Novan POV.
"Pride walks ahead of ruin, Novan," She said, not averting her cold gaze. "What the hell were you thinking!? What were you going to do if someone else had found out?"
I plunged my hands into the waiting bowl, submerging them in water already clouded crimson. The sticky red film clung stubbornly to my skin, as though it had no intention of letting me go. I scrubbed harder, nails biting into flesh, but the stains only smeared, mocking my effort.
"That damn skeleton wouldn't shut up." I muttered in my defense. "Then the corpse didn't either."
From the side of my eyes, I saw her emotionless face twitch with anger.
"I'm not dealing with your antics today." She got up and walked with graceful steps towards the the door. She then stoped, resting softly against the frame.
"Little words of advice Novan, it'd be best for everyone if you never return. That's the least you could do for this family, and...stop chasing after that, you'll never get it."
I scoffed softly.
"Finally. Silence."
Standing before the mirror, I straightened my tie and examined my reflection. Late already, thanks to an unwanted sermon and a woman far too invested in my choices.
"Looking sharp, Novan," I murmured to myself. "Truly impeccable."
*********
It all started with a single white paper with the words "APPROVED" boldly written on it. A sigil of central's acceptance of me. It not like I had a choice, I was told to apply and as expected, I got in. I could've rejected the offer but that was a hassle I couldn't afford now, after all, subjugation is better than extermination. I know what I wanted.
Central was not just a city, it was the epitome of military power, vast in knowledge and strategic minds. As the coming of age stage 3 ritual demanded, every 15 years old must enlist for the military, regardless of gender. It was one of the few rituals that central still upheld.
I now sat in the grand hall of City Central. The walls were made from stones as smooth as air itself, intricate designs made with gold decoraded the hall in a grand style. It was beautiful and massive, easily accommodating over a thousand people with enough space to spare.
The seat were raised like steps, at what could be said to be the lowest level, was nothing but a table.
I noticed that there was a hierarchy in seating arrangements. It wasn't elaborate but subtle, the seats on the right were slightly more decorated and luxurious than those on the left, same with the people seated...
Suddenly, everyone stiffed as if air itself had paused, three elegantly dressed people walked in, breaking my observation. Two girls and a boy, their clothes screamed of wealth and superiority. They give no one a glance and headed straight for the table. One of the girls opened a book, cleared her throat and began.
"There's no need to introduce myself as of yet, this information will be void soon to most of you." Her cold, piercing gaze met everyone before she continued. " We will now conduct a test. Do well to succeed."
'Well, that was a vague introduction' I thought.
A test? This was new. Joining the military is the stage 3 coming of age ritual. There's not supposed to be a test.
I tried to listen as murmurs gradually tore through the silence but I wasn't given the chance to. A bright blinding light shone, when I came to, the environment had changed.
When the brightness cleared, I was in the middle of a swamp. The water was green and irritating reaching up to my knees, tall tress towered here and there, entangled by thick thorny vines. The most peculiar thing wasn't the environment or the sudden change in scenery.
No. It was the sun.
It was partly covered by something.
An eclipse.
Everywhere was dark with little traces of red stars.
"Time to get this over with."
What I needed was information about the test and how to pass it, but what was most important at the moment was where I was, I needed information to formulate a plan. Using the flow of air—wind, i propelled myself on top the tallest tree i could find.
"How intriguing," I mused, " but infuriating nonetheless"
I was getting irritated now. As far as the eye could see, canopies of different trees cover my view of the earth, I closed my eyes to listen, everything was quit, too quit. Not even the ripples from the swamp beneath me made noise, no insect sounds, no birds chirping. Nothing. It was as if the world itself was dead.
I was forced to be here but not against my will. Regardless, I had to win.