After five days in the infirmary, Dom and Dae were finally discharged, leaving a now-conscious but still healing Sam behind.
A week later, the Formal Induction Ceremony introduced the 22 new Magic Knights. As part of Academy clearance, each recruit had to submit a formal request to join a Knight Division, with at least two second choices.
Disclaimer: The Southland's first Magic Knights consisted of only eight mages whose power was unmatched and feared across the Great Land, earning them the title of Monarchs.
After the Peace Treaty, the Royal Council expanded the Knights, creating eight divisions, each captained by a Monarch and vice-captained by each Monarch's right-hand or descendant, now known as the Monarch Successor.
Over time, multiple subdivisions were added under each division, each with its own captain and vice-captain.
Back in Dom and Dae's room, midday sunlight spilled across Dae's table, illuminating his request form.
He tapped his pen on the table, lost in thought. "What division are you applying for?" He asked, swiveling in his chair toward Dom, who was confidently filling out his form on his messy bed.
"Third Division, obviously," Dom replied, reaching for one of the three pastries on the plate beside him.
"Let me guess… because of Tony?" Dae asked, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
Dom glared through a mouthful of food, then pointed the bitten pastry at Dae. "Hey, I believed you when you said you were related to a Monarch… so why can't you believe me?"
"Because at least my claim has some foundation," Dae said, shaking his head. "Other than your words, can you prove you actually met him?"
Dom scoffed at Dae's painfully obvious point. "You'll see when we meet again," He said, checking his completed form.
Dae sighed, picking up his pen as he turned back to his form. "Fine… I guess I'll apply for the third division too."
Dom smirked, teasingly. "What happened to us never being in the same division?" He asked.
"As much as it gives me a headache," Dae replied, signing the papers with a serious stare. "I've decided to follow you."
Dom frowned, shocked and curious. "Why?"
Dae paused, then looked out the window, his memories surfacing again as he watched birds chirp on the tree branch outside.
"Years ago, I asked my grandfather how he became the strongest swordsman." He turned to Dom, his gaze still serious. "He said the biggest reason was that he followed Ethan Maximus, the Mage Emperor—someone with a savior complex."
"A what?" Dom asked, confused.
"Someone stupid enough to risk their own life to save others," Dae clarified, shooting him a judgmental look.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Dom said with a grin.
Dae rolled his eyes, neatly placing the form in the envelope as he explained, "…He believed that the heavens constantly test the genuineness of that nature--sending difficult situations to challenge Ethan and inevitably helped his team grow into the legends we know now."
Dom raised a brow. "Why are you making it sound like I'm destined to suffer?" He asked.
Dae smirked. "Don't tell me you're scared, future greatest knight?"
"Not a chance," Dom replied.
Dae nodded, placing the sealed envelope and turning to face Dom completely. "The only problem now is we'll likely be in separate subdivisions to spread out forces."
"Not if I make my own," Dom said, standing as he placed his form into his own envelope.
Dae laughed, then stopped, noticing Dom's serious expression. "You've got to be joking." He said.
"The Emperor created the first knight squad, right? If I want to surpass him, I need to make my own badass team," Dom said, walking to his table.
"Dom," Dae said, shaking his head. "The third division already has sixteen subdivisions. To make a new one, you need clearance from the Head Captain, Magic Knight Commander, and the Royal Council. Plus, the captain must be an A-class mage with at least five years' field experience. You're… severely under-qualified."
"Not if you're friends with a Monarch," Dom said confidently.
Dae pinched his nose. "Not this again."
Dom patted Dae's shoulder. "You said you'd follow me, right? So when I get my own team, you're my vice-captain."
For a moment, Dae just stared, once again shocked by his partner's infallible confidence, then finally indulged him.
"Fine," Dae said, amused. "If you somehow get your own division before the year ends, I'll not only be your vice-captain, but I'll do your laundry for a month."
Dom's grin widened to its limit. "Deal," He said.
After submitting their forms, both recruits, along with the other graduates, waited.
A week later, being the top two students in the Academy's entire history, Dom and Dae were accepted to all divisions they applied for—but their choice was obvious.
Packing their belongings, they said goodbye to the Academy, their trainers, and friends as they departed for the Third Division headquarters, a day's journey west of the Capital.
