The induction had finally come to an end.
Over forty new hopefuls had successfully passed the brutal trials, now officially accepted into the Academy, proclaimed as the next generation of Warriors.
Cheers rang from them when their names were called, and now, they were to begin their true journey, joining the mages who already had a two-week head start in the curriculum.
They were met with a swift and direct orientation, preceded by a tall woman with gray hair, with an incisive tone to her voice.
All the newly inducted knights gathered together, glancing at each other with curious and anxious gazes.
Many had their eyes on Darien's way as Jakob and Mirielle cliqued with him.
Darien had survived a fierce light spell from the duke's son, something most wouldn't even dare stand against, and even more, he had defeated him cleanly in three rounds of swordplay.
Whispers of awe and disbelief floated around, while he just stood there quietly.
Darien was still a little fazed from the light spell, but he was glad Vincent was still a Rank 1 Mortal and likely couldn't cast a more advanced version yet.
If Vincent could, Darien doubted he'd still be standing.
He didn't even despise what had happened in the arena. Rather, he liked what happened because he didn't want to be just another knight among the many in this class set.
Darien always wanted to be the best. Such ambition was bound to draw enemies, but he thought he was ready—even though he wasn't fully.
"You are forty-four in total, and each of you clawed your way into Valurion's Knight Division. But this is not a tale of triumph yet. You've passed through the door, nothing more. Now comes the shaping."
"Mages began two weeks ago. That's two weeks of discipline, combat theory, spell drills, and foundational bonds that you lack. You're already behind."
"But that's the difference between you and them. They were selected. You bled for it. This academy will break you apart and build you again, piece by piece. Those who endure, who fight not just hard but smart—you'll become something the world can't afford to lose."
The orienter spoke loudly and confidently, trying to do her best to summon fire and will in the hearts of every one of them.
With her hands behind her back, she looked across every face, both noble and commoner, boy and girl.
"You may think yourselves lesser because you wield no magic glamour or hurl no fire from your palms. But that thinking dies today. Knights are the backbone of the realm!"
"You are not failed mages. You are not second to them. You are not a fallback or a footnote. You are knights. And if you truly become what you are meant to be… you will be the reason mages survive their own brilliance."
"A mage is mighty, but they are just as fragile. Who draws steel when their mana runs dry? Who drives the spear into the breach before the first spell is even loosed?"
"So if you're here grieving the path you couldn't walk, I say grieve no longer. Embrace what you are with all your soul. You're here to be knights of Queen's Reach."
The orienter's words influenced the newly inducted knights, and many found themselves standing a little straighter, shoulders lifted in purpose. They exchanged determined glances with one another.
"Your curriculum begins tomorrow. At dawn, you'll report to your assigned squads based on the numbers you bore during your trial matches. You'll begin with endurance drills, followed by combat form correction, and then live sparring after mid-day meal. Each evening closes with tactical lectures. Ascension evaluations will commence as soon as possible. Control, restraint, clarity—those will be judged first."
A few hands shot up the moment she finished, some with hesitation, others with eagerness. She sighed faintly but nodded to the first.
"Yes?"
"Will we be given quests outside the city? Maybe in other provinces?"
A dark-haired boy near the front asked, and she nodded curtly.
"Eventually. But quests are assigned strictly by level. This academy doesn't send novices to die chasing glory. Your missions will match your rank. The higher you ascend, the farther you go."
Another hand rose quickly from the back. It was the hammer girl and her tightly braided hair.
"When will we start entering dungeons?"
"As soon as you've Ascended. Rank 1 Novice to Intermediate dungeons will be made available to accelerate your growth. No need for more questions. Everything necessary will be covered in due time."
"Dorm assignments are matched to your numbers. Even numbers west wing, odds to the east. You'll find your name and room placement carved on the outer board. The Academy doesn't offer comfort, but tonight, after your blood and bruises, you've earned food and rest. Starting tomorrow, your knighthood begins."
The heavy doors to the hall swung open, and the orienter stepped out with the examiner and others.
Finally left to themselves, the students felt free to breathe and feel the weight of the induction ease off their shoulders.
Many began moving toward the open doors, some already forming early friendships, clustering into groups based on familiarity or admiration.
"C'mon! Tell me, Darien. Where did you learn such sword art?!"
Jakob pressed on Darien as they moved in the swarm to find their dorms.
Darien shrugged at his question, playing it cool. He didn't want to boast, and at the same time, he didn't want to deny it. He decided to tell Jakob a simple-believable story.
"I killed a magical beast in the Primordial Forest and acquired a Skill Book."
Jakob and Mirielle were stunned at Darien's words. Neither of them had ever faced a magical beast. So, it was impressive to hear that their friend had killed one and even gained a Skill Book from it.
Both of them uttered words in awe and wonder.
"You must be strong."
"Yeah, no matter what squad they put us in, we've gotta be with you. Always. We'll stick together."
Eventually, they reached their quarters. Mirielle's was the first, while Jakob and Darien continued down the hall until they found their own each.
The rooms were more spacious than Darien expected for a solo room. A single bed, desk, cabinet, and wardrobe.
A faint herbal scent lingered in the air, and a pair of folded academy knight uniforms were on the bed.
After a long day that had over a hundred fights, the sun began its descent. Darien was exhausted, so he took a long, well-earned bath that soothed the fatigue in his limbs.
Once dried, he dressed in the succulent academy knight uniform laid out on the bed.
He stepped out for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the grandeur of the place, happy to be once treated with a touch of kingship.
There were polished marble floors, chandeliers lit with arcane crystals, and dishes fit for nobility.
Darien ate heartily, savoring the richness of the meal, but his thoughts never strayed far from growth.
He had come to Queen's Reach Academy to learn both knighthood and magehood, and mostly to level up faster.
No one could break into the Mortal realm without first undergoing Ascension, and that could only be facilitated by the capable hands in academies.
Without being Rank 1, Darien would not be able to enter a dungeon, where real danger and real advancement waited.
So, he was here to get access to dungeons, to get relevant knowledge, and to undergo Ascension.
With his belly full and his goal sharpened in his heart, Darien returned to his room, laid on his bed, and surrendered himself to sleep.