I sat in my usual seat, my fingers idly tapping against my desk as Professor Eckart's voice carried through the classroom. His words were steady, precise—like a man who had spent years perfecting the art of holding an audience. The subject today? Tristerria, our continent, the beating heart of five powerful kingdoms.
"The land we call home is vast," Professor Eckart began, his tall frame looming at the front of the class. His long black coat shifted as he turned, his dark hair falling past his shoulders in a way that made him look like some wandering scholar out of an old tale. His glasses, always catching just enough light to hide his eyes, only added to his air of mystery. "Five kingdoms rule over this land, each one distinct in its ways, yet bound together by history, war, and necessity."
I listened, half-focused, half-lost in my own thoughts. I had heard this lesson before—everyone had. But something about the way Professor Eckart spoke always made it feel more important than just another lecture.
"To the north, we have Velmora," he continued, pacing slowly. "A land of ice and unyielding mountains, where only the strongest survive. Their warriors are legendary, their resilience unmatched."
My fingers stopped tapping. Velmora. I had read about their warriors before—how their harsh winters bred a people who never backed down from a fight. The idea of training in a place like that… it almost made the Ascension Trials seem easy in comparison.
"To the far east, Ardenfall," Eckart went on. "A land of endless forests and deep rivers, where tradition and nature intertwine. The people there do not take change lightly, nor do they welcome outsiders freely."
He didn't need to say more. Ardenfall had a reputation for being both beautiful and unshakable, its people known for their strict ways and deep respect for their land.
"To the west, Draymoor—hot, unforgiving, and filled with dangers beyond just the heat. The kingdom thrives on strength, its people as fierce as the land they live in."
I had always imagined Draymoor as a place of extremes—scorching deserts, towering canyons, and the kind of people who didn't hesitate to take what they wanted. It was a place of warriors, mercenaries, and survivalists.
Professor Eckart paused, letting his words settle before moving on. "To the south, Luthadel, the golden kingdom. The richest land in all of Tristerria, where coin holds more power than a sword. Some would call it a paradise. Others would call it a prison of wealth and politics."
"And lastly," Eckart said, finally turning back to face the class, "Our home—Rivenden. The heart of the continent, where all paths eventually lead. The greatest minds, warriors, and leaders have walked its streets. It is a land of ambition, but ambition can be dangerous."
I sat up a little straighter. Rivenden. My home. The place where my upcoming trials would take place.
Professor Eckart's gaze swept over the class, but for the briefest moment, I swore it lingered on me. "Greatness is forged in places like these," he said, his tone measured. "But not all who seek it will find it."
Giving the class a soft smile, Professor Eckart adjusted his glasses and turned back to the board. He picked up a piece of chalk, his movements slow and deliberate as he began writing in his usual neat, precise script. The faint scratching filled the quiet classroom while everyone waited, his words forming a simple yet weighty sentence:
"The Rivenden Ascension Trials"
After a moment, he set the chalk down, dusting his hands off before facing us again. His gaze swept across the room, sharp and unreadable.
"As you all know," he began, his voice calm yet carrying an air of authority, "the annual Rivenden Ascension Trials will be taking place in just two weeks. Can anyone tell me the significance of this event?"
A few murmurs rippled through the class, but I didn't need to look up to know that some eyes had already settled on me. It was expected. Everyone here knew I was going to be taking part. I could practically feel the curiosity in their stares—some silent encouragement, others just wondering if I'd succeed or fail.
Letting out a quiet breath, I raised my hand. "The trials are held to determine who is worthy of becoming an Ethereal Knight," I answered, keeping my voice even.
Professor Eckart gave a small nod. "Correct," he said before crossing his arms, his coat shifting slightly as he leaned against his desk. "But that is only part of it. The Ascension Trials are more than just a test of strength—they are a test of will, discipline, and understanding. Becoming an Ethereal Knight is not just about wielding power; it is about proving that you can bear the responsibility that comes with it."
His eyes lingered on me for a moment, as if studying my reaction, before he turned back to the class.
"The Ethereal Knights have long been the pillars of Rivenden," he continued. "They are not simply warriors; they are protectors, enforcers of order, and symbols of what it means to master one's Matter. The trials themselves have been held for centuries, and to succeed in them is to claim a place among the elite. Only those who demonstrate true ability will move forward, and even then, not all will reach knighthood."
A few students shifted in their seats at that. Everyone knew the trials were harsh. Some who entered didn't return the same—or at all.
Eckart's gaze flicked back to me. "And you, Kin," he said, his tone lighter but still firm. "How do you feel about taking them?"
I hesitated for a split second before answering. "I'm ready," I said simply.
It wasn't a lie. I had trained for this. I had known this moment would come for as long as I could remember. But even as I said the words, my fingers curled slightly against the desk. Readiness didn't erase the weight pressing down on my shoulders, the quiet thoughts lingering in the back of my mind.
Eckart gave a small hum, studying me again before pushing off his desk. "Confidence is good," he said. "But keep in mind—these trials are designed to break those who overestimate themselves and expose those who doubt. We shall see, soon enough, if you truly are ready."
