A day could be longer. Yes. But this day was particularly long and very eventful than Win had anticipated it to be.

Once they were inside, they had soon seated along the wooden chairs facing each other. Other students started chattering and gossiping among each other, slightly pointing at Win who was tucked in between Bright and his troops with Bright on his left and Carmel on his right.

But Win couldn't care less, his eyes were already lit up after seeing the long table getting filled with various foods and goblets as the Messangers started keeping foods on it. Win felt too hungry, suddenly remembering the fact he hasn't had anything since forever.

Joss chuckled at Win watching his reactions, "You seem too hungry, raven- head".

"I am, I haven't had anything since forever", Win replied, feeling a warm sensation in his stomach. It was the first time after joining the University, people were giving him some friendly approach.

"You're not at all lucky then, Win", Carmel began, "Sir Tine will be heading over today's supper", Carmel's face twisted in a funny expression, "he's a tough man. Never let anyone touch his food before him".

"Who's Sir Tine?" Win asked, stopping the other three from further chuckling.

"He's one of the Royals", Joss answered calmly.

"What's a Royal?" Win groaned inwardly. So many terms to remember is now a pure hazard.

"A Royal is one of the Numan population divisions. They are typically the rulers and advisors of the Magnifer", Bright explained, "Magnifer is chosen by the Universe among the Royals".

Win nodded his head understanding, "you all are Royals then?"

"Nope. I and Love cone from the Variation class, specifically from the Healer division", Carmel replied, "Joss comes from the Savers class and Bright is a Royal".

"Then again, just because you are in a high class doesn't mean you are the strongest", Love explained, "Messengers are the lower classes but their powers are no match to us. It is said it is of great fortune to be chosen as a Messenger".

"But didn't Hendry just insult me with that word for Messengers?" Win asked.

"Well, there are some overtly proud and power-loving populations like Hendry who thinks Messengers are not supposed to be treated equally", Carmel sighed, "Some even discriminate the Seers because they think Seers are some loony maniacs speaking shits!"

"Seers? You mean the one who predicts?" Win asked.

"Yes. But I think Seers are the most learned Numans in existence. Even your prophecy was done by a Seer", Love said and turned to Bright who nodded in agreement.

"The discrimination and hatred to the lower cast reached to such an extent in the past that 23rd Magnifer, Boony had contributed laws on the lower casts", Bright said, "Sir Tine will tell you more in this topic on your history class".

Win smiled at Love's grimacing look, "he loves that particular part of the history, like an obsessed person".

The three nodded in agreement, reminding Win of his history teacher back in high school.

"So, what do you think of Midaster so far, Win?" Bright asked.

"I... I think this planet is really very interesting! Except for its class discriminations and all", Win answered hesitantly.

"You're right though. Discrimination is a major factor. But it's fine. When you'll go to the City, you'll really love it", Bright nodded.

"The City?"

"The Epson City. It's really beautiful with illuminated high buildings and various shops", Carmel said, grinning.

"Epson City isn't that good. If you visit my Star Town you'll see what beauty is", Love replied, flipping her hair. Win chuckled at the gesture.

"But that you can only visit if you can impress your teachers and make them reward you with a day off", Joss sighed, "you'll see Win, how tough impressing teachers are."

"That's a point", Love added grinning.

The chaos soon subsided with the burst of the door as a tall man ran inside, panting, "I am sorry, almost lost the track of time". He sat down fuzzily.

"Probably had a date with Sir Sarawat, what do you say Joss?" Carmel whispered, squirming in his seat.

Joss winked and tittered in response.

Win, however, smiled as a warm feeling embraced him. He felt a belonging among the four. How beautifully they had managed to make Win feel he was finally home! He leaned on his seat feeling comfortable, and sighed thinking if Earth was his home at all. He feels he was supposed to be here since the beginning.

"Where's the Magnifer and other Royals?" Win asked, snapping out from his thoughts.

"Oh, they had their meal before us", Bright said.

"Before starting the supper, I'd like to tell you a few things you all must be grateful for", Sir Tine stood up. The others followed the suit.

"Planet Pinkstone is destroyed and the Northern part of our Aster Tower is broken down. Few Deciders are dead on the spot", Tine went on looking at all the bobbing faces of curiosity, which had soon turned into a series of fearful expressions, "However, the Preserver is here already", he looked at Win with a bow, "I want you all to be grateful of being alive still and pray to the mighty Universe for keeping you all safe and start to eat".

"Is it her again?" One of the Page in blonde hair asked.

"We believe so, Lyn", Tine answered.

Who's her?

"Um", Win voiced out his doubt, hesitantly, "sorry for intruding, but who's 'her'?"

"Bright didn't tell you?" Tine furrowed his eyebrows getting a negative response, "Bright I didn't expect carelessness from you. You clearly know what responsibility was imposed on you by the Magnifer, didn't you?"

"I was", Bright's jaw clenched, "I am sorry for not carry out the task, sir. For unlike my father, I know the hazardous consequences of excessive information dumping".

"That was a pathetic excuse. Just accept the fact you forgot about it!" Tine scoffed.

"I didn't! I thought Win might need some time—"

"That's enough, Bright! A Prince is supposed to take the responsibility of his mistakes willingly. I am very disappointed with your recklessness. You knew how important it is for the Preserver to know everything about the recent activities, didn't you?" Tine shook his head.

