The courtyard was quiet except for the low hum of the few lanterns still lit, their flickering flames casting restless shadows on the cold stone. Only two figures stood near the center.
A tall man with a broad, sturdy build that speaks of years spent managing and maintaining order. His skin is weathered with a slight tan, and his dark hair is cropped short, practical rather than stylish. His face is square-jawed, as if he's mewing 24/7. Forget Sung Chin Mew. This man standing infront of us is the living definition of Mewmaxxing.
Traces of a few faint scars could be seen tracing across his cheek, while his arm seems to have a huge stitch marks stretching from his wrist to elbow that acts as remnants of his past scuffles. Proudly displaying it as if it's a trophy of war. His eyes are as red as the blood moon, as if he's trying to intimidate you with only his gaze. The Red Gaze, if you will. His clothing is simple but well-kept. A plain black t-shirt, probably to show off his gains. Conveying authority through quiet strength rather than ostentation.
The Fourth Seat was a woman who seemed very fragile at first glance. Slight and slender, her delicate frame wrapped in a simple yet immaculate uniform. Her pale skin was almost translucent. So translucent that it reveals the blood veins across her arm. I bet the doctors and nurses have an easy time to take her blood. Her hair, a soft ashen gray, fell in gentle waves around her shoulders. Framing a face too thin and sharp to be considered warm.
Her large, pale eyes, an emerald-like green, held an intensity that contrasted with her fragile appearance. Eyes that missed nothing, sharp and calculating beneath long, wispy lashes. She moved with quiet grace, but there was an undeniable fragility to her steps, as if the weight of her responsibility rested heavily on her slight shoulders. Just standing seems to be a lot of effort for her. So she sits by the fountain.
Though her presence wasn't imposing in a physical sense, it carried the weight of authority born from intellect and unyielding discipline. A silent force that demanded respect from those against her.
Alejandro leaned closer to me, voice barely above a whisper. "That man is the Seventh Seat. The Dorm Keeper." His eyes flicked to the tall, broad-shouldered man who spoke with a low, firm tone about wasted electricity. "He handles all the small but important dormitory issues. Noise complaints, maintenance scheduling, stuff like that."
Then his gaze shifted to the woman sitting by the fountain. "And that's the Fourth Seat. The Memokeeper." He lowered his voice further. "She's in charge of records, archives, and keeping everything by the book."
I nodded quietly, watching as the Dorm Keeper's piercing Red Gaze scanned the gathered students, while the Memokeeper seems to be writing down in one of the book she brought with her. I could probably guess what she was writing. Their presence alone commanded respect and fear, albeit it being only intimidating to me at most. It would only work if one were in serious trouble. Otherwise, nothing to worry about. Are all the High Council members like this?
Alejandro wasn't finish talking. His voice being even softer now. "They don't tolerate any nonsense, especially at this hour."
Before I could respond, a sudden yawn slipped out from me. A careless mistake given the late hour. Both the Dorm Keeper and the Memokeeper turned sharply, their eyes locking onto me like predators honing in on their prey.
Alejandro's grip tightened on my shoulder, a silent warning not to make things worse. As if calamity was about to hit me. A yawn couldn't be that bad, right?
The Red Gaze from the Seventh Seat bore into me, his glowing red eyes narrowing like a warning flare in the dark night. Had the moonlight not shine on him, I would think that a demon was staring me down from the darkness.
"Is this your response to a warning, young man?" His voice rumbled low, heavy with reproach. His muscle, flexing impressively. Biceps curling into a curve much curvier than it would mine muscle.
Behind him, the Fourth Seat's emerald eyes glimmered coldly, her delicate frame unwavering despite the tension. As if nothing can get her heart to move.
"Respect is not optional here. This academy isn't about mere discipline. It's about forging individuals destined to guide the world to be a better place. If you tire so easily, perhaps you are not suited for that burden."
I clenched my jaw, a flicker of anger rising inside me. It was just a yawn. A simple, common human reflex to being bored or tired. Nothing more. Yet their reaction made it seem like I had insulted them directly. I would tell them off, but...
