A World Of Decree: And The Seven Laws

Atlas stepped into his room, gently planting himself onto the couch, and waiting for more directions to follow.

"The ceremony will now begin. Everyone please grip your door handles and say your door number loud and clear, and make sure to close your eyes. Thank you," the same voice from before announced after cutting out with no further instructions. Intentionally, Atlas gripped tightly onto his handle, loudly stating, "A215!" while keeping his eyes shut.

He waited a few seconds, not feeling anything. All he heard were hundreds of voices all around him, talking and whispering. He opened his eyes despite his instructions and was introduced to a completely new atmosphere around him. He was now seated in a cushioned seat with brown, polished wooden arm rests on each side, and a similar looking counter in front of him extending about three feet outward and stretching left and right as far as the eye could see.

Next to him were dozens of kids all in similar seats, some talking, some sitting, and some with hoods on, avoiding everyone. All the kids were seated in a circular hall with similar decorations as the lounges. In the middle were 5 golden stands that aligned themselves in a circular pattern to face all the students. Behind the stands were five individuals, one of them being the grandmaster that Atlas saw at the third stage. His stand was shining the brightest and had a magnificent looking book floating above it.

After a couple minutes passed, the grandmaster raised his left hand, shouting "Silence!" very loudly, echoing over the ears of all the students before him. As he did, an aura exited his hands across the crowd and it forcefully made everyone shift their view to the center. Atlas didn't understand how he was forced to look at the middle, but more amazed how the Grandmaster managed to make this many students turn with what seemed like no effort at all.

The Grandmaster finally began to speak, "Hello, upcoming students of Princewood Academy. First off, I want to congratulate everyone for their hard work to be here today, it was no easy task to complete your travels to be here today. Now then, I'm sure you all have many questions about who we are, so let me introduce you to Princewoods Imperative Five. As some of you may already know, I am the grandmaster of this school, Professor Theodore Selvis. To my right is the head of healing and nursing staff, Professor Elysia Gradheart."

A tall, lengthy woman, wearing nothing but red robes with blank hair to cover half of her middle aged face.

"Up next is the head of your combat progression classes, Professor Calvin Pride. To his right is the head of the historical and science departments, Professor Layla Crane."

Short and sweet was practically written on her face. She wore a brown suit with large, circular glasses with no shame at all, proud to stand where she was.

"And last but not least, to my left is the schools symbol and voice for our education, Professor Edmund Zelle."

As the grandmaster was speaking, Atlas realized something about Calvin - that Princewood's head of combat and fighting, trained him personally outside of school grounds. A burst of excitement rushed through him as he locked eye contact with Calvin for a split second, but was caught off guard by the grandmasters continuing speech.

"You all have a specific magic sequence inside which separates everyone from each other. This means that everyone has different types of magic they are able to control and use for specific purposes. Becoming a Princewood student means that you will need to use your magic on a daily basis for the good of your people. Most of you have already realized how much physical strength you can achieve with your magic. The reason we have you all apply at this age is because this is the time for true ascension into your peak physical performance. You will learn to harness your powers with practice and full mental clarity at Princewood Academy. For now, I pass my word onto Professor Zelle to close up this ceremony."

The Grandmaster stopped talking as Professor Zelle stepped forward onto his stand. Atlas wasn't able to make a clear impression before, based on the factor of everyone standing in a circle. He was only able to see half of his face -- which seemed normal -- and his suit which resembled the faceless people he has seen before.

As Professor Zelle stepped forward, he turned his face to reveal that the other half, completely lacking any human features. He was exactly like the faceless, suited people, except he had half of his body normal. Taking this into thought, Atlas made a slight discovery on how the faceless people were created. Atlas's thoughts were soon interrupted by a very unsettling, deep voice coming from the stands.

Professor Zelle spoke, "Once magic is at your full control, spells are therefore used to amplify your abilities. You will learn a lot of information here that some may have believed to not exist. I welcome each and everyone of you to Princewood Academy, and I hope you will all achieve greatness in the magic world. You may take the rest of the day to find your upcoming monday classes. As for food, you may go to any enigma you see and say the words 'Hunger and Thirst.' They will bring you to the all out plaza for food and accessories for your d.e.s.i.r.es. To get back, say your room numbers very clearly. I am sure you still have many questions, but as of now, everyone has somewhere important to be, so please, return to your rooms for now, and thank you for your attendance."

Professor Zelle stepped down and the Imperative Five vanished like they were never even there from a quick flash of dark light around them. The counter in front of all the students rotated up and all the students were now staring at what seemed like a blank counter in front of them. However, some caught on and began to grab their board like a handle and say their rooms numbers out loud which was followed by quick flash of bright light and the disappearance of a student.

Atlas caught on as well and ended up in his room moments later to be greeted by what was an empty stand before, now had a very unusual blue slip of paper on top of what seemed like a slice of cardboard of some sort. He walked up to the slip of paper and saw certain times written for specific classes with room numbers next to them. This must have been his schedule that was mentioned earlier.

