Confusion carves into the siblings' faces.
"What does that mean?" Ha-yoon asks.
"You will soon find out," Minho says.
"Now," Minho dusts off his maroon garment, "May I know the names of my passengers?"
"I'm Ha-yoon," she points at Si-woo's body, his hand slightly raised.
"And that's my brother Si-woo."
"That aside, I am truly thankful that I got here in time, but the scent of your blood draws unwanted attention. We must go to the school and get you both dressed appropriately."
Minho mounts Lemmy, Si-woo, and their supplies floating closely behind him.
Now that I think about it, Minho looks at them with a combination of empathy and urgency. If I'd had followed the enforcement soldiers to the eastern gate to help with the neutralization of the Lesser sprits..., but Mutstushiro had business with me also; it's just one inconvenience after another.
Atop the massive dark behemoth, Minho reaches out his hand, "Well, aren't you coming?"
Ha-yoon stares at the sturdy hand of the beautiful fae, the captivating sunlight pouring downwards on them, seeming to invite her to the heavens. Am I really about to ride this wyvern?
She takes his hand and is swiftly pulled onto the wyvern in front of Minho. She settles in the spinal ridges of the wyvern.
"Hold onto the protrusions of the vertebrae firmly; it's going to be a bit windy." He instructs her.
Ha-yoon holds onto the hump in front of her, her hands finding grip on the thick, tough scales. This is surprisingly comfortable. Good girl. She gently rubs Lemmy.
Right after, the wyvern swiftly rises on its limbs, its wings stretching out in the sky as dirt and dust revolve around them. With a leap, they take off into the sky.
"OH MY GOSH." Ha-yoon couldn't help but squeal with adrenaline. The wind rushes past them, whipping their hair around.
Everything is so small now, and I can see the skylands more clearly. Wait, how is Si-woo? Ha-yoon looks over her shoulder, behind Minho.
Si-Woo lifts his hand to the sky, though still fatigued from his injuries. The warmth of the suns...It feels like I'm brushing against the fabric of reality.
He closes his eyes, permitting the wind to confound him, letting a foreign feeling wash over him and reverberate with the vitality of Yohen.
At that moment, a vision of his mother and younger brother Ye-jun flashed through his mind. Their wide smiles and glistening eyes gazed upon the wonders of Yohen with him. I miss you so much; tears escape into the wind.
The picture is so vivid, it was as if they were right next to them, riding on the wyvern. I know they would've loved this place; this vast world.
His heart aches with a bittersweet longing to share this incredible experience with them, but he smiles as he turns his neck slightly to look at Ha-yoon's tear-ridden face staring back at him.
Ha-yoon turns away, wiping her tears.
"How do you know us?" Ha-yoon asked, her voice filled with wonder. "How did you know Si-woo's my brother?"
Minho wipes flowing strands of her hair away from his face, a soft smile plays on his lips.
"The Princess sent me to find you," he says.
"But it seems my search was not efficient enough, and you encountered danger."
"But how did she know?" Ha-yoon asks, tilting her head skeptically.
"Is she a spy?"
Minho chuckles, the sound musical and light.
"No, she's not a spy," he says, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Princess Deane is our current Millennial Prophetess. As her title denotes, she has the gift of foresight, and she saw your arrival long before you stepped into Yohen."
I can barely hear, but did he just say 'Prophetess'? Si-woo side gazes at the back of Minho's graceful black hair.
"Millennial Prophetess?" Ha-yoon remarks in amazement.
"Is it really possible to see the future?"
Minho begins to gather Ha-yoons streaming, sporadic hair. "Well, just not any fae can do it-Do you mind if I braid your hair? Its length has to be an inconvenience for someone your age."
Mom didn't have a chance to cut it. Ha-yoon's eyes dim.
"You can," she says, diverting her gaze to the head of the wyvern.
Minho begins to put her hair into a crown braid, then continues, "But since the princess comes from a strict bloodline of Prophetesses, she's granted the divine ability."
Ha-yoon clutches the creature's spine tightly.
"But why us?" she asks, her voice barely carrying over the wind, "Why did that sprit attack us if your prophetess can tell the future?"
Minho divides her hair, his expression earnest. "The princess may be able to see the future, but a gift of divinity cannot be tamed. Her visions are limited and unpredictable."
Minho gazes at Ha-yoon, His deep blue eyes filling with empathy.
"We furthermore suspect there might be connections between you two and a previous prophetess' vision. You, Si-woo, and Ha-yoon are now bearers of serein. Your unique connection to this energy has the potential to heal and protect, and through your experiences and education here, you can bring that same healing back to Earth."
The siblings stare out into the grand sky contemplatively, reciting Minho's words in their minds; the thrill of a fantasy adventure is undeniable.
"Serein, a powerful essence that stretches throughout all of Yohen," Minho explains as he crosses strands.
"A force of energy that can interact with organisms, it's rare for anyone to be so attuned to it at such a young age, Si-woo. Especially when not born of this world."
"What do you mean? Si-woo questions.
"While rushing over to Ha-yoon, I noticed your serein flow convulse from your body, indicating there was utilization of it," Minho replies.
So that feeling was- Si-woo contemplates.
"What about me? Can I use it?" Ha-yoon intrudes.
Minho's words carry through the wind, "Although I am unable to decipher the purity grade of your serein since you haven't utilized it yet, I can clearly see it's revolving around you, waiting for it to be adopted. The pure serein you carry, Si-woo, and the potential you hold, Ha-yoon, is strong. It's a gift, but it also makes you targets."
Si-woo's jaw clenches, knowing what it means for his academic life.
"But don't worry about that right now." Minho says, "We have other responsibilities to take care of first."
As they approached the town, Ha-yoon questioningly examines the terrain below.
"The trees, the hills," she murmurs, "They feel...different.
Minho briefly stops braiding. She really is unique.
"Ah, the sprit's territory in the outside forest of Ondur. They're known to contort the landscape to their will. The clear path you took yesterday is now a dense jungle. It's part of their nature, an ancient practice that is now used to maintain the balance and prevent overuse of the land." He explains, his voice filled with admiration.
"But why would they attack us?" Ha-yoon questions, "Are they like wild animals?"
"There are two races of sprits," Minho explains.
"Higher and Lesser. The Higher sprits sustain and supervise the wild nature of the Lesser sprits, keeping them within their territory in Ondurs forest."
Minho continues crossing over strands, "There must have been a lack of supervision from the Higher sprits, and one was able to find you two within our territory. Even though our people are on better terms than ever with the sprits currently, our history is riddled with bloodshed." Minho says.
"So unfortunately, there will always be some inconsistencies."
"So not all sprits are fierce? Si-woo asks.
"Indeed, the Lesser sprits are inherently cursed," Minho answers.
"Princess Deane mentioned to me yesterday that the ancient mu would guide you two to and from Ondur yesterday. Still, the only way of that transpiring is if you follow the symbols and the signs in the trees made by them, considering it's been thousands of years since anyone has seen them...since I've seen them."
"The Mu?" Ha-yoon repeats, trying to piece together Minho's words.
