Chapter 229: Chapter 229: Settling In

On the other side of the center was the banner for Dark Moon college, the only one among the top 5 without the clear depiction of a spiritual creature's full body.

The Dark Moon banner was made of rich black fabric, and it exuded an air of elegance and mystery.

At its center, a radiant silver crescent moon glowed softly, likely due to the luminescent threads used to make the tapestry. The moon was surrounded by intricate filigree patterns that resembled swirling clouds and stars, adding a rich brightness to the dark fabric.

Below the moon, a pair of silver talons grasped a shimmering orb, symbolizing the college's preference for moving in the shadows against its enemies rather than bloodthirsty frontal combat like Supernova.

The edges of the banner were adorned with silver stitching, adding a refined touch, while a bold motto in an elegant cursive script was in an arch above the moon: "From Darkness, Knowledge Emerges."

The school's motto means that wisdom and understanding often arise from the exploration and confrontation of the unknown. It reflects the idea that challenges, mysteries, and even adversity can lead to enlightenment and discovery.

Dark Moon College emphasizes that delving into the shadows—whether they be hidden truths, complex subjects, or untapped potential—can ultimately illuminate greater insights and foster growth. It celebrates the transformative journey of learning, where darkness serves as a backdrop for the light of knowledge to shine through.

To the left of Supernova's banner was the banner of the fourth place Starfire college. Set against a bright yellow background that radiated positive energy, the centrepiece was a majestic white griffin with its wings outstretched and a large shield behind it. The crest symbolizes strength, protection, and a commitment to serving others.

The griffin is depicted in mid-flight, embodying the college's dynamic spirit and readiness to aid those in need. It was fitting for a college known for the extensive amount of missions its students are required to perform to aid civilians.

Surrounding the shield were white and green stars in varying sizes, representing hope and the college's aspirations to illuminate the path for others. Above the shield, a flowing ribbon in light green bore the college's motto: "Courage in Service, Valor in Protection."

Although the college's valiant spirit is exemplified now in acts of community service, it does have a glorious history as the empire's first shield against invaders from the southern barbaric tribes outside of the nation.

Finally, to the right of Dark Moon's banner was the most mysterious of the top 5 colleges: Frozen Sun College in the far north.

The banner of Frozen Sun College was a stunning representation of its icy environment. The background featured a gradient of icy blue that transitioned to a crisp white.

At the center, a stylized sun radiated shimmering white light with icy blue rays, symbolizing resilience and warmth amidst the cold.

Flanking the sun was white wolf, embodying the strength and loyalty to ones' group needed to survive in the north.

Below the wolf was an icy blue ribbon with the college's motto: "Guided by Light, Strengthened by Cold."

Kain and the others walked through the dense crowd towards a towering hotel across from the stadium.

Considering the prime location of the hotel, and how expensive it looked, Kain was able to tell that the school had probably booked their rooms several months in advance, and that they were prepared to fork out a ton of money to make sure the quality of living here would not negatively impact their performance.

One of the professors handed out their room assignments and key cards. Kain and Kairos, Serena and Ranya, and Soren and the third-year Oliver were all roommates.

Since all rooms were on the same floor, practically reserving an entire floor of the hotel for just Dark Moon staff and students, everyone headed up together.

After an hour of rest in which Kairos was oohing and ahing over the hotel room the landmarks that can be seen from their room's view, they headed to the spacious single room of their captain Ezra—who was the only one without a roommate, and also whose room would be serving as the site of their team's strategy meetings.

While they all found an area of the floor to get comfortable, one of the professors stood at the center of the room and called for the attention of everyone in the room. S~eaʀᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Hello everyone! For those that have finished their second year, you'd all already know from the mandatory second-year course 'Beast Behavior and Communication'. However for the first-years this may be your first time seeing me. I am Professor Dawnstrider. Find your next read at m_v l|e-NovelFire.net

Since the first round matches had been determined, I figured now would be an excellent opportunity to debrief everyone on our opponents and strategy for our first opponents." Said a relatively short professor with ashy blonde slick-backed hair and hazel eyes framed by fine wrinkles.

He then turned to look only at Kain and the other first-years. Considering that they were seeds and would not be facing a difficult opponent in the first round, the upper-year students were completely relaxed. Only the first-years, aside from Serena, had some degree of tension at the thought of their first battle against people outside of the school.

"Our first-round opponent is Pioneer Beast Academy, a college ranked in the low 40s. Looking at their current lineup, there are no surprises. All of their representatives are at least a full grade below their same-year counterparts at our school.

First-years, I understand your nervousness before your first fight, but the highest level spiritual creature among the opposing first-years, according to the latest intelligence, is still at red-grade. Just one of you can probably defeat all 5 of the enemy lineup alone."

"Therefore, to avoid exposing too much of our current strength, Soren will be responsible for the 1-on-1 battle tomorrow and the 3-on-3 will consist of Soren, Ranya, and Kairos. I trust that the 5-on-5 will be unnecessary since you will win the first 2." He said with a threatening glare that caused the three to sit up straighter.