Below the slip of paper, however, was no cardboard. It seemed like a small, yet thick piece of rigid paper, splattered in red ink that read, Hello Atlas. I can't wait to meet you. -A.S.

Confused on who A.S. was, Atlas ignored the paper and decided to pick up his schedule instead to observe what his days will look like in just a few days.

Atlas tried to ignore the recent strange occurrence of events. All he wanted to do was find Rina, Leo, or even Cartuja to feel comfortable with a familiar face. Atlas headed out of his room and saw a few guys walking in his directions. Atlas actually hoped to get an answer to where B407 might be. However, his answer was a little different than what he expected it to be. The guy in the front shoved Atlas straight into the side of the wall, walking passed him before Atlas could find his balance on the ground.

He looked back at his buddies and said, "Look at some of these kids that got in, and you're scared of kids like this. Don't make me laugh, just look at him, I bet he doesn't even know any spells yet."

They all laughed and their attention shifted back on Atlas. The one that pushed him into the wall said, "What's your name kid? I'm Trey, the strongest one at this school. So you should feel privileged to even talk to me. I'm just out here patrolling on kids I want to make my punching bags before the real fights."

Atlas thought to himself, Oh great another David, exactly what I needed. He wasn't scared of Trey or anyone behind him, even if they were stronger now, Atlas was just more annoyed than frightened of the matter at hand.

He looked at Trey with an annoyed look, and said, "Atlas."

"Huh? Fartpiss? Weird name, hope to see you around Fartpiss," Trey said as he and his buddies walked towards the lounge laughing hysterically.

Atlas ignored the event and started walking towards the so called "elevator" that brought him here. However, he was caught off guard by Rina and another girl coming out of the elevator behind her. They both shared a silent gleam of excitement on their faces as soon as their eyes locked.

He was finally glad to see a familiar face, greeting each other as Rina introduced Laena, who she met in her lounge earlier that day. Laena was a short girl, brown hair that only reached her shoulders, and a gentle face that seemed too shy to say a word.

Excitingly, Rina wanted to show Atlas the talents of her new friend, "Check this out! She's a little shy but she can bend specific light rays and tones to shapeshift into things she's seen before," She waited for Atlas to share her excitement, "Just watch. Please do it again Laena!"

Laena answered her request anxiously, "Uhm, okay. I'll try my best but.. Don't expect anything amazing."

She closed her eyes and put her hands across her c.h.e.s.t. After a few moments, She began to transform into Atlas, almost perfectly. Atlas was now sharing Rina's amazement, an actual shapeshifter! He only heard that the highest of elders can perform such magic. To see it first hand made him pinch himself for reassurance that he was awake. He leaned forward to touch the clothes his doppelganger was wearing, only to be caught off guard to Laena becoming herself again.

Atlas instantly said, "Woah I didn't mean to do that, I'm sorry!"

Laena laughed, "Haha, it's okay, you can't expect it to last forever. Hopefully some spells can help me make more detailed shapes and even add a bit more time too."

They all interacted like they've known each other for years, sharing some events from their past, and how Rina and Atlas knew each other. They all agreed to go eat and proceeded with their specific instructions from earlier on how to arrive at the food plaza. As they said the words "Hunger and Thirst," they were all instantly vanished to the plaza by a quick burst of light.

Dozens of small local food joints serving all different types of fresh, tasty food all over popped into view. Hundreds of decorations filled the scene, all ranging from antique plants to benches with seven-person circular tables that occupied the surrounding space with the fresh breeze that whistled across the cherry blossom trees. Up above was a glass encased ceiling, hundreds of feet in the air with nothing but water on the other side. This plaza was at the bottom of the sea that had Princewood on top, no wonder the students had to use a strange way to get in.

The three strolled along a food stand serving fresh fruit and greens all mixed together in a fancy bowl to create a range of delicious colors to munch on. They decided to get a bowl and sit down at the nearest open table to feast after a long day of information. Before they dug in, Leo and Paris sat down next to them in a surprised manner and greeted them, "Long time no see. What have you guys been up to?" Not giving them anytime to respond, Leo instantly noticed a girl he's never seen before with them, "And don't just sit there staring, aren't you gonna introduce us to your new friend?"

Both Rina and Atlas looked excited to see them while Laena was sunk deep into her seat with no ability to say a word. Leo did most of the talking when it came to him and Paris, but Atlas and Rina knew that Paris had the same thoughts.

They proceeded to catch up and introduce Laena until the topic of harnessing magic came around. Starting with Leo, each one of them gave their best description of their magic, with almost no knowledge of so called spells and how to acquire such abilities.

Paris however, was bearing a sealed, deadly looking katana by her side. The cover was made of a very sturdy, yet elegant material, wrapped in silver chains locked in place. The blade itself could not be seen, she tried many times to open the weapon but had no luck on her mission to do so. Either way, it had a meaning, and she was sure of it, the time to open the blade would force itself when needed, not for some talent show in front of everyone.