Minho's eyes grew distant, reverence crossing his features. "The mu are ancient beings, the original inhabitants of Ondur. They were the powerful keepers of the land and inhabited the outskirt lands of Yohen, averting devastating threats. They are gone now, but regardless, their eternal spirits linger; they're a rare sight and can only be seen by the pure of heart. It's known to be a sign of prosperity and protection if seen."
Ha-yoon's heart races. "The little iridescent beings in the woods!" she exclaims.
"We saw them yesterday when we left for home! They were so beautiful, and they guided us from the school!"
Minho nods, securing her braid," They are ancient and wise, and their guidance is not to be taken lightly. It seems you have already begun to form a bond with the serein and the creatures of Ondur."
Minho sighs, "But I'm pleased my old friends are faring well," he says solemnly.
The siblings stare at the distant horizon, the absence of words filled by the wind and the occasional beating of wings.
"You will need to be careful," Minho says solemnly, putting his hands in his lap.
"Yohen is not without its dangers, and there are those who would seek to harm you for the power you possess. If you are to see the fables in the trees again, don't hesitate to follow them. I will have someone fix the cheg Princess Deane gave you, so you may never wander off into sprit territory."
The siblings silently absorb every word that Minho says, their eyes wide with wonder and fear.
I knew it might be difficult making a life for ourselves here, Si-woo considers, but I'm excited to explore this new world and learn new things; is that so wrong?
The large vine-grown border and spires of Ondur came into view. Minho points out various landmarks and briefly explains the relation between them and the history of Ondur.
Ha-yoon listened eagerly, her mind racing with questions and theories.
"You were the one who fixed our house, too, then." Si-woo assumes, his eyes focused on the clouds.
Minho nods. "Yes, I was there to oversee the reconstruction. The metals from your world are fascinating. Our floral team, and a few contracted Higher sprits were able to efficiently utilize their energies, due to the metal."
"Then were you the one to plant that sapling?" Si-woo asks, his voice temperate.
"Indeed," Minho replies, "the body wasn't properly preserved, so we decided it would be best if we took the steps to do so."
The stench would've been terrible, Si-woo thought.
Minho continues, The sapling is a ceremonial practice our kind uses to pay our respects to the deceased. I hope we didn't offend-."
"Thank you," Si-woo interrupts, his words coming from his heart."
Minho looks back and smiles at Si-woo, "Of course! But the honor goes to the King, who was adamant that your house be restored before any other task was undertaken."
The king... Si-woo ponders.
"Wait, how did you heal Si-woo with just a stone?" Ha-yoon asks, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, like I said, it's something we're still studying," Minho admits.
"The metal I brought from your world has an almost unparalleled utilization of energies. When touched, a fae's serein melds with the metal, amplifying the user's properties."
"The virtually indestructible metal opened a whole new field of study for us fae; it's very similar to a lost material in Yohen we call adamantium," Minho explains.
"I was expecting to obtain answers from you two, regarding the metal coming from your world, but it seems you also didn't know about it either, I presume."
"If there ever were a material like that in our world, we would have known about it," Ha-yoon remarks.
Si-woo, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "There are many metals on earth, but to call any of them 'virtually indestructible' would be a stretch."
"I see," Minho scratches his chin.
"I apologize if it appears we are overtaking Earth. If you want us to stop, I will do everything in my power to convince King Morey."
"You're not taking anything if nothing's there, to begin with," Ha-yoon says in a soft voice.
"Our world, homes, friends, and family are gone," Si-woo follows up, looking up at the sky.
Minho's expression grew solemn. "I understand." He urges Lemmy onward, and the siblings could feel the town's energy growing stronger with every beat of its wings.
As they approached the Young Academy of Ondur, "King Morey...is he-," Ha-yoon was about to ask, but her question was swallowed by the breathtaking sight before them.
The huge town, a symphony of old-fashioned buildings, occasionally gleams with futuristic technology, whilst the streets are occupied with movement. The scene is live with vibrant hues of the suns reflecting off the water bodies below.
The large brick stone academy sits as a border between civilization and an open field area leading to a dense pool of trees.
Children of Ondur gather outside the academy, their eyes wide with excitement as they catch a glimpse of the wyvern descending.
"Whoa, look at that!" a child points
"Is that Minho!" another joins in.
Whispers surrounded the wyvern as it descended, the voices a spectrum of awe and curiosity. Most had never seen children riding a creature of such grandeur that they couldn't even completely comprehend it due to their undeveloped eyes.
The ground rumbles slightly as they descend. The children take a collective step back, their eyes never leaving the siblings.
Exhilaration of excitement streams through Ha-yoon's nerves as they dismount. She felt their gazes; some grazed with wonder, and others chafed with envy.
The face of the Young Academy of Ondur is a stunning blend of ancient and modern architecture, featuring smooth-etched, large arched doorways that lead into gleaming halls, reflecting the light from outside.
As they dismount, a flurry of questions from children encircles them.
"How did you get to ride a wyvern?" a child asks, staring in astonishment.
"You're not even old enough!" Another chimes in, a hint of envy in their voice.
Ha-yoon looks at Si-woo, still floating in the air, and shrugs indifferently.
"Maybe you'll get to ride one too, someday," she says in a snarky tone.
Minho steps forward raising his hand, acknowledging the children.
"Welcome, it's great to see so many young ones this early," he announces.
In the midst of the murmurs, a figure rushes out of the academy, her white hair and light blue garment flowing behind her like a flock of doves.
"Oh, my highs and lows, what happened?" Princess Deane exclaims.
Her eyes take in the ragged sight of Si-woo airborn, she intently looks at Minho, her eyes searching for answers.
Ha-yoon steps forward, "I thought you would already know, with you being a prophet and all," she says sarcastically.
Princess Deane's eyes widen slightly, then she chuckles, "Even as a prophet, we have our limits," she says, her voice gentle.
"Now, hurry to your class, Ha-yoon. You're starting at echelon one until we can properly evaluate your abilities. Minho will lead you there."
Si-woo gently hit the top of Ha-yoon's head. "Be nice."
Ha-yoon pouts while rubbing her head, "Sorry-"
"It's okay, she's just worried about us," Si-woo says, looking down at her.
He looks around at the surreal buildings and retreating children; still floating horizontally.
"I'll get used to this eventually," he murmurs to himself.
"Now," Princess Deane grabs the mechanical disk from Minho's garment.
"Let me take the boy to the nurse and get him ready for his second echelon class. We'll talk later, Minho."
Minho nervously laughs, grabbing Ha-yoons backpack from the air.
Si-woo glides after her, his backpack in tow. Ha-yoon watches as they walk to the academy.
"You'll be able to see him between your classes," Minho says, looking at Ha-yoon's worried face.
"Now, follow me, and let's get you into the school uniform. The stares must be tiring for you," he says, eyes watching them as they walk into the large doorway of the academy.
The entrance walls are lined with paddling lamps, casting a warm glow that dances across the gleaming marble floor. The children stare as Si-woo is led away by the princess, a trail of whispers following them.
"I'm going to leave you with our academy's nurse," Princess Deane begins.