"But—" he began again but hushed down after a warning glare from Tine.

Win looked at Bright, empathetically.

"Anyways, we should start eating. A supper discussion on 'her', wouldn't be such a good idea. And Bright, as a punishment I would expect you to clean the armours in the basement before going to bed", Tine concluded before sitting down. The students followed the suit immediately.

"Yes, sir", Bright grumbled sighing. He was wronged yet again.

Everyone sat down and began praying.

"What are you praying? A special prayer or something?" Win whispered to Carmel beside him.

"Oh, it's just thanking the Universe for keeping us safe", Carmel replied before resuming his prayers.

Win didn't have an idea what would he do, instead he concluded to chant his school prayer in his mind.

When they began, the supper lasted only a few minutes.

"Win, I'd like you to wait for a while after the supper", Tine ordered, earning a hesitating nod from Win.

Love, Carmel, and Joss nodded at Win before joining the rest of the students and walking out from the hall in silence. Bright however, stopped at the door before walking out and looked at with an apologetic glance. Before Win could even return a nod, he walks out making his way opposite from the pack of students, probably heading towards the basement.

When they were finally alone, Tine began, "You might not know me, Win. I am Sir Tine and I'll be taking your Numanic History classes". Win nodded in response.

"You might feel disturbed after listening to the things I am about to tell you. But you need to know and remember all these anyhow. Bright should have told earlier, and I am deeply disappointed in him for being this reckless", Tine sighed, " Anyways are you ready?"

"I am", Win nodded. One part of him was screaming in excitement another part of him screaming in doubt and hesitations. He felt overwhelming emotions, in short.

"So, listen patiently now", he sighed, "very long time ago, there was a Royal woman, who possessed a very rare Gift. The Gift made her so powerful that there was hardly any Numan who could stand in front of her and win a duel. Her pride knew no bounds— it increased and increased and soon she began torturing the lower-class Numans, trying to keep them in her hands and build an army to revolt against the Magnifer.

"Her arrogance grew so much; she didn't even think twice before defying the mighty Universe and her plans. She duelled with the Magnifer and soon claimed the throne. She was called Megatrix", Tine paused, before tossing a leftover mashed potato-like thing on his plate to his mouth. The pause stretched quite longer and Win could hear the chatters of the students in the Page's Wing.

"What happened then?" Win asked, breaking the silence.

"Do you know the Statue of the Elves in the Star Town?" He asked.

"No", Win replied. He probably shouldn't feel dumb about it, right?

"Of course, you don't, my bad", Tine smile apologetically, "There is a Statue of Elves in the Star Town. Let's go back to the story then. Everyone was tired of her evil ministrations. So, one day, much to the Universal relief, a prophecy was made of a Preserver who will end her", Tine looked at Win, "it wasn't about you, it was the Preserver who came before you. The Statue of the Elves that I was talking about came to life and helped the Preserver to defeat her." He paused for a bit, looking at the ceiling.

"She was defeated, of course, and was banished soon from Midaster— all powerless and frail. The battle was a magnificent and long-lasting one", He said, tilting his head, probably imagining.

"What happened to the Statue?" Win asked quietly, "it went back to being a statue again?"

"Ah, yes it did. But it'll come to life again if the true Preserver would summon them."

"Alright", Win murmured.

"How can we summon it?" He asked.

"It's tough. No one knows except the Chosen One. He will know when it's the right time", Tine nodded, returning his gaze back from the ceiling to look at Win.

They sat there in a heavy silence. Win once again let his thoughts wander to analyse the whole thing. He tried imagining Megatrix. How would she look like? She'll probably have sharp teeth and sharp claws with red eyes just like those typical villains in storybooks. Yet, he could help but agree that the look might scare him if he were to fight with her now or if she were to emerge from the shadows when he would be sleeping peacefully in his room.

"You look too scared, boy", Tine laughed, "What's on your mind? Speak up."

"Is she back?" Win asked.

"Unfortunately, yes, she is. She's still not enough powerful to strike at us. But we must be ready for that as early as possible", Tine answered with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

"But how am I supposed to fight her? I- I don't know anything about my powers, yet", Win blurted out.

"You need to train that's why. We cannot wait until she comes back too powerful, can we? Steady your mind, lad. You'll be fine. The universe cannot choose someone just like that", Tine answered.

"So, so if I am the Chosen One, does that mean I am going to absolutely defeat her at the end?" Win asked again.

"I am not that certain. Now, you see, few chosen Preservers back in the history, um, lasted only a few minutes and died before the prophecy was fulfilled, "Tine said but soon added with an apologetic smile, finding a shocked Win, "but don't worry, it'll be fine".

Win finally nodded.

"Your training starts from tomorrow. Potsdam will be there tomorrow morning calling you for the class. Good night, Win", Tine got up and bowed.

Before getting out, he said dryly, "Make sure you are enough rested. Tomorrow will be a long day".

That night Win couldn't just sleep immediately.

______

I am sorry for this long-ass boring update. But trust me, this chapter is really important!

However, next chapter will be fun! I cannot wait to write it huhuhu. Anyways, so I've made a mood board on friendship, do check it out in the 'character aesthetics' chapter and tell me what do you think about it.

Do vote and comment to make me smile~ ((: