Hide in Shadows

"For now, you can check your houses" she said. All of the students stands up and started to look for their houses. Each houses have different buildings. But for me, who's house is unknown, I don't know what to do.

"Come on, Scarlet. Let's tour around and see each other's houses!" Sera said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You go ahead," I replied, offering a small smile. "I need to talk to the headmistress first."

Sera pouted slightly but nodded. "Alright, don't take too long, okay? I want to compare where we end up."

"I won't," I reassured her, watching as she waved and hurried off with her usual energy. As soon as they leave, I quickly made my way toward the headmistress, who was just about to leave with four other professors by her side.

"Madam, wait!" I called out, my voice a bit louder than I intended.

The headmistress stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing slightly as she turned to face me. "Is there a problem?" she asked in a strict, measured tone.

The professors exchanged glances, waiting for my response.

"Uhm, there was no relic that glowed when I touched them earlier. I... I don't know what house I belong to," I admitted, feeling my cheeks heat up with embarrassment as I nervously played with my fingers.

The headmistress raised an eyebrow, still looking at me with her stern gaze. The professors behind her exchanged curious glances. "Is that so?" she said slowly, her voice still carrying an edge of authority. "You are automatically belong to the house Evius." she said then she left.

What's house evius? 

I suddenly feel a presence behind me. 

"So, you're in House Evius, huh?" It was Iris, her voice breaking the silence. I had been trying to avoid her, assuming she'd ignore me since she told me yesterday to pretend not to know her. But to my surprise, she was the one who approached me earlier, striking up a conversation and now she was at it again.

"Iris," I said, still a bit surprised to see her. "I thought you went to your house already?" I asked, curious.

"I'm a sophomore," she replied with a slight smirk. "I already know my house. I was assisting your roommates earlier and guide them to your room to get settled in. I also assisted them here because they might be late, so I offered a hand." She shrugged casually, like it was no big deal,.

"I see, so my roommates are here already," I mumbled to myself, feeling a bit relieved and excited as I am going to meet my new friends. But I am also nervous as well since they might not be someone I can be friends with. I hope we can be close friends.

"Uhm, I see. Anyway, I'm still confused. What is House Evius?" I asked, a bit hesitant. "And where can I find it?"

"I can guide you there," Iris offered with a calm smile, 

"Really? thank you so much" I said.

While we're walking, Iris explained to me each houses.

"Originally, there were only four houses," Iris explained as we walked. "House Sabreblade is for knights and students with a natural affinity for combat or mana manipulation. Krustallos is for the ones who know magic well. Obsiusfang belongs to the elementalists. Those who can summon elemental spirits or control nature's forces. And last is House Verdant, for healers." 

I listened closely, "But each house doesn't require you to be a master already," she continued. "You don't need a lot of mana or a perfect ability. The only requirement is that you have potential. something that can be honed with training." she said. I nodded my head. It's my way of showing her that I understand what she's explaining.

"Last year, there were only four relics for evaluating and assigning students to the houses," Iris continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But today, they added a fifth relic. That white mask. The professors don't talk about it much, because no one really knows its true purpose. They dismiss it as unimportant. Only the headmistress knew what's the important of that new relic." 

"House Evius, the one associated with the white mask, is for those who don't possess any obvious abilities or weren't designated to one of the four traditional houses," Iris explained calmly. "The white color symbolizes purity and potential, while the mask represents a facade, an outward appearance that hides something deeper. Just like white can be painted into any color, those in House Evius have the potential to be shaped into something entirely different. But let me warn you, that house existed even before but the relic for that house was only shown and added today. Most students who didn't able to pass to enter any of the four houses was put into that house. Students called that house, a cursed one" 

"So... meaning... those who didn't make any of the four houses light up, are the ones who automatically go to House Evius?" I asked, still trying to wrap my mind around it.

"Yup. Exactly," Iris confirmed. Then, with a serious expression, she added, "But let me remind you, that house is considered inferior to everyone. Compared to the four houses that produce the most talented students by the time they graduate, House Evius doesn't have the same reputation. Every student from the other houses looks down on them. But, I am not really familiar with that house, I just learned this information from the seniors of other houses."

"Hmm, I understand. So that means, I need to prepare myself to be looked down on by the students since I belong to House Evius now?" I said, already trying to prepare myself for what's to come.

"Well, not necessarily," Iris replied, her tone light but cautious. "If you keep it as a secret, then no one will know. But if you tell it to anyone, then... they will know. Whether they know or not, everything is still a competition and this academy is a survival place for everyone." 

I paused, considering her words. "Wait, you mentioned something about the cursed house earlier. Why is this house considered cursed?"

"I don't know exactly," she admitted, "You'll find out once you're there."

I decided not to ask further and just see what's in there to be considered as cursed. "And what about you? What house are you in?"

"House Krustallos. I have a bit of a magic within me" she shyly answered. I chuckled because of her cuteness.

"A bit?" I asked, raising an eyebrow playfully. "You're so humble," I teased with a grin.

Iris chuckled. "Anyway, remember what I have told you yesterday. Trust no one. And don't consider me as your friend either. I might betray you in the end. Like I said, this academy is a survival place for everyone." Iris warned.

"Oh, we're here. This is House Evius," Iris said, pointing to the building.

"Thank you for guiding me," I said, genuinely appreciative.

"I've got to go," Iris said with a wave. "Good luck, Scarlet!"

As Iris walked away, I turned my attention to the exterior of House Evius. The building was modest. I haven't seen the building of other houses but if I would compare it to the building where the orientation is, this one is so simple. Its façade was plain, painted in shades of white and gray. The architecture was functional but lacked the ornate details seen in the other houses. The front door, simple and unassuming, had a small plaque that read "House Evius."

I knock three times but no one opened the door for me. I tried to open the door but still it's locked. 

"Am I not welcome in here?"