The base was a massive three-story fortress, less intricate than the Capital's buildings but still formidable. Its numerous knights confidently paraded the walls, either deploying or returning from missions, while other workers performed their daily duties to keep the facility running smoothly.
After they arrived, the two young recruits were allowed a short rest before taken on a tour of the facility. As they waited for the guide, they put on the official Magic Knight Uniform.
Dae examined his uniform in the tall mirror—a black slim-fit shirt, trousers, and boots all styled with blue patterns. He adorned the official jacket, which bore the bow-and-arrow insignia of the Magic Knights with the Division number 3 beneath.
Dom, on the other hand, had modified the official jacket with his own design. He buttoned his dark-blue hoodie with the official insignia and familiar dragon design boldly imprinted on his back.
"You're supposed to wear the uniform," Dae warned, brushing his hair.
"Relax," Dom said, sitting on the chair to lace his black sneakers. "Miss Sandra said most knights don't even wear theirs on average. It's only a formality."
Dae glared at him. "Then why have a uniform at all?"
"You should really loosen up." Dom scoffed, annoying Dae further.
Before Dae could get another word in, the door swung open.
"Good. You're ready," A deep voice announced as their guide stepped into the room.
Dom's grin widened instantly, while Dae's face flushed with embarrassment.
The man stood an imposing 6'4", light-skinned and powerfully built. His uniform jacket hung open, revealing a bare, chiseled, hairy chest and abs, with a bold dragon tattoo etched across his torso. His pants were swapped for grey shorts, and his boots replaced with black sandals.
Red hair, slicked back in a punk undercut, framed his face, while piercings on his left eyebrow and nose added to his edgy appearance. Dark sunglasses partially concealed striking pine-green eyes.
"Let's go," He said, his voice resonating deep and commanding, before exiting the room without another word.
Dom patted Dae's shoulder, smirking. "Told you so." He whispered before brushing past.
Dae clicked his tongue and followed while Dom chuckled at his friend's deadpan reaction.
During their tour of the base, they explored training halls, dormitories, the cafeteria, medical facilities, and other essential areas. All designed to support and enhance the quality of life of the country's strongest soldiers.
But more than the facilities, it was the man leading them who left a lasting impression—Jasper Garfield, the S-class Captain of the First Sub-division.
His presence alone radiated authority, confidence, and a dangerous charisma that left both recruits in awe.
Some time later…
Jasper sat on a barstool at the base's central parlor—a place where weary soldiers of so-called justice came to drink themselves into oblivion, leaving their worries and pain behind. He lit the cigar in his mouth, letting the smoke curl over the two sheets of paper in his hand.
"Now that you know your way around, I'll tell you about your subdivisions," He said, looking between the two recruits. "Let's see. Dae, you're—"
"Actually," Dom cut in confidently. "I want to make my own subdivision."
The room went silent.
Jasper, along with the nearby knights, froze, staring at him in disbelief.
Dae slapped his forehead, groaning at Dom's blunt request while Jasper's eyes narrowed as he set the papers on the bar.
"Listen, kid," Jasper said, his voice firm and authoritative. "I don't know what those guys taught you at the academy, but you're still a rookie. Things may seem casual here…" He gestured toward a drunken knight slumped at the far end of the room. "…but there's still a system to respect."
Dom held Jasper's gaze with equal seriousness. "I know." He said, gesturing calmly. "I only said that because Tony promised to help me years ago."
Jasper raised a brow. "Tony?" He asked.
The surrounding knights burst into laughter.
"Did this kid seriously just call the boss, Tony?" One of them snickered.
"Who does he think he is?" Another added, chuckling.
Dae grabbed Dom's arm, a mix of shame and frustration on his face as they laughed at Dom. "That's enough. You're embarrassing yourself." He said.
Dom shook him off and stepped closer to Jasper, his expression unwavering. "I know it sounds crazy… but just tell Tony I'm here and show him this." He reached into his pocket and held out a familiar army hat. Jasper's eyes widened in recognition of that old design and faded insignia on its side.
The serious tone in his voice only made the knights laugh harder, some even clutching their sides and struggling to remain in their seats.