Alejandro's steady hand grips my shoulder, holding me back. While Nayuta's gentle palm rose in front of me, signaling silently to hold back.
The sudden restraint cooled my temper. I clenched my fists but forced myself to breathe, the anger slowly ebbing away.
"My bad. Sorry." I muttered, voice rough but quieter now.
Both council members turned their attention back to the gathering as the announcement resumed.
I sank back into myself, aware that my outburst had drawn unwelcome eyes, but grateful Alejandro and Nayuta had stopped me before things got worse. I clearly know nothing here.
As the Dorm Keeper continued, I vowed silently to keep my temper in check. If I wanted to survive this place, I'd need more than strength. I'd need control, and probably allies. And I happen to be bad at both, so the road ahead will be a difficult one.
The announcement finally ended, and the crowd began to disperse under the dim courtyard lights. Whispered conversations filled the air as students made their way back to their dormitories, eager to sleep and escape the weight of the Council's scrutiny.
Just as I turned to leave, a quiet voice called out my name.
"Faulker."
I glanced back to see the Fourth Seat, the Memokeeper standing alone. Her fragile frame barely moving in the cool night air. No one else seemed to notice her calling me.
Curious and cautious, I approached her.
She offered a slight bow, her pale face expressionless. "I suppose I should apologize for calling you out like that," she said, her voice flat and detached. "Though, honestly, it wasn't entirely my choice. "
I took a step forward, surprising even myself. "If it's all just procedure, then why bother singling me out? Doesn't that just make things harder?"
The Fourth Seat, The Memokeeper, said while tilting her head slightly, eyes flickering with a hint of something unreadable. "I would've ignored it had Magnus did the same. Though, it does need to be addressed, as familiarity breeds a sense of security."
It's obvious who this Magnus she's referring to is.
I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Fair enough. Guess the Dorm Keeper isn't one for leniency. I'll remember that."
A faint, almost amused smile ghosted across her thin lips. "Sometimes I disagree with his methods too. Us on the High Council doesn't really get along well with each other."
I hesitated, then asked, "That so? Then why are you on the High Council in the first place?"
Her gaze softened just a bit, but the weight of her role was evident. "You seem to know nothing, huh. Like I said earlier, we exist to make all of you an outstanding individuals. To mass-produce what society deems a Genius, that is what this academy is for. And we are the role model for guiding them so. Thus, our authority is right under the Principal of this school instead of the teachers."
I nodded, understanding a little of what I heard. While also looking dumbfounded because it used to be common sense that no students are above the teachers, at least where I'm from. "Sounds exhausting. But I meant do you have a personal reason for it?"
She gave a light laugh, delicate yet genuine. "Oh, that's what you mean? Nobody have asked me that before, aside from anybody within High Council."
She continued. "Honestly, I was born with a weak and fragile body. Illness kept me from seeing the outside world. The beauty of nature, the view of the night sky, I never got to see it until I was discharged about a year ago. Maybe, I just wanted to preserve what is present for us so that the future of us could look back at it with full clarity."
Her gaze met mine once more, steady and unwavering. "And here I am today. I'm not completely healed. Any excessive physical activity would probably get me bedridden again."
There was weight in her words. A quiet determination for a better tomorrow.
I nodded slowly, seeing her not just as a distant council member, but as someone quietly fighting her own battles.
"Thanks for sharing that, um...." I said softly.
She gave a faint, almost imperceptible smile. " Shimotsuki. You are welcome, Faulker. May you find your own purpose here."
And then, Shimotsuki's emerald eyes held a flicker of curiosity as she asked softly, "What about you, Faulker? What brought you here to Imperius Academy?"
I hesitated, the weight of my past pressing against my throat. "It's... complicated," I said finally, voice lower than Alejandro's earlier. "I'll tell you everything, when the time is right."
She nodded, her expression unreadable but patient. "Very well. I shall await your tales."
The silence between us was comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding.
After a moment, Shimotsuki gave a slight bow. "Rest well tonight, Faulker. Tomorrow begins your first lesson here."
I watched her disappear into the shadows again, my mind swirling with questions and a strange sense of calm.
