The morning of departure arrived quietly.
A thin layer of mist rested over the Valenhart estate, softening the outlines of the towering gates and distant fields. The usual calm remained—but beneath it, something had changed.
For Hiro, this was no longer just home.
It was the place he was about to leave behind.
A carriage stood ready at the entrance, accompanied by several knights. Their armor reflected the pale morning light, giving the scene a formal, almost ceremonial atmosphere.
Hiro adjusted his cloak and stepped forward.
"So this is it…"
"You say that like you're going to war."
Hiro turned.
His mother stood nearby, smiling gently.
"…Feels like it."
Elenora walked closer and fixed the collar of his cloak.
"You'll be fine."
"That's what everyone says before something goes wrong."
She laughed softly.
"You've been spending too much time thinking."
"Blame Magnus."
"That's fair."
For a moment, they simply stood there.
Then she reached out and placed a hand on his head.
"Come back stronger," she said.
Hiro nodded.
"…I will."
A Final Word
"Don't embarrass the family."
Hiro didn't even need to turn.
"…Good morning to you too."
Albrecht stood a few steps away, arms crossed.
"You understand what this evaluation means."
"Yes."
"Good."
A pause.
Then, more quietly—
"And don't die."
Hiro blinked.
"…That was unexpected."
Albrecht shrugged slightly.
"It would be inconvenient."
Hiro sighed.
"…I'll try my best to avoid inconveniencing you."
For a brief moment—
A faint smile appeared.
The Journey
The carriage moved steadily along the road.
The estate slowly disappeared behind them, replaced by open fields and distant hills.
Hiro sat inside, looking out the window.
This was the first time he had truly left the boundaries of his controlled world.
The outside felt… larger.
Unpredictable.
And strangely quiet.
The carriage rolled smoothly along the quiet road.
Outside the window, golden fields stretched wide under the warm sun. Tall grass swayed gently, catching the light like soft waves of gold. Here and there, wildflowers—purple, yellow, white—dotted the green like tiny stars.
In the distance, gentle hills rose, one behind the other, turning from bright green to soft blue, then fading into the pale sky. A few white clouds drifted slowly above.
Birds circled high. Butterflies danced near the roadside. The air smelled of warm earth and sweet hay.
It was big. Open. Peaceful.
Hiro watched it all pass by, feeling the world breathe freely for the first time.
No walls. Just sky, land, and quiet beauty.
Hours passed.
At some point, the road narrowed as they approached a forested area.
The knights riding alongside the carriage became more alert.
Hiro noticed immediately.
"…Something wrong?"
One of the knights replied without looking back.
"Stay inside."
That was answer enough.
Hiro leaned slightly forward, his senses sharpening.
The forest felt familiar.
Too familiar.
Then—
A sound.
A faint rustle.
Then another.
The carriage suddenly stopped.
"Protect the Young Master!"
The knights drew their weapons instantly.
From the trees—
Shapes emerged.
Wolves.
But not normal ones.
Their eyes glowed faintly.
Their movements were unnatural.
Hiro's expression darkened.
"…Again?"
The Attack
The wolves attacked without hesitation.
One leapt toward the carriage—
Only to be cut down mid-air by a knight.
But more followed.
Too many.
"They're not acting normally!" one knight shouted.
Hiro stepped out of the carriage.
"Stay inside—!"
"I'm not useless," Hiro replied calmly.
Before anyone could stop him—
"Fire Arrow."
A precise burst of flame struck one of the wolves, dropping it instantly.
But even as it fell—
Another took its place.
Hiro frowned.
They're not hesitating…
No fear.
No instinct.
Just aggression.
That wasn't natural.
A Familiar Feeling
One of the wolves lunged at him from the side.
Hiro reacted instantly.
But just before he attacked—
That feeling returned.
The world slowed.
His thoughts sharpened.
Cold.
Precise.
[Warning…]
[Irregular State Detected]
Hiro's eyes narrowed.
"…Not now."
He forced his focus back.
Controlled.
Careful.
The spell fired.
The wolf fell.
This time—
He stayed in control.
Barely.
Aftermath
The fight ended quickly.
The remaining wolves scattered, disappearing back into the forest.
Silence returned.
But it wasn't peaceful.
The knights looked uneasy.
"These beasts…" one muttered. "Something's wrong."
Hiro said nothing.
He already knew that.
Arrival
By evening, they reached the outer gates of a large city.
Tall walls surrounded it, guards stationed at every entrance.
Beyond the gates—
The Royal Academy stood in the distance.
Elegant.
Massive.
Intimidating.
Hiro stepped out of the carriage slowly.
"So this is where it starts…"