Meanwhile, something about Dom's confidence and this promise felt familiar to Jasper. His attention then drifted to a detail he'd almost forgotten. The white hair, the tilt of his head, the same hopeful fire in his blue eyes…
Jasper's hand twitched toward his shades as recognition slowly crept in. "Dominic…" He said, lifting his shades fully, his green eyes narrowing in disbelief.
Dom tilted his head, curious.
"You're that kid… the one that psycho serial killer tried to kill," Jasper muttered, his voice low.
Dom frowned, then flinched once he remembered that day as well. Aside from Anthony, there were two other knights-- one of them with a certain rebel look and blazing red hair.
"I remember you, too," Dom said, a grin spreading across his face.
Jasper laughed fondly, smacking his thigh in amusement. "When Tony said you'd be coming here one day, I thought he was full of shit." He suddenly frowned. "Damn… that means I owe him half a million bucks now." He glared at Dom. "Great job, kid."
Dom rubbed the back of his neck, laughing. "Sorry."
Meanwhile, Dae and the other knights remained silent, shocked at the sudden shift in Jasper's demeanor.
"Well, kid," Jasper continued, picking up the papers again, "… knowing that guy, I'm sure he'll keep his promise. But there are still other requirements for your proposal to go through. And unfortunately, Tony's out on a job, so for now, you'll have to join your allocated subdivisions."
Dom's smile faltered. "Oh. Okay,"
Jasper nodded, then glanced at the papers. "Dae, you'll be in my sub-division. Dominic, you go to subdivision four. You know where they are, right?" He asked.
Both Dom and Dae nodded, though Dae's reaction was stiff, almost robotic, still in shock.
"Then… that's all for now. I'll get back to you about your proposal as soon as I can," Jasper added, standing with a grunt.
"Thanks, Jasper," Dom said.
Jasper smiled, putting his shades back on. "Don't mention it, kid. Hey," He paused, stopping beside Dom. "I might not have fully believed you, but what you said back there was pretty cool. Welcome to the knights, Dominic."
He held up his fist, and Dom grinned as they bumped fists.
As Jasper walked away, the other knights stared at Dom in stunned silence.
"What the hell just happened?" One of the knights muttered, and Dom turned to them with a cocky grin.
A few hours later, evening descended on the base.
In the Head Vice-Captain's office, a man with a familiar scarred face sighed, closing the door behind him.
He removed his hat, revealing short black hair streaked with grey. Despite signs of age on his pale skin, he still exuded a fresh, sharp presence. His fancy white jacket came off, exposing a buttoned-up black corporate shirt beneath.
A few loud knocks interrupted the quiet.
The door swung open to reveal Jasper, smirking as always. "Roy… wondered when you'd be back," He said, closing the door.
Roy Micheal, the Division's Head Vice-Captain, exhaled, settling at his meticulously organized desk cluttered with documents. "I've barely even sat down," He grumbled. "What do you want?"
Jasper approached casually. "Come on. We've worked together for years. Can't I just stop by to say hi?" He asked.
"No," Roy snapped, reaching for a half-bottle of wine on the side table. As he poured, a chilly mist escaped the once-lukewarm liquid, fogging the glass.
Jasper sat across from him, smoke curling from his cigar and filling the air.
Roy coughed. "How many times have I told you to stop smoking that in here?" He grumbled.
"Relax. I'll be quick." Jasper scoffed and dropped two familiar papers on the desk.
Roy sipped on his cool drink as he picked them up, eyes scanning the recruits. "These are our new knights, right?" He asked.
"Yeah. Doesn't one of them look familiar?" Jasper asked.
Roy narrowed his eyes, first at Dae, then froze as his gaze landed on Dom. First the white hair… then the face. The recognition hit him like a bolt.
"It's that boy," Roy muttered, recalling the ambitious child all those years ago. "I personally approved his request, and I didn't even recognize him. White hair and all."
Jasper exhaled another plume of smoke. "Looks like he's not that little weak kid anymore." He said with a smirk.
Roy flipped through Dom's paper thoroughly. "Seems so…" He sighed, then placed the papers on the table. "Looks like I owe Tony a lot of money now."
Jasper gave him a sympathetic nod, recalling the playful yet serious bet they made that day.
