Rejoice, you have been made whole.

During the presentation, Aurelius had unconsciously held in his breath without realizing it. Chills ran up and down his spine from the powerful music, leaving him in wonder. He was genuinely awed by the famous creation method that he had heard was unforgettable—it truly was.

Suddenly, Aurelius felt a powerful aura radiating from behind him. As he turned around, he saw the most beautiful female Angelous in existence walking toward the stage in the middle. It was his childhood sweetheart. He had known her since the age of six and seen her blossom into a musical genius and become the youngest Galactic Universe superstar. It had all happened too fast for him to understand at such an age. The next thing he had known, he’d seen her on billboards, holograms, and even children’s lunchboxes. From then on, he had never seen her again; until now.

Long golden hair flowed naturally behind her like the river, and everything about her screamed perfection. Even her golden-white uniform gave her a shimmering, angelic look. Her clothes weren’t revealing but seemed seductive in their own way. Brilliant sparkles of seven rare beautiful jewels decorated her neck, each one shimmering magically around her, amplifying her radiance. Her confident steps were soft and elegant; like nobility.

Even the wind danced around her in pleasure, welcoming her every step. No one uttered a word, and instead stood entranced by her beauty and power. She walked up toward the wooden steps and stopped at the podium. Brushing back her golden hair, she gave a gentle smile that could melt any heart. The light around her seems to dazzle around her, drawing everyone in.

“Hello, everyone.” Dawn’s voice rang out with purity, so much so that not one single person would dare to look away. “I’m Maestro Regis, or you can call me Dawn, the spokeswoman of today’s initiation to adulthood and one of the eight overseers to your awakenings. I hope you enjoyed the memory of Creation.” Dawn spoke with elegance. She paused for a moment as a sense of calmness enveloped the whole assembly.

Aurelius felt he was melting in his seat; growing more comfortable as the energy washed over him. He wondered if Dawn still remembered him, even though they hadn’t met each other for six years now. The better question was if she still had feelings for him?

“With this, your baptism of awakening has started. I’m proud to say you have finally earned your wings to fly toward your new future. Your power has been in slumber for sixteen years, and now you have finally awoken to your full potential. You have all studied and trained hard to get to this point in life. With your final step unfolding before you, you are now able to grow and become who you are meant to be.”

Dawn’s voice became quiet as she drew in her breath. “New promising members will be added into our society to learn and grow. We will be dividing you into eight different groups, and each will go to their respective overseers who will help you with the process of awakening.”

Aurelius squirmed in his seat, anxious to have his powers awakened. He had been looking forward to this day; to the day when he would finally be able to soar through the sky, flying with his pair of wings. Every day and night, he dreamt of flying freely without being tied down to the ground.

Dawn’s voice cut clear in his mind, grabbing his attention. “The eight overseers are all highly-trained masters of the eight main elemental classes. Each master will teach you what you need to know throughout your training. By going to your respective overseer, you are considered a disciple of the element. You will train under that element for eight years of your life. By the time you graduate and want to learn other elements, you will be allowed to stay to master another. Our lives are long-lasting, and you’ll find that these eight years will breeze through, and before you know it, you will be on to your next element.”

The students seemed uncomfortable hearing of the long, arduous years of the task given to them. They didn’t expect the training to be eight years for just the study of one element. Most of the students clearly expected to learn the elements quicker than that and didn’t think much about it until now. When they heard the length and dedication, they all looked as if they felt a bit cheated.

Even Aurelius felt the amount of time spent on one elemental magic was quite excessive. It meant that to learn all eight elements involved spending sixty-four years in school. Not everyone could even learn that many in the first place because their natural affinity didn’t allow them to, but that didn’t stop the students from trying. They were considered immortal beings and time wasn’t an issue. It was reasonable to stay at least eight years in school to learn basic magic. Everybody knew magic in some shape or form, but the length to master the magic was different for each individual.

