Manifest War: The Weapons Within

The day had finally come for Carmen's departure to LaVeda University. Carmen was equally excited and nervous to leave home, especially since she had never attended a school before. Carmen triple checked her bags and made sure she had everything accounted for.

After thoroughly packing her things, she rushed down to the grand foyer where she saw Azhane, Zalthia, Nyanza, Graymoor of Two, and Felicity of Six. She approached them and greeted the group with a nervous grin.

“Do you have everything you need?” Zalthia asked, looking over at all of her bags.

“Yeah! I think I’m ready to go.” Carmen quickly responded before looking around with a curious expression. “Where’s Tiaran?”

“She left last night. Apparently instructors needed to be there earlier than the students.” Azhane replied as she stepped forward.

“Now, make sure you give me weekly reports and updates. And no goofing off or getting into trouble, that’s the last thing we need right now.”

Azhane’s tone shifted to a more serious one, her guardian mannerisms coming out in full force.

“Oh come on! She can have some fun. Play as much as you want, Carmen heehee.” Nyanza playfully quipped with a smile. Azhane glared deeply at her with an annoyed expression, causing Nyazna to flinch slightly.

“Orrr not.. Be very very serious!”

Nyanza anxiously laughed before stepping to the side and hiding herself behind Zalthia. Carmen chuckled at the exchange and assured them she would take things seriously. They all hugged and said their goodbyes.

“Alright, let’s go. Me and Felicity will escort you there.”

Zalthia motioned for her to follow, prompting Carmen to quickly exit the castle foyer. Once the guards finished loading up the carriage with Carmen’s luggage, she looked at Zalthia with slight confusion.

“So, how long will it take to get there? Is it far?”

“Oh, it’s near instant. That acceptance letter you have should act as a portal that leads to the school. Force your energy into it and place it in front of the carriage.” Zalthia replied, pointing out all the instructions.

Carmen took out the letter and exerted her Core Energy. The letter began to glow a bright and radiant hue of gold as she put it on the ground. Moments later a giant, golden gate with an intricately designed LVU insignia appeared in front of them. The doors of the gate swung open, revealing a pale blue portal that beckoned for them to enter. Carmen was enthralled by the visual theatrics, having never seen anything like it.

“Let’s go!” Zalthia exclaimed as she stepped into the carriage.

Carmen nodded and quickly hopped in as well, prompting the carriage to move forward and ride through the portal. The gates closed behind them and it quickly faded away from the courtyard.

Within a few moments, the group emerged on the other side and found themselves on an unfamiliar road. As they crested the hill, a massive palace style building with large dome-like roofing, a large fountain in the middle of a glassy lake, and many facilities located all around it came into view. The sheer size of the school was staggering and could put many castles to shame.

The landscape surrounding the campus was incredibly evergreen and lush, covered with an immense amount of tall pine trees. The Melspire mountains kissed the horizon as they towered in the distance, proving that this place was at a much higher altitude than expected. Needless to say, LaVeda’s location was very unique and unlike any place Carmen had been to before.

“Where is LaVeda exactly? I didn’t realize there would be mountains here.” Carmen asked as her eyes were glued to the window, taking in all of the impressive sights.

“LaVeda is in northern Olun. We’re about twenty miles or so from the Melspire border.” Felicity replied with a matter of fact tone.

Carmen continued to look out the window as the carriage got closer to the campus, navigating the smooth cobblestone pathways. The group eventually made their way to the main building courtyard where there were hundreds of students and parents walking about, unloading their things.

Many of the people present appeared to be very wealthy and from important political families. Their expensive clothing and the family crests etched on their carriages oozed high status. Even though Carmen was a princess of a major nation, that status would clearly hold no weight in a place like this.

“Wow, this place is huge! So many people too!”

Carmen eyes went wide with wonder and awe as she exited the carriage, gawking at the sea of students walking about.

“Yeah, it seems like they’ve got quite the number of attendees this year.” Zalthia replied, looking around for the sign-in station. Carmen nodded and they made their way to a set of large booths with receptionists behind them.

