The Avatar of Chaos

Lilith and Elias stepped out of the registration hall and into the wide marble corridor beyond. Sunlight slanted through the tall windows, illuminating dust motes and the soft echo of their footsteps.

"Let's change to our uniforms before the welcoming ceremony," Lilith said, tapping her bracelet.

Elias followed, adjusting the strap of his sword case. "Right behind you."

It didn't take long for the two siblings to enter the dressing rooms and change into their newly acquired school uniforms. When they were done, Lilith pushed open the door to get out, the crisp black-and-silver uniform settling smoothly against her shoulders. Elias followed, tightening his jacket and slipping the sword's scabbard into place at his hip. The corridor beyond gleamed with marble and torchlight as they made their way toward the Grand Aetherium Hall.

A few steps ahead, Lilith spun on her heel to whisper instructions to Elias—only to collide, quite literally, with a boy coming the other way. Her elbow knocked against his chest, and they both stumbled back a pace.

"I'm so sorry," Lilith gasped, steadying him with a hand at his shoulder. She looked up into a face framed by pale, platinum hair and calm, dark eyes she'd never seen before.

"It's entirely my fault," the boy said, brushing off his uniform with a soft chuckle. His voice was warm and surprisingly easy. "I should have watched where I was going."

Elias skidded to Lilith's side, bowing quickly. "Apologies, sir." 

The boy chuckled and shook his head. "No need for apologies! And certainly no need to call me sir."

Lilith and Elias exchanged a quick glance, both caught off guard by the boy's easy manner. Then Lilith cleared her throat and did a perfect curtsy.

"I'm Lilith Silford," she said cautiously. "And this is my younger brother, Elias."

"Silford?" The boy's brows lifted, but only briefly, as though the name meant something but he chose not to dwell on it. "I'm Alaric," he said simply, giving no title, no family name, just the name alone. His smile remained warm and unguarded. "I'm a first year. I don't really know anyone here."

Lilith's careful expression softened slightly, her wariness easing thanks to the boy's cheerful nature.

"Same here," Elias said, brightening. "We… didn't grow up around many people."

Alaric's gaze flickered with quiet understanding. "Then we're in the same boat," he said lightly. "How about we walk together? It's always easier to face new things with company."

Lilith gave a small nod, and Elias beamed. The three fell into step, the weight of titles, status, and expectation—for the moment—left unspoken between them as they made their way through the marble halls.

Soon the towering double doors of the Grand Aetherium Hall loomed ahead, polished wood inlaid with silver patterns that shimmered faintly under the magical chandeliers suspended above. The air buzzed with excitement and the hum of whispered voices. Dozens of students—some in pristine new uniforms, others already chatting like old friends—filtered into the enormous space.

Lilith, Elias, and Alaric stepped inside together, the soft soles of their boots clicking against the polished marble floor. The vast hall stretched before them: rows upon rows of arched windows, grand stained glass depicting each of the four elemental deities, and a grand circular stage at the far end where the Dean would soon speak.

"Let's aim for the back," Lilith murmured, scanning the clusters of nobles already filling the front rows. "Less… attention."

Alaric gave a quiet nod. "Agreed."

They moved together, weaving through small groups until they found a near-empty back row with a perfect view of the stage. As they settled into the cushioned benches, Elias set his sword carefully by his side, and Lilith noted three other first-years nearby, all dressed in the same crisp academy uniforms.

"I'm Tamsin Roskey," the girl spoke with a friendly wave. "Earth affinity. Shaping soil and rocks, nothing impressive yet."

Beside her sat a tall, relaxed boy with dark auburn hair and sea-blue eyes. He gave an easygoing grin. "Raffin Jorde. Water element. My family deals with ships, but I'm more of a… let's say reluctant scholar."

The last was a quiet girl with delicate features, her copper hair pinned neatly back, soft violet eyes peeking from behind glasses. "I'm Lyra Vance…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Aether magic. Just tiny spells, really…"

Lilith offered a polite nod. "Lilith Silford. This is my brother, Elias."