“There is a total of eight main elements with eight Deviant elements that make up the world of Infinitas Infinitio, which protect us with its absolute barrier. The eight main elements are Neutral, Spirit, Void, Sound, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. The Deviant magics, on the other hand, consist of Dark, Light, Electricity, Ice, Cloud, Wood, Soul, and Gravity. The world, as we know it, is one flower-like organism. It grows with the population that lives on the planet. We are fortunately gifted with new children every three hundred years.”

Suddenly, the holographic magic swooshed across the field, showing off an image. Millions of different stars were shown like speckled dust, while one world glowed the brightest. A light gold, translucent, crystal lotus flower floated encased in light, surrounded by beautiful lily pads. The floating flower roots tangled in intricate patterns, reaching outward into space as the end tapered off into translucent gold bridges fading away. Sixteen small flower buds, half-opened, circled and continuously moved around into intricate barriers of infinite geometric patterns.

“We are the citizens of Infinitas Infinitio. We all come from different planets to learn, cultivate, and grow in this school. We are given the privilege to watch, guide, and protect the different species around the universe that are being born. This gargantuan task can’t be done by us, which is why you are here in exchange to awaken—and become ascended.”

The hologram twirled around in a circle and zoomed into golden flowers. The image grew until the hologram rested on the numerous giant flower petals. Each petal had mesmerizing buildings, sculptures, and mystical environment that made up the so-called “City of Beginning.” In the center of the city was a sizable crystallized flower bulb that stood majestically; towering over everything else.

“Our king resides in all three locations, the first: the holy Garden of Choir, guiding us, planning new creatures, and keeping the universe stable. Using the power of the elements, we must transcend into an enlightened master that will assist the King in protecting the new worlds.” Dawn spoke passionately, invigorating the others around her.

The hologram world faded, bringing back light into the room.

“With this in mind, your name will be written on the board on the left-hand side over there,” Dawn directed the students toward dozens of blackboards with names written in white. “It will tell you who your overseer is for your awakening. Once again, I am glad that you all have taken the step to adulthood. Welcome you to your second life.” Dawn bowed gracefully before the students and walked off the stage. Everyone’s gaze followed her, though the crowd remained silent for a long moment.

Then an explosion of voices echoed at the same time, sounding excited at the prospect of awakening. At the same time, they were amazed that a Maestro was to be teaching in this school.

There were only a few Maestros in the whole universe, but Dawn was the youngest and most brilliant Maestro in existence. Nobody could compare to her. She had won numerous plaudits for being known universally as the number one face that represented the Maestro of Angelous race. Even her concerts were expensive, and most sought out tickets for shows that were sold out years in advance.

“I can’t believe that was Maestro Regis. I am so excited that she was here!” Some of the girls in the audience chatted with each other, bubbling with excitement at her entrance.

“Maestro Regis is going to be overseeing our awakening. I expected no less from the world star singer and scholar. She’s so dreamy.”

“Wasn’t she recently given the privilege to be the personal singer of the King?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“I heard the King spoils her rotten.”

The students nodded in agreement with that statement. They knew that she was the favorite to the King; her voice was enchanting and easy to listen to. Even the speech made everyone shudder with pleasure because Dawn’s cadence and intonations formed a magical symphony that put their weary and tired souls at peace.

Aurelius couldn’t help but agree as well. “You know, I didn’t expect Dawn to come here, especially being an overseer,” he said to Lucian, wondering when he could listen to her speak once again. Aurelius was a die-hard fan as were so many around him. He had been following her music ever since she left to go on stage.

Lucian shrugged it off. “Whatever, there’s nothing so exciting about her being our overseer today. Let’s get this over with.” He stood up and began to walk toward the bulletin board, not caring that he offended a few who were listening in on their conversation.

Aurelius frowned at his response, but he knew that Lucian didn’t care. Lucian wasn’t easily moved by her songs. Aurelius got up and followed behind Lucian, trying not to get trampled over by the excited students. They all wanted to know who they had as overseers because the majority of the students were hoping that they would fall under Maestro Regis’ tutelage.

