Chapter Eleven: Thirteen Banners

  Jace and Dex stepped outside, joining the stream of freshmen flowing through the campus grounds. As they walked, Ell appeared beside them, seemingly out of nowhere.

  “Still here, huh?” Ell said with a smirk, directing her comment at Dex. “I swear, Dex, I’m going to start a pool on how many times you can dodge getting kicked out of here before you earn your fourth star.”

  Dex laughed. “I’m a master of survival, Ell.”

  Ell grabbed Dex’s arm as a surge of the crowd pushed them ahead. Jace struggled to keep up, weaving through the mass of students.

  “We’ll catch up with you later!” Ell called out over her shoulder as they were swept further in the current of the crowd.

  Jace slowed his pace, glancing around. He looked for Alice, but she was still nowhere to be found.

  The courtyard plaza was a tapestry of colors and textures, blending smooth marble tiles with rough cobblestones, all illuminated by glowing amber orbs set high in ornate lamps. The fountain at its center was a glittering spectacle, with streams of water arcing gracefully into the air and cascading down in an endless, mesmerizing cycle. Moonlight filtered through the droplets, making them shimmer like precious jewels.

  But the true marvel of this fountain wasn’t its size or intricate design but the statue at its heart; a magnificent sculpture of Aphrodite, carved from pure white marble. The goddess of love stood poised, leaning forward with a seductive grace, her bare breasts exposed as she washed her hair. The water flowed over her smooth, flawless form, accentuating every curve and adding a touch of ethereal beauty to her already captivating presence.

  The chatter of students mixed with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Aphrodite’s mischievous eyes seemed to tease the viewer with an enigmatic allure that hinted at secrets only the most daring could uncover.

  As Jace looked around, he caught the eye of a woman in the distance staring in his direction. Her long, wavy hair shimmered like spun gold, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto his. She smiled, a fleeting but radiant smile that made his heart skip a beat. He tried to wave subtly, and she giggled. He could swear it sounded like wind chimes in the distance. She made a follow-me gesture with her hands. Jace couldn’t believe it. He looked around quickly to make sure she was actually gesturing to him. But when he turned back, she was gone, leaving him momentarily breathless and confused.

  “Nymphs, my man,” a deep, masculine voice said. Jace turned, but no one was speaking to him.

  “Down here,” the voice insisted. Jace looked down to see a short gnome standing beside him, wearing a tall blue hat adorned with silver beads. Jace took a step back, grateful he hadn’t accidentally stepped on the small figure.

  The gnome grinned, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. “Nearly impossible to catch, those nymphs. Nearly. But I’m still hopeful.”

  Jace blinked, trying to process what he was seeing. “Who—?”

  “The name’s Thistle, Society of Ares,” the gnome interrupted, extending a hand.

  Jace hesitantly took it, a thought striking him. “Hey, I don’t mean to be rude, but are you…” He let the sentence hang for a few uncomfortable seconds, then leaned in to whisper, “real?”

  Thistle laughed heartily. “You mean, do I have to take a piss when I log out? Yeah. But I’d be careful about tossing that word around. Better to use Traveler for players and Citizen for the locals. Rumor has it the AI doesn’t like the real/not-real distinction. Besides, what’s real, really? It’s all subjective, my man.”

  Jace shrugged and nodded to his point. “Oh, sorry. I’ll keep that in mind,” Jace said.

  “Don’t sweat it. I made the same mistake a bunch of times in my first year. It’s my second year here, but I had some… complications come up out of game last year and didn’t get to advance. So, I’m taking the first year again.”

  Jace nodded, “I’m Jace.”

  “I know. It’s on your name tag.”

  Jace looked down, startled, but saw nothing. Thistle chuckled.

  “Not that type of name tag. Only the faculty can see it. I can see it because I’m one of the Faculty Aides, assigned to help the noobs.” He reached out and tapped something in the air in front of Jace’s chest. “Says on your profile you’re here on scholarship. Gotta say, don’t see too many of you around. Golden ticket winner, huh? Must have been pretty impressive on your entrance exams. Never seen a full ride before.”

  Jace nodded slowly, still somewhat dazed by the encounter with the nymph, when trumpets blared.

  “Oh, it’s about to start.” Thistle looked forward.

  The students gathered around the fountain. Advancing toward the centerpiece was the same girl in the purple dress who had introduced them to the grounds. Was it Demi? Jace was going to need to keep a log or something of everyone’s name.

  She stepped into the middle of the fountain’s flowing waters, instantly drenching her from head to toe and making her dress cling to her body. She kept her face focused, seeming not to notice the effect she was having on much of the crowd. This time her voice was quiet as she leaned in to Aphrodite’s ear and whispered something, like a lovers secret.

  The marble figure shifted and relaxed. Aphrodite’s stone lips curved into a teasing smile, and she gracefully stepped aside. The once-brimming fountain transformed as the water spiraled into a vortex, creating a mesmerizing whirlpool. Jace leaned forward, trying to get a better view, while Thistle grumbled beside him about never getting to see this part. “Be a gnome, they said. It’ll be epic, they said.”