"She's a dear friend of mine and will take care of you and prepare you for class. I'm genuinely sorry this happened to you."
Is there an end to these halls? Si-woo contemplates, watching doors pass by. And the walls, I want to know what these creatures are that they carved.
Princess Deane enters a soothing, lavender-scented room, easing the tension in Si-woo's body.
The nurse's office, a softly lit chamber adorned with glowing herbs, brews, and apparatuses, half half-filled with fluids inside.
"Here you go," Princess Deane says, laying Si-woo down beside his belongings on an open bed, then kisses him on the forehead.
"We have a patient this early," A woman calls from behind a separating drape.
The nurse, a healthy woman with kind eyes and a gentle touch, her hair pulled back into a neat bun, revealing her slender shoulders in her formal silk, sage green attire, with circular glasses that complemented her light green eyes and hair.
"Oh my gosh, the princess," the nurse exclaims, bustling over to Si-woo, her eyes quickly assessing his condition.
"Mmm, I see."
A bell rings. Princess Deane looks at the nurse frantically.
"Could you please take care of this boy for me and send him to class B1 when ready? Thank youuu!" she says in a hurry, leaving.
The nurse looks at Si-Woo, her eyes softening.
"She's always in a hurry," she murmurs to herself, sitting in a chair adjacent to him.
"You must be the being from the other world I've heard about."
Si-woo didn't move nor respond.
The nurse clears her throat. "Alright, young man, it's time to get you into your school clothes," she says with a smile.
"I'm sure you're eager to start your first day of school in Ondur!"
But Si-woo didn't move. She walks over to him, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, come now," her hands poised over his ribs.
"I know a little something that'll get you up and about!"
With a burst of energy, she begins to tickle him gently, her fingers dancing across his abdomen. He squirms and giggles, his body rising slightly off the bed, attempting to escape.
"No, no, stop it!" he squeals through laughter, his eyes welling up with tears.
The nurse's laughter is warm and soothing, filling the room like a gentle spring breeze. She stops tickling Si-woo and leans back in her chair, her emerald green eyes glossy.
Si-woo sits up, crossed-legged.
"This world is so wonderful; it's so fun going around like that. What's that tool they used?"
The nurse, a young-looking fae woman with a gentle smile, hands him a neatly folded set of school clothes.
"It's an 'SBD', a serein buoyancy disk, a utility device we use in Ondur," she says, her voice soothing.
"But for now, let's get you dressed and ready for your class, and please be careful not to take advantage of Princess Deane's kindness."
Si-woo blushes slightly, "I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice genuine.
"I got carried away."
The nurse giggles, her expression softening. "You're a clever one, I know you don't mean harm, but it's important to be less of an inconvenience to Her Majesty, especially now of all times. Now, let's get you dressed."
"What's your name?" Si-woo asks.
"Lila, Nurse Lila," she replies with a smile, watching as Si-woo carefully maneuvers his way into the clothes she had given him.
It's so light. Si-woo slides his arms through the shirt, almost weightless.
The uniform, a black two-piece, consisting of a tailored t-shirt and pants. The material felt like a second skin, moving with him effortlessly as he maneuvers.
Nurse Lila observes him with a knowing smile, her eyes searching him for any lingering wounds.
"Hmmm, I can already see you've been healed, let's just do a check-up before sending you off then. It must've been awful seeing such a creature firsthand."
"The sprit? How do you kno-"
"Simply put," Nurse Lila interrupts, "There's distinct mana residuals on your right arm and back, and sprits are the only creatures that can leave such traces."
"Is mana different from serein?" Si-woo asks.
"Yes, Only beings with quantum receptors can use mana, while those with a meridian tree can only use serein. The anatomy of both is practically opposite and cannot coexist in a coherent body."
So then, fae can only utilize serein, while sprits can only use mana. Si-woo ponders, I need to know more.
She examines Si-woo, her eyes grow serious. "You don't have a dantian yet...but there's flow to your serein, this is very abnormal."
"What does that mean?" Si-woo asks, biting his nails.
Nurse Lila pats him on the shoulder, halting his compulsion.
"It means there are other genetic differences between fae and your species," she says in a relaxing tone.
"But this is expected, so don't think about it too much, okay?"
She finally declares him fit for class and gives him a gentle nudge.
"Now, hurry along, classroom B1 is two hallways down to the left, third door on the right, you're already late for class."
Si-woo nods, his excitement overshadowing his earlier concern. He slips his backpack over his shoulders, feeling the weight of the supplies he packed from home before leaving.
"Thank you, Nurse Lila." He exclaims, taking a deep breath and stepping out of the office, the door sliding shut behind him with a gentle whoosh.
Si-woo steps out into the corridor, ready to learn all about the world of Yohen.
This academy has to be about the same size as New Dawn, but the ceiling has me thinking otherwise. Si-woo stares endlessly into the astral ceiling,
There's a maze of corridors stretched out in every direction. How am I going to find my way around here? Not to mention the number of times I've gotten lost at New Dawn.
The hallways are quiet with a hint of chatter from the classrooms that have begun. Si-woo calms himself as best he can before setting off down the left hallway.
As Si-woo walks by the fae-adorned walls, he can't help but feel the inspiration of awe and history that pulses from every corner. The hallways grew narrower as he went deeper into the building, and the lights dimmed. With a sinking feeling, he realized he had no idea where he was going.
"UGHH, not again," Si-woo exclaims.
He wanders the halls for what feels like an eternity, his excitement slowly contorts into confusion and then finally, into frustration. Other children begin to notice him walking past their windows frantically.
He meets his third dead end and a staircase leading to the roof, and still, classroom B1 remained elusive. He slowly turns to head back, he then hears the soft patter of feet approaching.
"Si-woo!" Mai joyfully calls out.
Mai, the young fae girl he had met the previous day, came around the corner, her silver hair flowing behind her. She is dressed in the same black uniform as Si-woo but with a skirt; her deep blue eyes and wide smile add charm to her swift gait.
"Thank goodness, I've found you," she said, breathlessly. "You're in my class!"
"Really?" Si-woo's eyes lit up. "Where is it?"
Mai holds his hand - her hold is firm.
"Do not worry - I will show you," she states, leading him through the long corridors.
"It's not too far. The teacher sent me to the nurse's office to get you, but when I showed up, Nurse Lila said you'd left a while ago."
Si-woo scratches his head, embarrassed.
"Thanks," he says, relief taking over him.
"I don't know what I would've done."
"No problem," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I grew up here, so I know this place like the back of my hand."
They arrive at classroom B1, as the door slides open, the whispers of voices grow softer. The room is a circular enclosure with walls that curve upwards, giving the illusion of a dome. The walls are decorated with maps and diagrams that inhibit the complexities of serein and fae history. At the same time, the large open, rectangular windows let the breeze and light of the twin suns stream in, casting a soft glow across the students who were talking to each other, their eyes all directed towards Si-woo and Mai holding hands.
Mai's cheeks turn a soft shade of pink as she realizes their entwined fingers. She quickly lets go, her eyes darting around, looking for her seat.