"Alaric," the platinum-haired boy added with a soft smile, standing just behind them.

Lyra, noticing that something was weird with Alaric, narrowed her eyes towards him. And when the realization hit her, she opened her eyes wide in shock. Her mouth opened as well, ready to say something, but Alaric quickly put a finger in front of his lips, giving her a wink. She closed her mouth with her hands and nodded her hand.

This little exchange did not escape from Lilith's observent nature. Alaric was hiding something, and she will find out what eventually.

Tamsin's eyes brightened. "Silford? You're from the Duchy of Silford? You two are very famous. I bet everyone knows about the Silford Duchy!"

Elias gave an awkward grin. "We haven't… really been around much."

"No worries," Raffin chuckled. "None of us really know each other yet. Well—except for him." He jerked his chin toward a grumpy boy a few seats down who sat with arms crossed, brooding. "That's Caspian. He's… well, you'll see."

Caspian glanced up with a scowl but said nothing.

Elias leaned closer. "Swordsmanship?"

"Definitely," Tamsin said, suppressing a laugh. "He's challenged three people already this morning."

Lilith's lips twitched faintly in amusement. She let the others talk more freely while she kept her tone soft, joining when it felt natural. Elias, as expected, quickly found common ground, his easy charm making the group laugh. Alaric, for his part, seemed content to linger quietly at the edge, his usual formality softening as he watched the exchange with veiled amusement.

Lyra shyly asked Lilith about magic, her eyes shining with curiosity. "You control all four elements, don't you? That's… incredible."

"I'm still learning," Lilith replied modestly, but with the calm confidence that came naturally to her. This only made Lyra's desire to know more about her burn brighter.

Raffin leaned casually on the back of his seat. "It's a little overwhelming, isn't it? I thought this would feel more… formal."

Tamsin giggled. "It will once the High Priestess arrives. Just wait."

Just like on que, the soft hum of conversation died down the moment the towering doors at the far end of the Grand Aetherium Hall opened with a smooth, sonorous creak. Every head in the room—nobles young and old—turned toward the entrance as the High Priestess of the Goddess of Earth glided into the chamber, flanked by two senior faculty members.

She was a striking woman in her early forties, her grass-green hair arranged in elegant waves that fell past her shoulders. Her robes were deep brown and gold, embroidered with vines and blossoms that shimmered subtly with magic. Her eyes, the rich, earthen color of fertile soil, radiated warmth as she smiled gently at the assembled students.

"Welcome, dear children," she said, her voice calm, melodic, and kind, reaching every corner of the vast hall without need for magical amplification. "I am Maerwyn, High Priestess of Idite, your Dean, and for the next four years, your guardian and guide through the trials of this academy."

Her gaze swept over them—dozens of noble heirs, each in crisp uniforms, each a potential mage, swordsman, or both. Yet her smile remained gentle, as if each face mattered equally to her.

"The Serrian Academy of Magic and Blade was founded over four centuries ago to nurture the talents of noble bloodlines, and through your diligence, you will uphold that proud tradition. Here, you will master your elemental gifts—those gracious blessings granted by the Four Divine—and temper your minds and bodies in the art of combat, should you choose."

Lilith sat motionless, hands folded, her emerald eyes fixed on the Dean. Elias, by contrast, was visibly intrigued, sitting straighter as he absorbed every word. Alaric's expression, still unassuming, carried a slight upward curve of his lips.

Dean Maerwyn continued. "Magic is the heartbeat of this world. The harmony of the elements keeps our cities alive, our people safe, and the miasma of the outside world at bay. Never forget that your magic—no matter how small—exists for the protection of others, not merely for your own gain."

Her voice softened, almost like a mother speaking to her children. "And you will stumble. You will struggle. That is as it should be. But here, you will rise again, together."