  “Want to get on my shoulders?” Jace offered, seeing Thistle’s struggle.

  Thistle hesitated, but then nodded. Jace hoisted the gnome onto his shoulders.

  They watched as the vortex formed stone steps, spiraling down into the darkness below. Demi gestured for everyone to follow her, and the group began their descent.

  As they walked down the winding staircase, small reliefs on the walls came alive. Thistle pointed out various figures, explaining in a hushed voice.

  “These are some of the academy’s alumni. Legends and heroes who once walked these halls,” he said. Jace marveled at the moving reliefs, some depicting epic battles, others showing tender moments of love. One carving even showed a couple locked in a passionate embrace, their figures moving entwined.

  At the bottom of the stairs, they stepped into a dimly lit hall, its shadows softened by the warm glow of amber lights that flickered gently, casting dancing patterns on the walls. The air was still and laden with the mingled scents of incense and old stone, carrying a hint of something ancient and powerful. Thirteen massive banners lined the walls, each bearing the symbol of an Olympian god, and fluttering gently, as if stirred by an unseen breeze. The hall was a tapestry of colors, each banner with a group of people standing beneath it, their attire coordinated to represent their chosen deity.

  To the left, the vibrant blues of Poseidon flowed like the ocean, the students beneath it adorned in sea-green and deep blue robes, their hair decorated with shells or pearls. Next to them, the rich golds of Apollo gleamed, students in golden-yellow attire radiating warmth and confidence, their faces illuminated by an inner light.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Further along, the dark reds of Ares dominated their section, the students exuding strength and intensity, their red and black garb making them seem ready for battle. Beside them, the earthy greens and browns of Demeter’s followers gave a sense of calm and growth, their simple, natural clothes reflecting a deep connection to the earth.

  In the center of the hall, the white and silver of Zeus shone brightly, students standing tall and proud, their white robes flowing like storm clouds. Adjacent to them, the shimmering silvers and blues of Artemis gathered, students looking serene and focused, their attire reflecting the moonlit forests.

  Nearby, the passionate reds and pinks of Aphrodite sparkled, the students’ elegant clothes and accessories enhancing their natural allure.

  Then there was a banner for the combined Society of Dionysus and Hestia. Its members dressed in a motley of oranges and browns, their section giving off a sense of home and hearth, juxtaposed with wine and revelry. Hermes’ area buzzed with energy, students in green and yellow, their eyes bright with mischief and curiosity. The students of Hephaestus stood solidly in their section, their deep reds and bronzes reflecting a sense of craftsmanship and strength.

  Finally, the deep blues and whites of Athena’s followers glowed with wisdom and strategy, the students beneath the banner wearing robes that seemed to shimmer with intelligence.

  Each banner had its own crowd, animated with anticipation and camaraderie. The only exception was a single banner off to the edge of the hall. It was shrouded in shadow, its fabric tattered and old, hanging limp as if forgotten by time. Jace wouldn’t have noticed it except for the wide berth the rest of the students gave it when walking by. He squinted, trying to make out its details, but the amber light barely reached it. A chill ran down his spine, a sense of foreboding settling over him.

  Before he could ask Thistle about it, Demi’s voice rang out, calling everyone to attention.

  At the far end of the hall stood a massive, ornate archway. Demi, her dress now somehow dry and pristine, reached into her robes and pulled out a glowing Ruby Shard. She placed it into a slot on the archway, causing it to hum with energy. Light burst out from the archway, runes glowing across every inch of its surface. The air seemed to inhale sharply, then popped as a shimmering event horizon of black waves formed within the arch.

  “This is where you will face the Oracle,” Demi called out. “Here, the gods will observe you, seeing you for who you truly are. Remember, your family, fortune, and reputation mean nothing here. You will be stripped bare before the Oracle. Perform well, and you will receive an invitation from a god or gods to join their Society. May the gods grant you favor.”

  Jace felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he listened. He wiped his sweaty palms on his robes, stealing glances at the other students, who seemed far more confident. The weight of his past and the expectations of his future bore down on him, making it hard to breathe. He leaned over to Thistle, whispering, “Has anyone ever not received an invitation before?”

  Thistle shrugged nonchalantly. “Not that I’ve ever heard of, but hey, there’s a first time for everything,” he said, giving Jace a playful nudge. “You’ll be fine. Everyone’s nervous about their Oracle Trial.”

  Jace stood among the five hundred freshmen, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Thistle had mentioned this was a small batch for the year, yet the room buzzed with anticipation.

  This was going to take some time, but once it got moving, it was surprisingly fast. Students would go up, enter the Trial and then reappear a moment after, the entire process happening in mere seconds. One by one, names were called. He watched as a girl stepped out, tears streaming down her face, and declared her alignment with Apollo, her voice trembling yet strong.

  Each student came out with a different expression - some looked confused, others joyful or resolute. Some wiped tears from their faces. As they exited, they announced their name and the Society they had accepted, receiving applause from the crowd. None cheered louder than those Chosen by the same deity.