With that, he turned back to the board, leaving the weight of his words hanging in the air.
*
The midday sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the academy's sprawling training field. P.E. class had been relatively straightforward today—basic agility drills mixed with a round of team-based combat exercises. Nothing too grueling, just enough to keep us sharp.
Right now, we were running an endurance-based relay, using wooden practice weapons to simulate real battle conditions. Each team had to work together to complete an obstacle course, striking targets along the way before tagging in the next person. Simple enough.
I stood near the starting line, gripping the wooden sword in my hand, waiting for my turn. The moment my teammate smacked their final target and rushed back to tag me in, I took off.
The world blurred slightly at the edges as I surged forward, weaving through the dummies lined up in my path. Every movement came naturally—duck, pivot, strike. My wooden blade found its marks with precise, effortless swings, each hit landing cleanly before I was already moving to the next.
I barely heard the scattered reactions from the sidelines.
"Woah, did you see that?"
"You get em Kin!"
"Damn, Kin, slow down! Leave something for the rest of us!"
I ignored the voices, pushing forward until I reached the final stretch. With a last powerful stride, I slammed my weapon against the final target and sprinted back, tapping in the next runner before stepping off to the side.
The moment I caught my breath, a few classmates clapped me on the shoulder, all grinning.
"Man, you make the rest of us look bad," one of them laughed.
"Seriously, are you even human?" another joked.
I gave them a small nod, forcing a half-smile, but I could already feel the unease creeping in. The way they all looked at me, the way they expected it. I knew they meant well, but the attention sat on my shoulders like an invisible weight.
I wasn't anything special. At least, I didn't want to be seen that way.
Shaking off the feeling, I stepped back, watching as the next runner took their turn. I kept my focus on the course, but the murmurs behind me didn't fade.
As I stood there, trying to focus on the next round of drills, I couldn't help but overhear a group of nobles chatting nearby. Their voices were just loud enough for me to catch the fragments of their conversation, the words dripping with contempt.
"Did you see that?" one of them scoffed, a tall boy with sharp features and a look of superiority on his face. "Kin Noro... what a joke."
"Yeah," another one, a girl with sleek brown hair and a sharp chin, chimed in. "He's got all that raw talent, but it's like he doesn't even know how to control it. Just a freak accident, that's all. He gets all this attention and praise, but what has he really done to deserve it?"
A third, a boy with messy blonde hair, joined in with a bitter laugh. "Right? They call him a prodigy, but we all know it's just luck. All that speed and strength, but what happens when someone who actually has training faces him? He'll fall apart, just like all the others."
I could feel my hands starting to tighten into fists at my sides, the words gnawing at me, even though I tried to ignore them. They didn't know anything.
They had no idea how much I had to push myself just to keep up. How many times I had to train alone, how many times I'd fallen, only to get back up. They thought it was all a fluke, that I hadn't earned any of it.
But I wasn't about to let their words get to me—not here, not now.
**
The hallways were buzzing with the usual chatter as I made my way to my locker, the sound of laughter and conversation filling the air. I kept my pace steady, my mind already on the trials.
My locker was at the far end of the hall, near the windows that looked out over the academy's training grounds. It was a quiet spot, one where I could just zone out and get everything I needed.
As I walked, I noticed some of my classmates—people I was somewhat friendly with—popping up along the way, trying to catch my attention. A few waved, others called my name, their voices rising above the noise.
"Hey, Kin! Great match today!"
"How's the training going? You look like you're still in top shape, man."
"Kin! You gotta hang with us this weekend."
I offered them a small, tight smile, nodding at their words. "Thanks," I muttered, but I didn't really stop walking. The last thing I wanted right now was to get into a long conversation. I didn't even have the energy to pretend to be excited about plans I knew I couldn't commit to.
Jasper weaved through the crowd like it was second nature, slipping between students before popping up beside me with his usual grin.
"Man, you were in your own little world back there," he said, adjusting his glasses as he matched my pace. "Did Professor Eckart finally bore you to death, or are you just mentally preparing to become the next big name in Rivenden?"
I let out a short breath, shaking my head. "Something like that."
Jasper eyed me for a second before smirking. "Right, because Kin Noro totally isn't overthinking the Ascension Trials like his entire future depends on it."
Jasper was shorter than most of the guys in our class, but what he lacked in height, he made up for in sheer energy. His short brown hair was always a little messy, like he never bothered to brush it properly in the morning, and his bright blue eyes were always sharp, taking in everything around him. The thin-framed glasses resting on his nose gave him a studious look, but anyone who knew him understood he was anything but reserved.
He had been my closest friend ever since I moved to Westwood, a quiet rural town in Rivenden, a few years back. While most people in the academy saw me as someone distant or hard to approach, Jasper never cared much about that.
I shot him a look, but he just kept going.
"Come on, you've got nothing to worry about. You've been stomping everyone in combat training, and half the class already thinks you're gonna ace it. You could at least pretend to have a little confidence."
I shrugged, shifting the books in my arms. "It's not that simple."
