"There, I did it. Now I know what to fill in with this form. I mean, it is technically not that official yet but I don't have anything to write in this one either so..." Aran filled his form with slight happiness on his expression.
Having to receive a piece of advice from the Blacksmith Veldrey, he was able to fill-up the form particularly onto the question about his fighting technique. He wrote down the Shadow Blade Art Technique.
"Mmm? What is that? A message?" Veldrey asked while hammering down a few metals. Aran gazed at him and nodded.
"Yes, it is a message from the academy and also an application form for the enrollment later. There's a field that I didn't answer because I don't know what kind of fighting style suits me. But since I have a basis now, I wrote down the Shadow Blade Art Technique just like what you told me." He answered.
"Oh, I see. Well, it won't be that unnatural but I guess it is better than having to leave that field blank." Veldrey was surprised. He didn't actually expect that Aran would write what he suggested considering that he hasn't learned anything from that technique yet.
"But do you really think they will let you pass with this? I mean, this style is not that prominent in this generation, am I right?" Lisa asked.
"That's true. People in this generation don't even know who the legendary blade dancer is. The grandmasters of each domain in this kingdom probably know a little bit about the rumors but I doubt their beliefs in that particular manner. Though it shouldn't be that weird since the academy is accepting various types of warriors. Putting a blade dancing art as your main technique is not of their concern if you can manage to hone it." Veldrey answered. He opened a box behind him and he grabbed a sharp-looking weapon that resembles a dagger.
The color of the dagger is jet-black from the blade down to its handle. The handle seems to be covered with gauze and there's a symbol of a crescent moon near the fuller. Its quality is somehow old.
Veldrey grabbed a sheet and rubbed it on the handle up to the blade itself. After that, he drowned the blade in a barrel filled with hot steamy water, and then he placed it down on the metallic tray.
Both Aran and Lisa were paying attention to what Veldrey is doing. After cooling down the blade, he rubbed it again with a sheet. The form and glossiness of the blade gradually improved as it reflected a small amount of light, making it look like a new knife again. He opened the cabinet on the left side corner near the ceiling and he grabbed a leather scabbard that will serve as a sheath for the blade.
"Needless to say. Young Aran, you're going to be the first-ever warrior to inherit a style that has been long forgotten. That's an interesting reality, and you might be able to surpass him if you can somehow master his techniques. After all, you have a keen talent for reading and learning. I'm sure you can do it." Veldrey said as he approached Aran.
He placed down both the blade and the sheath on the table. Aran became speechless. He saw his reflection on the blade itself. He slowly grabbed it with his left hand and he looked at all of the sides including its build and material. Judging from the way it weighs, Aran was able to wield it properly without any problem.
"This is so amazing. I'm so impressed..." He mumbled as he rotates the dagger.
"This dagger has a shared history that will remain a secret for now. But I want you to know that this will help you on your journey. It is the first-ever blade that is made out of stygian metal. This was forged from a long time ago and many adventurers and knights decided to abandon it because they don't see any value to it." Veldrey explained.
"Even though it is made out of the metal that keeps Dhekaids away?" Lisa asked.
"For them, a weapon that was made from the past wouldn't have any value unless if it is made from gold or silver. Stygian metals were not that rare in the past and they happened to be somehow effective against humans and Dhekaids. Just by wielding this dagger will automatically reduce your life force."
"What?! Then–" Lisa tried to complain but he was stopped.
"But that doesn't mean that this young man wouldn't be able to suppress it. That blade has a hidden power inside of it and he needs to find a way to activate it. If he can activate its power and master it, he won't need to worry about his life force as the dagger will follow its chosen user's command and will. The method for activating its spiritual force will defend on your actions and training from now on."
"I–" Before Aran can even speak, Veldrey stopped him.
"No need. That will be my gift for you. I saw your determination, and that is good of a price to pay for this special dagger that you need. But you need to promise me something..." Veldrey said. His expression turned serious.
"Please, save our kingdom. Put an end to this looping war and do your best to survive." He slowly walked away back to his counter with a smile on his face.
"I will! I will promise you that I will save this kingdom." Aran responded with a fierce aura. Lisa saw how determined he is that it made her smile.
A few minutes have passed, it is finally time for the two to head out and go to the academy.
"See you soon, Young Aran" Veldrey waved. Aran did the same as he closed the door of the workshop.
They started walking again together. Lisa kept on staring at Aran who's now being joyful because of the new blade he received for free.
"You seem to be happy." She said in a teasing tone.
"D-Do I? Haha." Aran chuckled. He couldn't help but feel happy.
"Yeah. Good for you. Now you have a special weapon and a new teacher will be coming to train you. You're now going to start training like I am." She said.
