Inside the military-looking vehicle, its tinted windows sealing them off from the outside world in near-religious silence, Yareth and Kenzo let themselves be carried by the smooth motion of their transport toward the Royal Academy. They sat in comfortable, cushioned seats, finally surrendering to the rest they had more than earned.
Neither of them had the strength , or the courage , to bring up the first test. The memory was still too fresh, too painful, too intense. Kenzo kept the trials he had endured locked inside his chest, and he was certain Yareth had not emerged unscathed either. A heavy yet comforting silence settled between them… and within that quiet, they eventually drifted to sleep.
Meanwhile, the vehicle sped along the roads of the Kingdom of Air. A territory unlike any other, blending tradition and modernity, diverse cultures and opposing architectures. Traditional stilt houses stood beside towering glass buildings worthy of technological capitals, and even suspended temples floated between structures. The kingdom embodied globalization in its purest form.
Its people were just as diverse: some with warm brown skin like Yareth, others dark-skinned like Sir Benson, and still others bearing traits from distant realms. The Kingdom of Air was a crossroads , alive with identity.
Eventually, the vehicle left the city behind and entered a vast green plain. That was when the kingdom's most iconic sight appeared: islands of land… floating. Yes, literally suspended in the sky, defying gravity itself. Their transport was heading toward one of those celestial islets.
The vehicle reached what resembled an aerial port, where soldiers in forest-green uniforms bearing the symbol of Air awaited them. Clearance was granted without issue. They stepped onto a platform that, with a low mechanical hum, rose gently toward the heavens.
Once atop the islet, the vehicle resumed its journey, weaving through a dense forest that opened into a luminous plain. After several minutes, a colossal structure emerged from between the trees. It was surrounded by a high wall of pristine white, adorned with eight distinct sculptures. The figures were undoubtedly symbolic.
The vehicle passed through the fortified entrance and came to a smooth halt.
Knock, knock, knock…
– « We've arrived. You must step out. »
A soldier's calm voice echoed from outside the vehicle, accompanied by a light tap on the door. Kenzo jolted upright, startled, just as Yareth did.
– « We fell asleep… » Yareth muttered, rubbing his eyes. « It's fine. We're here. From now on… I don't know how things will unfold. »
They stepped out, their feet landing on a long red carpet stretching all the way to the entrance of the building. What awaited them was overwhelmingly majestic. A man with warm brown skin, short hair, and green eyes approached. He wore a white uniform adorned with two symbols: a rising sun over a sand dune, and the Roman numeral "III," clearly marking a rank equal to Saint 13.
A Knight of Yareth's homeland.
– « Your Highness, are you well? » the man asked in a deep, respectful voice.
– « Yes, I am well, Lord Karim. » Yareth replied calmly.
The moment those words left his mouth, Lord Karim dropped to one knee, head bowed.
– « I offer my sincerest apologies. We lost you, and I have just learned you were kidnapped. I will accept any punishment you deem appropriate. »
– « That won't be necessary. In return, I would like your help convincing Father of something. Allow me to introduce Kenzo. He will become my right hand. I would like him to enroll in the Royal Academy with me. »
– « Yes, Fourth Prince. I will arrange it as soon as possible. For now, please follow me. The King has requested to be contacted immediately upon your arrival. »
Kenzo remained silent, eyes wide as he observed the scene. He had known Yareth was a prince—but he had never imagined witnessing a man of equal rank to Saint 13 kneel so readily. The power of the royal families was truly overwhelming.
– « I can see you are exhausted, my prince. I will explain everything to His Majesty. Fourth Prince, I will escort you and your guest to your chambers. Classes and training begin tomorrow. »
They entered what felt less like an academy and more like a luxury hotel. Kenzo stood speechless. Wealth, nobility, perfection—everything here radiated it. The entrance hall alone was larger than any home in the outer walls. Ivory columns, stained-glass windows, and ceilings as high as a cathedral's.
At the entrance stood eight large portraits under a simple title: The First Eight.
The first depicted a white man with blue eyes, silky blond hair, a regal beard, and full white armor.The second showed a pale-skinned man with violet eyes and black hair reminiscent of far eastern peoples. Kenzo found himself partially identifying with him, though they did not truly resemble each other.The third was a red-haired man, smiling warmly, freckles scattered across his face, dressed in simple civilian clothes rather than armor.The fourth portrayed a woman with warm brown skin, straight hair, and indescribable eyes, wearing partial armor.The fifth was a dark-skinned man with braided hair and orange eyes, encased in impenetrable armor.The sixth was a brown-skinned man with curly hair, golden eyes, and a thick beard… he bore a striking resemblance to Yareth.The seventh was a woman almost identical to the second portrait—same eastern features, but with deep black eyes.And finally, the eighth: a man in his forties, pure white hair, sky-blue eyes, radiating wisdom and authority.
Kenzo didn't have time to read the names beneath the portraits. Yareth was already calling him.
They stepped into an elevator—a first for Kenzo. He glanced curiously at every corner of the mechanism, which earned a faint smile from Yareth. Once they reached their floor, they walked down a long corridor until stopping before a pair of double doors.
Yareth paused and said with a small grin:
– « Welcome to our room, Kenzo. »
The doors opened onto a space so vast and luxurious that Kenzo could only stare. A living room, a private library, two double beds, a balcony… all within a single suite? It was surreal.
– « And welcome to the Royal Academy. »
Kenzo stood frozen, eyes shining. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had truly stepped into another world.