"With that, Samael advances to the top 50!"

The silent crowd erupted in deafening roars as they shook the very stadium with their screams. They threw their hands in the air as they chanted Samael's name in unison and admiration.

Ignoring their chants, Samael made his way back to the benches as he sat under the fascinated gazes of other students.

Time and time again, they see Samael's feat of power, and time and time again, they are reminded of the reality that he is simply beyond them. A genius.

But the battle must continue.

As the announcer called another set of names, another set of battles ensued as the stage was yet again rocked by their prowess.

The sound of steel clashing against steel and flesh striking flesh echoed in the air as blood, sweat, and tears reverberated.

As they neared the end of the road, the winners rose and the losers fell. It was simply the truth, the harsh reality.

As the spots for the top 50 were swiftly filled in, the long battle finally came to an end.

Naturally, Lilith passed along with the Thaesir heirs, who dominated their opponents without mercy. A rather natural result expected by many.

Much to Samael's surprise, Desmond managed to make it through. It seemed he not only had unique eyes but power as well, regardless of his origins.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Our top 50!" The announcer roared as the viewers released ear-shattering screams.

As the battle came to an end, the crowd of observers was dispersed along with the winners.

All 250 students were led by the staff to the dormitories, where they would spend the rest of their time in the academy. Tomorrow was the day they chose their family's or were chosen.

The instructors took the students to a large white building, kind of like a manor but way larger. It had a stone path that passed by a beautiful garden and a fountain surrounded by other structures.

Inside was a lobby on the first floor, where a receptionist sat to accommodate the students and a few guards kept watch.

Soon, the instructor gave each and every one of them rooms to temporarily stay in. Apparently, these familias have their own headquarters, which their chosen students may use.

"The numbers on your keys are the rooms you'll stay in for the night," the instructor said before he answered a few questions and left.

As he did, the students sighed in unison. They were finally done with one of the hard parts. They could finally rest. Of course, not everyone is there yet, as some are still being treated.

Looking around, Samael made his way to Lilith, who seemed to be searching for something.

"Looking for me?" Samael whispered, causing the girl's ears to flush red.

"You!" Lilith gasped as she lightly smacked Samael's chest.

Noticing the curious gazes of the crowd, Samael whispered. "Let's get out of here first; too many eyes are watching."

Lilih gave a small nod as she held Samael's hand.

As the two walked by the long corridors, Samael asked. "So, what's your room number?"

"Oh, mine is 3B," Lilith said.

"I guess we're pretty far," Samael said.

"What's your room number?" Lilith asked in return.

"18E," Samael answered.

"That's okay; we'll be here for a day only," Lilith said.

"Oh yeah, what family are you going to choose?" Samael inquired.

"Well, I am not sure," Lilith said as she stealthily looked over Samael. "You?"

"Hmm... I might just go to what feels right," Samael answered.

"What feels right...?" Lilith asked. "I knew it," she whispered.

Seeing Lilith's door up ahead, Samael ruffled the girl's head. "Goodnight, Lilith."

"You too," she replied before going in.

***

As the horizon was painted golden by the rising sun and the scent of morning dew wafted in the air, the students were up early, and the bustling of the school was loud.

They were all gathered in the lobby, where a man with black hair and blue eyes waited for their arrival. Judging by his clothes, he was surely a professor.

When everyone was finally there, he spoke.

"Good day, students. I take it you had a good night's sleep?" he asked with a smile on his face.

"Alright! I won't be wasting your time any longer. So, I'm going to take you to the choosing hall, and I'm sure you already know why," he pointed out.

"So let's try not to get lost," he said before storming off.

On their way towards the chosen hall, they came across multiple infrastructures. Namely, the cafeteria, a garden for leisure, dormitories, and the training grounds.

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Eventually, they reached a seemingly normal place when the professor spoke.

"We have arrived. Just beyond that entrance is the choosing hall. I will take my leave now. Best of luck!" He said as he pointed at the pathway leading inside a hall surrounded by leaf walls.

The students each had unsure gazes before they reluctantly stepped foot inside.

Unlike its normal appearance outside, the inside was comprised of a beautiful garden brimming with tantalizing flowers swaying in the wind, their sweet fragrance filling the air. Meanwhile, five seats were positioned in the far front of the room, each with their own specialized sigils.

Unsure of what was happening, the students discussed it with themselves. However, Samael's gaze shot up towards the four silhouettes standing on a rooftop.

Without warning, they leaped into the air at speeds even awakened humans may find hard to follow, but not for Samael. He intently watched as they appeared in their own respective seats and cleared their throats, prompting the students to jump in surprise.

Seeing the newly arrived individuals, the students whispered as they felt excitement shake their hearts. But Samael shot a glance at the shadows where the headmaster stood. Surprisingly, the man stared back at Samael as he formed a small smile before stepping out.

"Good morning, aspiring student," the headmaster said.

"Today, we gather here to announce the fruits of your labor and hard work," he said.

"But before that, I first congratulate all of you for your efforts and for passing the tests. I know it wasn't easy. I know it was hard and gruesome. But it is in such trials that we excel and become stronger," he said.

"It is in such trials that we see who holds the determination to push through even under all the pressure," he resumed.

"With that, congratulations," he said.

"But now, it is time to address the final act," the headmaster said as he looked at the four figures sitting in the chairs.

"Please, introduce yourselves, masters," he said as all four of them stood in unison.

Starting with the man sitting on the chair with the sigil of a red bull. "I am Arnold Sinrage, the leader of the red bulls."

After him was a woman with brown hair and green eyes. "I am Therese Deneiro of the Bloom family."

