Chapter 28 Six Student Factions
Early the next morning, Zane woke up feeling unusually refreshed. His body was light, and his mind calm—like the silence after a storm.
He looked around and noticed that Shelby was already awake, sitting cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed in meditation. The morning light danced gently across the room.
Sensing movement, Shelby opened his eyes and turned to Zane.
"Good morning," he said, then cut straight to the point. "Zane, the politics in the Academy run deep. Especially for someone like you... most will try to pick on you because of your origin. So listen carefully. I’ve already submitted your applications to the administration. Tonight, the selections will be announced. But before that, everyone will go through a short interview."
Zane frowned. "What announcement? I thought once we registered, all the newly awakened students were accepted. Why’s there another interview?"
Shelby nodded slightly. "You’re not wrong. All of you are accepted into the first year. However, there’s a small detail your Pre-Academy probably skipped—it’s about the internal settlement system and the rivalry between major factions within the Academy. To minimize conflict among noble clans, super-families, and other powerful groups, the Academy decided to establish six student factions."
"Do I have to choose a faction?" Zane asked, already feeling the weight of it.
"Yes," Shelby confirmed. "And for the record, I’m also part of a faction. Let me break it down for you: the six factions are House Aether, House Noxis, House Ignis, House Umbra, House Astralis, and House Drakon."
He waved his wristwatch, and several documents transferred over to Zane’s device with a beep.
"I’ve sent you the files. Read them when you get the chance." Shelby stood, strapped a weapon to his back, and laced up his boots. "Come to breakfast when you’re ready. I’ll wait for you at the diner. Later, we’ll head to the interview. Just relax and take everything in stride. There’s always a way." He walked out of the room, humming an old tune.
Zane watched him leave, his words lingering.