Children of The Stellar Severance

The bridge swayed beneath my feet, and the intense mountain winds howled relentlessly around us. Instinctively, I reached for the rope rail within arm's reach, gripping it tightly as I glanced downward. Below, a massive crevasse yawned open, its depths shrouded in a thick layer of fog. Through the swirling mist, jagged stone spikes jutted upward like the teeth of an ancient beast. 

Turning around, I glanced at Noel and Natalia. Noel moved with her usual calm confidence, her steps steady as if the swaying bridge didn't bother her. Natalia, however, was more hesitant. Her knuckles were white as she clutched the ropes tightly, her gaze locked on the planks beneath her feet as though each step required careful deliberation.

She looked pale but resolute, her lips pressed into a thin, determined line that betrayed her nerves.

I couldn't blame her. The swaying bridge and the endless void below would unsettle even the bravest soul. For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of gratitude that heights had never been an issue for me. 

"You're doing great!" I called back, hoping to offer some reassurance. Natalia glanced up briefly, her expression a mix of gratitude and concentration, before focusing on her next step.

 We were almost there now, the solid ground of Class 1-A's peak coming into view as the bridge grew wider beneath our feet.

The moment my foot stepped off the bridge and onto the plateau, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The ground beneath me was firm and steady, a welcome contrast to the swaying bridge we'd just crossed. Class 1-A's peak was impressive—an open expanse with outdoor training grounds scattered around, exposed to the harsh mountain conditions. 

We continued as a class as we walked toward the building's entrance. The warm air radiated against my skin as we entered, easing the lingering cold that seeped into my joints.

 Although the building was small, the interior room was surprisingly elegant despite its weathered exterior. With high ceilings and ornate architectural details, it had the atmosphere of a library that was both serene and timeless. The upper level featured a balcony that overlooked the open space. Rows of books lined the shelves above, their spines neatly arranged, offering a wealth of knowledge in every corner of the room. 

The first floor of the classroom was neatly arranged with rows of tables, five across and five deep. Each table had matching wooden chairs, their sturdy frames blending seamlessly with the room's refined elegance.

The teacher was nowhere to be seen as we made our way toward the desks. What immediately caught everyone's attention were the numbers etched into each desk, clearly corresponding to a specific rank. Being ranked seventh, I quickly found my spot in the second row.

I scanned the room, my eyes landing on Noel, who had settled into the first row, second seat. This surprised me slightly—she didn't strike me as someone who would position herself so close to the action. Her posture was relaxed yet attentive, as though she was already sizing up what lay ahead.

A glance further back revealed Natalia in the third row, first seat. She sat with quiet composure, her calm but focused expression making it clear she was observing everything, taking mental notes. There was a certain steadiness to her that I found reassuring.

Then there was Argon. Unsurprisingly, he'd claimed the fifth seat in the first row, his broad frame and commanding presence impossible to miss. Yet, despite his usual air of confidence, there was a faint trace of displeasure in his expression—a furrow of the brow, a subtle tension in his jaw. Maybe the idea of assigned seating didn't sit well with him, or perhaps the rank itself bothered him.

Once all the students had taken their seats, the room grew still for a moment, a collective pause as we waited for the professor to arrive. The silence lingered, broken only by the occasional rustle of fabric or the creak of a shifting chair.

Then, almost as if by unspoken agreement, my classmates began to stir with quiet conversation as I waited.

The low hum of voices filled the classroom, weaving together a tapestry of sound. Quick, lively tones buzzed with excitement, while softer, more reserved murmurs hinted at hesitation. The occasional creak of chairs shifting against the polished wood floor punctuated the chatter, adding a rhythm to the growing energy in the room.

The faint scent of varnished furniture and the earthy tang of aged books gave the space a warmth that contrasted with the crisp mountain air we had left behind.

I glanced around, watching the students interact. Across the room, a Shivari could be seen clasping hands with an Everforge Giant, their handshake firm yet restrained and their smiles not quite reaching their eyes. Nearby, a trio of humans laughed together, their animated gestures pulling attention to their conversation. By the far wall, a Veyrian stood with arms crossed, his dark-blue skin blending in with the spine of books, his sharp gaze observing the room without a word.

Snippets of conversation drifted my way—laughter, questions, introductions—all blending into the rising symphony of first impressions.

Turning toward the loud shuffling on my left, I noticed a hulking figure settling into the seat beside me—an Everforge Giant. Somehow, he managed to wedge himself into the chair that looked comically undersized for his massive frame. His bronze-like skin glinted faintly under the warm lighting, the trademark of his kind, but his facial features were noticeably softer than I had expected. Strands of unruly blonde hair tumbled down his broad shoulders, giving him a slightly dishevelled but approachable appearance.

"Hi, how's it going? I'm Samuel—it's a pleasure to meet you," I said, offering my hand with what I hoped was a friendly smile.

His massive hand engulfed mine as he returned the gesture with a surprisingly gentle grip. "Doran," he said, his voice deep but steady, with a warmth that matched his demeanour. "Pleasure's all mine. This is the first time I've met someone unafraid to shake hands with a giant."

I chuckled softly, withdrawing my hand. "Well, I figured there's no harm in being polite."

He smirked, his orange eyes glinting with amusement. "Polite and brave, apparently. Most people stare or keep their distance."

I shrugged, leaning back slightly. "Keeping your distance is hard when you take up so much space."

Doran laughed, a rich, booming sound that turned a few heads in the room. "Fair point. These chairs weren't exactly made with us in mind."

I couldn't help but grin. "Well, you seem to be handling it pretty well, for what it's worth. I guess Everforge Giants are good at adapting to whatever's thrown their way."

His expression softened, and a flicker of pride crossed his face. "We are," he said with a slight nod. "But it's not just about adapting. It's about proving we're more than what people assume. Giants don't always get the benefit of the doubt."

I tilted my head thoughtfully. "Yeah, but I feel this place isn't about assumptions. It will push everyone, no matter who—or what—they are."

Doran's lips curved into a faint smile, his golden eyes gleaming with a quiet determination. "You're right. Here's hoping we rise to the challenge."

"Here's hoping," I replied with a slight nod, feeling a strange sense of camaraderie as the conversation settled into a comfortable pause.

My head suddenly snapped toward the front of the classroom as a sudden surge of Aetheric energy rippled through the air, thick and palpable. It wasn't just a subtle shift—it was like the atmosphere itself vibrated, pressing down on us with an almost suffocating weight.

Before I could process the sensation, the world around us began to distort.

The wooden floors of the classroom groaned and fractured, and the air shimmered as if caught in a storm. Then, without warning, it felt like the ground vanished beneath our feet.

As the disorientation began to fade, the elegant and surreal classroom we had been in moments ago was gone. In its place stood a twisted version of itself, dark and foreboding.

Shadows stretched across the room, swallowing the soft glow of light that once illuminated it.

The once-beautiful ceiling was marred by a massive crack that split it open, revealing an endless void beyond. Swirling shades of gray and black churned in the void like a storm frozen in time, radiating an oppressive energy that seemed to seep into the room.

The air felt heavier, charged with an unfamiliar tension.

The intricate carvings on the walls, once a symbol of elegance, now seemed warped and jagged, as if the building itself was alive and had been wrenched into some nightmarish distortion. A faint, eerie whisper echoed faintly through the space, though no one spoke. The transformation was unnerving, leaving all of us rooted in our now dusty chairs, unsure of what would come next.