She said that the blade was resting on top of her desk after the ceremony. With a small note saying it was a gift, and no name to say who it was from. This was a sudden shock to hear but she was glad to obtain such a valuable treasure, especially with her fierce training involving deadly weapons since the age of five. They all ate their meals together, excited for the start of the school year to begin.

Each student had a different schedule with different times for classes, but this first monday, all the students had a mandatory recitation session in the same circular hall which was called the Lore. This is the place they were all transported to when meeting the Imperative Five. As all the students settled down, there was only one individual standing by the stands; Professor Zelle.

He spoke in his same, disturbing half-voice, "Welcome to your first day of classes. This session is to state that all of you will have an opportunity to create your own guilds. A guild is a small, or large group that works together and adventures to complete duties and tasks to earn ranking in the overall Alchemic school standings. You may choose to create a guild with a minimum of six people, and must report back to either me or the Grandmaster by the end of the week with your guildmates and the name of your guild. Your responsibilities will be provided on your report. One last thing, there is a guild battle today at 5pm between two upper class guilds. Anyone is welcome to come and watch to see what the future might hold in store for them. As for now, you may return to you rooms and head on with your day."

Professor Zelle vanished, along with some other students who instantly grabbed onto their counters and left right away.

The rest of the day followed Atlas by getting to his classes, without anything too interesting going on. All of his classes so far were basic history and magic related learning classes. His first amusing class came when he realized Professor Zelle was teaching it. Not only that, but the fact that Cartuja and Leo were both in it. They all sat next to each other and waited for their instructions..

Professor Zelle began to explain that magic can be used for a much greater use than what they think. "By concentrating your inner energy, it clicks a message into your nervous system to allow your body to produce magic particles to create motion. Magic is used by different levels of concentration which can take up to decades to master. How you will concentrate on your d.e.s.i.r.ed outcome and the different levels of concentration required to do certain abilities is entirely up to you. There will be a point in time where you will all learn greater magic. Magic that is far beyond concentration. In life and death situations, you do not have time to concentrate to save a life. Therefor, you will learn certain techniques and motions that can be activated and released through your own voice recognition. Your brain works in correlation to your body. By using voice-activation, you are able to release your magic much faster and more precisely. As some of you may have guessed by now, these are called spells."

Trey, who was stationed two rows behind Atlas and Cartuja, whispered very loudly to get their attention, "Hey Fartpiss, Making a Guild? You should name it doodoo diapers." His whispering quickly turned into a rage of laughter along with three others by his side.

"Really? That's the best one you got?" Atlas motioned in response with Cartuja completely oblivious to the entire conversation.

Before Trey could respond, Professor Zelle called out Atlas, "Mr. Bright! See me after class please." Causing Trey to laugh even louder this time, dragging the attention onto him from the students in front.

After the class ended, Atlas headed over towards the professor's desk after everyone else departed out of the class. Cartuja offered to wait but Atlas told him it's no big deal, leading to him dashing out instantly.

"Is there something wrong professor?"

"No, surprisingly. I just wanted to say how much you resemble your father."

Atlas's eyes went from boredom to elation expeditiously, "You… knew my father?"

Professor Zelle managed to muster a half smile in response, "Me and him go way back, but that's for another day. I just wanted to say be careful, this is a dangerous world, filled with people you wouldn't believe existed. Don't follow the footsteps of someone else, follow your heart and your heart only... That is all."

Atlas signaled happily to the professor that he understood and headed off towards his next couple classes left in the day. His next class was with Calvin, but his expectations of a "combat class" were dropped quite low once he got in. Calvin just went over the basic rules of the class and how combat was used in the magic oriented world. The training of the students for their abilities wouldn't come until next week which was a huge let down for everyone. However, Atlas got quite lucky with that class and realized that Rina, Paris, Leo and even Faibel were all in it.

Since no one really knew each other over the course of the week, Atlas, Rina, Paris, Cartuja, Laena, Faibel, and Leo all started to get along quite well, until the end of the week came when they were all sitting together at dinner, one day before the final creations of the guilds.

Atlas said, "Well, how about we just make a Guild. I mean, we have seven people and all of us know each other more than anyone else, I think. So why not? am I right?"

Faibel was hesitant at first but eventually agreed and they all decided on making a guild together. Nevertheless, they had a tough time coming up with a name for the guild. Either too bland or too cliche names were thrown at the table, mainly by Paris or Cartuja. Some examples thrown were "Epic Guild," "Awesome Adventurers," "Magic Wielders." Leo was almost asleep of his boredom and no contribution for name creation.

After about an hour, Laena spoke for the first time and suggested the name "What about Endless Sun?"

With a few turned heads of approval, they were all intrigued in the name and it's meaning. Laena was struggling to speak in front of everyone, but managed to describe, "The Endless Sun is a song my mother would sing to me as she tucked me in. The words were so beautiful, putting me into a blissful night of sleep..." Laena quickly drifted off as she hummed the song in her head.

With a small, unnoticeable smirk from the white-haired Faibel, and everyone looking at each other ecstatically, they all agreed that tomorrow would be the commencement of "Endless Sun."