Nightmare Mythos

That's why Cesar tends to avoid talking to people. It might not happen now but he believed he just couldn't trust people that might endanger his life.

'My therapist said I'm socially inept. Well, that's good. Communicating is such a hassle. I've been using this card since I was in my first year. So far it was working,'

Today was yet another of the same kind of day every day.

Now, he was officially in his fourth year, one year away from graduating. Also today, another batch of incoming first years are coming to the academy. This was going to ignite a buzz throughout the academy only because some clubs were going to gather talented freshmen or influential individuals suited for their work.

As for Cesar, he didn't need to. He doesn't have any clubs to attend, people to talk to, and any family member to call because he doesn't have one unlike most of the people in the academy who do.

He's an orphan after all.

"Sigh, why am I being emotional the first day in the morning?"

With a sigh, he left his room and went towards the school grounds to welcome the new semester.

…

Amidst Cesar's indifferent demeanor that tends his fellow students to avoid his presence, the academy wasn't washed away by his moody aura.

The academy is a lively place. Removing the time for graduation and a few other things, it is a relatively lively place meant to teach and give students the best of their lives. The instructors were another factor why the school is striving as well.

Still, that was only the building and a few dozen individuals.

Most third-years who are now in their fourth year already felt the intensity, torment, and misery of attending such a place. In the school where skills dictate the status of an individual, the strong befriended the strong, and the weak prey upon them, with a sense of responsibility that held everyone to train on eliminating the threat of humanity.

In the next few days, they have to decide what Facet suits them. Suppose they have enough contribution points to even buy one. If they do manage to get a hold of a potion, they also have to worry about being corrupted even if there are ingredients used to lessen it. Additionally, the field trips where the fourth years are tasked to venture outside of the academy are looming around the corner.

That is what Cesar was currently remembering.

'I got it all worked out. I'll just have to go through the flow,'

Cesar reassured himself before entering his new class which has been his class since the end of his second year.

The academy had a way of distinguishing who was categorized as a high-standard individual and someone with low skills. Every year, the students shuffle to classes depending on their performance for that year.

On top of those classes, the pinnacle was Class 1-A where Cesar belongs. It is the room where exceptional individuals gather. There were even rumors that throughout the time the academy had been built, their year was the strongest one yet for a while in a century.

Well, the rumors aren't exactly wrong. The class he belonged to was all capable, battle-trained, and strong individuals. There wasn't a shuffle of students throughout the third and this time, fourth year.

The only difference was his existence, the time when he got transferred at the end of his second year, replacing the top fifty of the class. Nothing threatened his position ever since and he didn't have to worry about holding the top fifty since he ranked up, peaking to top twenty third as of the moment.

Of course, such rankings will change once Facets are given around.

Once he entered, wishing that he had gone unnoticed, various gazes were cast upon him. Contempt, wariness, and a hint of fear.

All Cesar did to return their uncomfortable gazes was ignoring them. He wasn't even interested in entertaining anyone just like he had done for the past two years. He sat at the farthest corner of the room right beside the window, receiving no invitation from his classmates to sit beside them.

It was to be expected. He was an outcast after all.

Of course, if there's a need to communicate that needs his attention, he willingly talks. However, he found it very hassle and had to force himself to get the job done.

Patiently waiting for their instructor to come, Cesar rests his head on his hand placed on the desk while watching the tranquil view of the academy from the window.

'Good weather,'

It was the only relaxing moment where he could silently appreciate the dying world's beauty. A habit he developed for three years.

Thud—!

Finally, their instructor arrived. With a reserved gait and authoritative demeanor, his white hair that almost reached his shoulder swayed along the wind, his shady brown eyes darted across the room. Once he recognized all of them were all familiar, he smiled cheekily.

"Everyone remained the same,"

Arnold Virgo, the current headmaster, chuckled. He has been the teacher for Class 1-A for four years. Under his teachings, Cesar had only but deep respect for the individual.

"All right, there's only one matter to discuss for today and I'm sure everyone here is aware of it. That's right, it is related to the upcoming Facet Selection that is being held when a student of this academy is starting as a fourth year. Prepped with abilities, you'll arm yourself and be ready for the incoming field trips. After all, every learning had to be put to the test,"

'Here it comes…'

Cesar saw Arnold handling files from the front student. The first line of students then passed the rest of the paper to the back until the last line where Cesar received one as well.

There was no difference.

The same Nightmares, Facets, descriptions, and anything one has to know about the incoming selection were there.

'It's the same info. Sigh, why would I even doubt the intel Nas has given me when he's working for the academy?'

Cesar had mistrust about the given information but he wanted those doubts to come true. Alas, now that it was officially been shown, there's no denying that the incoming Facets will be only his lists of choices.

Cesar slightly envied the bigshots of the school who didn't have to worry about a single thing, knowing they were geared up with a Facet or two. He understood those parents would not send their kids to school without arming themselves to face uncertain dangers.

He was only jealous for a moment though.

Arnold discussed everything about Facet with his students. Some listened with interest while most were doing their own thing but still managed to listen whenever all because this topic had been raised since last year all to prepare the students for the upcoming selection.

However, unlike them, Cesar listened. Even if he already understood everything to remember, respect for respectable old people shall be treated with regard.

"You only have three days to decide what to choose or whether you have enough contribution points to buy them. That's all,"

In the end, one hour of discussion was finished.

He learned nothing new.

…

Class 1-A was currently going to take a physical examination in the spacious gymnasium of the whole academy. In the afternoon, there will be a psychological test. After that, an emotional test will be held.

This will be the only schedule happening in the academy for three whole days until the selection. It is a way to check whether the students are apt to receive Facets.

One shouldn't lie about their condition since it will be seen. If they happen to bypass such securities and don't give any immediate attention to such detail, it will be their own fault if they can't handle Facet's corruption.

"Line up!"

Cesar placed himself in the last line of students, knowing it was the spot where he could avoid talking to his classmates the most.

'Another three boring days, huh,'

With a tired sigh, Cesar followed up with the student at the front to take three examinations for the whole three days.