The hall remained hushed as her words settled like falling leaves.

"For now," she added, smiling anew, "I bid you enjoy this day of arrival. Settle into your dormitories, attend your orientation meetings, and begin to familiarize yourselves with the academy grounds. Tomorrow, your lessons begin in earnest."

With that, she inclined her head gracefully and stepped aside as polite applause rippled through the hall.

Lilith exhaled softly, thoughtful.

"She's… kinder than I expected," Elias whispered beside her, visibly relaxed. "Not what I imagined from someone so important."

Alaric, hands folded neatly, gave a small nod. "I rather like her."

Lilith remained quiet, her thoughts already turning inward. The Goddess of Earth's High Priestess… The target she had been told to one day kill. Her emerald eyes lingered on the serene woman on the stage.

Would she be able to do it..?

One day—but not today.

"Come on," Elias nudged her shoulder with a grin, "let's find our rooms."

Together, their newly formed group rose from their seats. Before they know it, the heavy wooden doors of the Grand Aetherium Hall groaned shut behind them as Lilith, Elias, and the rest of their small group stepped back into the open courtyard.

The others were talking—voices light, laughter easy after the weight of the Dean's welcome—but for Lilith, the world around her seemed strangely distant. Her footsteps were soft and measured as her mind unraveled and rewove the High Priestess's words, the faint image of the Goddes of Chaos flickering at the edge of her thoughts like a forgotten whisper.

Get close to the High Priestess…

Earn her trust…

And in time…

The Goddess's voice echoed softly within her memory, smooth as silk, dark as wine. The weight of the command sat heavily in Lilith's chest, and for a moment she barely heard Elias calling her name.

"Sister?" Elias tugged at her sleeve gently, concern flashing across his amber eyes. "You okay?"

She blinked once, then forced the tension from her brow. "I'm fine," she said, her voice soft and collected. She offered him a faint, reassuring smile. "Just… thinking."

He didn't seem fully convinced but let it go, turning his attention back to Raffin who was animatedly describing the terrible tea served in the dormitory kitchens of his cousin's boarding school.

The Dormitory Wing came into view quickly—an elegant stone building with ivy crawling across its facade and tall arched windows. Two marble statues of knights flanked the entrance, enchanted blades resting tip-down in the earth.

A steward greeted them, giving instructions on which floors and rooms they had been assigned. The group began to split as attendants carried luggage toward separate staircases.

Lilith gave a polite nod, offering quiet farewells to Tamsin, Raffin, and Lyra, while Elias waved a little more enthusiastically. Alaric, still lingering, caught Lilith's eye and offered a small, knowing smile before vanishing into the boys' wing.

Before Elias could disappear, she used the element of air to send him a whisper. 

"Meet me after settling in to your room. We need to pick our classes."

She then turned around to leave for her own room. The door to Lilith's private dormitory clicked softly shut behind her, sealing away the low hum of voices from the corridor. For the first time since stepping into the academy grounds, she stood utterly alone.

Her emerald eyes swept the room—polished dark wood floors, an arched window overlooking the central courtyard, a four-poster bed dressed in silver and midnight-blue linens. Her trunks, stacked neatly by the wall, awaited her touch. Only then did she allow herself to exhale fully.

She touched the ruby pendant at her throat, the weight of the hidden Chaos thrumming faintly beneath her fingertips. Then she shook her head, trying to gather herself.

With practiced efficiency, Lilith set to work. Robes and uniforms, spellbooks, a pair of polished black boots—each item placed methodically into its place. Her fingers brushed over the spine of her Advanced Elemental Theories text and her Meditations on Magic Control without pause, already familiar with their contents. The tear-shaped ruby pendant glinted softly at her throat as she moved, her expression distant, but her hands swift.

Within minutes, she was done.

Her thoughts, however, were far from settled.

Blend in. Grow stronger. Wait.

The Goddess's words still whispered at the edges of her mind.

