Crestfall: Darkness Unveiled

Once the area was cleared of students, the remaining nine awaited orders. Sosuke managed to stand, leaning slightly on Ren for support. "Thank you all for waiting!" A voice rang out from a tent at the far end of the field. A man stepped forward, his white-and-black uniform pristine, accented with silver trim. He adjusted the officer's cap on his head with a gloved hand, the motion precise and deliberate. Long black hair fell in smooth waves over his shoulders, framing a face devoid of any discernible emotion.

"I am High Commander Virgil Quinn, Gabriel Aurelius' right-hand man. I will be overseeing your transport to his palace today," he announced, his tone clipped and formal, every word measured.

A powerful gust of wind swept across the field, carrying with it the rhythmic beating of massive wings. The skystrider descended, its shadow growing as it landed gracefully on the open grass. Its scaled body shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and the ornate carriage strapped securely to its back gleamed with polished metal and etched designs. Virgil gestured toward the carriage with a fluid motion of his arm. "You may board the strider's carriage."

The group hesitated briefly before filing into the carriage, its interior surprisingly spacious and lined with padded seats for comfort. The air was thick with unspoken tension, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them. As the last of them climbed aboard, the strider let out a deep, guttural sound before its wings stretched wide, sending up a powerful downdraft as it ascended into the sky.

Below, the professors dispersed without fanfare, leaving the High Commander as the sole overseer of the nine students. His silent, watchful presence felt almost unnerving, as though he was assessing them with more than just his eyes. The carriage rocked gently with each wingbeat, the vast expanse of land falling away beneath them, yet the unease within grew heavier as Virgil's sharp gaze never wavered.

Every group sat in tense silence, except for group three—Reid, Rafael, and Milo. The three of them were causing a commotion, laughing and shoving each other as they ignored the seating arrangement entirely. Their voices filled the air, unbothered by the weight of the situation.

Ren cast a disapproving glance in their direction, letting out a sharp sigh. Of course, they'd be excited. They don't even understand what this is really about.

Sosuke leaned back in his seat, glancing at Rin beside him. Her expression was unusually serious, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Did I… miss something? Why are both of you so quiet? I mean, I know why he's like this," Sosuke nodded toward Ren, "but what's up with you?"

Rin turned her head, worry flickering in her eyes. She straightened her posture before speaking, her tone low but deliberate. "Sosuke," she began, "have you ever wondered why things seem… off?"

Sosuke tilted his head, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean, 'off'?"

"Like the midterm," Rin said, leaning closer to him. "Why are sixteen-year-old students being sent to fight beasts strong enough to kill us? Why is death treated like it's just another lesson?"

"Oh, that…" Sosuke's voice trailed off as realization began to dawn. "Yeah. Yeah, I've thought about it."

Rin took a deep breath, her expression hardening. "Arthur explained it to me. He said… our nation's at war. He didn't say how long it's been, or why it started, but that's why we're being pushed so hard. It's why everything feels like life or death—it's because it is."

Sosuke's eyes widened, his mind racing. "That's why Gabriel wanted me…" His voice grew sharper, almost panicked. "He wanted me as a weapon, didn't he? That's why we're all being taken to his palace. We're not students—we're weapons of war!"

Group three fell silent instantly. Reid, Rafael, and Milo turned their heads, the lightheartedness draining from their faces. They stared at Sosuke's group, their confusion and shock mirrored by the tension hanging in the air.

The silence broke with the low, measured voice of Virgil Quinn. "So, you've figured out most of it. Master and will be pleased." He stood at the front of the carriage, lighting a cigarette with a flick of flame from his finger. He exhaled a plume of smoke, the scent sharp and invasive.

"No," Virgil continued, his tone calm but firm. "You're not just weapons. You're powerful allies. Gabriel doesn't want to force you to do anything. That's why he offered you the choice instead of taking you against your will, Estrella."

Sosuke's breath hitched, his mind whirling. Virgil's words didn't offer the comfort they were meant to. If anything, they made the situation feel heavier—an invisible chain tightening around his neck.

Virgil leaned back in his seat, propping his boots on the vacant chair across from him and setting his officer's cap on his knee. "Now, as Master foresaw, it's time to explain the situation." His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable weight. "You're all being offered the chance to train under the elite—the strongest forces our nation, Westoria, has to offer. Each of you in this carriage is either a natural-born prodigy or part of a powerful lineage, like the Valcrest and Estrella." His sharp gaze scanned the group, lingering for a moment on Sosuke and Reid.

"You'll be living in conditions designed to push you, but don't mistake this for a vacation." Virgil tapped the ash off his cigarette into a tray beside him. "For the next four years, you'll be trained to your limits. And when I say limits, I mean it. That is, of course, if you choose to accept." He stubbed out the cigarette with a precise motion and stood, his imposing presence filling the carriage. "If anyone here objects to serving in the military of our great nation, speak now."

Silence fell over the group. Not a single word was uttered. Even the usually rambunctious members of group three sat still, their earlier energy now replaced by unease.

Virgil's lips curved into a sharp grin as he glanced out the front window. "It seems we're nearly there. Remain in your seats—and that especially means you, group three."

