True to the Headmaster’s words a makeshift booth was erected at the main plaza. It was a shoddily made little kiosk, something that looked like it was built by a group of college students coerced into this endeavor after being told of the prospect of extra credits.

As for why the twins chose this look, no one knows. Theoretically they should have the resources and maybe even the manpower to make a more presentable stall but, if one would guess, it was probably to give a more authentic college feel.

That or it’s most likely one of Leonardo’s weird little quirks again. At the end of the day, no one really bothered or cared since they are only here for one thing, the registration for the festival of the beginning.

The stall was present during the morning, but didn’t begin operations until it was close to noon and soon a huge crowd gathered at the plaza.

It was a mixture of both Neophytes and older students. Despite the obviously tempting rewards, a large number of the new faces chose not to participate. This was either due to them thinking that their abilities are not good enough or they simply don’t need to since the rewards are shared and besides, only up to four per organization would be chosen anyway.

The older students that were mixed into the crowd were there for another reason; the spectacle.

Just like how it usually goes during a pre-fight conference for a boxing or MMA match, the same kind of spat and exchange of words can be seen during the registration phase.

Usually this “polite” form of trash talking is done by the current student representatives of the organizations and among those organizations there were two that stood out the most.

The Clarentum Inquisitors and the Guardians of truth.

Soon a small group of people can now be seen approaching the now crowded Plaza led by the man named Victor Mandeme, whose mere presence inspired a cheer of admiration from the onlooking crowd.

Among this group however was an unremarkable looking boy, dark brown hair and black eyes, average in all features.

His name was William Wright, a boy born into the modern era. Until one day he was dragged into the world of magic, his ties to the normal and ignorant world violently severed.

Thankfully he was taken in by a kind man, who took care of him during his formative years and as a result he grew up to be a rather splendid young mage despite his lack of mage blood.

Through his own effort plus a recommendation from his teacher, he was accepted into Inanis Orbis, opting to dive deeper into the world of magic hoping to find answers at the end of his journey.

Yet despite everything he went though, William maintained a meek personality and a heart of gold.

“I feel really nervous right now. Why do we have to do this parade? Can’t we just teleport to the square or something?” William complained and soon a stern female voice answered his question.

“It’s part of tradition. Hold your head up high and be proud of yourself.”

A serious looking girl with flaxen hair berated him with words that sounded more like praise. She was wearing glasses with a thick frame and a tiny red beret on her head.

“Easy for you to say Mary. I hate it when there’s so many eyes on me.” William then let out a tired sigh.

“She’s right you know.” Another female voice entered the fray.

A girl with long hair dyed in pink took Mary’s stance and encouraged the young man. She had green eyes and a slender body.

The pink haired girl then held William’s hands and brought her face closer to his.

“For now, let’s just all do our best and bring home that prize!” She said in a cheerful voice, her eyes seemed to shine like marbles.

“Y-y-you’re too close Julia!” William immediately retracted his hands back and then backed a few steps away from the outspoken and touchy girl as he tried to hide his flustered face.

“Hmm? What’s wrong? Why are you red? Do you have a fever?” Julia asked as she leaned her face closer once more.

“Too close too close too close!” William silently panicked and screamed inside his head.

“Enough of that Julia. William is turning beet red because you don’t have a sense of personal space.” A small monotone voice voice said from behind.

A petite girl whose height barely reached William’s chest intervened. She had short grey hair with a few remaining black strands and was wearing an overly large black witch hat on her head.

“Hmm? What do you mean by that Sharn? I’m just trying to cheer him up since William seems to be having cold feet.” Julia explained, completely missing the mark.

The tiny girl named Sharn could only let out a sigh of disappointment.

“Still as dense and clueless as ever I see.” She complained.

“Hey, I am not dense and clueless! I am very good at reading people’s true nature you know!” Julia said in her defense. A pathetic and depressing defense.

“Yeah, sure, whatever.” Sharn dismissively responded to Julia’s claims, a tired look hung on her normally emotionless face.

“Now now you two stop that.” Mary interjected between the two. “I’m sure Julia is being friendly.” Mary commented.

While the three cute girls around him were bickering, William could feel more stares around him. This time however he felt that those stares were hostile and fueled with envy.

“That guy… Is he showing off?”

“Why does he have those three women all to himself? He doesn’t even look that special.”

These were the words spoken in whispers by some of men quietly observing the group from the sides. They obviously envied William’s position because why wouldn’t they?

“Oh no, I really don’t want to stand out and here I am. Why do these things keep happening to me?” William once again inwardly complained.