Si-woo, confused, couldn't help the small nervous smile that tugged at his lips. It was comforting to have found a friend in this new, confusing world.
The room quiets down as the teacher, the young fae man with piercing midnight blue eyes and his sharp features, steps forward.
"Ah, you've arrived," he says, his shoulders relaxing as he looks upon Si-woo.
Si-woo immediately recognizes Minho.
Good, Si-woo breathes out. Ha-yoon made it to her class safely.
"Go on, find your seat now." Minho motions them to their seats in the back of the class; his expression unreadable.
Their classmates, a mix of children of different-tint-skinned fae with pointed ears, turn to look at him with curiosity and something else underlying it that Si-woo couldn't quite place.
He makes his way to an open seat. It's subtle, but some of their eyes linger on his face; the way they whisper to each other is unmistakable; memories of Jung-ho flood his mind.
Mai takes the seat next to him, her cheeks still flushed.
"Everyone," Minho announces, his voice reverberating through the room.
"This is Si-woo, he's from the recently discovered neighboring world you've probably heard about through rumors, since he's no different from our kind, he will be joining us. Let's work together to show the hospitality of fae, okay?"
The room fills with some content nods and murmurs of assent, though Si-woo couldn't help but to dislike the attention that Minho set on him.
"Now," Minho continues, his stare sweeping over the room.
"As I was saying, I, occasionally, will be your homeroom teacher, and we will brief with each other before the start of your academic classes. Our academy is divided into twenty-five rooms, five of those being homerooms, and each homeroom classroom caters to different age groups among the echelons of The Young Academy of Ondur."
Minho picks up the electric pen on the whiteboard behind him and begins to draw a tree chart.
"In all, there are seven echelons that inhabit the three academies of Ondur. Every echelon is paired together in an academy besides echelons one, two, and three, which are in this one."
Okay, so this is kind of similar to Earth's education system, Si-woo thought, but something doesn't add up. If there are seven echelons...or grades, and I begin school at Ha-yoon's age, doesn't that mean I would graduate at thirteen?
"After every year, depending on how your performance is, you move up an echelon, advancing to a more mature environment, gaining more knowledge and intelligence. The youngest, our echelon ones, are the babe explorers of the world, and new to the wonders of serein. They're the ones who just turned six, seven, and eight."
That's odd, Si-woo contemplates, but I do remember the princess mentioning the fae's low population.
Mai leans in, her voice low.
"You're in luck," she whispers to Si-woo.
"We're in second echelons. That means we can help each other."
"Mmhmm," Si-woo returns, feeling a string of comradeship between them.
Minho's gaze settles as he speaks.
"As you know, you nine and ten-year-olds are second-echelon students," he says, gesturing to the class.
"You're a bit older and wiser than the first echelons, but not quite ready and educated enough for the oncoming challenges. This is where we learn the finer points of serein manipulation and the history of our world."
The children around Si-woo nod solemnly, each of their faces bright with excitement while concentrating on Minho.
Minho's voice grows softer speaking of the higher echelons.
"The third echelon students, at the tender ages of eleven and twelve, are beginning to step forward into the dense knowledge of Yohen; they're just beginning to learn the art of serein and how it relates to animate and inanimate matter," he says, his dark blue eyes glinting with wisdom.
"They're being educated on how to use serein internally and externally."
He pauses, allowing the class to absorb the information.
Does that mean that Ha-yoon has to spend three years as an echelon one? This system doesn't seem very practical. Si-woo looks around at some taking notes. I've been pretty good at retaining information- I don't think I need to take notes yet.
"The fourth echelon students, our burgeoning teenagers of thirteen and fourteen, have moved to The Intermediate Academy, and are building, or have built a solid foundation to strive in their chosen field of study. They're just learning to harness the raw power of the serein to manipulate the serein projectivity themselves."
"Imagine, if you will, being able to control the serein in the air we breathe," he says, his hand quickly weaving an arc in the air, casting a strong breeze through the classroom.
A gasp stretches across the class. Si-woo feels his heart race at the thought.
"Furthermore," Minho continues, turning back to the whiteboard.
"The fifth echelon students are either fifteen or sixteen or have 'awakened'. You cannot advance to the fifth echelon or higher if you haven't awakened, or are not at least 15 years of age."
"Awakened?" Si-woo whispers to Mai, his eyes wide.
Mai leans closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's when a maturing body completely integrates and becomes one with serein," she explains.
"It's like... coming into your full potential. Although I'm not sure what it'll look like for your kind."
Minho's gaze shifts to her, "Indeed," he says, his voice a bit distant.
"The 'Awakening' is a pivotal moment for all Ondurian youths. It's a period in your growth where you discover what you're truly capable of, and it will be your guide to the field of study you pursue. Awakening can be as early as thirteen, but most awaken at about fifteen, and as late as twenty and twenty-one, but all in all, it happens to all of us."
Whispers spread across the classroom, students talk about their older siblings and others they've seen awaken. Si-woo's heart races at the apprehension, at the sure thought of such a power, his mind swirling with questions.
"Is that right, new kid?" a child calls out, maliciously looking at him from the corner of his eye.
Si-woo didn't notice it at first, but the burgundy-haired boy, Sol, sat in the front of the classroom, leaning back in his chair, an arrogant smirk forming on his mouth.
"Can your kind even use serein? You're not even from here, what makes you think you could use it?"
The room grows tense, Si-woo feels his cheeks flush. Why, why, no matter where I go... Si-woo starts biting his nails.
"Now, now," Minho says, deflating the tension, his eyes pinned on Sol.
"Let's not deviate and get ahead of ourselves. Sixth echelon is for the young adults, the seventeen and eighteen-year-olds," he addresses the class.
"They're those who have obtained basic knowledge of Yohen and mastered the basic components of serein while striving in a familia. They're ready to learn the complexities of governance and diplomacy, for their chosen familia to study in."
The five royal families of Ondur, Si-woo begins, The Market and Sales Familia, The Knowledge Familia, The Agriculture Familia, The Military Familia, and The Economy Familia...I remember Princess Deane saying that by the end of our academic career, we would've already been chosen into one.
"More details will be revealed to you along your journey to the fifth echelon," Minho says.
"And the seventh echelon?" a child pipes up from the back of the room.
Minho's face takes on a mild sternness.
"Ah, yes," he says, drawing a new tree chart.
"The seventh echelon students are our most advanced. They're the nineteen and twenty-year-olds who've not only started to master serein and make it their own, but have gained a promising position in society."
A gentle breeze travels across the room, the dark strands of Minho's hair flail and coalesce through the air.
"They're the future guardians of Ondur, the ones who will stand at the forefront of conflicts, and the voyagers of our technological evolution."
"But enough about that," Minho claps his hands, snapping everyone's attention.
"Here and now, in each echelon, there are 'greenies' and 'seniors'. The greenies are the newcomers to the echelon, who are just beginning their year. The seniors, on the other hand, are those who have already spent a year in their echelon. However, since it takes three years for a first echelon to move up to a second echelon, they have greenies, juniors, and seniors. At least two years will be spent in each echelon, learning the basics of serein and acquiring the basic education of Yohen. "
Okay, Si-woo starts to piece together the information, since I'm nine, and the second echelon holds the nine and ten-year-olds, then I would be named a 'second echelon greenie'...sounds a bit odd, but it's simple enough.
