The Five, Who Shine in Gold

The local office of WMO, or Welatia's Magic Organization wasn't really grandiose, its only defining feature is being extremely tall, towering over the neighboring buildings. It has about twenty floors, with the assessment almost always taking place on the first floor. There were some unique occurrences in the past, last year, for example, but fortunately, nothing out of ordinary happened leading up to the ceremony.

"Usually, they will open the doors 20 minutes before the start of the whole event. We will have enough time to go to bathroom, get a drink, and such things before it." - Dean continued to explain - "By the way, how come your parents, didn't come here?"

"They had some things to tend to. But there really isn't a need to have them come here, right? Isn't that why your family aren't here either?" - I replied, genuinely curious, why the Driemburghs didn't come, despite having attended his brother's ceremony.

"Well, it has more to do with the fact that I'm not an heir, and that they already know what happens here, so they will probably just interrogate me afterwards."

"Well, for me-"

Our conversation was cut in half by the sound of doors opening. Dean and I hurried inside, and went up to the first floor, where we found the designated area for the boys and girls who will be assessed this time. Obviously, this isn't the only building of WMO in the country, this is just for Bronthe, our city of about 10,000 residents. Despite our number of population, only 100 people will get assessed this year, which is a really small amount.

"There"ll be only around 100 participants. Isn't that lacking compared to other years?" - I asked him, only half-expecting him to answer.

"As far as I'm concerned, it will be easier to shine. Moreover, the assessment is that much shorter, so it's not bad for us. By the way, can I go around and greet our classmates? I feel like your lack of sleep is affecting me, so I have to leave you here" - He answered, trying to sound as rude as possible

"You go ahead!" - I said, ignoring his provoking words - "I'll just be here, and think about life, or something."

"You sure have fun hobbies... Anyways, we should meet at the buffet after the ceremony, it would be difficult to try to meet eachother in this crowd"

Okay! Bye, then!" - I parted with him, and started searching for a corner, where I wouldn't be in the way of other people.

Suddenly, I heard arguing from where I headed.

'Well, it was stupid to think, that I could find a peaceful spot in here, and I am bored anyways, so I should go and check it out'

And to my surprise, I saw a boy and a girl, who were arguing. Both of them had silver hair, so they are probably a brother-sister pair. The boy was tall, but quite slim, while the girl's head barely reached up to his chest. The siblings looked kind of comical, with the huge height difference. I didn't know either of them, which was strange. I thought I knew everyone, who went to our highschool. If they did not, than that's even stranger. What were they doing here?

The ceremony was going to start any minute now, so I was just about to turn and leave, when I heard an interesting piece of their conversation.

"Great, we're here! Now how the heck do we find him?" - asked the boy, irritated

'They are searching for someone? Ohh, drama, I like it!'

"Well, how should I know? It's not like I'm supposed to be the smart one!" -the girl answered her, no less annoyed

"Yeah, you're right, we should just argue here loudly, so he will come to us!"

"How would that even work, idiot? If he is as big of a recluse as they said to us, that's more than very unlikely. Hell, I'm not even sure he attended!"

It was fun to watch their quarell, but... is it possible that they're talking about me?!

This attraction gathered a bit of a crowd, so in case they do, I need to preserve what little of a reputation I have, walk up to them, and end the spread of false claims right here and now!

"Hey, excuse me, who are you talking about? Maybe I can he-"

"Are you River of Moonborne family or not??" - the girl asked aggressively, and condemning me with her eyes for trying to interrupt their conversation

"W-well, y-yes I am" - I answered, taken aback

"If you're not, piss off th- WAIIT, ARE YOU REALLY RIVER OF THE MOONBORNE FAMILY??!"

If I thought they were shouting before, I must've been mistaken, because why would you make a noise so loud??

"Yes, now please don't shout!" - I pleaded, still holding my hands to my ears

"I apologize for my sister, she's prone to getting carried away in times like these." - her brother bowed before me

"It's alright, I can hear now." - I said, flustered. I was still not used to people bowing to me, despite me being raised as an heir. - "Now, can you tell me why were you searching for me?"

"We should search for a quiet place. Even the wall has ears here."

After wondering, how did he not feel embarrassed after saying such a cliché line, they led me to a staff room. The brother fumbled with his keys, burning his sister half-supporting half-insulting him. The assessment has probably already started, so I had no chance of making it in time, but if I escape, I should be able to get there with only one or two minutes late.

Just as I was about to sneak away I heard the opening of a door, and I was practically dragged inside. I heard them lock the door before I got the chance to look around, so I was in complete darkness.

"Wh-what is happening?!" - I asked, my voice panicked

"Chill" - the sister answered, here tone indicating that I should do the opposite - "We just came here to talk, I swear!"