“Hello madam, are you a first year student looking to check in?” The receptionist asked with a proper smile as he adjusted the cuff link of his white button up shirt.

“Yes, my name is Carmen Belouis.”

The receptionist went through some papers before handing Carmen a golden colored slate. It glowed with a dull yellow color as runic symbols made their presence known.

“Please place your right hand here to finalize the process.” He said, pointing his finger at the center of the slate.

Carmen placed her hand on it causing the slate to glow brighter. After a few seconds, it shifted to the color green. The receptionist smiled and took the slate back.

“Welcome to LaVeda University, Ms. Carmen Belouis. Please, make your way to the housing section to get your dorm assignment.”

Carmen nodded and started to walk towards the direction he pointed.

As they made their way through the crowds of people, Zalthia sensed that someone was watching them. She swiftly turned around, preparing for a confrontation, but to her surprise it was a couple of young female students with notebooks in their hands. They blushed heavily as their eyes met with hers.

“Uhhm, Miss Zalthia… C-can we get an autograph from the Scarlet Reaper??” They asked with glowing eyes. Zalthia was taken aback and started to feel slightly annoyed by the request. Then suddenly, she heard a loud commotion approach from all directions.

“Huh!? The Scarlet Reaper!?!?” ,“Woah!!! She’s so friggin cool man!”, “Sweet!!, Sign my book too!!” , “No waaaay!!”

Multiple excited and eager students crowded around her, admiring Zalthia’s red robes, silver hair, and red eyes. Carmen was confused as to why her sister was now surrounded by about fifty students.

“Uhh, Felicity, what's happening? Is there something I don’t know about?” Carmen asked with a perplexed expression. Felicity simply laughed before giving her reply.

“Lady Zalthia is very well known in Alaira. Tales of her many adventures and accomplishments have reached just about every nation. Many young Vestas strive to be like her one day. This happens all the time whenever we visit towns or villages for work.”

Carmen’s eyes went wide with amazement as she heard this.

“Wow, I knew she was pretty well known, but I didn’t think she’d be this famous. She usually seems so annoyed by other people’s presence, so I just assumed most would avoid her.” She replied with a chuckle as she admired her sister from behind.

Zalthia looked over at Carmen and motioned for her to keep going. Carmen nodded and they continued to make their way towards the housing area. They arrived and Carmen went through the process of getting her dorm assignment.

“Here is your key to room 207, Miss Belouis. Simply hold this rune up to the door and it will unlock. Also, here’s your uniform and some information about today’s festivities. Do you have any questions for me, madam?” The receptionist asked with a kind smile.

Carmen accepted the items and shook her head, feeling confident that she had everything she needed. The lady told her to make her way inside the main building, mentioning that orientation was about to begin. Carmen and Felicity went inside, followed by Zalthia after a few moments.

“Damn kids, they talk way too much. Gives me a headache.” She said while looking mentally drained by the loving assault. Carmen laughed until a loud announcement was made across the airwaves.

“All first year students, please make your way to the auditorium! Orientation will begin momentarily!” Said the stern, female voice echoing through the hall.

“Well, looks like that’s my cue!”

Carmen began to shake slightly as she felt her nerves coming back. Zalthia reached in and pulled Carmen close, giving her a big sisterly hug.

“You be good now, kiddo. I know you’ll do great things here, just keep that focus.” She said with an uncharacteristically shaky voice. Carmen’s anxious demeanor ceased as she embraced Zalthia’s warmth.

“I will sis! I’ll miss you guys!”

The hug ended and Carmen started to head off toward the auditorium, waving back at Zalthia while wearing a big grin. Zalthia returned the gesture and felt saddened as she sighed softly. Felicity glanced at Zalthia with shock as she noticed her shift in demeanor.

“What? The mighty Zalthia of one, showing emotions? Who are you??” She remarked with a playful chuckle. Zalthia gave her a side-eyed glare while she collected herself.

“Shut uppp.” She coldly responded with an annoyed cadence. “Come on, let’s get her stuff put into her room.”

Zalthia made her way towards the door, prompting Felicity to quickly follow after her.