After Edward made the deal with Ryker, Ryker returned to the viscount's house. After some time, he came back and started leading the group down the mountain with the entire crew, including Edward.
Edward walked beside Ryker's palanquin as they discussed their next steps.
"You grew up in the slums, right? Can you read and write? If not, we'll need to add that to your training. We only have three months until the Sanctum Arcanum Academy's next admissions batch starts," Ryker said.
Edward replied, "Yes, I can read and write. I can also do basic calculations."
Ryker raised an eyebrow. "Huh. The more I learn about you, the harder it is to believe you came from the slums. Anyway, you'll join the basic training camp of the House of Soltharion. Every soldier they hire trains there before joining noble families: monarchs, dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons. Soldiers are assigned based on the families' needs, their performance, or direct recommendations. And you, lucky for you, have a recommendation letter here." Ryker held up a page. "It says you signed a deal with the viscount, and he recommended you train for three months. So remember, you'll train as a soldier of the viscount's family."
Edward nodded. "Understood. And what happens after the training? What if I'm not good enough?"
Ryker smirked. "Don't worry about that. You've got plenty of mana. Only rich nobles usually have this much mana before turning 22, and that's only because they drink mana potions. As for the academy, anyone can get into the outer school since they need soldiers to fight monsters. The real challenge is getting into the inner school, which requires exceptional talent."
Edward frowned. "Then why do I need you to help me get into the academy? I could just go directly."
Ryker said sarcastically "Leaving me already? I thought we were friends! I even saved your life.". Ryker Continued in a serious tone being a bit sly "But….. Tell me how would you sponsor yourself? What would you say when they ask who you are? Your uncle might still be looking for you. You wouldn't survive without a proper cover story."
Edward sighed. "Alright, I get it."
They continued talking as they traveled. Eventually, they reached the soldiers' training ground. All Edward saw was a palisade wall with a single gate. The place looked poorly maintained, and only one person was visible at the gate. Ryker handed Edward the recommendation letter and reminded him he had three months to train before departing.
Edward approached the gate, where the guard stopped him. The man had disheveled hair, wrinkled clothes, a slouched posture, drooping eyelids, and an unshaven face. He wore a gray tunic and durable leggings made of insulated, frost-resistant fabric. A fur-lined cloak draped over one shoulder, and his sturdy boots had frost-marked designs. Despite his shabby appearance, his clothes clearly protected him from the cold.
"Stop. State your business," the man said lazily.
"Hi, I'm Edward. Viscount Algernon sent me here to train," Edward replied, showing the recommendation letter.
The guard checked the letter. "Oh, a direct recommendation. I'm Brent."
"Hi, Brent. I'm here to train in mana," Edward said.
Brent handed the letter back. "It's legit. Go inside and find Darnell."
"Thanks," Edward replied, heading through the gate.
Inside, he saw around 15 igloos made of snow and a single brick house. Few people were outside, and the place felt eerily empty.
"Go to the house," Brent called from behind. "That's where you'll find Darnell."
Edward nodded and walked to the house. It felt strange; this was supposed to be *the* training ground where every soldier in the Glacial Expanse trained. Yet there were only 15 people?
He knocked on the door. "Knock, knock."
A voice grumbled from inside. "Ah, Brent, no matter how many times you say you're sleepy, you can't leave your guard duty…" The door creaked open to reveal a man in his 30s with a beard, sharp eyes, and wearing a soldier's uniform. He looked at Edward in confusion. "You're not Brent. Who are you? Did that idiot leave his post again?"
"No, sir. I'm Edward. Viscount Algernon recommended me," Edward said, handing him the letter.
The man snatched the letter, reading it with disbelief. "Huh. Well, lucky me. Another guy to take care of. Come in." He turned back inside. "I'm Darnell, your instructor."
"I'm Edward. I'll be in your care," Edward said, following him. "Are you the only instructor here?"
Darnell smirked. "What, you don't think I'm good enough to train you?"
"No, I didn't mean it like that…" Edward started but was cut off by Darnell's laughter.
"Relax, kid. I'm messing with you. You're wondering why there are so few soldiers, right?"
Edward nodded. "Yes."
Darnell leaned back in his chair. "Nobles see having too many soldiers as a sign of weakness, so they keep their numbers low. Most soldiers are used to keep peace in the cities, not on these mountains. Besides, anyone without mana wouldn't last long here."
"But what about protection from other territories?" Edward asked.
"Not too bright, are you? Well, at least now I'm sure you're a commoner," Darnell teased. "Thanks to the Sanctified Citadel, no one can attack another territory. The Anti-Demon Vanguard would intervene immediately. They exist to maintain the unity of Aetherion. Anyone threatening that unity would face their wrath."
Edward frowned. "I see."
"Anyway, enough talk," Darnell said, standing. "What's your affinity?"
Edward hesitated. "I… I don't know."
"Figures. Most people don't," Darnell said. He left the room and returned with a crystal ball. "Place your hand on this. It'll reveal your affinity."
Edward thought to himself, *Will it be something rare? Overpowered? Unique? Like in transmigration novels…. Maybe fire?* Excitement bubbled as he placed his hand on the crystal ball.
The ball glowed white, and inside, a snow blizzard appeared. Edward stared in disappointment.
"As expected. Your affinity is snow," Darnell said casually.
Edward's heart sank. He had hoped for something extraordinary but received the most common affinity in the Glacial Expanse.
Darnell handed him a set of soldier's training clothes. "Here. Go outside, find Brent, and have him make you an igloo. Rest today. Training starts tomorrow." He shoved Edward out the door, shutting it behind him.
Edward stood there, dazed and confused, holding the clothes in his hands.