(Time Skip : Two Months and Twenty-Five Days[:85-Days])
(Location : Xantrinia Kingdom(:Palace Exit Halls))
(Third Person View)
In the hallway, the air was thick with a mix of excitement and sorrow.
A Young Man, 17 years old—Silverthorne Karnal Rai—adorned in formal medieval attire stood, and behind him was his Shadow Kavir.
Rai looked both affectionate and impatient, like a teenager eager to embark on a new journey.
Alistair, Rai's Father, stood beside him, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
His usual air of authority and maturity was replaced by vulnerability, and he clung to Rai as if he could prevent time from slipping away.
"Rai.
-Alistair's voice quivered, his grip tightening on his son's arm.
"I just...I can't believe it's time for you to go."(Alistair)
Rai's expression remained stern, with a hint of sadness playing behind his features of annoyance.
"Dad, come on, it's not like I'm leaving forever."(Rai)
He mumbled.
Elizabeth, all of six years old, stood between them, her small hands planted firmly on her hips.
Despite her age, her eyes were fierce, and her voice carried an unexpected authority.
"Daddy.
-she chided, giving her Father a stern look.
"Don't cry. You're the King, remember? Kings don't cry."(Elizabeth)
"Right you are, my little Princess. Kings don't cry."(Alistair)
Alistair chuckled through a sniffle, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Seriously, Dad, cut it out. It's just a Military Academy."
Rai rolled his eyes, a mixture of frustration and affection in his gaze as he regarded his family.
The scene was achingly familiar, reminiscent of the day when he and his Sister had set out on their journey to the Alchemoria Kingdom.
In many ways, it was a déjà vu.
But this time, there was a notable difference.
Rai's father, Silverthorne Azrael Alistair, had also wished to join them on their journey to Alchemoria, a wish that was, for all intents and purposes, impossible to fulfill.
If his absence was merely for a few days, it might not have posed significant problems.
But being away for an entire month could lead to avoidable complications.
Amidst this bittersweet moment, Rai let out a soft chuckle, which was heard by no one as the sound was a reverberation of a humorous yet etched memory.
"I know, I know. I'm just going to miss having you around, that's all."
Alistair managed a smile, albeit a watery one.
"I will be here, Daddy. I'll make sure you're not lonely."
Elza's arms encircled her father's waist in a determined hug.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
Alistair's gaze softened as he looked down at his feisty young daughter.
"Time to go.
-Rai's foot tapped impatiently against the floor, and he glanced at his watch.
"Take care of Dad for me, okay?"(Rai)
As Rai turned to leave, he hesitated, his eyes meeting Elza's.
"I will, Big Brother."
Elza nodded solemnly, her fierce demeanor softening just a touch.
"Make us proud, Son."
Alistair's hand found its way to Rai's shoulder, a mixture of pride and sadness in his gaze.
With a final nod, Rai walked away, the hallway echoing with the fading sound of his footsteps.
Alistair and Elza watched him until he disappeared from view.
Then, Alistair knelt down to his Daughter's eye level, his eyes welling up again.
This time, though, they were tears of gratitude and love.
"...You know.
-Alistair said, his voice trembling.
"You are a very special little girl."(Alistair)
"I know, Daddy. But you're special too~"
Elza's gaze held a touch of innocence once more as she wrapped her arms around her father's neck.
And in that tender moment, Rai's journey began, a Father's pride and sorrow mingled, and a six-year-old girl's strength shone brighter than the sun.
(End of the Scene)
———— ▬▬▬▬ ————
(Six Days Later…)
(Location : Astroland- AzureIsle Military Academy)
(After Noon)
(Third Person View)
Amidst the grandeur of the-[AzureIsle Empire's]-prestigious-[AzureIsle Military Academy(:AMA)]-a giant structure stood as a testament to the collaboration between art and majesty.
The very essence of the academy, designed to instill discipline and excellence, had transformed into a vibrant hub of activity.
The second day of the three-day grace period for new students had arrived, and the energy in the air was palpable.
The once serene surroundings now buzz with the hustle and bustle of young men and women.
In every corner, eager first-year students mingled with excitement, their eyes wide with anticipation.
The Academy's architecture, a blend of imposing grandeur and artistic embellishments, casts long shadows over the pathways.
Seniors, who were already acquainted with the academy's labyrinthine layout, offered assistance to the newcomers.
Laughter, chatter, and occasional bursts of enthusiastic cheers echoed through the open spaces.
Among the throngs of students, two young men embarked towards their assigned dorm rooms.
Their faces radiated a different atmosphere.
One of them, his arms full with luggage, however, had no trace of burden in his face, while the other strolled leisurely, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Your Highness, our dorm rooms are different."
Kavir remarked with a hint of trepidation.
"Of course they would be."
Rai replied with a nonchalant wave of his hand.
He bore the air of someone accustomed to privilege, yet he wore it lightly, as if he were just another student among the many.
"Do you think my luck is so bad that we both share the same room even with more than Eight Hundred Students Admitted this year in Elite Class?"
