Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 2.3 - Crossing Point

"Prestige Signature established," Vox noted. "This imprint will serve as your encrypted identity, used for authentication, social tiering, and restricted access across Avalon systems."

Lyric added with a soft hum. "It will also become your mark, Princess. Where you go, your Signature follows."

Both Scrolls softly sealed themselves shut, their light receding into smooth engraved capsules. Without fanfare, they clicked neatly back into hidden slots inside their Starter Kits with a soft magnetic hum.

"Symbolic keepsakes," Lyric noted casually. "Avalon never wastes legacy. You'll find their purpose later – especially when it's time for your House Challenge."

Aria glanced sideways. "Challenge?"

"Of course," Lyric said smoothly. "Every House requires a demonstration of worth. Your initiation is pending until completion. The reward, naturally, is in VYXA. Avalon pays for results, not promises."

Vox chimed in. "Challenge parameters loaded. Activation will be announced separately."

At the same moment, two additional icons pulsed softly across their ONYX.

"Uniform customization chip now active," Vox informed calmly. "House designation confirmed. Uniform options and personalization settings are unlocked according to your Prestige tier."

Lyric added smoothly, "You'll want to make a statement, Princess — Solara is all about first impressions."

Almost simultaneously, a soft notification blinked on their interface.

"AR Island Map downloaded," Vox continued. "Avalon navigation systems are now integrated into your devices for seamless guidance."

"Which is to say," Lyric chimed in, "you'll never get lost... unless you want to, Princess."

Before Aria could respond, new signals flashed across their ONYX.

"VYXA Accounts initialized," Vox stated.

500,000 VYXA — Standard Allocation Received.

Lyric's tone turned lightly instructional.

"VYXA is Avalon's currency." Vox explained. "At its foundation, it holds parity with the U.S. dollar. Yet here, its purchasing power is magnified — with AI handling production, luxuries cost less. True value comes from how and where you choose to spend."

"It measures not only your allowance, but your performance. Everything essential is provided here — food, housing, education — but beyond those? Those cost extra. VYXA is how you compete and ascend."

Vox confirmed plainly.

"Bonuses and deductions will reflect achievement. Wealth alone does not secure standing here — action does."

Aria mouthed the number silently, already understanding. This wasn't just money. This was influence.

"As House members, your starting balance is active. Further performance will dictate bonuses," Vox added.

"Think of it as survival funds," Lyric chimed. "Avalon runs on more than charm—but charm certainly helps, Princess."

At the same time, the previously dormant Suite Crystal Keys shimmered gently.

Aria's glowed faintly with Solara's crest, while Aiden's displayed Echelon's clean sigil. They both now carried personal Suite access codes.

"Suite access granted," Lyric confirmed softly. "Your Crystal Keys are now authorized. Welcome to your House."

Before they could process further, both Syntaxes paused. The casual tone evaporated instantly.

"Visibility Shield Protocol activating."

The room dimmed slightly as soft crimson light traced faintly along the edges of the Concourse.

"Avalon's existence is classified at Level Zero," Vox declared with calm authority.

"External disclosure is forbidden," Lyric added, her voice more serious than Aria had ever heard it. "Breach will result in Memory Redaction or Permanent Removal. This Protocol is lifelong and irreversible."

Aria felt something sharp settle inside her chest.

"So... even if we leave someday, we're still—"

"Bound," Lyric finished softly. "Avalon is forever, Princess."

Aiden processed faster, his jaw tightening slightly.

"Custodians of secrecy," Vox said cleanly. "Avalon tolerates no recklessness."

The red glow faded as quietly as it appeared.

"Visibility Shield Protocol complete."

Silence followed, heavier now. For the first time since arrival, it felt final.

The Syntaxes drifted subtly behind them, no longer instructing. Their roles shifted seamlessly into quiet background presence.

Ahead, the grand entry unsealed. Soft light spilled into the Concourse, carrying with it the distant sounds of Avalon life. Footsteps. Murmurs. Laughter too poised to be careless. Beyond the doors, the Nexus Gallery awaited — a public hall where House members gathered between engagements, a liminal space that marked the true beginning of Avalon society. No teachers. No handlers. Only peers. Only judgment.

The Suites awaited.

The Elites awaited.

Aria adjusted her coat slowly, her movements deliberate now. Exhaustion lingered at the edges of her awareness — not from time, but from transformation.

Just hours ago, they were arguing over dinner in Sydney.

Now, they were something else entirely.

"Twelve hours ago we were normal," she murmured.

Aiden shifted his ONYX into place, face unreadable.

"Now we're classified assets."

Without another word, they stepped forward — Syntaxes flanking silently — and crossed the final threshold.

Avalon proper awaited.

Next: The Threshold (Part 1) — Welcome to the Predators' Court.