Jasper scoffed. "It's exactly that simple. You're overcomplicating it, as usual." He nudged my shoulder with his elbow. "You just need to chill, man. Maybe take a break, actually have fun for once? You remember what fun is, right?"
I exhaled through my nose, barely stopping the small smirk that almost formed. "I'll figure something out."
Jasper strolled up beside me, adjusting his glasses as he fell into step. "You heading straight home?"
"Yeah," I replied, keeping my eyes ahead as we navigated the crowded hallway.
Jasper let out a dramatic sigh. "Man, you're no fun. I was gonna stop by Old Man Harren's bakery. He's got those cinnamon rolls fresh today. Thought you'd want one."
I gave a small smirk. "You just want an excuse to buy half the shop again."
"Hey, I can't help it," Jasper defended. "The guy makes the best pastries in Wellwood. Not my fault I appreciate quality."
"You know, I was talking to Mrs. Fenton this morning," Jasper continued. "She said another trader caravan is supposed to be passing through next week. Might have some foreign goods from Luthadel. Maybe even some new weapon materials."
"That so?" I asked, only half paying attention.
"Yeah, I figured you'd be interested," Jasper said, grinning. "You're always looking for some new stuff to use for your sword."
"Just maintaining it," I corrected. "Nothing wrong with keeping my blade in top condition."
"Right, right," Jasper teased. "Because that's totally the only reason."
Before I could respond, a voice rang out from ahead, cutting through the casual atmosphere like a knife.
"Well, well, look who it is," someone drawled.
I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.
Darius Valford stood a few feet away, flanked by two of his usual lackeys. His academy uniform looked almost custom-made, perfectly pressed, with silver trim that marked his noble status. His blond hair was slicked back, and his sharp blue eyes gleamed with amusement as he crossed his arms.
"You've been quite the talk of the academy lately, Noro," he continued, stepping closer. "Guess it makes sense. Even a rat can get attention if it scurries around enough."
Jasper tensed beside me. "Oh, great. It's him again."
I ignored the jab, keeping my expression neutral. "Did you need something, Valford?"
Darius let out a short laugh. "Not particularly. Just curious—what's it like, having the whole school watching your every move? Everyone wondering if you'll actually live up to all that praise?"
I felt the weight of a few other students lingering nearby, pretending not to listen while clearly eavesdropping.
Darius smirked. "After all, you are the son of that man, right?"
My fingers curled slightly at my sides.
I exhaled slowly through my nose, keeping my voice even. "We done here?"
Darius tilted his head, like he was considering it. Then, with one last smirk, he shrugged. "For now. Just try not to embarrass yourself when the time comes, Noro."
He turned, his entourage following with quiet snickers.
Jasper watched them go before shaking his head. "That guy is insufferable."
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair as I turned back to my locker. Twisting the combination lock, I pulled it open and grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder. The weight of the day, of the trials, of everything just felt heavier than usual. Maybe it was Valford's words, maybe it was my own thoughts gnawing at the edges of my mind, but whatever it was, I wasn't in the mood to linger.
Jasper stood beside me, watching me with a tilt of his head. "You good?"
I shut my locker a little harder than I meant to. "Yeah. Sorry about that back there."
Jasper waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about it. You know I can handle a couple of noble brats running their mouths. I just hate how they act like they're better than you when you could wipe the floor with them if you wanted."
I let out a dry chuckle. "Not really an option."
"Maybe not," Jasper admitted, adjusting his glasses. "But I'm just saying, if the opportunity ever comes up, I wouldn't mind watching you humble them."
I shook my head, not quite able to smile. "I'll see you later, Jasper."
He frowned slightly, clearly noticing my mood, but didn't push. "Yeah, see you."
With that, I turned on my heel and made my way toward the front entrance of the academy, my pace slow and deliberate. The grand stone halls of Rivenden Academy were still full of students, some chatting in clusters, others hurrying off to whatever they had planned for the rest of the evening. A few glanced my way, whispering just loud enough for me to know they were talking about me.
I ignored them.
Pushing through the heavy oak doors, I stepped outside, the cool evening air greeting me as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
The academy's courtyard stretched out before me, lined with trimmed hedges and statues of past Etheral Knights who had ascended before me. The sight of them did little to ease the tension in my chest.
Each step down the stone steps felt heavier. My bag pressed against my back, but the real weight was inside my head—the doubts, the expectations, the sheer pressure of what was coming. My grip tightened around the strap of my bag as I approached my parked bicycle.
I shouldn't let people like Valford get to me. I knew that. I'd told myself that a thousand times. But that didn't mean it didn't get under my skin. The way he spoke, the way the nobles sneered, the way the entire school was watching me, expecting something.
I needed to clear my head.
Swinging my leg over the bicycle, I gripped the handlebars and pedaled forward, steering away from the academy, away from the whispers and expectations.
As I rode through the dirt paths that lead to my home, the last rays of sunlight casting long shadows across, my grip on the handlebars tightened.
I needed to let off some steam.
I needed to use my Matter.