"But don't be discouraged," Minho says earnestly.
"Remember how I mentioned you will move up an echelon based on your performance?" Minho erases the three tree charts and begins another writing.
"The academic branch of the Knowledge Familia conducts a particular test called the pre-midterm placement test for all who are below the fifth echelon. If the results of your test show strong, exceptional knowledge that far exceeds your occupied echelon, you may move up an echelon. It's not as easy as it sounds, but I wish the best for all of you," he says, his eyes genuine, but with a hint of mischief.
The children buzz with excitement while whispering promises to one another of quickly jumping to the next echelon. Si-woo feels the contagious determination tighten in his gut. I won't be left behind.
"Don't get too carried away," Minho warns, smiling while setting down the e-pen.
"The pre-midterm placement tests are optional, and their true purpose is to prepare you for the mandatory midterm tests, in which the chance of immediate advancement of an echelon will be absent. In two months, be prepared if you plan to take the pre-midterms, as both the pre-midterms and midterm tests can flunk you from the third echelon to the first."
Si-woo's eyes widen at the thought. It can flunk you two whole echelons?! The pre-midterm placement test is optional, so that's a relief, but even then, you're not off the hook, and two months doesn't seem like a lot of time to prepare for it.
Si-woo starts biting his nails. Can I really keep up with kids who have been born and raised in this world? Should I just...
"Don't worry." Mai's voice cuts through his mind.
"Since you're new...we'll just study together," she says, her deep blue eyes full of encouragement.
Si-woo averts his hand from his mouth, nodding to Mai's suggestion.
Minho explained, "This means that a six-year-old can be placed at the second echelon or the third, depending on the results of their pre-midterm placement test."
Minho clears his throat, bringing back the room's attention.
"Now, let's talk about the curriculum," he announces.
"The core curriculum here at the Young Academy consists of Math, science, Hoken Language and History, Behemoth studies, Spiritual Meditation, Basics of martial arts, and of course, Intro to Serein arts."
Si-woo's eyes light up at the mention of Behemoth studies. Does that mean I'll get to have my own pet? Or maybe even a menacing beast, wyvern like Minho's?
The bell rang a harmonious chime, resonating through the entire academy, signaling the end of their session.
"This is just the first day, so don't fret too much, enjoy yourself," Minho expresses, the students jumping to their feet.
The classroom is a flurry of movement and whispers as kids gather their belongings, moving on to their next class.
Si-woo gets up, slipping on his backpack. There's so much about this academy I don't know about, but somehow, I'm still able to keep track of all of it.
Si-woo slowly begins to follow after the crowd, but now I have a new goal: to prepare for the pre-midterm placement test.
"You'll do great," Mai says, walking up from behind, giving him a reassuring smile as they leave the classroom.
"Just focus on the basics for now."
The rest of the day passed by in a flash of learning new unfamiliar names, while the weight of his backpack grew heavier with each new textbook and course materials he was handed. The classes' itineraries were as diverse, with lessons ranging from the history of Ondur's archeology to the intricate bonds of familiars.
The final bell rings, Si-woo stands to stretch out his exhaustion. He grabs his backpack and makes his way to the front entrance.
I can't wait to see her face. Where is she? His eyes frantically search for his sister's face.
Outside the academy, Ha-yoon detects him through the swarm of chattering students.
"Si-woo!" Ha-yoon yells, pushing her way through people to hug Si-woo.
They embrace each other, the bright afternoon sky radiates a beautiful blue through the skylands above, casting a warm glow over the children and adults who surround the academy.
"How was your day? Are you feeling okay?" Ha-yoon asks, her grey eyes sparkling up at him.
Si-woo smiles, organizing his thoughts, "I'm fine, the nurse took care of me, though my bag is getting really heavy," he says, rotating his shoulder.
"Mine is filled with extra uniforms for me and you that Minho gave," Ha-yoon replies, whimsically twisting her upper body, "and today the teachers did say a lot of things I couldn't understand."
"Yeah, we'll just have to figure this out together," Si-woo says, beginning the walk back home.
"We'll help each other out, just like we always do."
Ha-yoon smiles, the comfort of her brother's words pulling on her lips.
"Wait, Si-woo," Ha-yoon yells, pulling out her cheg device.
"I don't think you should be in front," Ha-yoon says, taking his place, the cheg in hand.
Si-woo scratches his head in embarrassment, "You're probably right."
"Minho also told me the wyvern at the western gate shouldn't be a bother to us anymore," Ha-yoon says, walking away from the academy grounds.
"Good," Si-woo sighs in relief, "We won't have to tiptoe past it anymore,"
...
They step through the shimmering gateway, and the painful sight of their hometown greets them, but something's amiss.
"Do things look...cleaner to you?" Si-woo asks, his eyes skeptically surveying the area with a frown.
"Kinda," Ha-yoon says, her head tilting.
"They do look... different."
"Whoa," Si-woo awes, pointing up at the sky.
Wyverns of all colors soar through the sky, fae atop of them. Their scales glint in the soft light of the setting sun. A rush of wind passes through the children as a wyvern flies over them.
I know that they're doing this out of gratitude, Ha-yoon thought, but I can't help but feel there's another reason.
The siblings advanced in silence, absorbing the subtle, transformed landscape.
Upon arriving at their home, Si-woo and Ha-yoon stop to look at his mother's grave. The earth is leveled with green grass lying on top with a young tree next to a cross. A twinge of grief that gradually grew into closure sank through him. Bowing their heads, they offer a quiet farewell before stepping into their home.
Their home, untouched, as if waiting for their return. Ha-yoon makes her way to their room. With a groan, she plops down onto the bed, the softness soothing her muscles.
"Let's see what's on this TV," she suggests, reaching for the remote on the nightstand.
Si-woo walks into the room, dropping his backpack, "It won't work; all the broadcasting stations and satellite connections are gone."
Ha-yoon presses the power button, and the flatscreen in the corner of the room flickers to life, but it only shows static waves, with an unidentifiable humanoid in the background.
"Is that a man?" Ha-yoon inches closer to the TV.
They're in disbelief as almost unintelligible static plays throughout the room.
"SHHHH-ing SHHH-ws," the deep, raspy, distorted voice rings out loud.
"The final-SHHHH-SHHHHH-cleanse-SHHHHH-human-SHHHH-Only-SHHH-few-SHHHHH-main."
The static waves clip suddenly to different unrecognizable scenes, each one with horrible audio of altered crying and yelling.
"What's happening?" Ha-yoon whispers, her eyes squinting at the TV.
"Are they doing a playback of the earthquake?" she says, cupping her hands to her mouth.
Si-woo's mind races as he tries to make sense of the information. Are they talking about the survivors? And even if they were...
"We can't be sure if that person was human, even though we can somewhat understand what they're saying," Si-woo speaks up.