The skystrider descended smoothly, its massive wings stirring the air as it landed in the expansive courtyard. The carriage swayed slightly before coming to a halt, and the group peered out the windows in awe.

Before them stood Gabriel's palace, a masterpiece of architecture and elegance. Gleaming spires stretched toward the heavens, their polished surfaces reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling array of colors. The white marble walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and cascading waterfalls framed the grand entrance, their gentle roar blending harmoniously with the soft hum of magic in the air.

Rin was the first to speak, her voice filled with a rare sense of wonder. "It's… beautiful."

Even Ren, usually composed, leaned forward to get a better look. "I didn't think anything like this existed."

Group three erupted in quiet excitement, their earlier antics returning in hushed whispers. Even Arthur's usual stoic demeanor seemed to soften as he took in the sight. The unease that had gripped the group in the carriage seemed to dissolve, replaced by awe and anticipation.

But Sosuke's brows furrowed. He glanced at the others, confusion tugging at his features. Why were they suddenly so… at ease? Just moments ago, the atmosphere had been tense, yet now they gazed at the palace as if it were a beacon of hope.

His gaze shifted to the palace again, this time with a sense of wariness rather than admiration. Something didn't feel right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Everyone else was smiling or whispering in awe, yet Sosuke's chest felt tight, his instincts telling him to stay on guard.

"Why are you all acting like this?" he asked, his voice low.

Rin turned to him, her expression brighter than he'd seen in days. "What do you mean? Look at it! This place… it's incredible."

Sosuke didn't reply, his hand clenching into a fist at his side. He stared at the palace again, its beauty somehow making him uneasy. Something about it—and the man waiting inside—felt too perfect.

Everyone exited the carriage one by one, falling into step behind Virgil. The murmurs of excitement only grew louder as they took in the grandeur of the palace. Sosuke lagged slightly, his unease deepening with every step.

Descending the palace steps was a figure as striking as the building itself—Gabriel Aurelius, the First Seat of the High Council. His white uniform, trimmed with gold, glimmered in the sunlight. His long, golden hair cascaded over his shoulders, and as he walked, he seemed to radiate an almost otherworldly light.

They crossed the open field, the anticipation in the air palpable. When Gabriel stopped just a few feet away, Virgil's commanding voice broke through. "Line up in your groups, shoulder to shoulder."

The command was followed instantly, the nine students forming straight lines without hesitation. Even the normally unruly Group Three complied, their chatter fading into silence.

Gabriel stepped forward, his movements graceful yet authoritative. His smile was warm but precise, his presence filling the space around him. "Welcome," he began, his voice smooth and inviting, carrying a natural sense of assurance. "I'm glad you've all accepted this wonderful opportunity. Today, you will be shown around the palace, your new home. From now on, this is where you will live, learn, and grow."

His words washed over the group like a comforting wave. The unease that had lingered earlier was now all but forgotten—by everyone except Sosuke, whose frown deepened as he glanced at his companions. Something was wrong, though he couldn't explain what. Gabriel's presence, no matter how perfect it seemed, felt far too unnatural.

Gabriel's words seemed to weave a spell over the group. A subtle warmth spread through the air, softening even the hardest expressions. Lyra and Elowen exchanged glances, their tension easing as faint smiles formed on their faces. Ren, typically stoic, stood a little straighter, his eyes momentarily betraying a flicker of admiration. Even Rin, who rarely let her guard down, seemed less rigid, her gaze fixed on Gabriel with a mix of curiosity and awe.

But Sosuke? He couldn't shake the unease bubbling in his chest. He watched as the others appeared to fall under Gabriel's influence, their earlier doubts dissolving like mist in the sunlight. It didn't make sense. Moments ago, the tension among them had been tangible, yet now it was as if they'd forgotten where they were—or why they were here.

"Before we proceed," Gabriel continued, his voice as smooth as silk, "I want to express my gratitude. Each of you is here because you represent the future of Westoria. The trials you've endured were not without purpose, and your presence here today is a testament to your strength and potential."

The group stood entranced, hanging on his every word. Sosuke glanced at Rin, who seemed unusually calm. His unease twisted further into suspicion. What's going on?

Gabriel's gaze swept across them, his piercing blue eyes lingering on Sosuke for a fraction longer than anyone else. The faintest hint of a smile curved his lips, but Sosuke felt no comfort in it—only a strange, creeping dissonance.

"We'll begin with a tour of the palace," Gabriel said, stepping aside to gesture toward the gleaming entrance behind him. "Virgil will guide you while I attend to matters within the council chamber. Rest assured, we will meet again soon."

The students nodded, their eagerness palpable. Even Group Three, notorious for their antics, stood poised and obedient, their earlier energy subdued into quiet enthusiasm.

Virgil stepped forward, his gloved hands clasped behind his back. "Follow me," he ordered, his tone brisk.

As the group moved toward the towering doors of the palace, Sosuke lagged behind, his gaze shifting between his companions. He couldn't ignore the nagging thought in his mind: Why am I the only one who feels this way?

The doors opened, a flood of golden light spilling out as they crossed the threshold. Whatever lay ahead, Sosuke knew this was only the beginning.