4: The System

IN FRONT of Gaia stood a God Tier. His eyes glowed a golden hue as he stared at her. She felt her knees shake due to the intensity of his gaze.

"And who are you to command me?" The newcomer spoke calmly but with a firm question. Gaia's tongue faltered, but she was determined to defend him. Zeira saved her earlier, so Gaia felt it was her turn to protect her.

"Let go of Zeira... She did nothing wrong," Gaia's voice, though shaky, carried courage. The man's face darkened because of Gaia's resistance. However, he slowly lowered Zeira, who almost lost her balance if not for Gaia's support.

"Are you okay, Zeira?" Gaia asked when she noticed Zeira weakening. Zeira nodded, then shot an accusing look at the man named Zhyke, who still stared sharply at Gaia.

"Z-Zhyke, please don't involve Gaia. I know you will punish me, but she's not part of the trouble." Gaia frowned at what she heard.

"But, Zeira? You didn't do anyth—" Zeira looked at Gaia, silencing her.

"Gaia, please... You won't be able to handle the punishment," Zeira said with a hint of concern in her voice, and for the first time in months, Gaia felt warmth inside. But she quickly closed her eyes, trying to forget that feeling.

"Tagging along with an ordinary is very unpleasant to see, Zeira. Know your place in this society; you're supposed to be on top with us. Stop tagging along with the pawns," Zhyke exclaimed. Although Gaia didn't fully understand the terms he used, she felt anger towards the man. She wondered who he was.

"Proceed to the punishment room later, Zeira," Zhyke said before turning away. Gaia kept looking at his back, and when she heard Zeira sigh in relief, she turned to her.

"Sorry, Gaia, for getting you involved in this mess," Zeira apologized as they made their way to the cafeteria, drawing attention from many students.

"Don't worry! I'm fine, Zeira. Nothing bad happened to me. In fact, I should be thankful to you. Thank you, Zeira," Gaia expressed her gratitude sincerely, something she hadn't done in a long time. Zeira smiled at her and hugged her.

"I'm not wrong in choosing you as my friend, Gaia." Gaia momentarily paused at that word - 'friend.'

"What's wrong?" Gaia dismissed the recent events from her mind and just smiled at Zeira before leading her to a seat in the cafeteria, near the glass wall that showcased the Academy's garden. They sat down, and as Gaia remembered the term Zhyke used earlier, she was curious about the man in front of them.

"Ah, Zeira, what did Zhyke mean by calling us 'pawns'?" Gaia asked her after they ordered food.

"Ah, you're new here. There's a system in the Academy based on the strength of each student's ability. Every year, five students are chosen to lead the others. They're called the Royalties, each with a name above the others. The guy earlier is Zhyke Myr Loris, the King. The girl who brought you here yesterday, the one with silver hair, is the Queen, Rania Lintor. After them are the Bishop, Knight, and finally, the Rook, which is me. And what Zhyke meant by 'pawns' are those beneath the Royalties," Zeira explained. Gaia was amazed, but she couldn't help feeling disgust at the label used for the pawns. This was also the reason why Zeira was known in the Academy - she belonged to the Royalties.

"So, uhm, are there other God Tiers aside from the King?" Gaia inquired, wanting to know if that man was genuinely powerful.

"God Tiers are rare, only about 5 out of 100 here in our country. And no, Zhyke is the only God Tier in this Academy, and probably in the entire country's Academy. That's why Zhyke is feared and obeyed here. So, Gaia, try not to anger Zhyke. Zhyke's a beast," Zeira warned, and Gaia wanted to laugh at what she heard, but she held it back. She thought, 'He’s a beast? So what am I?'