Chrono Requiem — A Death Song For Time.

Aegis Academy

"Remember to contact Mom at least twice a week. Okay?”

Rivan nodded in understanding.

“Why not every day?”

“Do you think your mom isn’t busy? She can’t listen to you ramble every day,” Elena replied without thinking.

Rivan narrowed his eyes and a smirk formed on his lips.

"You're jealous, aren't you? Because I got accepted to the school of your dreams?”

“Hmph.” Elena huffed in annoyance.

"Just wait. Once I become a Resion, I’ll get into this school and surpass you.”

"Yeah, yeah. Keep dreaming, little lady,” Rivan teased, poking Elena’s forehead with his fingertip.

I hope you stay an ordinary human, Elena.

Rivan chuckled softly at his sister’s irritated expression.

"Enough! Stop arguing," their father said, massaging his temples. He was exhausted by his children’s constant bickering.

He patted Rivan on the shoulder and spoke firmly.

“Go and chase everything you desire. Don’t be afraid. Remember why you chose this path. Rivan, I’m proud to have you as my son.”

Their mother stepped closer and gently took Rivan’s hand.

"If you ever feel tired and unable to keep going, come home. No matter how you turn out, you’re still my child.”

Elena’s expression softened.

She whispered, "Study well, brother. And don’t lose control like last time.”

A bright, cheerful smile spread across Rivan’s face, and his blue eyes shone softly.

"I know. I won’t disappoint any of you.”

"Don't push yourself too hard," his mother warned, her tone laced with worry.

“I know, Mom. Don’t worry,” Rivan replied.

"I think I should go now. It'll be a hassle if the headline later reads: Rivan Aster, the most handsome student, is late on the first day.”

"You and your strange confidence," Elena muttered, rolling her eyes in exasperation and twitching her eye.

Their parents only sighed; they were already used to Rivan’s antics.

“See you later, Mom. I’m heading out.”

Rivan waved enthusiastically and ran toward the busy academy gates.

“Don’t run; you’ll—” his mother shouted.

"... fall," she finished with a sigh.

She watched her son get back up, laughing as if nothing had happened.

"I hope he'll be all right there."

"We have to trust him. He’s our son, isn’t he?” his father added.

"Which is exactly why I'm worried."

"...Fair enough."

...

"Wow," Rivan breathed.

A vast and majestic courtyard stretched before him, lined with statues neatly arranged along both sides of the main pathway.

Trees and flowers adorned the walkway.

Benches were scattered about, each accompanied by a streetlamp.

Towering buildings surrounded him, but the structure at the end of the main path drew his attention most.

Golden pillars rose high, reflecting sunlight in dazzling glimmers.

Every window was framed in thick silver-white.

A tall, black gate engraved with ornate lettering stood proudly, welcoming new students.

Rivan stopped and observed the crowd gathering in one area.

He approached one of the students and asked, “Why are you all lining up here?” "Why are you all lining up here?"

The student turned and gaped when he saw Rivan.

Blushing, the student answered, "They're checking abilities and assigning dorms over there."

"Wow, Elementa level 8." The shout caused a stir.

Many new students began whispering and sneaking glances at a young girl near the front.

Everyone knew that they could become a Resion—or a gifted human—on the day of their awakening.

Resions were divided into five branches:

Physis: Physical enhancement.

Ether: manipulation of abstract energy.

Elementa: Elemental manipulation.

Psyche: Mental and spiritual abilities.

Arcane: Rare abilities.

Because of the time loop, Rivan had almost forgotten this basic information.

Everyone watched as the girl walked away, her wide-brimmed hat blocking her face and revealing only her long, black hair swaying freely.

“What’s her name?” someone asked.

"I managed to peek earlier. Her name is Talia Solan,” another replied.

"Solan?" someone in the crowd shouted in shock.

The discussions intensified. It was understandable.

The Solan name was not unfamiliar.

The Aegis attack and the Echo invasion two years ago were still fresh in people’s memories.

One of the pillars of the Aegis Division, known as the Iron Hand of Aegis, had resolved that chaos alone.

That person bore the name Solan.

Rivan glanced at the girl's back briefly, then looked away again.

He continued waiting in line, listening to the murmurs around him.

“Place your hand on the orb,” the staff member instructed.

Rivan extended his hand.

The orb was smooth and warm and tingled faintly.

It glowed for a moment, then dimmed and cast a pale blue light.

Words floated above it:

Rivan Aster.

Arcane, level 1.