"Yeah. I'm really thankful for everyone. I'm so glad that there's still a lot of good people in this world." Aran replied as he gazed upward to the sky while walking.
The entrance examination for the candidates will start exactly at noon so the two decided to rush and after a few minutes, they finally reached the academy's entrance hall.
"This is it. We're finally here." Aran said.
The two were bewildered by how big the academy compared to what they have heard. Because of the early constructions for the past five years, the other builders who participated in forming the blueprint of the whole academy are seemingly paid with the right amount of budget they need for the labor and for the materials.
Each of the sections was relatively presented to the commander and the president before they build it and as a result, they were able to utilize all factions and a newly developed academy was produced for training young candidates.
The entrance to the academy has a large road and gate. A wide battlefield surrounded by bricked walls with torches on it can be found just on the other side of the gate. It is quite large that it even has an array of chairs from the balcony of another building that leads to the hall of the academy. This area would be used for the entrance examination of the candidates and there would be audiences watching including those who are important residents.
The higher-ups and instructors would be watching from the sidelines as well since they are going to be the judge for whether or not the candidate would pass the exam.
Aran's curiosity brought him to the side of the academy where he saw a lot of young teens just like him who is placing their application forms down on the box.
"Lisa, there! Let's put our application form there." He called. Lisa nodded and they both ran together in order to pick up the line.
The whole station is crowded with a bunch of warriors and young attendees from different places. Most of them wear attire that looks fashionably neat and cool. It was announced that the academy is accepting candidates from different domains and regions among the kingdom and that there would be no limitation on how many will join.
It proves that the academy was willing to accept as many as they can in order to strengthen the kingdom's military power against Dhekaids.
"Woah, this opening is really packed. There's a lot of people coming in," Aran mumbled while he waits in the line.
"Well, the entrance examination is pretty important. It marks the fifth year of this academy as well. That's why a lot of people are joining us today. Though..." Lisa's expression shifted into a frown as soon as she stopped talking. Aran noticed this sudden abrupt.
"Though?" He asked.
"I am not sure if they are indeed trying to be with us. Or will they be a nuisance that will make our lives harder?" She asked with an intense tone.
Aran tried to follow her gaze into the distance. He saw a group of large muscular warriors. They are equipped with heavy-sized weapons that seem to be more lethal than average. They looked like a warrior that will kill anyone who gets in their way as they exudes a frightening aura.
"I see. It is possible that we might not get in because of those groups." He replied.
It was certain that anyone can join the academy as long as they have the power to do so. It was not limited but it was also implied that teens should be prioritized. Having an adult join the academy would only negate the effectiveness of the training inside and the system could change. Those who are already strong enough shouldn't join the academy and just proceed with the application.
On the other side of the gate, many nobles who seem to be interested in joining the academy can be found as well. Most of them are dressed fashionably, trying to steal all the spotlights. Nobles and royalties are also free to join even if they are a part of the high-ranking status. Just like Lisa, as long as they have the power or abilities to do so, it wouldn't be that much of a surprise if a noble gets to join extermination.
"Be careful, Aran." Lisa grabbed Aran's sleeves while she was looking at the other weird groups. Aran gulped as he unconsciously hold the scabbard behind him.
Time had passed and the line was completed. Each and everyone who came into the opening managed to pass their form.
Aran and Lisa entered the gate and they walked across the field to find a space while they are waiting for the announcement.
"Still though, this place is making me feel like I'm gonna die. There's a lot of people and my nerves don't calm down." Aran failed to hold it in and he started breathing quickly while his face becomes pale. Lisa chuckled while patting him on the back.
"Are you nervous?" Lisa asked.
"Y-Yeah... A little bit. I didn't expect that I will be able to reach this state." He responded.
"Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine. We need to do this for the sake of the other villages, right?" She reassured their main goal again in front of Aran.
"Yeah! We're going to pass this."
Soon, a man who wears a long red coat appeared on the stage in the center. His presence suddenly shattered the overwhelming noise of all of the candidates who joined this year's enrollment. Aran and Lisa walked back near the field in order to see what is happening.
"It looks like everyone is here now." He began to talk.
"All right. Now that we are celebrating the fifth year of the Fosier Academy, we are entitled to witness the new opening of cases and to acknowledge the candidates who have arrived in this place today." Everyone clapped together.
"For this opening ceremony, in order for you to get admitted into this academy, you will need to undergo a certain exam that tests your abilities, strengths, and techniques. You need to prove to yourself that you are a slayer candidate, capable of completing all quests and other requirements. Each and everyone who has gathered in this arena will be competing with each other." He announced.