“HAHAHA! Aren’t you quite the lively bunch!” A loud and booming voice suddenly rang, catching the attention of the quartet.

“M-mister Victor sir! I’m sorry if we dsiturbed you or anything!” William immediately apologized, something that Victor only found amusing.

“Do not worry about it Mr Wiliiam!” He said as his hair and face seemed to give off a glistening glow. “I just found your little conversation interesting. I do apologize for eavesdropping, but your loud voices kind of made it hard to ignore.” He explained.

“But, do you mind if I give my two cents on your little conundrum mr William?” Victor offered.

“N-no, not at all!” William immediately responded.

“Well, your friends are correct. Stop bowing down to stare at the floor, and start thinking a little higher of yourself. The fact that you are here means that you have great talent and even more potential still stored within you. I saw that and chose you as one of the representatives didn't I?” Victor started his pep talk.

“Take more pride in yourself and stop trying to blend into the crowd. Your lady friends seem to see something within you, so maybe you should start looking for that too.” Victor said as he patted William’s back.

It seems those words did resonate somewhat with William as he broke a smile to face Victor as the group now stood in front of the registration booth as the twins stood and stared in silence.

“Thank you Mr Victor sir.” William said in an appreciative tone when all of a sudden a rather loud and arrogant voice rang from across their position.

“WELL WELL! If it isn’t Victor Mandeme!” The voice excleimed in a condescending tone. Victor turned around and faced the source, immediately recognizing it. A kind smile, plastered on his face as he walked closer to meet the man who gave the kind greeting.

“Good to see you too Mr Clarence V Tourmo’D Clarent the fourth!” Victor replied.

“As annoying and disgustingly courteous as always huh? Your oh so kind act is still revolting no matter how many times I witness it.” Clarence added, to which Victor only responded with a smile.

“I repeat, It’s good to see you as well Mr Clarence.” Victor replied with kindness again.

“I swear, I will wipe that awful grin on your face one day.” Clarence continued with his unpleasant remarks.

Like Victor, there was also a group of Neophytes following Clarence. They are here to register for the festival of the beginning. Slowly but surely, the players and personalities involved with this repeating little festivity slowly gathered together.

For the spectators who have been in Inanis Orbis for a long time, this is what they have been waiting for. The clash of the two most popular giants. One side being crude and prideful, almost antagonistic while the other showed kindness and tolerance.

It was as close as the people inside Inanis Orbis could get to a showdown between good and evil, and it was fun picking a side. And now, the promising next generation is seemingly about to make their own mark in this long running tradition.

Among Clarence’s posse was a young woman with sharp eyes and drill-like blonde hair. She radiated an aura of stubborness and self importance. The woman then focused her attention and ire towards William who she immediately singled out.

“OHOHOHOHOHOHO! We meet again Mr. Wright!” She said in a loud and condescending tone, eerily similar to Clarence’s.

William, shot a glare towards the haughty woman. This voice and tone was all too familiar to him.

“Letisia Nimfell.” He replied while having a serious look on his face.

“Good! You remember me you lowly 3rd rate mage! This time I will prove once and for all just how far beneath me you truly are! Time for you to understand the difference between us!” She proudly declared.

“Well said Miss Letisia!” A group of men suddenly started praising her words like rabid fans or followers.

“Ugh.. I hate that woman.” Mary said in a low voice.

“Yeah, she’s the absolute worst. Always so hostile.” Julia added.

“Let her be. People like her should be left alone. It’s not worth the effort to acknowledge them.” Sharn too joined in.

This was the norm. This was the balance.

Two sides of equal and comparable size, going head to head in both words and abilities. This display of confidence and arrogance that is always met with a kind smile has been a staple during the festival of the beginning. It is arguably more exciting than the actual event itself.

However, a single stone thrown into a still lake will form ripples and destroy the peaceful visage reflected on to the surface.

A man with black hair wearing a baseball cap walked through the crowd and went between Clarence and Victor, stopping just in front of them while donning a mischievous and smug smile.

He was followed by a tall blonde lad whose hair was tied into a neat ponytail, a girl wearing very large ski goggles, and last but not the least, a woman with crimson eyes.

“Umm, Excuse me.” The man wearing a cap said in a polite but sarcastic tone, immediately catching the attention of the two titans.

“You’re kind of in the way and I really want to finish this registration business. My friends and I haven't had lunch yet and I have class coming soon so…” He continued.

Clarence’s pupils constricted as folds once again appeared in between his eyes, Victor however simply smiled.

“Sylvester Clearsight…”