The banners of Zheno Academy unfurled proudly over the wide ceremonial hall, golden threads shimmering under the high chandeliers. The stage brimmed with dignitaries and professors, while rows of students filled the seats below, their whispers weaving a restless current of anticipation. Today was the recognition and graduation of the fifth-years, the seniors stepping out of the academy into the world as full-fledged elites.
But amidst the solemnity, six names cut through the air—unexpected, startling.
"Wyxro Waxzi. Reiyell Georgia Frey Ravenscroft. Keiya Anastasia Zheka. Liora Vallegoire. Ashborne Cloud Dunsmore. Klyden Yurei."
The headmaster's voice rang with a touch of pride as the six were called one by one. The hall murmured in surprise, curiosity sharpening into awe as the first-years rose and stepped forward. Recognition medals gleamed in the light, awarded for the completion of their first mission—something far beyond what ordinary students their age could ever claim.
The audience stirred.
"They're only first-years…"
"Did you hear what happened in the Forsaken Forest?"
"I can't believe it. Already receiving recognition?"
Whispers coiled through the crowd, admiration and envy mixing freely. From that day forward, the names of those six would ripple through the academy, echoing down halls and dormitories alike. For months to come, their reputation would carry—like a storm on the horizon, like a fire that could not be contained.
The ceremony gave way to the farewell party for the graduating seniors. The academy grounds lit up with lanterns and laughter, tables heavy with food, and music spilling into the night. Students toasted, danced, and bid tearful goodbyes to the ones leaving.
But far from the merriment, at the fountain in the middle of the courtyard, Wads sat alone on a stone bench. His sharp gaze tilted skyward, tracing the tapestry of stars scattered across the heavens. Some twinkled faintly, some burned bright—like stories half-forgotten and stories yet untold.
Footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones.
"What are you doing here aloneee, Waxzi?"
The voice was unmistakable. Wads tilted his head just enough to see Kaizer approaching. Dressed in a striking red suit lined with golden jewelry, Kaizer looked every inch the noble heir. His crimson hair caught the light, fierce as fire, but the goofy grin on his face ruined any chance of regal dignity.
Wads simply stared.
Kaizer clutched his chest dramatically. "Argh! Is this what they call… the silent treatment?" He staggered in mock pain before dropping himself onto the bench beside Wads with a laugh.
The younger Waxzi boy said nothing, though his blank expression twitched slightly, almost betraying amusement.
Kaizer, of course, didn't need an invitation to talk. Words spilled from him in endless streams—praise for their mission, jokes about the chaos of battle, silly boasts about how he would've looked ten times cooler if he'd been there. Wads listened only halfway, his thoughts drifting.
The Zheka family. Prestigious, ancient, one of the ten strongest houses of the kingdom. By bloodline, Kaizer should have been heir. Yet it was Keiya who carried that title publicly, Keiya who bore that pressure on her shoulders. Wads glanced at the older boy beside him, carefree, laughing without a trace of responsibility in his voice. Was it because Kaizer was unsuited for it? Or perhaps… was there something deeper hidden beneath his smiles?
Wads sighed quietly, the sound almost drowned out by Kaizer's rambling.
...
Morning light seeped into the dormitory, pulling Wads from sleep. He blinked against the glow, staring at the ceiling for a long moment before finally sitting up. A yawn broke from him, arms stretching wide. His eyes drifted to the opposite bed—neatly arranged, empty. Keiya had risen early.
The first school year had ended. A month of vacation awaited all students. Some rushed home to their families, some traveled, some celebrated freedom. But Wads had already decided—he would stay. Letters would be sent to his family explaining his absence. It wasn't that he didn't want to see them. It was that he couldn't afford to waste the time. He needed strength. More than anything, strength.
Klyden, too, remained behind. His reasoning wasn't complicated—no home worth going back to, and food at the academy was "good enough." Liora had departed for the north, a relative's birthday drawing her home. The campus, once loud and bustling, now felt eerily quiet.
Wads changed into training clothes and wandered toward the cafeteria. The halls were hollow, his footsteps echoing faintly against the walls. When he stepped inside the cafeteria, he was met with an unusual sight: no lines, no chatter, just scattered groups of students left behind. He quickly picked up his usual breakfast and turned, scanning for a seat—
"Wads! Over here!"
Klyden's voice, impossible to ignore. Waving enthusiastically from a table, the boy all but dragged Wads in with his eyes. Reluctantly, Wads sat beside him.
Across from Klyden sat Keiya, biting into bread with a calm that only made Klyden's animated rambling more ridiculous.
"—and I swear, if the seniors had just one more round of food, I would've joined their party! They had cake. Cake, Wads! Do you know how many months I've been dreaming of—oh, wait, don't roll your eyes, Keiya. Bread is NOT cake, you savage."
Keiya arched a brow but said nothing, chewing slowly.
Wads, ignoring Klyden's monologue, glanced at her. "You're not going home?"
Her eyes lifted, meeting his. "Troublesome. West is too far."
Immediately, Klyden leaned in, eyes sparkling. "The West?! What's it like? Come on, tell me! You can't just drop that like it's nothing."
Keiya let out a quiet sigh, clearly weighing whether it was worth explaining. Finally, she relented. "Our manor sits near the ocean. The winds are colder there. Stronger. Salt clings to the air, and the sea never stops roaring. You can see the horizon clearly, endless water stretching out as if the world itself has no edge."
Klyden's jaw dropped, his eyes lighting up like a child's. "The ocean? Waves? Fish? Do you eat seafood every day? Wait—do you have shrimp? Lobster? Clams? Giant crabs?!"
Keiya pinched the bridge of her nose. "…Yes. We have seafood."
Klyden's face beamed with pure delight. "Oh, that's it. I'm moving in. Adopt me, Zheka family!"
Wads nearly choked on his food from trying not to laugh, while Keiya muttered something under her breath that suspiciously sounded like "idiot."
The chatter swirled around him—light, warm, alive. For once, Wads allowed himself to simply listen.
His gaze drifted to the window beside him. The sun filtered gently through, and outside, the academy grounds looked calmer than ever.
They had been through much already. Trials, blood, enemies lurking in shadows. Yet he knew this was only the beginning. He could not afford to stay still. He had to grow. To be ready.
Because deep down, he carried a truth none of them knew. This was not his first life. The question haunted him like a shadow: What was my first life like? How did I end up here?
He didn't know the answers. Not yet. But perhaps, someday, the veil would lift, and the truth would reveal itself.
For now, though, the first year had ended. And the weight of eternity pressed silently against his soul.
——End of Vol.1———