Rai mused, his words carrying a mixture of sarcasm and amusement.
Kavir's voice held a touch of concern as he proposed-
"Your Highness, should I ask them to change–"(Kavir)
"No, Kavir."
Rai interrupted with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You are too boring to share a room with. Let me catch some fresh air by meeting someone new."(Rai)
A smile tugged at the corner of Rai's lips as he reminisced about his past life.
The Academy's grand stone walls remained to bring back his past life memories, with the excitement and uncertainty of meeting new people in his University days reverberating within him.
"...as you wish, Your Highness."
Kavir acquiesced, his voice respectful.
"Hey, don't sulk like that, Kavir. Maybe you will also meet someone interesting."
Rai's hand clapped reassuringly on Kavir's shoulder, a gesture that spoke of familiarity and camaraderie.
"Ahhh!
"And also stop calling me 'Your Highness' from now on."(Rai)
The last sentence bore such weight that Rai's voice, usually light, took on a more commanding tone, not wanting to repeat himself again.
…because he is too lazy to say it again.
.
<——>
(Rai's POV)
"You can go and settle your own luggage in your room, Kavir."
I ordered, settling myself on the wooden chair.
We reached the dorm room assigned to me and my clothes were now neatly placed by Kavir.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will do that."(Kavir)
…?
He accepted my words without the usual nagging about helping me.
I was ready to hear something like, 'Your Highness, what if you need my assistance?'
–thud~(:door closed)
Huh? What's this?
Kavir even left without pestering me again about changing rooms?
Maybe he finally absorbed and registered all the information and differences at the entrance of the Academy Dorm gates.
It's possible, considering that during our fifteen minute walk, we encountered numerous students, each carrying their own luggage, though clad in lavish attire indicating their origins as proper nobility at the minimum.
There were only a handful of nobles accompanied by assistants, while the other was walking leisurely, akin to my pace.
Even these already small numbers diminished even more when we entered the Elite-Class Student Dorm area.
The '[AzureIsle Military Academy]' of the '[Empire AzureIsle]' upheld a strict policy of treating all students equally.
Whether they hailed from noble Duke Families, were Kingdom Princes or Princesses, or were even direct descendants of the current ruling Emperor, every single privilege ceased to exist once one entered INSIDE these massive walls that spanned the entire island.
However, I must clarify that this equality applied 'Inside' these walls.
Meaning 'Outside' this wall, certain privileges could be extended.
For instance, getting Admitted in the Elite-Class without an entrance exam, like ME, falls under few of these categories.
Though, I must admit, the number of Families capable of doing so can be counted on two hands.
Furthermore, even among these Families, they will not be granted as many as they wish, and the maximum single admission is all I could think of.
Yeah, Kavir got himself into the Academy by taking the entrance test like everyone else, while, as you have guessed, I used my privilege.
Every year, more than half a million students take the Entrance Test of the AzureIsle Military Academy(:AMA), while only ten to fifteen thousand could get in.
Even within these numbers, there is an Elite-Class Test that could only get in eight hundred to a thousand students.
However, this figure narrows drastically.
The exam fee alone for the Elite-Class Test is often unaffordable for the common folk. Therefore, only twenty-five to thirty thousand individuals usually take the test.
For clarification, the normal Entrance Test of [AMA] is free for everyone, and anyone could take the test.
Meaning if you wish to even take part in the Elite-Class Test you either possess talent recognized by someone willing to sponsor your scholarship, or you have the talent and financial means to afford the test.
(:Well, except for cases such as mine.)
Yep! It is an indirect, hard-hitting reality that if you couldn't even get a scholarship for the Elite-Class Test, then your talent is worthless.
Of course, there are very rare cases where those taking an entrance test are recognized as worthy of the Elite-Class and will be transferred for free.
There is no way the People around you would let go of someone who has talent that goes unused to their selfish desires.
Even the people who failed in the Entrance Test are given admission, an alternative pathway usually leads to another less reputable Military Academy.
…which is, of course, not done with good intentions.
Every War requires a few meatshields, right?
That's just the world this is.
Nah, enough of this serious stuff.
Why don't I take a bath?
.
(Same Day - Evening)
(Rai's POV)
"Seems like my roommate wouldn't be coming today."(Rai)
I murmured, my words accompanied by a sigh, as I finished the meal Kavir had brought for me.
The deadline for reporting to the dormitory should have passed about thirty minutes ago.
"Well, it's my last solo night, I guess."(Rai)
I mused aloud, contemplating my situation.
"So why don't I check up on this?
-With a casual shrug, I thought aloud.
"Skills."(Rai)
.
(To be continued…)
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[Author : As you have noticed, this was my longest chapter(1.8k).
[Normally, I like to stick to a range of 1.3k to 1.6k words, but this time I simply couldn't make it in the middle.
[So please share your thoughts about whether it is okay to interrupt in the middle or whether you don't mind occasional lengthy chapters.]
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Chapter words : 1800
Total words : 31.1K