  Jace watched, his heart pounding, as the unchosen group grew smaller, knowing it would soon be his turn.

  “Maximus Taximus, Master of wit and speed. Chosen by Hermes.” Applause followed, mingled with murmurs of admiration.

  Then it was a young man. His wild curly hair and sparkling eyes exuded an infectious energy. His robes were flamboyant and colorful.

  Hearing the different students introduce themselves, Jace noticed that many had chosen both a first and last name. He hadn’t realized that was an option and briefly wondered if he should have done the same. But having only one name wasn’t unusual; plenty of students did. It was a bit like being a single-named celebrity.

  As if on cue, the next student introduced himself with just one name, making Jace feel more confident in his choice.

  “Hey guys! It’s Drake,” he announced, flashing a huge boyish grin to the crowd. “Chosen of Dionysus. Let’s party!”

  The room erupted into applause, cheers, and laughter, the energy instantly lifting as Drake’s infectious enthusiasm spread through the crowd.

  It continued on like that for some time. People that were chosen by the same god found each other, naturally forming groups.

  “Alice Candor.” Demi called, the name hanging in the air. “Alice Candor.” Silence. Eyes darted around. Footsteps echoed down the stairs. Candor appeared, breathless. “Here!” She steadied herself, approaching the glowing arch.

  She hesitated, then stepped through. Light enveloped her, a burst of energy and sound. Emerging moments later, she seemed different.

  “Alice Candor, Chosen of Harpocrates, god of silence and secrets. Under the banner of the Society of Athena.”

  The Society of Athena burst into applause.

  Thistle leaned over. “The Societies represent the Olympian Gods. Each of the other gods has a place within the Society of an Olympian.” Jace noticed that the Societies were broken into internal divisions with a small flag for each. The section Alice joined was more conservative in dress and demeanor.

  When it was Marcus’s turn to go, he walked with a smug grin, emerging with a blinding flash of white lightning across the arch’s event horizon. He said only one word, “Zeus.” The crowd broke into an uproar of applause while Marcus went to join the other followers of Zeus.

  “What’s the big deal?” Jace asked quietly.

  Thistle whistled softly. “One of the Big Three. Super rare match. Those three are picky,” he said, stretching the last word for emphasis. “Sometimes they’ll go years without choosing anyone. Getting picked by a Big Three is huge. And the stat bonuses are supposedly incredible.”

  “Stat bonuses?” Jace asked, confused.

  “Yeah, each god gives different bonuses and penalties to stats, abilities, and unique boons. The bigger the god, the more powerful and focused the boon. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t drawbacks. There can be. Especially if you pick a god that doesn’t really benefit your desired class title. Or worse, one that protests your Shard element. Try being an Amber Shard healer and a follower of Ares. Bad match, and expect your heals to be super nerfed. But a thief and Hermes? Now, that’s a perfect fit.”

  Jace realized he really should have studied more before diving in. He had thought he could just pick it up along the way. Now, he was discovering he was woefully unprepared. He was sure that Alex would have had this all planned out. He didn’t even know what class he was going to be.

  Dex went next, his mischievous grin never wavering. He emerged aligned with Hermes, the god of thieves and trickery. Ell followed, aligning with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy.

  The most accepting Societies appeared to be Ares, Athena, Apollo, Hermes, and Artemis. There were others, but their groups were noticeably smaller. Then there were the followers of Zeus and those of Poseidon. Jace thought back to his few years of high school. He sort of got the Jocks and the popular kids vibe from them. If this place had a homecoming, the king and queens would definitely be from one of those groups.

  Startled from his reverie, he heard them repeat his name. “Jace. Please come forward.”

  Thistle nudged him. “That’s you, bud.” He gave Jace a gentle push forward.

  The archway loomed above him. As he approached, the air grew thick with a palpable energy, the kind that made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He swallowed hard; the sound echoing in the sudden quiet. His footsteps felt heavy, each step resonating in the silent hall as if the ground itself were amplifying his presence.

  The archway hummed with a low, almost hypnotic vibration, drawing him closer. Jace felt a strange mix of fear and fascination, his senses heightened to an almost painful degree. The dark light glowed intensely, casting long, ominous shadows that made it appear as though it were the mouth of some great, ancient beast.

  New Quest

  The Oracle’s Trial

  You are about to embark upon the Oracle’s Trial, a test that will determine your alignment with one of the many gods. The gods are watching, evaluating your every move. Convince at least one of them to offer you their favor. No pressure.

  Objective: Complete the Oracle’s Trial and earn the favor of a god.

  Reward: Become the Chosen of a Deity, granting access to a Society.

  Failure: Fail to gain the favor of a god. Gain title - Godless and Alone and receive -500 to Reputation with all University students, faculty and alumni. Try not to think about it too much.

  Warning: The choices you make here will impact your path forward. Once you accept an invitation, you cannot un-accept it without severe consequence. Good thing you are totally prepared for this and know the pros and cons of each path… oh wait.

  Accept | Reject

  “You got this.” He whispered to himself and chose [ACCEPT].

  Jace took a deep breath and stepped through the archway.