Lilith inhaled deeply, smoothing the front of her black-and-silver academy coat. With a final glance around the room, she stepped back into the hallway and made her way downstairs toward the First-Year Common Room.

The space buzzed with soft conversation and the rustle of papers as first-year students sorted through their orientation packets. Elias sat cross-legged on one of the velvet settees, his expression scrunched in exaggerated concentration as he studied the class selection sheet before him. When he spotted her, his face lit up.

"There you are, sister! I was starting to think you fell asleep," he teased, patting the seat beside him.

Lilith allowed herself the faintest smile and joined him. She gently flicked his forehead in a scolding but playful manner. "I bet you didn't even unpack your luggage," she murmured. "Let's do this."

Elias frowned lightly because of the flick and the accusation, but didn't deny it.

They both unrolled their parchment lists, each bearing the elegant crest of the Serrian Academy of Magic and Blade at the top. Elias frowned down at the long parchment in front of him, his amber eyes scanning the list of available classes with the same enthusiasm one might have for reading an ancient legal text.

"There are too many choices," he grumbled, running a hand through his crimson hair. "I just want to swing my sword and be done with it."

Lilith allowed the barest trace of a smile to curve her lips. "That's exactly why you need my help," she said gently, picking up her own quill with practiced ease. "Swordsmanship alone won't be enough. If you want to stand by me one day, you'll need more than muscle."

He groaned. "You sound just like Caelum."

"Good," Lilith murmured, her emerald eyes calm. "Now, obviously you'll take Swordsmanship & Combat Fundamentals. That's your strength."

Elias nodded eagerly. "That one's easy. I could probably teach it better than whoever's in charge."

Lilith ignored the boast. "Beginner Horse Riding too. Like it or not, it's required. You don't want to embarrass yourself the day you have to chase someone down on horseback."

He made a face but sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'll sit on the silly horse."

Her finger traced down the parchment. "History of Serria as well. It's dull, but deemed necessary by the academy. So you have to take it. Besides, you need to know the stories people believe… especially if you're going to help me later."

Elias hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I guess I can suffer through it."

"You'll take Physical Conditioning & Reflex Training too," Lilith added, her tone leaving no room for argument. "It will sharpen your speed, which suits you."

He grinned at that, flexing an arm playfully. "Now that's more my style."

Lilith's expression softened. "And finally… Combat Ethics & Chivalry."

"Ugh," Elias groaned dramatically. "Do I really need that one?"

"Yes," she said firmly, her gaze steady. "Power without control is dangerous. And one day, you'll have to speak to important people without accidentally offending them. Trust me."

Elias looked unconvinced but scratched the class onto his list. "Only because you said so."

She gave a faint hum of approval before turning to her own parchment. Her choices—Theory & Spellcasting, Tactical Magic & Field Application, Linguistics: Old Tongue & Rune Reading—reflected her quiet, studious nature, but also the need to keep up appearances. The History of Serria and Horse Riding were necessities, not passions.

As she wrote, she noticed Elias watching her from the corner of her eye, admiration clear in his expression. "You'll do fine," she murmured softly without looking up.

He smiled. "As long as I'm with you, I will."

Lilith said nothing to that, but a rare warmth flickered in her eyes as she dipped her quill once more.

They spent the next few minutes filling out the official selection cards, Lilith's handwriting meticulous, Elias's slightly messy but legible. Around them, other first-years chatted, swapped parchment quills, and speculated about upcoming lessons.

Lilith's eyes flicked once toward the high-arched windows of the Common Room, the light dimming into gold.

One step closer, she thought, her fingers brushing her ruby pendant as her brother leaned into her side, still smiling.

One step closer to the mission… and whatever lay beyond it.

When they were done filling out the forms, the two went back to the registration hall. There, they delivered their parchments and headed back to their rooms without any more events. The sun was already setting and it was time for them to rest.

Tomorrow, they will be starting their lessons.