"Seline Sqarish, into Lumen Crown!"
Another sound of cheering was heard.
The air smelled like wet stone, and a heavy fog settled over the outer ring, covering everything in a dull grey. From a distance, it almost looked like the world ended just from the place where the smoke began; but it was truly the opposite.
Beyond it were the spires, tall, black, humming with energy. Each second, a dark red beam would spiral across it like hollow rings, and everyone would be reminded of the power the system truly held.
Kael stood in between the many students, shifting uncomfortably not only from fear but also impatience, which could be seen on everyone's faces. All students were waiting for one thing. Their selection.
There was no way for people to flee from such an event, regardless of your identity, you were summoned once you turned fifteen. The War System wanted everyone to be counted. When the Selection determined your position in the world, that was it, there was no turning back and either you would become an honored person in the world or a weakling who'd constantly be a disgrace to their house.
Kael really did try his hardest not to stare at the large crystal at the front of the line, but it was impossible not to do so when something so impossibly large pulsed with energy far greater than anything they would be able to withstand. It was impressive, the crystal was massive, taller than any building on their district.
But it wasn't for sight-gazing. It decided their future. Their faction. Their rank. Their whole life. Touching it would decide their fate — just as the War System would be activated in their body.
"Venice Florida, into Crimson Veil!"
Kael's head tilted towards the four banners hanging behind the platform — the four factions, and everyone, except a very rare few, would be selected into one of these factions for training. The unity of the factions hardly ever happened, especially after the second war, however it was decided by all leaders that no fights would be occured in the selection areas — it had become a stirn regulation during the treaty.
Long ago, before the System arrived, people had lived in scattered nations, building machines and cities. That ended when the System fell. It forced humans into factions, demanded blood and war.
The First War had torn the world apart. The Second War finished the job, wiping out everyone who wasn't strong enough to stay. Only four factions remained, each ruling their own territory like a kingdom, and the rest of humanity just followed.
"...Solaris Covenant!" another voice rang out. A boy puffed his chest, grinning as he was taken away in gold and white.
And now, Kael was just a dozen step away from the crystal.
"Dean Tune, into Ironclaw Dominion!" And Kael saw something he hadn't noticed before. From the crystal, a purge of light would flow into their body before they were announced the result.
"Kael Ardyn."
Kael's body tensed for a moment, but he managed to relax himself as he made it across to the crystal.
"Please, i just need a faction. Don't give me nothing. Don't give me nothing."
Kael's hand hesitantly reached out for the crystal, and suddenly a bright light shone before him.
[system initializing]
[analyzing subject: Kael Ardyn]
[facti....akdx..d.dxm.e.s.wksks...sk]
In an instant, over 6 screens appeared before him, but the number kept increasing with the passing second.
The person behind Kael leaned in to stare into the crystal, and announced loudly, "Kael Ardyn. into Crimson Veil!"
But the screen Infront of kael left him more confused than ever.
[No faction found]
[Initializing Ashborn Protocol]