Safe Haven: Haverix

Chapter 12:

"I will start by letting you all know who your specific guide will be. This person will take you to your colleges and help you begin your journey," Khepri said, his deep, resonant voice carrying through the vast auditorium.

The students hung on his every word, the air thick with anticipation. Then, without warning, six vibrant beams of light illuminated the chamber, cascading down from above. Each beam bathed a desk in radiant hues—blue, white, purple, gray, black, and green. The desks, which had appeared as if summoned by Khepri's will, shimmered with an aura that seemed to hum with energy. The light from each one seemed alive, drawing the eyes of the crowd like moths to a flame.

"If you check your tasks screen," Khepri continued, gesturing to the faintly glowing interfaces hovering before each student, "you will see that it now displays a color. This color represents the college that aligns most closely with your innate potential. Each of these colors corresponds to a college where you will cultivate your magic, discipline, and craft."

The silence was almost tangible as Khepri listed the colleges, his voice steady and commanding.

- "Blue represents Pyrrathaneum." 

- "White is Sanctum." 

- "Purple is Aetheris." 

- "Gray is Umbraxis." 

- "Black is Lazareth." 

- "Green is for Verdemire."

"The colors of your robes will signify your affiliation," he added, and as if in response, a message appeared on everyone's screen. Khepri read aloud as the students scanned the descriptions with wide eyes.

"Mages of Pyrrathaneum don robes of cerulean blue with shiny red accents. This college thrives on artistic passion and creativity, focusing on control over the elements while emphasizing the fusion of artistic expression and elemental power."

"Adorned in pristine white robes with silver and pale gold markings, Sanctum scholars devote themselves to anti-magic, dispelling magic, and the sacred arts of protection and purification."

"Cloaked in deep purple robes with silver and dark blue trim, Aetheris wizards specialize in reality manipulation, gravity magic, and spatial/dimensional magic. They explore the infinite potential of bending the very fabric of existence."

"Garbed in robes of dark slate, accented with crimson red and steel silver, Umbraxis embraces martial prowess, magical enhancement, espionage, and the art of shadowy control."

"Robes of black with striking gold and crimson signify Lazareth, a college devoted to the complex dance of chaos, order, and time magic. Their expertise lies in the manipulation of temporal forces and the harmonizing of opposing energies."

"Dressed in emerald green robes with silver and charcoal gray accents, Verdemire fosters mastery over the balance of life, death, and natural magics. They teach students to understand and wield the eternal cycles of creation and decay."

"I know this is a lot to take in," Khepri said, pausing as the lights above pulsed gently, like a steady heartbeat. "Your assigned color is not arbitrary. It reflects the college with which you share the strongest affinity. This is where you will develop your talents and thrive—or falter."

The tension in the room grew thicker as Khepri's tone deepened. "Your system is now linked to the mentor who will guide you through your first year. These mentors are not merely teachers; they are the key to unlocking your potential. Trust them, follow their guidance, and you will find your path to success. Ignore their wisdom, and your path will lead elsewhere—if you survive."

Khepri's gaze swept across the room. "With that, I wish you all luck in your journeys." With those final words, he turned and left the stage, the air of his departure almost as heavy as his presence.

For a moment, no one moved. The auditorium was silent, save for the faint hum of the task screens. Slowly, whispers broke out as students glanced at their screens, deciphering their college affiliations.

Alex stared at his status screen, his pulse quickening as he saw the words spelled out clearly.

=========== 

Name: Alex Davis 

Level: 0 

College: Verdemire 

Skills: None 

Current Status: Excited and nervous 

Mission: Unavailable 

Tattoo of the Crossroads: Active 

Effect: Grants access to the "Crossroads" interface. Further abilities unlock as you progress. 

Description: A sigil of Baron Samedi, bound to your soul. This mark signifies a pact or inheritance tied to Haverix. 

===========

The sight of Verdemire under his name sent a chill down Alex's spine. Of all the colleges, this one was steeped in the mysteries of life, death, and nature's eternal cycles. It felt fitting, yet daunting, especially with the mark of Baron Samedi still fresh on his soul.

So, Verdemire, Alex thought, a mix of excitement and apprehension stirring within him. He had anticipated this outcome—Baron Samedi's mark had almost guaranteed it. But what lay ahead in the enigmatic college was still a mystery.

Around him, whispers were turning into movement. The girl seated next to Alex was the first to rise, her screen glowing blue as she strode confidently toward the Aetheris light. Her assuredness seemed to spark a chain reaction, and soon the room buzzed with activity.

The swell of bodies pushed Alex forward, the chaos making it impossible to resist. Eventually, he broke free from the current and worked his way toward the green light that marked Verdemire. The light seemed to hum softly, the sound resonating in his chest as he approached. At the desk, a plaque shimmered into view: **Group 7.**

The desk itself was intricately carved from dark wood, vines of emerald light etched into its surface. The carvings seemed to shift as Alex approached, forming patterns that depicted cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth. Behind the desk sat a woman in her late forties, her emerald robes immaculate and her silver hair tied neatly into a bun. Her calm, piercing gaze studied Alex as he approached. The air around her felt ancient, as though she were deeply connected to the cycles of life and death.

"Welcome to Verdemire," she said, her voice both warm and commanding. "Group 7 is gathering to your left. Find your place and prepare for what's to come."

Alex nodded, glancing toward the designated area. A handful of students were already there, exchanging nervous glances or standing silently. As he joined them, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something far greater than he could yet comprehend.

The other students in Group 7 came into focus as Alex approached. A tall boy with sandy blonde hair leaned casually against the wall, his green robes still crisp and untarnished. Next to him stood a girl with jet-black hair tied in a braid, her sharp eyes scanning the room with an intensity that suggested she was already assessing potential rivals. Another student, a shorter boy with glasses, fidgeted nervously, clutching a small notebook as though it were a lifeline.

"Hey," Alex said, offering a tentative smile. The group turned toward him, their expressions ranging from cautious to curious.

"You're in Group 7 too?" the tall boy asked, his voice easygoing but tinged with interest.

Alex nodded. "Yeah. Name's Alex."

"Markus," the boy replied, extending a hand. Alex shook it, feeling a surprising strength in Markus's grip. The others introduced themselves in turn—the girl with the braid was Liana, and the nervous boy was Ethan.

Before they could say more, the woman at the desk—their guide, presumably—clapped her hands. The sound echoed, commanding immediate attention.

"Group 7, follow me," she said, rising gracefully. The group fell into step behind her as she led them out of the auditorium and into a wide corridor lined with glowing sconces. As they walked, the guide spoke without turning.

"Verdemire is not merely a college; it is a philosophy. To master its teachings, you must understand the balance between life and death, growth and decay. Nature is neither kind nor cruel. It simply is. Remember that."

Her words settled over the group like a shroud. Alex exchanged glances with Markus, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, "This is going to be intense."