Outside the mansion, a chariot waited—dark blue, with a coiled silver dragon emblem gleaming in the sunlight.
The guard opened the door.
Inside were velvet, deep blue and expensive seats— that made a person hesitate before sitting.
Arthur climbed in.
The ride began and his heartbeat tried to outrun the chariot.
Halfway through, his face turned green.
They stopped twice.
He threw up into the grass, clutching his stomach.
Elizabeth rushed water to him and wiped his mouth gently.
"Sorry,"he muttered weakly. "It turns out I'm road sick."
She patted his back. "No worries."
He stared at the sky."I guess Chariots aren't like cars… Not that I've ever ridden a car."
His stomach twisted again."This is torture."
Elizabeth patted his back gently.
The guard winced sympathetically."I guess this is to be expected, as this is your first time out of the mansion."
Eventually, pale and exhausted, Arthur climbed back inside.
"How do people travel like this?" he muttered. "I might die before we arrive."
——————
The Academy stood in the heart of the Inner Ring, its structure a mix of old stone and newer additions, like it had been built over generations instead of all at once.
Arthur's carriage slowed as it joined the line ahead.
Others had already arrived.
Nobles stepped out —calm, composed, like this was routine.
Arthur stepped down like a soldier returning from battle.
He steadied himself.
The courtyard stretched wide before him, pale stone underfoot, faint runes catching light with each step.
Ahead, the Academy gates rose high, carved with an insignia of two blade's crossed together.
Arthur stared in quiet awe.
Elizabeth stood beside him."Welcome to the Preliminary Academy... young master."
Other nobles gathered in front of the entrance, silk clothes, polished boots, crests stitched proudly over their chests. Caretakers straightened collars like they were preparing soldiers for inspection.
Arthur and Elizabeth joined the line.
Then he noticed something.
There was another queue on the other side of the academy courtyard. Thinner clothes. Simpler shoes. No crests.
He tugged lightly at Elizabeth's sleeve.
He pointed."Nena… what's that other line for?"
Elizabeth followed his gaze. She didn't hesitate when she answered.
"That line is for the commoners. The academy has two divisions. One for nobles. One for common folks."
Arthur blinked. "Oh... aren't we going to be learning together?"
He didn't mean it to sound disappointed, but it did.
Elizabeth's expression softened, but her voice remained composed.
"No, young master. The lessons are separated. You will attend classes with fellow nobles."
Arthur looked away. "I see."
He didn't speak again, but his thoughts were loud.
" it's like before. Different world. Same walls.
The poor on one side... the privileged on the other."
He exhaled slowly."Some things never change."
"Attention everyone." A calm voice came from front.
The courtyard quieted.
A young man stood before the noble children. Brown hair, brown eyes.
He looked ordinary, but the way he stood made it clear he wasn't.
"I am Baron," he said. "I will be accompanying you to your classroom."
He paused to let the silence settle."Follow me."
He turned and walked.
The children followed like a small procession.
Halfway down the corridor he stopped and faced the caretakers.
"You may leave them in our care."
One by one the adults stepped back.
Elizabeth bent slightly toward Arthur.
"I will be waiting outside when classes end."
He nodded, then she left.
——————
The classroom door opened with a soft creak—Neatly arranged desks. Chairs lined in rows.
A large blackboard at the front. Shelves stacked with books along the side wall.
Baron gestured inside."This is where you will be taking your lessons."
The children filtered in. Some rushed for front seats. Others claimed spots near friends they had clearly known before today.
Arthur stood for a moment too long.
Every seat felt claimed. Except one, right in the center of the classroom.
He walked toward it and sat down quietly.
Baron moved to the board and faced them.
"First we'll start with a brief introduction. One by one."
Whispers filled the air like nervous birds.
"Begin."
A boy with jet-black hair stood abruptly."Thomas Williams."
A blonde girl with honey-colored eyes rose next.
"Clarissa Vortigen. Nice to meet you all," she said with a cute voice.
Then a boy with crimson hair stood, hands casually in his pockets."Leo Ironheart."
The introductions continued. Name after name.
Then—
Arthur stood."Arthur Valtoria."
He sat back down.
Behind him, a girl with silk golden hair rose gracefully."Seraphina Luminara."
Her voice was calm, almost musical.
More names went on.
Then—
Baron nodded."Good. Now that we are acquainted, we shall begin."
He picked up a piece of chalk."Firstly, our kingdom and its divisions."
He drew a rough map. Split it into three parts.
"Our kingdom, Eldoria, is divided into three parts. The Crown. The Inner Ring. And the Cities."
Arthur leaned slightly forward.
The map was larger than he imagined.
"Eldoria is quite big to be split into three," he thought quietly.
Baron continued. "We are in the Inner Ring, the heart of the kingdom's nobility. This is where the Five Great Houses reside, along with other noble families who serve the kingdom in different capacities."
Arthur's ears perked up. "Elizabeth mentioned them before."
Baron turned back to the board and began drawing an insignia.
A long serpentine dragon, coiled into a circular crest. Wings folded. Body forming a perfect ring.
Arthur's eyes widened." The mansion's crest."
"This is the Valtoria house."
Baron continued."This house was once ruled by Lord Lucien Valtoria, said to be the strongest sword mage of his era. After his passing, his son, Lord Aldric Valtoria, assumed leadership."
Baron's gaze shifted."This is your family, is it not… Arthur Valtoria?"
Arthur stiffened slightly."Yes."
