic, given the world and still unhappy, she doesn't even have run a country or anything, just be pretty and shut up but she couldn't even do that." The brown skinned lady spoke as she laughed, grasping her stomach as she did.