Robert stepped out of the vehicle in an empty parking lot, a picture of poise and elegance. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt that highlighted his strong, athletic build. Over his shirt, he wore a sharp blue blazer that bore the crest of the Imperial Kingdom on the chest—a proud emblem symbolizing honor and duty. His blue pants were perfectly tailored, complementing the blazer and adding to the polished look.
A sword hung at his side, the hilt glinting in the morning light. Its presence added a touch of regality and readiness to his ensemble. His dark hair was neatly styled, providing a striking contrast to the bright white and bold blue of his attire.
As Robert walked towards the vehicle waiting for him, he moved with a natural grace and confidence. Each step was purposeful, his posture straight and commanding. He looked absolutely stunning, exuding an aura of authority and elegance that turned heads as he passed.
A middle-aged woman stepped out of the sleek vehicle, her demeanor both commanding and elegant. She was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, exuding an air of authority and confidence. Her dark hair was neatly styled, and her eyes, sharp and observant, missed nothing.
"Good morning," she began, her voice calm yet authoritative. "My name is Miriam, and I am in charge of the Knight Academy. Robert, I am here to ensure that you do not have to undergo the entrance exams."
Before Robert could respond, his father stepped forward, his expression stern. "He is nothing special," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Robert remained calm, his gaze steady as he looked at Miriam. "I agree with my father," he said simply, his voice even.
Miriam studied him for a moment, a slight smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Today onwards, you will be known as Riven," she declared, her voice carrying a sense of finality. "Welcome to the Knight Academy."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Robert—now Riven—standing there, ready to embark on his new journey.
Miriam turned to face Robert, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "The reason for the change of name," she began, "is to avoid any undue attention on your prominent family. You'll also not know the other students from big families, which helps avoid potential conflicts."
She paused, a playful smile curling on her lips. "Besides, it adds a touch of mystery, don't you think?" she joked, attempting to lighten the mood. But Robert and his father remained stone-faced, their expressions unchanged.
Diablo, standing beside them, couldn't suppress a chuckle at her quip. Miriam's energy was infectious, especially so early in the morning. Her lively demeanor and enthusiastic approach contrasted sharply with the seriousness of the moment, creating a dynamic, almost amusing scene.
Before Kruger left, he called Robert aside, his face stern and unreadable. "Robert," he said, his voice low and firm. "Do not disappoint me." He didn't even glance at his son as he spoke, the weight of his expectations heavy in the air. With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Robert standing there, stoic and composed.
Robert said nothing, keeping his thoughts to himself. He adjusted his blue blazer, the crest of the Imperial Kingdom gleaming on his chest, and made his way to the grand hall meant for Knight training. The hall was vast, with high ceilings and walls adorned with banners and emblems of the Knight Academy. Rows of weapon racks lined the walls, filled with swords, shields, and other training equipment. The floor was marked with areas designated for different types of combat practice.
As he entered, the sound of his footsteps echoed through the space, mingling with the distant clinks and clangs of others already training. The hall was filled with an air of discipline and determination, the atmosphere charged with the energy of those preparing for their roles as knights.
Miriam, observing the scene, decided there was no need for her to stay. She saw that Robert was well-prepared and that her presence was no longer required. She turned to leave, her lively demeanor fading slightly as she realized the gravity of the situation. As she exited the hall, she left behind a woman in her thirties, dressed in a formal teacher's attire. The new instructor carried an air of authority and experience, ready to guide the new recruits through their training.
Robert, dressed in the standard white uniform of the Knight Academy, blended seamlessly with his peers. The uniform, pristine and well-fitted, bore the crest of the Imperial Kingdom on his chest. As he stepped onto the training floor, he felt the weight of observation from his teacher and fellow students.
As the drills began, Robert moved deliberately, each motion slow and controlled. His footwork was precise but lacked urgency, and his strikes, although accurate, were devoid of power. His sword sliced through the air with a subdued whoosh, lacking the force expected in a combat scenario.
The teacher, a stern woman with sharp eyes, watched him closely. She noted the deliberate slowness and absence of strength in his attacks, her brows furrowing in concern. To her, Robert appeared quite weak, his movements suggesting a lack of skill or determination.
His sparring partners were quick to pick up on this as well. During practice bouts, they mocked his apparent weakness, their taunts echoing in the training hall. "Is that all you've got?" one of them jeered, easily parrying his underpowered strikes. Despite the mockery, Robert remained calm, his expression unchanged.
As the session progressed, Robert's restrained performance resulted in a below-average score. When the drills concluded, the teacher approached him, her tone thoughtful yet stern. "Your movements are precise, but there's no strength behind them. If you train more, you have room for growth," she commented, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Robert responded with a calm smile, "I appreciate the feedback."
His relaxed demeanor and the ease of his smile made the teacher think he was indeed quite weak, perhaps lacking the drive to push himself. She made a note on her clipboard and moved on, her curiosity about him lingering as she attended to the next student.
Robert, unfazed by the comments and low score, quietly resolved to improve on his own terms.