The static waves steady, "SHHH-ar-SHHH-not-SHHHH-in-SHHH-sear-SHHHHH-ivors-SHHHH-ung-SHHH-hu-SHHHH-ed-SHHH-Si-" but the TV suddenly fused out.
"What the-" Ha-yoon yells in frustration as she slaps the power button several times. The TV remained black.
Si-woo sits on the bed, his back to Ha-yoon's mini rampage, "There was no way to make out what they were saying," Si-woo says, his voice faint.
The TV cutting out feels too convenient, not only that, Si-woo turns to stare out the bedside window at the sunset, it was brief, but I felt like I was being watched.
Ha-yoon sighs, "It's getting late," her voice cutting through Si-woo's uneasiness.
"I'm going to go dig in the refrigerator."
They rummaged through the kitchen, discovering it had been restocked. Seeing rice, Si-woo attempts to cook it in a stew with the Ondurian ingredients. Their side dish was unique, vibrant, and unfamiliar plantains along with the crisp verdures.
...
Lying in bed, gazing at the stars through the window, Si-woo looks to his left to see Ha-yoon, beautifully sound asleep. He looks back to his right, finds himself trying to piece together the words of whoever was on the TV. Intermittent thoughts finally lull him to sleep.
Gentle chirping and calls from nature stir them awake; the sounds have become a comforting part of their new morning routine.
Si-woo gets out of bed first, heading to the bathroom to get ready.
"EWWWWW!," Ha-yoon howls in disgust,
"I found your nasty band-aid on my leeggg!"
Si-woo chuckles, brushing his teeth. I was wondering where it fell off.
They dress in their crisp black uniforms. They walk through the house, filling the silence with noises of them getting ready.
Grabbing their cheg and books, they head to the kitchen table to study together. The cheg device, a compact and sleek crystal, projects holographic images and data Princess Deane stored in it. Their textbooks help guide them through the lore and knowledge of Yohen. After studying and eating, they head to Ondur.
"Ready?" Si-woo turns to Ha-yoon, his eyes reflecting the anticipation growing inside of him. Ha-yoon nods firmly, gripping her cheg tightly.
They leave the house, the brisk morning air kisses their cheeks as they make their way to the base of Ansan Mountain. They're led by determination despite the uncertainty of their new profound life.
The portal shimmers in the early light, they both begin to find comfort from the strange phenomenon.
Holding hands, they step through the veil, and soon their feet touch the solid ground of Yohen. Everything looked as they had left it, unchanged, yet everything felt different.
The clean air and vibrant colors of profound creatures and foliage stretch far into the horizon. Ha-yoon's braided, peach-yellow hair flutters in the wind around in wonder, her eyes drink in the imagery.
"This will never get old," Ha-yoon murmurs to herself, her voice filled with awe.
Si-woo nods in agreement, holding her hand.
"Let's get going," Si-woo says, his voice drawing away from the sky.
"There's too much to learn, and we have to keep up if we plan to take the premidterm placement test."
As they approach a tree with engravings, Si-woo spots a silhouette of a figure leaning against a tree, facing them. Drawing closer, unsure of what they are seeing, the figure steps out into the light, revealing a sharp, familiar face with a knowing smile.
"Minho!" Ha-yoon exclaims, her body easing, walking over to him.
"Good morning, I see you two have started to settle nicely," he says, his eyes scanning over them and their well put-together attire.
"There's a topic we must discuss before we head to the academy."
The siblings look at Minho with puzzled glances.
"What is it?" Si-woo asks.
Minho's smile fades, and he grows serious.
"As I had said yesterday, you both have astronomical potential for the utilization of serein; there's just as much responsibility that comes along with it."
He pauses, letting the words hang in the air.
"There will be many adversaries in your near future."
"We know," Ha-yoon says, her grip on her backpack strap tightening.
"Good," Minho says, his smile returning.
"Because I have great news that will benefit you two."
He snaps his fingers, and the air around them vibrates, wholly revealing the sky-scraping, majestic, black wyvern behind him. Lemmy's grey eyes gleam at Ha-yoon's.
"Tomorrow, after academic classes, I'm going to be your Master, training you in combat arts until you're strong enough to take care of yourself," he proudly claims.
"Nice, thank you, Minho," Si-woo says, thinking back to his brother's words. Strength isn't just within my muscles, it's in my mind and heart.
"Why not today?" Ha-yoon asks, her curious eyes looking at Minho.
"We can start doing it today!" she says eagerly, flexing her arm at him.
Minho chuckles, his eyes twinkling.
"There's something else we must do after your academics; let's be patient for now."
He urges them toward the large wyvern, helping each of them onto her, "Without any more delay, let's hurry to the academy."
They ride on Lemmy to the city of Ondur. The creature's large wings beat rhythmically, slicing through the air with the grace of a dancer. The wind combs through their hair while flying over the landscape, the city coming into view with each moment.
The siblings' hearts quicken as they approach the academy. The grand fae architecture loomed over them, and its towers pierced the sky like upright spears.
Minho steers the wyvern to a smooth landing, far from the front of the academy's grand entrance. Landing, the wyvern's wings fold back with ease. Si-woo slides off its back while Minho helps Ha-yoon descend; their legs like jelly from the breezy ride.
"Remember," Minho calls out, the siblings walking away from him, "I'll be waiting for you here afterwards. There's much on our agenda and steps to be taken."
"Okay, thank you!" they yell as they step into the crowd of children moving towards the entrance.
The bustling hallways carry students of various ages, their uniforms fluttering in waves of black. The siblings walk side by side with pride, their feet joining the cacophony of steps on the marble floors, reflecting the light of the chandelier-like lanterns.
"My class is on the left wing," Ha-yoon says, her steps steering her away to a near corridor.
"I'll see you after school, bye!"
"See ya!" Si-woo waves as she leaves. I should head to the right wing soon.
They both are swallowed into the sea of students, motioning to their classrooms. Indifferent to the stares of children as he walks, he navigates through the unfamiliar corridors, the whispers rub off his shoulder as he makes his way to classroom B1.
I'm used to stares now, even back on Earth, I was looked at as an outcast too...so then why...why does it still hurt a bit?
Turning a corner, there's a group of older students blocking his path. The four of them, all taller than Si-woo, are banded together as if part of a cult. One of them, A tall boy with familiar burgundy hair, sneers, stepping forward.
"Oi, greenie," Sol drawls, his head tilting, his autumn eyes looking down at Si-woo from an angle.
"I heard you think you're special because you rode a wyvern."
Some children stop conversing to gather around, Sols instigating, piquing their interest. Anxiety boils Si-woo's blood, turning his face hot, he shoves his hands in his pockets.
"Sol-" Si-woo says softly, "What do you want?"
Si-woo's jaw clenches as the other three students circle him, their movements slow and calculating.
Sol laughs, "You heard my name once, and you already know me? I must've made a great first impression." The motley crew of hyenas sneers and erupts into laughter.
"I just want to make it crystal clear where you stand here. You other-world scum."
Si-woo's eyes stay fixed on their black and brown shoes, absorbing their degradations.
To the right of Si-woo, a burly boy from the crew steps forward, his short blond hair and cruel brown eyes staring deep within Si-woo.
