Aurivelle pointed past the carriage.
"Look, Zandren."
I turned, and my breath caught.
There it was.
The Academy.
The largest institution in the three nations of Caramien.
It rose like a monument carved from both history and ambition. Its towers pierced the sky. The walls shimmered faintly under the sunlight, the stone tinged with gold and bronze. The structure stood between a castle and a palace. Graceful, yet imposing.
Two long bridges crossed a gleaming lake leading straight to the gates of this place.
Nature thrived around the academy. Rows of elms and Dragon's sprouts framed the paths. Water flowed through marble fountains that flanked the bridge, reflecting the academy's grandeur in rippling light. The air carried the scent of stone, mist, and faint freshness from the trees.
But beyond the beauty of the academy, something else dominated the horizon.
Colossal trees.
They loomed in the distance, massive enough to swallow the skyline. Their crowns vanished into the clouds. They seemed close, but I knew they were far.
"The dark forest..." I whispered.
Eimira nodded. "Those trees mark its entrance. Beyond them are the voids that make up the dark forest."
"And beyond those trees. Is the soul tree. The place where I first awakened." I thought.
"The Academy being close to the dark forest helps students stay alert. Always." Feona said.
Eimira pitched in. "Don't let the distance fool you. It still takes days to get to the base of the trees."
I chuckled. "That, I know."
I stared at the trees
"So we go into the Dark forest to train?" I asked.
"Not exactly." Eimira laughed. "Depending on what Vanguard you join."
Feona leaned forward. "Before the forest, the first wall of Terraka stands guard. Monsters still slip through…"
"And that gives students the opportunity to train." Eimira cut in. "Our base is also located there."
Feona nudged her. "Hey. I was gonna tell him that."
Eimira continued. "There have been multiple attacks during the early days of the Nation, and it only just settled after the walls were built by the Elrukan family, six decades ago."
She leaned against the window. "It feels so peaceful for a place that's prone to monster attacks."
I exhaled. "I see."
I fell silent.
"The truth lies beyond those trees."
"Is there something wrong, Zandren?" Aurivelle asked.
I patted her and smiled. "No. The trees are just so magnificent."
I glanced at Eimira. She was already watching me, concern in her eyes.
"I'm fine." I mouthed.
She didn't reply. Just turned away slowly.
About an hour later, we reached the gates. There, many Soldiers stood guard checking every carriage that enters and leaves the academy. It got to us and they just let us pass through, since it was a royal carriage.
I stayed silent as the carriage rolled over the bridge. The beautiful lake shimmered below. The Academy's shadow stretched across us.
"So... who am I meeting?" I asked.
Eimira turned. "Uhm, Aldren. One of my father's personal staff. He'll handle every other registration and show you around."
Feona smirked. "Eimira even got you a private room. So she can come and have some fun with you."
A small gust of wind struck her face.
"There's a child here," Eimira snapped.
Aurivelle giggled.
"I'm going to miss having you guys around all the time." I said.
Eimira reached over and fixed my collar. "You'll be fine. You'll have new friends in no time."
I laughed. "You overestimate my confidence."
Students came into view ahead. Red, brown and green uniforms. Crests on their shoulders and chest. Some had different crests on them depending on the colour of uniform they had on.
My chest tightened.
The carriage stopped.
Students and guards moved in the courtyard beyond, the sound of chatter, laughs and blessings filled the air.
I took a deep breath.
Eimira tapped me. "You'll be fine. I promise."
"Go." Feona nudged me. "Try not to embarrass yourself."
Aurivelle reached over and rubbed my head. "I'll see you soon, hehe."
I smiled faintly. "Same here, lil one."
The coachman opened the door.
I felt a small tug on my clothes just when I was about to step down. I turned back to see Eimira clinging to me.
She leaned in and pecked me on the cheek.
"I'll see you later." She whispered.
I smiled. "Hmm."
They waved, then closed the curtains. The other carriage passed. Tabbi, Chichi and Erin peeled out and they also waved. Except Ryona of course.
"I hope you embarrass yourself." She blew a raspberry.
I chuckled.
I stood there, watching until they disappeared.
Finally, I had the chance to look around and noticed people looking my way. Wondering if I had something on my face, I checked myself and saw that I was the only one in casual clothing.
"Ryona jinxed me… fuck." I muttered.
I retreated into the shade.
"I hope this person comes quickly."
A voice called out.
"You must be Zandren, right?"
I turned.
A tall man approached, composed, combed-back hair, holding a scroll in one hand.
"I am Aldren, an attendant to Lady Eimira's father. I've been expecting you."
He gave a short bow. Then gestured forward.
"Welcome to The Tarrion Academy."
With that, I stepped into the Academy of Terraka.
"First, we are going to get you changed into the proper clothing." Aldren said.
I glanced around. "Why are there different colours?"
"The colours mark your progress in the Academy." He replied. "Red is the beginning, Brown is your advancements, and Green marks the end of your journey as a student."
"There's another, Blue. It's mostly for Writers." He added. "The colours represent the nations."
"I see..." I muttered, taking in the scale and details of the buildings.
We walked a short distance and reached an intersection. At its centre stood a large fountain shaped like the Academy's crest. A dragon soaring upward.