All eyes turned toward him.
Whispers flew out.
"Strongest sword mage... that's cool."
"I heard the Valtoria house is the leading noble family."
Arthur's heart rate spiked.
He grabbed his chest and squeezed tightly." What's this feeling? I haven't felt like this before."
He looked at his hand." So grandfather was strong...and a sword mage..." His thoughts tangles." But what is a sword mage?"
Baron continued drawing— A lion's head, its mouth it's mouth slightly opened.
The lion stood, one claw slightly raised, the other firm against the ground, holding it steady.
Its mane spreads out in sharp, flame-like strands, framing its head like a crown.
Its jaws were slightly open.
"The Ironheart family. Known for producing powerful sword mages for generations."
Arthur glanced toward Leo.
Leo noticed, but didn't return it.
Arthur tapped his chin lightly." Another sword mage family..."
Baron drew again.
A radiant sun pierced by a spear of light.
"The Luminara family. Governed by Lord Draven. The Luminaras have displayed exceptional talent over the years ."
Then he drew a shattered lightning bolt splitting a mountain.
"The Stormbane family. At its head stood Lord Cedric—young, far younger than most who held such a position. Yet he had carried the weight of the family with a steady hand."
Arthur scanned the room.
He thought." No one introduced themselves as Stormbane."
Baron's eyes flicked toward him."Is there an issue, Mr. Arthur?"
Arthur straightened immediately. "No, sir."
Again everyone stared at him.
He lowered his gaze."Did I say something wrong?"
Baron cleared his throat and continued.
Lastly, he drew a massive ancient tree.
"The Vortigen family. Led by Lord Drake Vortigen, the oldest head among the five."
Then Baron moved to the center of all the noble insignia.
He drew a throne. Behind it, two swords crossed.The blades angled downward.
The room fell silent.
Arthur frowned slightly. "Another house?"
Seraphina's soft voice came from behind him.
"The Royal Capital."
Baron nodded."Correct, Miss Seraphina."
"Within the Crown is the royal capital, governed by His Majesty, Lord Atticus Shaffer."
The name felt heavy.
Everyone were in awe.
Arthur's chest tightened. "A king... Just like in the books."
"The Royal Capital governs the entirety of Eldoria."
The class went on on smoothly.
Then—
"As your instructor, I will guide you until you turn fifteen. At which point, you'll undergo the Blade Awakening Ceremony. To determine your future as sword mages."
Some children brightened instantly. Others looked bored.
Hours later, the bell rang and the students filed out.
Arthur stayed seated deep in thoughts."Sword mages…Why haven't I heared of it?The others weren't surprised. They already knew."
"Mr. Arthur."
He jolted.
Baron stood before him."Class has ended."
Arthur blinked and looked around.
The room was empty.
He stood quickly. "Then excuse me."
"Stop right there."
Arthur froze.
He turned slowly.
Baron studied him. "What's troubling you? It is unusual for a seven-year-old to sit so deep in thought."
Arthur scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly. "I was just wondering what sword mages are. This is my first time hearing about them."
Baron tapped his chin." I see."
His eyes narrowed slightly. " Strange. A Valtoria… unaware of what sword mages are."
"Wait here."
Baron walked to the shelves and retrieved a book.
He handed it to him."This contains what you seek."
Arthur held it carefully."Thank you, Mr. Baron."
He bowed lightly. "I shall take my leave."
Baron blinked faintly. "He doesn't act like a noble."
The door closed behind Arthur.
Thud!
——————
Outside the gates, Elizabeth waited.
Arthur approached, holding the book tightly.
"How was class, young master?"
He smiled. "Great. I learned a lot."
"We can discuss about it at home."
The chariot arrived.
He climbed in.
Baron who had been watching them through the window turned away." I guess not all nobles are pricks."
Halfway home—His stomach twisted.
"I don't think I'll get used to this…"
——————
Back home, the sky was already dark. Arthur collapsed onto his bed. Book on his chest.
He stared at the ceiling, then slowly sat up.
He opened the book.
Pages turned. Illustrations of warriors.
Then—
A man holding a glowing blade, standing before a monstrous beast.
Arthur's eyes widened. "A hero…"
He traced the picture lightly."Sword mages protect the weak… and the people they love."
Elizabeth knocked softly. "Dinner is ready."
Arthur closed the book.
"Is everything okay... young master?"
Arthur nodded." Mm," he smiled." It's just... I have made myself a goal to become a hero."
" A hero ?"
Her gaze landed on the book." Did you make that decision because of the book?"
Arthur shook his head." No... I promised someone that I would become a hero and protect the weak."
Elizabeth stared at him for a while.
She sighed." You'll make fine hero... but for now let's have dinner."
Arthur dropped the book on his bed and walked out with Elizabeth.
——————
Eight years later .
Elizabeth opened the door. "Rise and shine, young—"
She stopped.
Arthur was already dressed standing before the mirror.
Older now. Taller. Broader shoulders.
He turned with a small smile."Good morning, Nena."
She smiled back."You seem eager to go for the blade awakening ceremony."
He nodded."This is the moment I've waited for."
"Come downstairs. Eat before you leave."
"Hai."
He followed her.
——————
Elsewhere.
In a dark cave.
A group of men stood in silence.
The man at the front held a letter. Flames ignited in his palm.
The paper burned, ash drifted down like dying snow.
He smiled slowly. "The Preliminary Academy…"
His eyes gleamed."This should be interesting."