Volume 1.23 House of Spades (3)

Not even a single noise was heard when Headmistress Verice introduced herself to everyone in such a manner. She continued her speech with pride and a powerful aura that radiated from her presence that made everyone intimidated.

"Always remember that in the House of Spades, we only have three rules, obey everything I said. Second, obey the Seven Keys, and the third one, the most important to all, focus on strengthening yourself. Always aim to be the best version of yourself every single day. Don't waste any time pursuing your highest self because if you want to succeed and be powerful it takes a lot of hard work and focus. This is all to gain a higher number for your names."

"What are the Seven Keys?" One of the students, a boy with lamb horns and wearing puffy white clothes, asked. His round brown eyes that seemed to cry, contrasted with his bravery to ask questions.

"Hmm… We got an inquisitive one here. You are?"

"I am 72. Headmistress." The boy answered meekly at the Headmistress' words.

"Then 72, to answer your inquiry, the seven keys are my subordinates and your teachers in this school. Knowledge, Weaponry, Endurance, Seduction, Magic, Survival, Dark Arts. These seven subjects are the ones you will learn in this House and with the teachers, the Seven Keys. You will meet them when you start your classes on Monday. Oh, and it is already the day after tomorrow."

'Seven Keys,' Myrene glanced at Solace, who was at the entrance door, and she was surprised that he was looking at her as well. He gave a creepy smile that didn't reach his glinting crimson eyes. While Myrene, immediately avoided her gaze from him. 'That creepy guy will be one of our teachers here?' Myrene felt that she was already at a bad start. Well, nothing good came to her life since that fateful day at the cliff. What more can surprise her now? 'I just need to be more careful in every bit of my actions. I need to be more responsible.'

"Solace, the Key of Magic will be the one to guide you in your dorms here. And further things will be discussed by him on the way. If you have questions just ask him everything. Well then children, I will not take much of your time, feel free to roam and familiarize yourself with this House."

All of the lights went off once again. And after a few moments, the light returned to the chandeliers and the stage and the headmistress were already gone.

"Hey," Myrene turned around when she heard someone speak behind her. She saw two children that looked completely identical to each other. They both have fiery red hair and also the same crimson eyes as her. But one could still distinguish them because of their outfits.

"Brother, is she our sibling?" The girl twin said as she tilted her head. Her crimson eyes held curiosity. She was wearing a long checkered black and red checkered dress. And had a red bow at her neck. Her long red hair was tied in a braid at each side.

"She is," The boy answered. He was wearing a coat and shorts a similar color to the girl's dress. "Her eyes are the proof. But only half of her blood is related to us. Just like that Solace." Compared to the girl's eyes, the boy's eyes held wariness. And the way he said Solace's name has more contempt. Like Myrene, they also had metal collar chains on their necks.

"Hmph. I hate that guy." The girl harrumph then looked back at Myrene with sparkling eyes. " But then she is still our sister! She is part of our family! I always dream of having a younger sister!" She exclaimed excitedly all of the sudden.

Myrene looked at the twins with wariness. 'My half-siblings? and younger sister? Does she think I'm younger than her just because of a few inches apart in height difference.' Myrene slowly took a step back but then...

"Hi, sister! I'm 81! And this is my brother, 60, he is an hour older than me. And you are?" To Myrene's surprise, the girl clasped both her hands as she awaited her answer.

"I'm Myre-100." But since they introduced themselves, Myrene introduced hers as well. It was not a good idea, to make a lot of enemies from the start in a new and unknown territory and in the situation she was in right now. It's better to build a new better connection first to get along with her surroundings. Connections that would be for my advantage only.

Myrene tried to slowly get rid of the hands clasping her, but instead of letting go, 81 tightened her grip, but not too much that it would cause pain. "Then since we are all siblings, let's get along with each other! I'm so happy to meet you 100." She happily said as she held 60's hand as well.

"Everyone," Solace echoed through the whole hall. He must be using some magic to amplify his voice and call the attention of all the children. "I will now guide all of you to your dorms. Just follow behind me and don't ever wander away from the group."

"Let's go!" 81 pulled both Myrene and 60 with her.

***

Nothing more happened after the headmistress introduced herself to all the new students. Myrene and the rest of the kids were led to their dormitories. It was said to be situated in another building. While they were on it, the demon who introduced himself as Solace was the one leading them. And Myrene made sure that she was at the back of the line, furthest away from him.

Surprisingly, as Myrene observed the children, they were just around thirty. If the students who would go here were the only ones who got their names from Fifty to One Hundred Fifty, then they were supposed to be more than this number.

"While we are on the way to your dorms, I'll explain some things that the headmistress didn't mention before. House of Spades is divided into four main buildings, mainly called the North Building, where we came from just now. The dorms are situated in the West Building, then the South Building, where the House Arena is situated. And the East Building, where the Jailhouse is located."

'Jailhouse?' Myrene's eyes narrowed.

"I see. From your expressions, all of you must be curious about what the jailhouse could be?"

"I'm not curious." 81 made a snide remark enough for Solace to hear. However, he didn't react much to it and went on with his explanation.

"The guides that brought you here must have explained to you that there are four houses. Jailhouses are common in every house. It is what you can call a place for those who disobeyed the rules of the Houses. And I must say," a sinister smile escaped Solace's lips. "You don't want to be brought there. But among the four houses, our jailhouse is the least not frightening one."

"Hmm I see but what will happen to those children who were brought to that jailhouse?" It was the lamb boy from earlier.

"I can't really say anything," Solace caressed his chin. "But there is one thing you should keep in mind, no one got out of that place once they were brought in." He paused in his walk and glanced up. "It seems we have already arrived."

They stopped in front of another building's entrance door. Then Solace flicked his right fingers and all of a sudden, huge bats, the size of an average human infant hovered and flew in front of each of them. The bats were carrying small wooden small chests on their feet.