After eating, most of the students had already left the classroom some heading to the canteen for snacks, others wandering off for fresh air. But a few stayed behind, clustered together with desks pushed close like a mini conference.
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Only Chelsy, Earn, Aple, Gabriel, Jason, Ar-Ar, Khimberly, Zaira, Aona, Jomarvin, and Khalen remained, their voices still lively with curiosity and excitement.
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“I still can’t believe we’re going to The State University,” Aple said, eyes practically sparkling. “It’s, like, the top university in the region!”
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Jason leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. “Yeah, and we get to stay there for a few weeks. Dorm life, campus tours, new profs this is going to be epic.”
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“I heard they have their own media lab with broadcast equipment,” Gabriel added. “We might actually get to try it out!”
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“I just hope the food’s good,” Ar-Ar muttered, earning a round of laughter.
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“Oh please, Ar, we’ll survive. I’m more worried about the workload,” said Chelsy, flipping through her notes. “I mean, what if their standards are higher?”
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“We’ll adapt,” Khalen said coolly. “Besides, we’re from Nixon. We’ll make our presence known.”
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“You mean Earn will,” Jomarvin teased, nudging him. “He’ll charm the entire campus before the week ends.”
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“Excuse me? It’s called confidence,” Earn replied with a dramatic hair flip. “They won’t know what hit them.”
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Khimberly smiled. “Honestly, I’m excited but nervous. What if we mess up?”
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Zaira leaned on her arm, gazing out the window. “Or what if we’re meant to be there… like this is just the start of something way bigger?”
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Aona stayed quiet, listening to them with a small smile. She loved moments like this laughter shared between friends, the energy of possibilities floating in the air. But underneath her calm exterior, her thoughts kept returning to that "State University"—yet somehow felt too familiar.
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The Students from State University. The girl and the way their eyes met.
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She shook the thought away for now and joined the conversation again.
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“We just have to make the most of it,” Aona finally said. “Whether it’s good, nerve-wracking, or totally unexpected… let’s just make sure we experience it together.”
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Everyone nodded, some raising their cups or snack wrappers in a toast.
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“To adventure,” Jomarvin declared.
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“To friendship!” Zaira added with a grin.
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“To surviving whatever this is,” Earn said dramatically.
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And with that, their laughter filled the room again, the walls echoing with the sound of friendship, youth, and the unknown journey that awaited them.
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Just as the chatter in the room reached its peak, the classroom door opened and the principal, Ma’am Enara, stepped inside with her composed but warm expression.
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“Good afternoon, class,” she said, and instantly the room quieted.
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She glanced at each of them, as if memorizing their faces. “I know you’re all excited—and a little nervous—about the upcoming trip at The State University.”
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Some students exchanged shy smiles, others sat up straighter.
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“To make things easier for everyone, I’ve already contacted your parents and guardians,” she continued. “They’ve been properly informed about the program, the duration of the trip, your accommodations, and the transportation arrangements.”
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A collective sigh of relief spread through the room.
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“YES!” Ar-Ar whispered loudly, pumping his fist.
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Ma’am Enara chuckled softly. “There’s no need to worry. All your parents have given their permission. In fact, most of them are very proud and excited for this opportunity of yours. Everything from meals to security has been coordinated with The State University.”
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Chelsy raised her hand. “Ma’am… so we don’t need to go home just to get signatures or letters?”
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“No need,” the principal confirmed. “All documents have been handled. All you have to do is prepare yourselves, pack properly, and represent Nixon with dignity.”
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Earn placed a hand over his chest dramatically. “Ma’am, we were born ready.”
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The principal smiled. “I hope so. Because this program is not only for exposure, but also for building your confidence as communication students. Some of you may even be featured in their local campus broadcast.”
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Gasps and excited whispers spread across the room.
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“That will be all for now,” Ma’am Enara said. “Your departure schedule will be announced soon… so remain alert. And please, behave.”
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“Yes, Ma’am!” the class echoed.
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With a nod and a proud smile, she exited the room.
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As soon as the door clicked shut, Earn grabbed Zaira’s shoulders. “GIRL this is it. No more stressing about parents!”
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Zaira laughed. “Thank the heavens… I thought my Mama would never approve.”
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“Same,” Aple agreed with a relieved exhale. “Now I can actually enjoy this.”
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Aona listened quietly, feeling warmth in her chest. The worries she had earlier about the trip, about her parents' approval, about leaving for days faded like mist.
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Everything was set.
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Everything was too perfect.
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Just as their laughter began to fade into casual chatter, a loud honk echoed from outside.
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Gabriel glanced out the window, squinting. “Hey… guys. I think something’s happening.”
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One by one, the group turned toward the windows overlooking the open court. Parked there, gleaming under the afternoon sun, were two large, brand-new buses white and silver with the emblem of The State University emblazoned on the side.
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“They’re here already?” Chelsy stood up, walking closer to get a better look.
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“No way…” Aple gasped. “They’re really giving us official transport?”
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“Look at those buses! They look like tour buses for celebrities,” Ar-Ar added, eyes wide.
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Zaira was practically bouncing. “Are we seriously going to ride those all the way to The State U?”
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“Yaaas, luxury!” Earn sang dramatically, clapping his hands. “I’m claiming the window seat.”
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Jason whistled. “This is getting real.”
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Aona stood slowly, walking toward the window in silence. As the others laughed and snapped photos, she stared at the buses unease slowly crawling back into her chest.
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It looked perfect. Too perfect.
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Her eyes narrowed slightly when she noticed someone standing beside the buses a girl with gloves and a faint glimmer of silver catching the light around her neck.
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The moon.
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She was there again.
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Aona's grip on the window frame tightened.
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She stared at the emblem
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The emblem of D’Elvanilmest is a magnificent fusion of divine sovereignty and ancient power, forged in an age when stars still sang and dragons soared beside kings.
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At its center rises a grand shield, divided in a radiant cross of gold and silver, each segment glowing with enchantments only readable by scholars of the old tongue. Embossed upon the shield is a sword piercing through the shield signifying that wisdom, when wielded with purpose, becomes the most unbreakable weapon. The blade, known as “Drakenveil”, pulses with a soft inner fire, bound by the oaths of the first Flamebearers.
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Flanking the shield, not just one but two majestic dragons coil one of gold, the other of silver, representing balance between soul and mind, flame and moonlight. Their wings stretch wide, their claws curled protectively around the shield, their eyes alight with ageless knowledge. They are the Vaerynx Twins, sacred beasts born from the Veil Between Realms, entrusted to guard the sanctum of truth. Dragon form the Pillars of D’elvanilmest—Courage and Wisdom, Flame and Heart.
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Atop the sword rests an ornate golden crown, adorned with three dragonfangs and a star-forged gem at its center. It is said to represent dominion over one's destiny and mastery of the self.
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Inscribed in a flowing ribbon beneath the crest, edged with Aetheric threads, is the Alerian phrase:
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"Vareth solin tal’dura" she murmurs "let your story find it's page?" she added
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Something was beginning. And whatever it was… she had a feeling their journey wasn’t going to be just about school.
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and then Add to home screen.