Even Aurelius hoped that the overseer he got was someone he liked, secretly wishing it was Dawn as well. Quickly, tracing down the long list of names, he scanned through. In bold letters, his name was under the Neutral Element: Overseer Tina. His brow furrowed, not liking who he had gotten. He should’ve known life would throw him with the infamous Tina.

There were too many rumors and truths mixed around with her teaching. She was not highly regarded in the school. Many didn’t want her as a teacher because students were known to be harmed in some way.

He then searched and found Lucian’s name under the Void Element: Overseer Torren. His hand moved in a silent up and down motion as he clasped his hands together, giving Lucian a silent prayer for the bad luck he had landed with. He shuddered at the thought of Torren. Torren was another infamous Overseer known for his cold and rough attitude, but that wasn’t the only thing that differentiated him from the rest. Torren was also known to kick out students without a second thought because he didn’t like them.

Aurelius had been hoping he would land a spot in one of the rare top elements like Void, Sound, Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, where not a lot of people were placed in. Neutral and Spirit were filled with Outsiders. They were a group of species that were completely different from Angelous and Daemons as they didn’t go through the same awakening process. One could state that they paled in comparison with either Angelous and Daemons and were often seen as a lower intelligent species.

“I’m glad it’s Torren!” said Lucian. Aurelius jumped from the voice that thundered behind him. He gaped at Lucian, wondering if his friend had hit his head a little too hard. Nobody liked Torren. His personality was considered to be even worse than Tina’s.

“Why?” Aurelius asked, looking over at Lucian, his arms crossed in front of him. Torren was a difficult overseer to please. His teaching style was known to be extremely rough, while some called him inhumane in his methods.

Was Lucian a masochist? Aurelius thought. No, that can’t be right.

“I heard he’s not too rough when helping in an awakening, while Dorian is,” Lucian said.

“You’re saying that Dorian is better? Seriously, Dorian is considered a kitten compared to Torren.” Aurelius was wondering where his friend had heard such strange rumors. He wondered if Lucian knew something that he didn’t.

“Yes.” Lucian shook his head, thinking over the choices that he was given. A calm, pleased smile spread across his face, dazzling the unsuspecting people around him. It wasn’t often that Lucian smiled, which made Aurelius worried about his friend’s mental health.

“I’m surprised that you landed in a Neutral Element,” Lucian said, turning toward Aurelius as Lucian’s smile slipped away. He looked at his friend quizzically, waiting for an answer. When Aurelius didn’t give him a yes or a no, Lucian spoke again. “Are you sure you’re an Angelous?”

A nagging feeling had been in the back of Aurelius’ mind for a long time. There were times when he felt different, almost as if he wasn’t at all similar to his Angelous foster parents, but such feelings were quickly stifled away back into his heart.

Even in elementary school, his life had been difficult, and it had resulted in Aurelius becoming a loner throughout his sixteen years of life. Making friends had never come easily, especially when he had a difficult time understanding their languages and cultures. There weren’t many cliques that he could bond with, as his mind didn’t sync well with others.

Aurelius took an unconscious step back, taking a good look around him. He felt small and alone. Already, he was feeling uncomfortable being there and started to walk away from the board. Lucian grabbed his shoulder, yanking him backward.

“Did I say something wrong?” Lucian asked with a concerned voice. He took a good look at Aurelius, searching for an answer in Aurelius’ eyes. So far, a distant gaze was the only response, making Lucian even more worried.

“I don’t think I’m an Angelous,” Aurelius whispered. He ripped his gaze away from Lucian’s as he looked down at the ground. It was a battle not to look up because the shame of what he had told Lucian was the truth that he had kept hidden in his heart.

“You’re not?” Lucian spoke a bit too loudly as his voice boomed. People turned around to see what was going on as they gazed upon the two. Whispers filled the air, as others looked over questioningly at the two.

Aurelius felt uncomfortable with the heated looks that the people were giving him. He couldn’t tolerate standing in the crowd any longer. With a snap of his arm, Aurelius pulled Lucian out of the group a bit roughly. Lucian tripped a few times, but his nimble footwork allowed him to stay balanced without falling.