Arcane? A rare type?

Sera said my ability is related to time.

Rivan raised an eyebrow, his thoughts drifting. The crowd fell silent, every eye fixed on him.

A second later, shouts of shock erupted. Humans with Arcane-type abilities were extremely rare. Their reaction was reasonable.

But Rivan had no energy to care.

The heat, coupled with the fatigue of pushing his suitcase since morning, made him eager to reach the dorm.

"Excuse me, can I get my dorm key and number now?" Rivan asked.

"Oh! Of course—here you go!" The staff member hurriedly handed them over.

Rivan sighed in relief and followed the map that the staff member had given him. He entered one of the buildings near the main hall and unlocked Room 125.

The first thing he did was take a shower to wash away the sweat and exhaustion. Then, he threw himself onto the bed and rolled over the soft, plush mattress. Sleepiness crept in.

He grabbed a brochure and lazily flipped through it.

"There are still a few days before the official student orientation," he murmured. He turned to look at the other bed across the room.

"I hope my roommate is someone easy to get along with." His eyelids grew heavy.

He pushed all thoughts aside and let himself drift off to sleep.

...

In the afternoon, Rivan decided to explore the academy.

His steps led him to the garden behind the dorm building.

He leaned back lazily on a bench and closed his eyes to enjoy the breeze.

"Sleeping is really the best cure for stress," he whispered.

His body stiffened when he heard rustling in the grass.

His hand instantly reached for a knife.

After the looping incident, Rivan had gotten used to carrying one under his clothes.

"Just answer my question. Where is Kael?"

A strong, teenage boy’s voice rang out with a hint of anger.

“I don’t know. His whereabouts are always a mystery,” replied another man whose voice Rivan recognized.

Nathan? Rivan lowered the knife but didn't move.

Should he leave? But it was too comfortable here. He decided to stay put, minimizing his presence, hoping they wouldn't notice him.

“Don’t lie! I saw you talking to him at the party,” the boy said again, now clearly furious.

What is this?

A lovers' quarrel?

Did Nathan get caught cheating?

Rivan adjusted his posture casually so he could hear better.

Nathan sighed. "Listen, Noah. You know no one can find him unless he wants to be found.”

There was silence—Noah must have stopped talking.

Then, Nathan continued, "Go back to the dorm. I’ll let you know when I meet him again.”

Footsteps faded.

Rivan sighed, disappointed. The conversation had been too short. He quickly shut his eyes when footsteps approached.

"You eavesdropper."

Rivan's eyes flew open. He stared in disbelief at the teenager in front of him.

"Hey! That's rude."

"I was here first," Rivan protested.

The redheaded boy rolled his eyes and twisted his handsome face into an arrogant, disdainful look.

"Stalker," he sneered.

Without waiting for a response, he walked away, leaving Rivan fuming.

"You're so annoying! I hope you slip on a banana peel!" Rivan shouted.

"Wow, it happened," he whispered in awe a moment later.

"That must be karma."

...

Rivan returned to his room, his anger gone after seeing Noah slip. The memory made his stomach hurt from laughing. Noah’s arrogant expression shattered instantly.

The red face and curses he shouted while running away only made Rivan laugh harder.

"The dorm staff said my roommate will arrive soon," Rivan muttered while tidying up his belongings.

On the other side of the room, he noticed a few red suitcases on the floor.

He was fairly sure they belonged to his roommate. Once again, he hoped the person wouldn’t be too annoying.

He checked the time. Five in the afternoon. Still no sign of the roommate.

Rivan decided to prepare some snacks to welcome him. He took out mushrooms and his mother’s secret seasoning blend.

Each room had its own bathroom and small kitchen, which was convenient for the students. Rivan hummed as he sautéed the mushrooms, stirring the batter with his other hand.

Five minutes later, the aroma of mushrooms filled the kitchen and drifted out through the vent. Rivan placed the mushrooms on the table in the center of the room.

Then, he returned to clean the utensils he had used.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang loudly.

Rivan froze for a moment, then hurried to the door. He put on his brightest smile, ready to greet his roommate.

He opened the door. "Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Rivan Aster—"

His greeting broke off. His voice froze. Standing before him was a boy around his age.

He had red hair bright as flame, softened only by gentle green eyes.

The boy folded his arms across his chest, one brow raised. His arrogance was still intact, as if he had completely forgotten about slipping earlier.

He had even changed clothes.

"Oh! Wow, this is karma," Rivan whispered.