Whatever lay ahead, I hope she will be one of the person that will stand beside me.
Faulker stepped into the room, the door clicking softly behind him. Alejandro and Shayne immediately stopped whatever they were doing, their eyes turning toward him.
"Where have you been?" Alejandro asked, brow slightly furrowed.
I shrugged, keeping my tone casual. "Just chatting with some students in the lounge."
Shayne raised an eyebrow. "Who were you talking to?"
"I don't know their names," I said honestly. "They didn't even introduce themselves."
"Ah, you're probably talking about Lewan then." Shayne replied.
"Yeah, probably." I responded, while wondering who this Lewan is. It's amazing of him to pinpoint a specific person from just that rough habit.
I glanced around the room, then asked, "What about Nayuta? Where is he?"
"Shower," Shayne replied without missing a beat.
"Figured," I muttered, heading toward my bed to lay down.
Shayne lounged back in his chair, eyes gleaming with a casual amusement as he started filling the silence.
"So, Faulker, isn't this the first time we got to talk?" he began, voice smooth and easy, "What's the real story behind you transferring here in the middle of the semester? Not every day someone just shows up out of nowhere."
I kept my expression neutral, but inside, I bristled at the question.
Shayne noticed and pressed on, leaning forward slightly. "Come on, you can tell me. Or are you one of those guys who likes to keep secrets?"
I shrugged, choosing my words carefully. "It's nothing special. Just... family reasons."
He smirked, not convinced. "Family reasons, huh? That's a pretty vague excuse. You sure you're not hiding something? Shady business, perhaps?"
I met his gaze steadily. "Does it matter to you?"
"Maybe," Shayne said with a grin. "Because here, everyone's got a story. And sometimes, those stories get you into trouble, or out of it."
I didn't reply, letting the silence speak for itself. Shayne's grin widened, clearly enjoying the game.
"Don't worry, Faulker. I'm not here to make trouble... yet."
The empty chatter stretched on, but beneath it, I sensed the subtle probing—a reminder that in this place, nothing stayed hidden for long.
Alejandro's eyes narrowed as he caught the edge in Shayne's tone. Without hesitation, he cut in sharply, "Knock it off, Shayne. It's his first day."
Shayne smirked but held up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Al. I'm just trying to figure out our new roommate."
Alejandro's gaze remained steady, voice low but firm. "He will tell us when he's ready. Or is his presence that interesting for you to be like this?"
Shayne chuckled softly, backing off but still eyeing Faulker with a teasing grin. "Alright, alright. I'll back off… for now."
Faulker glanced between them, appreciating Alejandro's quiet defense even if Shayne's questions lingered in the air like a challenge yet to be met.
As if on cue, the door creaked open, and Nayuta stepped in, still slightly damp from his shower. His bright eyes immediately caught the tension hanging in the room.
"Oh wow, you two look like you're about to start World War Three or something!" he chirped, voice light and airy, trying to break the mood.
He grinned playfully, waving his hands. "Relax, relax! Faulk, you're safe here. No interrogations. At least, not yet."
Alejandro gave a small, relieved smile, and even Shayne's smirk softened a bit.
Nayuta plopped down on his bed with a sigh. "So, what's the drama about? I missed all the fun."
I let out a quiet breath, grateful for the interruption, and managed a small smile. "Nothing much. Just getting to know each other."
Nayuta giggled softly, nudging Shayne. "See? Told you not to scare the new kid off."
"Or you could say, curiosity killed the cat." Alejandro continued.
The tension in the room finally dissolved as the most reasonable duo worked together to lighten the mood. Shayne leaned back with a grin, clearly appreciating the change in the air.
Alejandro cracked a small smile and shook his head. "You always know how to lighten things up, Nayuta."
Nayuta smiled softly, brushing damp strands of hair behind his ear. "Well, someone has to keep things from getting too serious around here. Nice follow-up too."
I sat down on my bed, feeling the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. "So… what's it really like here? At Imperius?"
Shayne shrugged. "Depends who you ask. Some say it's a place that builds leaders. Others say it's a battlefield wrapped in pretty walls."
