Morning has arrived. Sunlight kisses my forehead as I walk through the gates of the institute with Arvyan and Sanyara. Students have been divided into two factions: one welcoming the delegations and the other less so. It was already expected. However, I hope the damage caused will be kept to a minimum, if any happens. Deep inside, I know they will be here in a moment, but for me. I will not let myself be caught that easily. From what I heard, these people have too much pride, and I can use them to my advantage. It is said, "Baseless pride is a skyscraper built on a swamp; the higher you climb to look down on others, the faster you sink into the mud of your own making." I will see it through to the end.
A mechanical voice rang out, "The special force has arrived. Students are advised to cooperate with them. All students are advised to attend the auditorium right now for further instructions from the special force." Everyone followed the instructions and gathered in the auditorium. A rough voice was heard from the mic saying, "I am a graduate from the 2nd division, and I go by the code name 'Spirit'. I hope there will be no interference in our investigations from any side, and please cooperate." He said the last sentence with a smile, radiating a menacing aura.
Just by releasing that menacing aura, I can say that he was filtering out people who could sense and could not sense his intent so that he could focus on his investigation. I can give him props for being clever. He stopped releasing it, and from his facial expression, I can say that he is both amused and scared at the same time. I guess he sensed the professor's presence and is scared, as it is not so rare for an ex-militant to come and deliver lectures as a lecturer. But didn't he say he was a graduate from the 2nd division? It's an infamous division known for its anomality. Dont tell me he sensed Vaelith inside me, it can cause problems for me. As I was exploring different possibilities, Spirit announced, "We are here for a week, and the investigation will be concluded by that time. Since we came here at such an odd time and a festive time of yours, we as a committee have decided to conduct a sports fest to compete with each other to keep our spirits alive in such a time, and we will also be giving you basic combat value lectures for self-defence in times of need. This is our compensation for intruding here again. "What an oddball," I thought to myself. The moment he changed his expression for a moment when he included the word spirit in his sentence, I was able to guess he intended a pun.
"How come this bunch of people is hostile? I dont sense any harm from their words, though." Arvyan asked me, to which I responded, "Just wait a moment, and you will understand why these are not to be taken so lightly. These are some bunch of ingrateful brats who took their titles for decoration and not as responsibility. But I am intrigued because a real figure from the 2nd division has shown up."
"Is it that big of a deal for a person from the 2nd division to show up?" Arvyan asked.
"Yes, especially in these walls, it is very unexpected. Normally, people from subdivisions come as leaders to lead this bunch." I replied.
"Too confusing for me to get a grasp on the designation and order," Sanyara said.
"Well, the fighting force is divided into 4 hierarchies. First is Order, second is Craft, third is Ammend and the last is Division. Division is the least respected among all these group and also most people opt for it. Subdivision falls under division, and it is almost made up of people with inherited powers, and most of them are too egotistical to handle." I explained to the confused girl.
"Something is really wrong with our surroundings. Why is the Division getting involved in this incident? I thought it was just a malfunction and happens sometimes, but for the division to get involved, it means only one thing: something big is going on behind the closed doors." Toshiro said from behind.
"I agree, this time the commotion will be more hectic, I guess. Just take care of yourself, Svarbhan." Tairo said, and I appreciated his concern, but I was caught off guard by his words. It is not that I dont think he will look after me, after all, he is my only childhood friend and memory I have with me, it's just that the way it was directed at me, like a warning. I am pretty sure he was knocked out during that incident. Outside, I was smiling and laughing with my friend, but within myself, I was on the edge of questioning myself whether Tairo knows something he shouldn't have. I don't want to drag him into this mess. It will be complicated. I made up my mind to have patience with the ongoing situation.
A hand lay on my shoulder and asked me, "Why are you zoning out in the middle of an announcement? It's only morning. Dont tell me you're a lazy guy." I turned around to see Spirit's hands on my shoulder. I was surprised by his rapid movement and undetectable presence.
He began to straighten my tie and said to me with a half smile, "You dont look like the type to survive the rift. You lack personality, but I find you amusing. Don't worry, during our stay here for a week, we will resolve all the problems."
He leaned closer and whispered to my ear and said quietly, "We have arrived." He went on to his allotted room, which is within the institute's campus. I think he's on to me now. Great, can't get a good break.