Next was a man with the same aura as Cairo. "Raymond Posh, leader of the blue hawks."

Lastly. "I am Rudy Donovan, the leader of the Crimson Lions."

The students whispered to one another as they felt their hearts thump in their chests, as though they would break free at any moment. However, a hand rose from the crowd, taking the attention of the headmaster.

"Isn't there supposed to be five?" he asked, causing the headmaster to clear his throat.

"Ehem, yes, he's just running a little late," he said as he looked around.

On cue, Samael felt a presence approaching the area fast, way faster than the other Thaesir leaders.

"Ah, speaking of him, he's here," the headmaster said as a figure landed, stirring the dust.

The newly arrived figure had a rather built body and stood at around 6.2 inches in height. He had scars all over his skin and a messy brown beard with unruly brown hair.

"Ha, as expected of bums," Rudy Donovan whispered, something Samael did not miss.

"I am... Michael, the leader of the Nightwalkers," he said as he nodded at the headmaster.

"Don't you think it is only right that you arrive at the same time as us?" Arnold asked.

"I had some business to tend to," Michael replied.

"Let me guess? Filling yourself with liquor?" Rudy said as he scoffed.

Michael simply remained silent, ignoring the man's taunt.

"Now, now, let us not spoil the event," Therese said.

"Yes, stop Rudy. Today is the day of these students," the headmaster sternly said.

"Now, let us begin," he followed.

"Before you all left the dormitories, you were each given a number. Those numbers correspond to the order of choosing. Now, please step forward number one," the headmaster said as a kid approached the front.

After some time, no voice echoed in the garden, causing the kid to fall into tears as he left with stooped shoulders.

One by one, the students were denied when the first person to be chosen appeared.

"I'll take you under my wing, Unova Sky," Rudy said.

"I shall gladly accept," Unova said.

After that, hopes were raised as the next student went in, only to be shot down again. This cycle repeated endlessly as the number of students dwindled. Naturally, the Thaesir heirs went into their own respective families without issues.

Soon, when noon came, the top 50 students were finally the ones to go. Unlike the rest, who had the chance to be chosen, the top 50 had the ability to choose themselves, as they were strong enough that there was no need for any other examinations.

One by one, the students piled up as they chose their respective families. But what stood out to Samael was that most nobles belonging to the 50 chose their families based on their factional standing.

Those who's family was involved with the sinrage clan chose the raging bulls, while those who were involved with the Posh chose the blue hawks.

The only exception Samael noticed was that there were more female members in the Bloom family. And most if not all of the of the chosen members were girls.

Another thing was that no one seemed to choose the Nightwalkers. It was as if, in the eyes of the nobles here, Michael wasn't visible.

However, when it came to Samael, the room fell silent.

The students had witnessed his power. They knew what he was capable of. Not only that, but he had no clear side. He wasn't involved in any factions, meaning his choice was entirely random.

However, that wasn't all that made this situation tense. It was the fact that he was so strong that simply having him was a big boost to the family.

Samael stepped up without fear as he shifted his gaze to the leaders of the families. He could clearly see the greed behind their eyes and the confidence in their name.

However, before he could speak, the leader of the raging bulls spoke. "I have seen your feats, Samael. I pay no mind to your common origins. To me, what matters is your power. Join me and you shall see the peak."

Seeing this, the Bloom family's leader spoke up.

"Although our familia is mainly composed of girls, I don't see why a small exception cannot be made. Don't you wish to see the more refined parts of nobility?" she asked.

"Clearly, he isn't the type of person to side with someone because of elegance and influence. He belongs to the blue hawks, admired for our precision and focus," the leader of the blue hawks intervened.

"Samael..." Rudy called.

"I know you and my little brother have had differences, and I understand that. But won't you settle such meager misunderstandings? Life is full of such things, but power! Power you can achieve through our family? That is the only way to rise and trample on your enemy," he said with a large smirk.

"In fact, I will do one thing you wish to my brother as long as you join my ranks," he followed, causing the other family members to frown.

"Don't you think you're being too personal?" Therese asked.

"Oh, please, you're willing to make an exception to your grand rules; don't lecture me about what's personal," Rudy said.

"Clearly you're deranged," Raymond said.

"You're all deranged. He is built for the way of the raging bulls. Are you all blind?" Arnold asked.

The four leaders erupted into chaos as their opinions and insults soared in the air, causing a sense of tension to rise in the air. However, Samael's focus shifted to Michael, who sat quietly in a corner.

"How about you?" Samael asked under the chaotic bickerings of the four leaders.

Michael shot a glance at Samael, allowing him to see the emptiness in his eyes.

"Me? You're better off with them. They're already fighting for you; don't waste your future, kid," he said as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

"I didn't ask your opinion about them; I'm asking you," Samael said.

Michael's eyes opened, and his brows raised in surprise as he looked at Samael's determination.

He has seen something like this before. Someone so bright and eager to learn. So... Pure and full of determination.

"Sir, is my form correct?"

"Sir! I thought we already talked about drinking this late!"

"I can't feel my legs, sir... I don't feel so good."

"My opinion...? it doesn't matter," Michael said.

Samael fell silent. For a moment, he saw a flash of bitterness in his gaze, hidden under his facade.

"Enough of your nonsense!" Rudy roared.

"Let him choose then!" Therese shouted back as all four looked at Samael.

"Go on, boy, don't let these blabbering idiots distract you from what truly matters," Arnold said.

Samael looked at everyone for a while before he spoke, prompting all the people in the garden to recoil in surprise.

"I... choose the Nightwalkers."