With a heart full of determination and excitement, Kaizen rushed home to share the news of his victory with his parents. He recounted the entire event, explaining how he had managed to win the duel and secure a place in the prestigious Knights Order of the Counts Silver Lion Knights. His parents couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern for their son's chosen path. They worried about the dangers he might face as a knight and wanted him to stay on the safer path of a blacksmith. However, seeing Kaizen's unwavering resolve, they eventually relented, allowing him to pursue his dream on the condition that he wouldn't put himself in harm's way and would return home if situations became too difficult.
Though the conditions were against Kaizen's image of an honorable and daring knight, he accepted them to ease his parents' worries. Time flew by, and a month had already passed. The day had come for Kaizen to embark on his journey to the Knights training camp. The atmosphere was bittersweet as his parents, neighbors, and friends gathered to bid him farewell.
Sia, the neighbor's daughter, whom Kaizen had known since they were children, was present too. She was a few months younger than him and had always been supportive of his dreams. With a shy smile, she asked him to visit whenever he had the chance, conveying her unwavering friendship and support. Kaizen warmly agreed, touched by her kind words.
As the time to depart drew near, Kaizen embraced his parents, feeling a mix of emotions. He reassured them that he would be careful and keep in mind their conditions. They offered him words of encouragement and pride, urging him to stay true to himself and his values.
Finally, the moment arrived when Kaizen had to leave for the Knights training camp. With teary eyes, his parents, neighbors, and Sia bid him farewell. The road ahead was uncertain, but Kaizen's heart brimmed with determination, eager to embark on the path of a knight and learn the coveted Aura Techniques.
As he ventured forth toward his dreams, Kaizen knew that challenges and trials awaited him. Yet, he was prepared to face them all, driven by the desire to protect others, uphold justice, and become a knight who would make his parents and everyone who believed in him proud. With a heart filled with hope and a spirit unyielding, he ventured into the unknown, ready to carve his destiny as a knight of the Counts Silver Lion Order.
Kaizen's journey to the Counts Estate on the horse-drawn wagon was uneventful, and he arrived at the training camp smoothly. Upon arrival, he courteously greeted the Head Instructor, who then directed his assistant to show Kaizen to his shared room. Stepping into the dorm, he was met by Kavin, his roommate, who happened to be a 3rd-year trainee swordsman. Energetic and full of enthusiasm, Kavin greeted Kaizen warmly, expressing his excitement to meet the boy who had defeated a 3rd-year knight without any prior formal training. Kaizen, feeling a bit bashful, humbly shrugged off the praise, attributing his victory to luck rather than skill. Kavin, however, playfully teased him, affectionately referring to him as the "Black Horse" and "Hidden Gem."
As they settled into their room, Kaizen couldn't help but notice Kavin's striking resemblance to Vice-Captain Vinz, especially with his golden hair, golden eyes, and an elegant aura. The thought crossed his mind, but he refrained from asking about it at that moment, deciding to learn more about his roommate in due time.
The next morning, Kaizen was awakened by Kavin, who urged him to get ready quickly for the training ground. Reality was sinking in, and Kaizen found it hard to believe that his dream of becoming a knight was finally coming true. He donned the knights' trainee uniform provided by the Instructors upon moving to the dorms and prepared for the day's training.
Upon arriving at the Training Hall, Kaizen's eyes widened at the sight of female knights in their uniforms. Among them, a lady with red hair and red eyes caught his attention. She wore a purple band on her arm, indicating she was a fourth-year knight trainee who had already learned aura techniques. The girl glanced at Kaizen, but her demeanor was arrogant, and she quickly averted her gaze. Puzzled by her reaction, Kaizen decided to look in the opposite direction, unsure of how to respond.
As the bell rang, signaling the arrival of the Instructors, a hushed silence fell over the training ground. Kaizen's heart pounded with anticipation as he waited to begin his knight training, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. With determination and the memory of his parents' love and support in his heart, Kaizen was determined to make the most of this new chapter in his life. The path of an Aura Knight awaited him, and he was prepared to rise to the occasion, no matter the trials he would face.