Everyone started making noises again after hearing the pre-requisites.
"Silence! The rules are simple. We're going to pick two application forms from this box and those two that will be picked will be competing and fighting each other. They will use the arena on your left as a stage for their battle. The battle will only last for about five minutes and after that, the fight will be halted. In this battle, both of you will need to use your weapons in order to take each other down. The only cue to end it is when someone surrenders or if that warrior is not capable of fighting anymore. Exhausting your opponent and not attacking is different from this match. If it was somehow deemed that both warriors are extraordinary and tough, both of them will be accepted. Not attacking would be considered disqualified as both parties should show exceptional offense and defense. Dealing with critical damage or killing someone is not acceptable. Doing so may result in disqualification of the candidate. Combat fighting is also accepted if you don't have a weapon to bring."
The rules kept on compiling and Aran was able to memorize them.
"That's all! Let the exam begins!" After that loud outro, everyone went back to the side of the arena in order to give space for the contestants.
"The first battle will be, Jerald and Braun. Please come to the stage and prepare." Finally, after waiting for a few minutes, the first examinees went upstage in order to do the exam.
Their fight went fiercely. They don't have any weapons and they used bare hands to fight each other. Their stubbornness has made the match more exciting than ever. After five minutes, the winner was declared and the other guy was rejected.
A few more battles have passed by and most of them are a battle of swords and bows. It seems like they are prominent for a condition and their users are pretty skilled. Aran kept on watching the match while analyzing their movements. His face was frozen but his mind is calm and concentrated. Lisa on the other hand was preparing herself.
15 battles are finally finished. It is now time to pick another warrior from the box. Everyone who stayed on the side prepared themselves. The guy wearing the red code picked a form from the box. Aran and Lisa embraced themselves with might.
"For the next battle, we have..."
The ones who are giving the verdict are those people who sit on the array of chairs on the balcony. They supervise the whole arena by watching from above. Before they announce the result, some of them need to wait for like two minutes in order to re-evaluate the scene.
While it takes time for everyone, it is worth it if you pass. And for those candidates who lost the battle, were given a chance to recover before leaving the academy.
"Lisa Alliere vs. Rye Mortel!"
An impactful range of claps resonated throughout the area. Aran gazed at Lisa and he noticed that she was shaking. He approached her with a smile and he placed his right hand on her head.
"It's okay. I will be rooting for you. Good luck and do your best. Whatever the outcome is, we will take it together." He said calmly. Lisa with a red face nodded as she returned the smile to Aran.
Everyone made a space in order for her to reach the arena's stairs. On the other hand, a guy who has a big sword on his back went in from the other side of the Arena. The man was perceived to be strange and mysterious because of his black clothes and unnatural eye color.
Lisa made her stance on the left side of the arena and the man took his step on the right side.
He gazed at her with an intense look that made Lisa shiver for a second. It sent chills down her spine that made her feel uncomfortable. She knows that the man she is about to fight is somewhat dangerous and it could proceed into an outcome that is more than what is expected.
"Mmm, you seemed to be rather strong. You have a nice stance." Rye said. Lisa frowned after hearing but then she turned her annoyance into a complete subset of confidence and sassiness.
"Hmph! I can say the same for you. However..." Lisa bent down both of her knees together for a little bit as she grabbed the handle of her katana. Inch by inch, she slowly pulled her weapon until it was out of the sheath...
"This battle will be my victory." She declared.
Rye smirked as he grabbed the big sword he was carrying on his back. He made his stance as well and after a few seconds, both of them are now ready to engage.
"Let me remind the rules again, the match is bound to end at five minutes exactly. Killing each other or dealing with critical damage is not acceptable to our guidelines. You need to force your opponent to surrender or make them go down as minimum as possible in order to pass. Use every necessary technique you have but do not go overboard with it. Am I clear?" The red-coated guy asked.
"Yes!" The two responded clearly.
"Well then, let's start the fight!"
Among the audiences, Aran slid himself through the large crowd in order to watch closely. He brought himself on the first line and started watching everything that is happening in the arena.
"Lisa, be careful..." He murmured.
"Haaa!"
Rye made the first step on the field. He ran across the arena while carrying a heavy sword. Mindful of this, Lisa started sprinting around as well. She knows that he is going to fight her in close combat.
While Lisa's reflexes and agility are high, it is yet unknown whether she has the ability to take down a man who's built to have his body served as armor. With her current attack power, taking down a largely built man would be pretty difficult.
It is a very tough match-up for her.
"You're not going anywhere!" Rye shouted.
He swung his heavy sword pretty quickly.
"Lisa! Look out!" Aran warned her.
"—!"