"Anyway, that's why I came," Jasper said, pointing at the papers with his cigar. "The kid wants his own subdivision."
"Doesn't he know what it takes to make one?" Roy groaned, frustrated.
Jasper shrugged. "He does… but because a certain someone made a promise all those years ago…"
Roy tightened his grip on his glass, frost forming around it as memories of Anthony's promise surfaced. "That guy…" He mutters.
Jasper leaned back, eyes on the ceiling, exhaling smoke. "So… what do you say?" He asked.
Roy sighed, setting the frozen glass down. "Unfortunately, it's not up to me," He said, opening a desk drawer. "But knowing that old man, I already know what he'll say."
Jasper laughed as Roy searched the drawer, eventually pulling out a familiar communication device. He activated it, infusing his arctic-blue mana into the mirror, causing it to ripple like water.
Almost a minute later, a blurry figure formed on the screen.
"Yo, Roy. Didn't expect a call,"
The voice was familiar and powerful. The voice of the man who saved millions of lives, including Dom's, back then.
"And I wasn't planning to," Roy said, using his magic to defrost his drink. "How was the mission?" He asked, trying to discern the shadowy figure.
"Not bad," Anthony replied.
The image shifted to a distant building engulfed in flames.
"Finished a while ago. Just enjoying the view."
Roy set the device down. "Good work, but can you at least report back like a proper commander? You're setting a bad example." He complained before taking a sip.
"No need to be so stuck-up. So what's the problem? Did Jasper screw up again?" Anthony scoffed.
"Nobody's perfect, boss. Not even you," Jasper said with a grin.
Anthony laughed.
"It's about our two recruits," Roy said, his voice cutting through Anthony's laughter.
"Oh yeah… You said they were the best in Academy history. Looks like we've got some real geniuses," Anthony remarked, obviously proud of the new additions to his already powerful division.
"Well," Roy said, his pale eyes narrowed. "… one of them is that boy from the Cannibal Job," Roy added.
Silence…
The next couple of seconds went as quietly as a graveyard, almost as if the call had ended. Jasper and Roy exchanged puzzled looks—until Anthony's loud laugh shattered the quiet.
"Tony?" Roy asked, curious.
"He's finally here, huh?" Anthony said, his tone clearly amused.
"And not only that… he's requesting his own sub-division," Jasper added.
"Is that right?" Anthony asked, then laughed again.
Roy rubbed his forehead. "Seriously, he's barely joined and is already giving us more paperwork." He grumbled.
Jasper chuckled. "We always attract troublemakers. Must be because of you, Boss."
"I'm beginning to think that too," Antony replied, barely able to hold himself from laughing again.
Then, Jasper picked up the comm to lean closer to the screen. "So? You gonna approve?" He asked.
Through the shadowy image, Jasper caught Anthony's red-glowing eyes staring directly at him.
"I did promise him, didn't I?" Anthony said.
Jasper glanced at Roy, who sighed heavily.
"Of course you did," Roy muttered.
Anthony laughed fondly while Roy got up. "But even with your approval," Roy said as he opened a cabinet, searching among the neatly arranged folders. "… he still needs the Acting Commander and Council's approval,"
Jasper rubbed his chin. "Well, knowing the Commander, he'll go along with anything Tony says. The problem will be the Council." He said.
"Especially for a mage like him," Roy said, pulling out a folder, his words darkening Jasper's expression.
"Just send the request for the Commander on my orders," Anthony said, drawing their attention. "Leave the Council to me,"
Jasper smirked. "You're threatening them again, aren't you?"
Anthony chuckled boldly."Anyway, I'm done here. So I'll pass through the Capital and appeal to myself. We'll handle the paperwork later," He added.
Roy groaned as he sat down. "You mean I'll do the paperwork while you drink yourself into a stupor." He grumbled.
Anthony chuckled as Roy ended the call.
"Now go. You're making the room stuffy," Roy said, putting the comm away while glaring at Jasper.
Jasper exhaled, smirking. "You know what you need? To get laid, man. Relieve all that stress." He said, then noticed Roy's chilling glare. "Okay, okay. I'm going." He chuckled as he left, while Roy began making arrangements.