Water poured from the dragon's mouth into a wide basin, then split into narrow streams that ran along each path. Fish moved in those streams, their colourful scales catching the light.
To the left, carriages lined a broad lane where nobles dropped off their children. I saw the carriage we had come in. Though it stood empty.
"I'm already bored..." I muttered.
Aldren pointed ahead. "That's where we finalize your registration and get you your uniform."
The building stood apart from the rest. Older. Heavier, and a lot of history.
We walked in. It was far larger on the inside.
Statues of past rulers and heroes of Terraka stood as pillars supporting the weight of the building. Lined on both sides of the hall, each carved with details. Eight in total. Between them hung chandeliers filled with glow stones casting steady light across the room.
A long desk of polished marble stretched across the far end. Officers worked behind it, sorting forms with practiced efficiency. Students waited patiently along the walls, seated on wooden benches.
Aldren led me straight past them. Eyes followed us.
"Shouldn't we wait?" I asked.
"No need. I already informed them ahead of time," he answered.
I nodded slightly. "Ok then."
We reached the desk, and the officer seated there was a middle aged man who looked like someone who hasn't slept for years. He took a glance at both me and Aldren and brought out a thin flat surfaced crystal block and signalled for me to get closer.
"Stick your thumb in this..." He said, pushing a little container filled with ink closer toward me. "Then proceed to the garment station."
"A-Alright."
I did what he asked me to, and moved on with Aldren.
The garment station was crowded. Students lined up, waiting their turn. We walked past them again.
A female officer stepped forward.
"Is this the student recommended by Lady Eimira?"
"Yes." Aldren answered.
She smirked. "Hmm. Nice pick Eimira."
"Welcome to The Tarrion Academy," She held her hand forward. "I am Hyrar. I'll be helping you pick the uniform that fits your frame."
"I appreciate it." I shook her hand. "Glad to be in capable hands."
She laughed. "Oh my, flattery already? Come."
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice her eyes.
One glowed yellow. A symbol sat within it. Feint, but visible.
"A Writer." I whispered.
"What was that?" She asked.
"Oh… nothing."
I glanced at her eyes once more.
"Heal…"
That was what the symbol meant.
"Quite an amazing frame you got there. One moment." She dug through a cabinet filled with the red jackets.
She handed me the jacket then pointed to a little changing room for privacy.
"Go try this."
I stepped into the changing room.
Red fabric. Gold trim. Clean stitching. A single thick thread ran across the shoulder, ending in white. The Academy crest rested over the chest.
I put it on and faced the mirror.
I paused.
For once.
I saw myself.
"No wonder she fell for me…" I smirked.
I fixed the collars, then my hair, before stepping out.
"I think this is a good fit." I said.
Hyrar smiled, moving closer. "It looked really good on you. What a perfect fit."
Aldren rushed over, pulling her away.
"Careful, or Eimira would have your eye."
Hyrar raised her hands in surrender. "Haha sorry."
She handed me two more sets. "Here. Take the rest."
I bid her farewell, then we left the building.
Aldren handed me a scroll and a tag. "This is the map. Keep it. And that's your name tag. Have it on you, always. Even now."
I nodded.
"Well put it on…" He said.
"Oh yeah.. my bad."
I clipped the tag in place, slightly above the crest. We continued walking.
"Here, take this too." He said, passing another scroll. "Your class schedule, meal times, and leisure times included."
I nodded. "Got it."
The dormitories came into view.
Lanterns lined the paths, well trimmed bushes in between. Students moved between buildings in small groups. Chatting, laughing.
Aldren pointed ahead. "That one is where you'll be staying."
I followed his gaze.
The structure rose above the rest. Built from dark brick, and polished stone. Narrow spires rose from its corners. Long windows lined the walls, each framed by carved arches.
A paved path led to the entrance. Two fountains stood on each side of the walkway. The sound mixed with the faint chatters of students moving between the wings.
"This dorm is reserved for higher nobles, " Aldren said.
"...Right."
I just want to sleep now.
He glanced at me. "I'd have gotten a better reaction from you if Hyrar was there."
"What?"
He chuckled. "Don't think I didn't see you blushing, and being shy."
I laughed. "No, no. I'm just tired. That's all."
"Ok then, let's finish this."
We entered the dorm and went straight to the front desk.
The process was quick. Aldren just asked me to show them the crystal block and my name tag. The officer at the front desk collected the block and stored it behind the desk before handing me a key and a hand sized plaque.
"Alright," Aldren said. "That's that."
"Really? Thanks for the help." I bowed.
"Come on, it's fine, the one you should thank is Eimira's father." He replied.
"Eimira's father…"
"If I may ask, who is he?" I asked.
Aldren studied me, shocked.
"You don't know?"
"No."
He led me aside, away from the crowd.
"Eimira's father is the Supreme Commander of all Terrakan forces."
"Yes, I'm aware of that." I replied.
He continued.
"He was the second child of King Bertholdt, The first king from the Elruka Family."
"..."
"And a friend of the late King Aethon."
My chest tightened.
"No… it can't be—"
"The Supreme Commander, Mar'gareth Aevorah."
My voice dropped.
"S-Sir Mar'gareth?"