"Doesn't he look like a girl with that pink hair?" the boy snickers, his voice sounding as if it's coming from his nasal cavities,
The group's laughter attracts distant eyes, drawing them to the commotion. Anger and embarrassment swell up, adding to the boil in Si-woo's face.
Flashbacks of Seoul reel in his head, Jung-ho's taunts and insults ring through his head, "Pink-haired bitch, pink-haired bitch," he would repeat, throwing him down in the dirt, his mother's loving and compassionate embrace a distant memory. It's the sole reason he learned to defend himself.
I'm in a completely new world with the same problems. I thought it'd be a new start for me, how could I anticipate my past would follow me here this quickly, if not at all? His eyes sting with the burn of unshed tears, and he begins to bite his nails. The objectifying stares of the others around weigh down on him; the laughter sets him adrift on a wave leading into an endless ocean.
"Is it going to be like this forever?" Si-woo muffles through his fingers. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the fight that seemed inevitable.
I faced bullies before, but I need to be careful; there are different rules here, and I can't make trouble for Ha-yoon.
Before Si-woo could respond, the sound of rushing footsteps came from behind him. A blur of silver and black shot through the rear crowd and filled the air with a jasmine-like scent.
In the midst of their laughter, Mai stood upfront, her eyes pinned on Sol with a fiery determination that made his crew step back, but Sol just averted his gaze. Mai is smaller than most of them, but for some reason, they all seemed to shrink before her.
"What are you doing, Sol?" she demands, her voice silencing their raucous. The smiles and smirks of the surrounding students fade, and others begin to leave.
"Nothing," Sol says, shying away from her stare.
"Just introducing ourselves to the new kid."
Mai's gaze sharpens, shooting daggers at each of them in turn.
"Then you should do it properly another time," she says, pity and disgust bolting from her voice.
"Classes are about to start, and I'm sure the teachers won't appreciate the flies you're accumulating in the hallway."
"Tsk," Sol's eyes narrow. He knew better than to push Mai. Turning away, he gestures for his posse to follow.
"Don't get too comfortable," Sol calls over his shoulder as they walk away.
Mai's gaze softens, turning to Si-woo. "We're a bit far from our classroom. Did you get lost again?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Si-woo nods, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"I thought I knew...Thanks," he murmurs, his voice slightly shaky from the lingering anxiety.
She smiles, her blue eyes reflecting the light from outside. Mai gives him comforting pats on the shoulder.
"Don't mention it," she says, motioning him along with her.
"Follow me to our homeroom and try to remember, this is where they love to hang out before classes start."
The rest of the morning was easy going as introductions, new faces, and information were presented. The overwhelmingly fascinating lessons of fae culture and serein enlightened Si-woo, conjuring even more questions in his mind.
The lunch bell chimes, and Si-woo follows the flow of students to the grand commons. Looking at the cafeteria full of chatter, it brought a familiar feeling from Si-woo's old school, New Dawn. The trays of foreign food being carried around give off a heavenly aroma.
His stomach growls, reminding him of how earlier in the day his anxiety drained him. Maybe I should eat more in the mornings. A Kind-faced fae woman welcomes him to the counter and takes his order. The fae directs the food to his tray from behind the counter, each exotic dish floated to his tray, causing him to salivate.
I can barely stand to look at this anymore, Si-woo thought, his eyes stuck on his steaming tray of food.
He sits at an empty table, trying not to pay attention to the laughs and talks blending in with the beautiful blend of murmurs. Everyone seemed to have their own circle of friends, although he felt alone; he was used to this feeling.
A voice interrupts him as he is about to take his first bite, "That's my seat, greenie."
Si-woo looks up to see Sol sneering and his entourage in tow. They hover right beside him, looking down on him, and without any warning, Sol hits the table, causing food to splatter.
Si-woo tightens his grip around his fork, his knuckles white. He looks back down at his tray.
"It's free," he says, the back of his neck heating up.
Sol leans in, his hot breath brushing against Si-woo's cheek.
"Everything in this place is for me and my people," he whispers, his eyes daring Si-woo's to make contact.
"Remember that, or are you going to do something about it?"
I hate this. Si-woo's eyes narrow. I can't let him win. I can't let him be the reason that the people of Ondur will hate us.
He slides out of his seat, the food that'd been lingering dropped to the floor as he grabs his tray and stands up.
Sol, a head taller, towers over him, looking down at him in condescension. Si-woo attempts to calm himself, realizing he has bigger problems and people to protect.
"Fine," Si-woo returns through gritted teeth.
"I'll go somewhere else to eat." He begins to walk away. Scanning the cafeteria, he realizes all tables are occupied, and decides to go to a much quieter area.
His body relaxes as he climbs the stairs to the roof. Maybe I'm better off alone right now. Si-woo pushes open the doors, the brilliant suns blare down on him.
The air is nice and crisp up here. Si-woo takes a deep breath, and there's no one else up here either. I'll just make this my spot. He finds a desolate corner with a ledge and sets his backpack down. He swings his legs over the edge as he looks out at the illuminated skylands.
Si-woo finally takes a bite of his food, as he savors the burst of flavors, a tear streams down his cheek. He freezes, his chewing halted, and the food suddenly tastesless.
"Am...am I crying?" he thought out loud, his muffled voice carried away in the breeze.
"I should be used to this...right, Mom?" A nurturing memory of an afternoon picnic with his family runs through his mind.
He finishes his food, wiping the tears away with the back of his hand. The chime of the bell signals the start of his next class with Mistress Shanara: Intro to Serein Arts.
With a heavy heart, Si-woo picks up his backpack and tray and makes his way to his classroom.
The room is vast, with walls lined with intricate structures that move in a periodic motion, and others emit light to help with the dark areas of the room. Most students are already seated, talking amongst themselves, but Sol's eyes are on him as he takes his seat in the back of the classroom.
A darker-skinned teacher, with long, hazy hair flowing like a waterfall, strode in. She scans the room, a gentle smile forming on her face, recognizing every student present.
"Welcome, my students," she announces, her warm, feminine, authoritative voice traveling through the room.
"Let's enjoy ourselves on our second day of academics. Today, we will dive into our first unit of study."
I think this will be the core class for me to understand serein. His eyes jump through the intricate models on the walls.
The class began with a lecture on the fundamental principles of serein, the very essence that fueled their abilities. Every ear listened intently as she boldly spoke.
Mistress Shanara, a dynamic speaker, uses her graceful hands to describe the intricate process of how serein is processed through the body.
"The nature of serein is similar to the air we breathe," she explains, wisdom lighting he eyes.
"But instead of air, you draw in serein from the foundation of our world."
She pauses, giving the children a moment of understanding before continuing, "Does anyone know the specific organ that is responsible for this?"
The class remains quiet; only the occasional sounds of pages fluttering can be heard.
"How about you, Sol?" Sol quickly takes his eyes off of Si-woo and fixates on Mistess Shanra.
"You're a smart boy, go ahead, stand up and tell us, Sol," she gestures, her smile encouraging.
Sol stands, his chair scraping against the floor.