Alejandro nodded thoughtfully. "It's a test, in many ways. Not just of strength or intellect, but of character."
Nayuta's voice was gentler. "And sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones inside yourself."
I stared at them, realizing I was surrounded by more than just roommates. I had a small, complicated team forming around me.
"Guess I'll need all the help I can get," I muttered.
They all exchanged glances, and for a moment, I felt something I hadn't in a long time. Hope.
I let out a dry chuckle. "Alright, enough seriousness. Who exactly is the Fourth Seat? The Memokeeper, right?"
Shayne leaned forward, eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, you're curious about Shimotsuki, huh? Looks like Faulk's got a little interest already."
Nayuta glanced my way, twirling a strand of hair. "Even though you already have me...am I not enough?" He said, slightly pouting at me.
Alejandro quoted, while eyeing his phone. "Don't jump to conclusions."
Nayuta giggled, slicking his side hair behind his ear. "She's kind of… mysterious. But honestly, she's more like a walking encyclopedia than someone you'd want to flirt with."
Shayne smirked. "Yeah, unless you're into cold, robotic types. She's all rules and records—no nonsense."
I raised an eyebrow, because that's not clearly true to me. I could feel the warmth her words carried, the weight it holds and the meanings she conveyed. Still, maybe it's better if I keep my thoughts to myself. "So, not exactly the charming type?"
Alejandro shrugged. "She's just someone that keeps track of everything that happens. Doesn't mean she's not important. Just not your usual social butterfly."
Nayuta nodded eagerly, while Shayne grinned. "Yeah. Anyway, either watch out or get on her good side. Both can be equally tricky."
And then Shayne grinned slyly and leaned forward. "So, Faulk, are you interested in Shimotsuki or what? You asking about her like that…"
I narrowed my eyes, trying to hide the flicker of irritation. "Interested? It's just curiosity. That's all there is to it."
Alejandro sighed, shaking his head. "You're reading too much into it, Shayne. Shimotsuki's not exactly the type who makes friends easily."
Nayuta giggled softly, messing with his own hair, trying different fashion to complement his pajamas. "But I think she's kind of fascinating in her own quiet way. Like a mysterious book you can't put down."
Shayne chuckled. "Yeah, mysterious and cold. Definitely not your typical academy girl."
I folded my arms, looking between them. "I don't have time to figure people out right now. Got enough on my plate."
Alejandro gave me a knowing look. "Fair enough. Just be careful. People like her don't forget faces or mistakes."
Nayuta smiled gently. "And sometimes, they're the ones who end up helping you the most—if you let them."
I shook my head, half amused, half wary. "Guess I'll keep that in mind."
Shayne smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, if Shimotsuki's a bit too serious for you, there are plenty of other girls around here. Not all of them are walking encyclopedias."
I raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
He grinned wider. "Yeah. If you want, I can introduce you to some of the more.... lively ones. You know, people who actually enjoy having fun. Girls that wanted to hangout, girls that wanted a one-night stand.... you name it."
Alejandro rolled his eyes but didn't interrupt.
Nayuta giggled, batting his eyelashes playfully. "Just don't get yourself into trouble, Faulk. Some of them have more drama than this whole academy. I'm always open for you, though."
I smirked despite myself. "Appreciate the offer, but I think I'll keep my head down for now."
Nayuta covers himself in his blanket, while Shayne shrugged. "Suit yourself. But when you're ready to dive in, just say the word."
After the chatter died down, a comfortable silence settled over the room. Shayne stretched and yawned, glancing at the clock.
"Alright, I'm calling it a night." he said, standing and heading toward his bed.
Alejandro nodded, gathering his things. "Same here. Early day tomorrow."
Nayuta smiled softly, fluffing his pillow. "Goodnight, Faulk. Don't stay up too late."
I glanced at my bed, feeling the exhaustion finally catch up with me. "Yeah, goodnight."
One by one, the room grew quiet as we each settled under the covers. The hum of the dormitory faded into the background, and sleep crept in like a welcomed visitor.
For the first time in a while, I felt the weight of the day ease. At least for a few hours.