School was always a thought in the back of Henry's mind. Being from the slums, on top of being an orphan, didn't give him much leeway when it came to academics. A majority of the Veiled come from families that have lineages giving them the resources to train and prepare to carry on the family's legacy. Those were the people that went to school, but lowly orphans like Henry normally died in the trials due to lack of training.
But there Henry was, sitting in the back of a car on his way to his new home, Veiled Academy. Thalor was sitting next to him, talking about some new movie he had missed due to waiting for Henry's trial, but Henry was more focused on his future. What would he do? Who would he meet?
Lost in thought, Henry barely noticed Thalor talking to him.
"You nervous, kid?" Thalor gave off a kind energy. He was big and quite scary-looking when you first met him, but he was sincere.
"No." Henry knew it was a lie, and so did Thalor, but it was worth a shot.
Thalor leaned back in his seat, the fabric rubbing against itself to create quite the annoying sound.
"You know, I went to the academy."
Henry's eyes raised. The academy was the preferred training for the newly awakened; however, its routine was strict, and it had quite a reputation for its alumni, who often went on to be quite famous. Henry didn't know about Thalor, though.
"You did?"
Thalor snickered, "Yup! I was about your age. I was quite the student if you ask me." Thalor seemed to be holding back a laugh after stating his last point.
"Oh, what rank did you get?" Henry was excited; he had never had a real chance to talk with someone who had graduated from the academy. All students pass through the academy as long as they make it through all their trials, but the top 20 completers graduate, granting them great acclaim and opportunity.
Thalor's grin grew as he prepared his next statement.
"Dead last, 300th place that year." He spoke as if he was proud of this.
'What? The lowest rank out of everyone. I thought this guy graduated?'
"Wait, so you didn't graduate?"
Thalor was almost boasting from his seat.
"Nope! That didn't mean much, though."
Henry was confused. Graduating was one of the most prestigious things one could do. What did he mean it didn't mean much?
"Why? Didn't you want to get signed onto a big clan or make a bunch of money?"
"Nope. I walked into that academy with one goal and one goal only, to survive, and look at where I am now!"
Thalor was truly content with what he had been saying.
'I mean, he looks strong and he's a saint? Doesn't that mean he's successful at the very least?'
"Why, though? Did you not want to be the strongest there?"
Thalor thought to himself before deciding on what to answer.
"Listen, I'm going to give you some wisdom. The strongest never gets first. The ranking is a popularity competition; it's all about who can tell people the most about their Veil and how strong it is. Don't fall for it."
"Wait, so it doesn't matter?" Henry was shocked. He had built up a huge amount of respect for the graduates of the academy.
"Nope. Don't let that discourage you, though. The graduates are strong, but not once has the strongest been #1 on that ranking."
"What…" Learning that something you believed in was a lie is quite shattering, especially when you had delusions of grandeur focused on it.
Thalor could tell that Henry was down and seemed to truly have nothing but good intentions in telling the boy. He sighed before speaking up again.
"Don't let it get you down, kid. Shoot, if you want number one, get it. I can see you breaking expectations." Thalor had a genuine smile; he truly meant what he said.
Though in shock from the bomb being dropped on him, Henry felt secure knowing that at least one person believed he could do something never done by someone of his lineage.
"Speaking of the academy, do you think you could tell me anything that could help me there?" If others had the training and knowledge of a lifetime from their families, Henry would need any advantage he could get in the academy.
Thalor thought for a few minutes.
"Alright, listen. When it comes to the academy, you have three rules. Follow them, and you will succeed there no matter what."
Henry leaned closer to Thalor, preparing to take every word to heart.
"Rule one, never, no matter the circumstance, regardless of friendship, tell anybody what your Veil is. If you do, keep it as minimal as possible and leave out as many details as you can."
Puzzled, Henry had to ask, "Why?" He knew being secretive could help with fighting people, but hiding from everyone seemed overkill.
"The academy will do its best to learn what your Veil is and how it works, and you know why it does that? Because the academy fears you. No, the whole world fears you. The Awakened are near godlike beings, especially the ones who know they are." Thalor's tone had gone serious.
Before Henry could digest the information, Thalor gave his second rule.
"Rule two, you cannot survive on your own. Once you reach the second trial, you will be sent to a realm beyond your comprehension. The creatures there will be much meaner than anything you faced in the first trial. You will have to gather allies to survive."
Having allies meant trust, but how could Henry's allies trust him if he wouldn't tell them his Veil?
"Finally, rule three, do not fear death. You will see friends and enemies die in the realm; it is inevitable. If you choose to sit in fear, more around you will die. Stay strong, do not fear death; instead, embrace it. Fight against death; do not bow in the face of it."
Thalor's face loosened, now turning to a look of sadness as he leaned his head back into his chair.
"Henry, I think you're going to make it far. Please don't prove me wrong."
Quite a bit of information to consume at once, though Henry knew from Thalor's expressions that he meant every word. If Henry wanted to thrive in the academy, he would follow every word the best he could.
Once they arrived at the Academy gate, the sun had risen, the time now 9:00 AM.
"Well, this is where we part ways. Tell the front desk your name and age; they will help you with the rest."
Thalor had something in the back of his mind that he wasn't saying.
Not much for waterworks and goodbyes, Henry didn't often get to meet someone who genuinely cared for his well-being.
"Thank you, Thalor. I'm glad I got to meet you."
Looking up with a newly placed smile, Thalor nodded.
"I better see you soon, kid."
Thalor turned around, getting into the car, unsure if he'd see the promising young Henry again.