"It's the...uh...shadow veins," he guesses, stumbling over his words.
"Not quite, want to give it another try?" Mistress Shanara offers
Sol's face reddens as he tries to remember. The prolonged silence in the class grows into uneasiness; the length of his silence stretches out, causing everyone to stare at him.
"It's okay," Mistress Shanara says.
"You may be-"
"It's our serein dantian core, Ma'am," Si-woo calls out.
Mistress Shanara's eyes lit up.
"Yes, yes it is, very good, Si-woo," she says, nodding her approval.
"But by chance, do you know where it's located?" she pushes.
Si-woo recalls Princess Deane mentioning the subject whilst speaking of Ondurs history.
"It's located in our lower abdomen."
"Correct!" Mistress Shanara claps.
"Despite you just attending our academy, you're able to help a classmate and answer questions we 'fae' may find difficult, congratulations."
Sol's embarrassed face contorts into a scowl as he sits. His cheeks turn almost as red as tomatoes as he discreetly turns to bare his eyes into Si-woo's soul. The class murmurs, some even notice Sol's death stare and cast glances between the two of them.
"The datian core," she proclaims, writing on her whiteboard, "is the foundational seed of your meridian tree, with the branches of the tree being your meridian veins. They altogether exist in another plane, but still one with your body. Your meridian tree is located in an infinite nexus where serein circulates, linking you to the quintessence of Ondur, and as you approach awakening, you will see firsthand the expansion, movement, and purity of serein."
She went over that too smoothly; I almost got lost. Si-woo's mind races with the implications. Nurse Lila and Minho were surprised I could use serein, probably because of how my dantian core isn't fully developed. But if my core isn't fully developed, how did my meridian veins grow for me to be able to use serein?
Si-woo draws connections from the lecture to the similar concepts he was learning through the cheg device with Ha-yoon. As he absorbs the knowledge, his curiosity slowly begins to outweigh the anxiety from the early morning.
...
The final bell rings, ending the Si-woos' last class, Si-woo gathers his books and makes his way to the restroom.
The river of students in the hallway flows endlessly out the front entrance. He pushes through the crowd, needing a moment to be alone for a moment.
The bathroom is empty, the silence and indistinct voices from outside bring comfort to Si-woo. He leans against the cool, slick, amber sink. He stares in the mirror, remembering the look in Sol's eyes, the same as Jung-ho's, when he wanted to 'play' with Si-woo after school.
Si-woo jumps at the sound of the bathroom door opening. He turns to see Sol and his entourage saunter in. As Si-woo stares, his skin grows cold, and the air becomes hard to breathe.
Sol smirks, tapping one of his boys on the chest.
"Guess who's here to help us!" he yells obnoxiously. His friends snicker and laugh.
"Now, how about I return the favor from earlier?"
Si-woo clenches his fists, his muscles tense, expecting a fight. Don't give in, not here, not now. Breathe... He takes a deep breath and steps aside, putting a benign space between them.
"I'm just getting done," he says, his voice flat.
"You can have the bathroom."
Sol didn't move; his nefarious smirk grows.
"You're taking too long. Let me help," he taunts, closing the distance. Laughters bounce off the walls.
"What if I don't want you to leave?"
Si-woo starts to walk by them, without warning, Sol's fist shoots out.
"THWACK," Sols' fist connects with Si-woo's left cheek. The impact was like a whip, snapping Si-woo's head to the side. He falls backwards, his hands catching him from the marble, hitting his back. The taste of copper fills his mouth, but the sting of pain anchors him to the bathroom. Spots of blue and white distort his left eye's vision.
Sol moves in closer, his friends' laughs fill Si-woo's ears like vultures circling their prey.
"Oh, come on, is that any way to accept my gratitude?" He spat.
"You're nothing but a transvestite freak from the dead lands."
Si-woo couldn't form a thought before a barrage of blows began, almost every one of them aimed at his face. Si-woo's mind races, his head stuffed in his arms, trying to recall the lessons Ye-jun taught him, but each strike punches and kicks the lessons out of his head; they were unlike anything he'd ever experienced; they came too fast.
Si-woo feels his energy being siphoned from him; a high frequency orbits through his ears and twists the laughter of the bullies.
At last, the beating stops, the slam of the bathroom doors jolts Si-woo's body. Si-woo lies on his stomach, face-first on the hard, dirty floor in silence.
"Ugghh," Si-woo cries out.
He pushes himself to his feet, staggering as he makes his way to the sink. The water is cold, he cups the water in his hand and buries his face in it, washing away the blood.
He picks up his backpack, I..I think I have some extra in here, he siftsthrough his backpack and pulls out a clean shirt, pants, and a mask, changing quickly. he wipes his face with his dirty uniform shirt before stuffing it in his bag. His reflection stares back at him, revealing the weaknesses within his soul. The mask covers most of his face, hiding the nodules that had started to blossom like dark flowers.
"Pull yourself together, it's not so bad," he whispers to his reflection, trying to convince himself.
Leaving the bathroom, he grabs sunglasses in the side compartment of his backpack and puts them on. I doubt this will do much to hide it from Ha-yoon, but I can't have her worrying about me.
Few students linger in the lengthy hallways; his palms began to perspire, anticipating the questions Ha-yoon might ask. The echoes of outside laughter lure him to the grand entrance like the gates of heaven. He wills his legs to move, each step deliberate to mask the pain.
The wind from the grand doors pulls him through, the clear blue sky revealing Ha-yoon and Minho waiting outside. Ha-yoon's neck jerks to his direction, her eyes widening at his painful walk.
"Si-woo, wha- on my," she gasps, rushing over to him.
Si-woo forces a smile, his hand gingerly pushing up his glasses, covering his swollen eye.
"It's nothing much," he lied, being careful to articulate a casual tone while bearing pain.
"We're starting a new combat unit in martial arts class."
Ha-yoon's eyes search his, memories of other kids bullying him conjure in her mind.
"Minho will heal you really quickly with that metal again," she murmurs, peeking at his swollen eye through the bottom of his sunglasses.
"I'll beat anyone up if you want me to," she declares, flexing her bicep.
A smile tugs on Si-woo's face, his cheek stinging with the process.
"Thanks, sis," he returns, a quiver escaping his voice.
"But then who is going to save them from you?"
Ha-yoon giggles, "My elegant kicks should swiftly save them."
Si-soo's laugh is genuine this time. It feels like it's been so long since I actually laughed. It feels so good, despite my ribs.
Minho smiles, waving to them, "Alright now, come and let me treat your wounds, or we may be tardy if we don't start moving."
Walking towards Minho Ha-yoon asks, "Where are we going?"
Before Minho could speak, a great shadow blocked the suns glades as Lemmy came swooping down from the sky, landing in a few feet from Minho.
"Lemmy!" Ha-yoon exclaims.
Dust and pebbles fly as the black wings flap with excitement, the wind ruffling Si-woo's hair. A twinge of jealousy forms in Si-woo's heart at the sight of Minho's bond.
Minho turns to the two of them, "I've arranged a meeting. We're going to the royal palace to meet the king and queen. It's long overdue."