New Beginnings
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The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the sprawling grounds of Teyvat University. The air was crisp with the scent of morning dew, and the distant hum of student chatter filled the courtyard as the day began. Aether stood at the gates of the university, his eyes drawn to the towering spires of the main building. Despite the excitement bubbling in his chest, there was a heavy weight pressing down on him—an undeniable reminder of the expectations that lay ahead.
Beside him, his twin sister, Lumine, adjusted her bag and flashed him a reassuring smile. “Ready for the exam, Aether?”
Aether nodded, though the knot in his stomach remained. The entrance exam would determine which department he and Lumine would be assigned to at Teyvat University. The results would guide the rest of their academic careers, shaping their futures in ways they had yet to fully understand.
“I feel that i can make good friends here!" aether say happly trying to forget about the exam for a moment making lumine laugh at her older twin's behavior.
With a deep breath, Aether stepped forward, following Lumine into the grand hall where the entrance exams would take place. They were greeted by the sounds of bustling students and professors alike, all preparing for the day’s proceedings. As they entered the hall, the head examiner, a tall woman with a commanding presence, approached them.
“Welcome to Teyvat University,” she said with a slight bow. “I am Shenhe, and I will oversee your entrance exam. It will test your elemental affinity and adaptability to the various challenges of each department. Do your best, and remember—this is just the beginning of your journey.”
Lumine flashed Aether one last reassuring smile before stepping forward, her golden hair catching the light. The two twins parted ways to take their respective tests, though Aether’s mind never left the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Hours passed in a blur, each challenge more grueling than the last. When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the exams, Aether and Lumine reunited outside the testing hall. Their eyes met briefly, both of them exchanging silent questions. Neither had yet received their results.
“Do you think they’ll let us know today?” Aether asked, though his tone was filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
“They will,” Lumine replied confidently. “And whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
Just then, a loud chime echoed throughout the campus, signaling the beginning of the official first-year welcome ceremony. The twins made their way to the grand auditorium, where all first-year students were gathering to hear the speeches and meet their department representatives.
The vast hall filled with students from all walks of life, their faces a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. At the front of the auditorium, a grand podium stood, flanked by seven tall pillars, each representing one of the university’s elemental departments.
As the ceremony began, Shenhe took to the stage once more, her calm voice commanding the attention of the crowd. “Welcome to Teyvat University, new students. Today, you embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and mastery over the elements. This is the beginning of your path, where you will learn to harness the strengths and challenges of the world around you.”
The crowd fell silent as she gestured to the first group of students behind her.
"Allow me to introduce the representatives of the seven departments," she continued. "These individuals embody the spirit and dedication that our university holds dear. They are here to guide you through your studies, both as mentors and examples."
One by one, the representatives of each department stepped forward to be acknowledged.
“From the Anemo Department, a student who has mastered the winds and their trials, Xiao.” The Anemo representative was a young man with green-tinted hair, his quiet and stoic demeanor an echo of the discipline required in his department. His sharp eyes scanned the room, though his expression remained unreadable.
The applause was polite but subdued as the Anemo representative stepped back, his presence commanding but distant.
“From the Geo Department, a brilliant mind and steady hand, Albedo.” A calm, scholarly figure with silver hair stepped forward, his gaze thoughtful as he regarded the crowd. Albedo’s reputation as a tactician and theorist was well known, and his poised nature left an impression on the students.
“From the Electro Department, the efficient and sharp-minded Keqing.” The next representative was a woman with striking purple hair, her gaze intense as she scanned the room. She carried herself with the confidence of someone who valued both tradition and progress.
“From the Dendro Department, a leader grounded in nature’s wisdom, Tighnari.” A man with forest-green hair and a focused expression stepped forward, his connection to the natural world almost palpable as he stood before the students.
“From the Hydro Department, Mona, who combines intelligence with intuition.” Mona, with her raven-dark hair and piercing eyes, gave a short but dignified bow as the students cheered in recognition of her brilliant work in astrology and water manipulation.
“From the Pyro Department, Diluc, known for his fiery passion and steadfast control.” The tall man with crimson hair cast a stern glance over the room. His intense aura was both intimidating and inspiring, a true embodiment of the element he represented.
“Finally, from the Cryo Department, Ganyu, who excels in precision and resilience.” A young woman with blue hair and a calm presence bowed, her every movement graceful and controlled, embodying the delicate balance of ice and cold.
With the introductions complete, the representatives retreated to their respective corners of the stage, leaving only Shenhe at the podium.
“Now,” she said, her voice carrying over the hushed crowd, “the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Your departmental assignments will be announced shortly. I trust that each of you will make the most of your time here, regardless of where you are placed. The future of Teyvat rests in your hands.”
Aether felt a surge of anticipation as the room fell into complete silence. After a not long wait his name was finally called, and as he stepped forward, his heart pounded in his chest. He looked out across the sea of faces, his gaze inadvertently meeting Xiao’s.
For a brief moment, their eyes locked. Despite the distance between them, Aether felt a strange pull. It was as if the wind itself whispered something he couldn't quite understand.
“Aether Lydris” Shenhe called, “you will be assigned to the Anemo Department.”
There was a brief, almost imperceptible pause before the applause echoed around him. Aether’s heart skipped a beat as he made his way to the side of the room, where Xiao stood, his expression unreadable.
He had hoped for a different path. But now, he was tied to this reality. To Xiao. And whatever this journey would bring.