"Royal knight?" Kai repeated the King's offer in a surprised tone. He didn't expect to get such a big offer.
The king nodded. "Yes, Kai. You have an extraordinary talent. I'm sure you'll make a great knight."
Kai was silent for a moment. He thought about the King's offer, then shook his head. "Thank you for the offer, Your Majesty. But, I must decline."
The king and Elara looked surprised.
"Refuse?" The king frowned. "Why?"
"Right now, I want to focus on my studies at Aetheria University," Kai replied.
"I want to learn more about this world and develop my skills."
Kai glanced at the system panel that displayed the quest 'Go to Aetheria University'. He had to complete this system mission.
"Besides," Kai continued, "I don't feel ready to take on that much responsibility. Being a royal knight is not an easy thing."
The king paused for a moment, then smiled. "I understand. You are a wise young man, Kai. I respect your decision."
Elara smiled at Kai as well. "I'm glad you'll be attending the University of Aetheria. We can meet again there."
Kai nodded. "Yes, of course."
The king then said goodbye and took Elara back to the royal carriage. Before leaving, the king told Kai to come to the palace whenever he wanted.
Kai watched the royal carriage drive away, then sighed. He had refused the offer to become a royal knight. Was it the right decision?
[Host, you have made a wise decision,] the system spoke in Kai's mind. [Focus on your current goal.]
Kai nodded. He should focus on his studies and the system's mission. He would go to Aetheria University now.
After bidding farewell to the King and Elara, Kai continued his journey to Aetheria University. The horse-drawn carriage took him through the majestic gates guarded by two giant-sized griffin statues. Kai was amazed at the sight in front of him.
Aetheria University was located on top of a vast hill. The buildings were grand and classical in architecture, with tall pillars, carved domes, and colorful stained glass windows. Neatly landscaped gardens and refreshing fountains adorned the university grounds. In the distance, Kai could see the giant library with its towering spires.
[The quest 'Go to Aetheria University' has been completed. You have earned 100 experience and 100 gold," the system announced.
Kai smiled. He successfully completed the first system mission. He checked his status and found that his level had risen to 2. He also earned 100 Gold which he could use to buy equipment or other items.
"Bernard," Kai called out. "Can you wait for me here? I'm going to take care of some things at the university."
"Yes sir," Bernard replied.
Kai got off the train and stepped into the university courtyard. He felt a little nervous. This was his first time in a place like this. He didn't know what to do or where to go.
He looked around and found a large notice board near the gate. On the board were various kinds of information, ranging from class schedules to announcements of campus events. Kai tried to find information about the faculty he was interested in, the sword faculty.
Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. Kai turned his head and saw a young man with blond hair and green eyes smiling at him.
"Hi," the young man greeted. "You're a new student, huh?"
Kai nodded. "Yes, I am."
"My name is Leo," the young man said. "Welcome to Aetheria University! What faculty do you want to study in?"
"Sword faculty," Kai replied.
"Wow, it's the same thing!" Leo exclaimed. "We could be classmates. By the way, what's your name?"
"Kai," Kai replied.
"Kai, huh? That's a good name. Then let's go to the sword faculty together. I can show you the way."
Kai smiled. He was happy to have found a new friend so soon. He followed Leo through the university corridors that were crowded with students of various races. Kai saw elves, dwarves, beastfolk, even some creatures he had never seen before. He was increasingly fascinated by the diversity of the Aevonian world.
Kai followed Leo through the university corridors that were crowded with students of various races. He saw elves, dwarves, beastfolk, and even some creatures he had never seen before. He was increasingly fascinated by the diversity of the Aevonian world.
"Well, there's the sword faculty," Leo said, pointing to a large building with architecture that resembled a fortress. "In Aevonia, all swordsmen must study here to improve their skills."
"Oh yeah?" Kai raised an eyebrow. "How is the education system?"
"In the sword faculty, we're divided into grades based on ability," Leo explained. "Starting from Novice, Journeyman, Vanguard, Sage, Archmage, to Celestial. The higher the level, the more difficult the tests and training."
"Celestial?" Kai repeated the name of the last level curiously. "What makes that level special?"
"Only a few people can reach the Celestial level," Leo replied in an admiring tone. "They are the strongest swordsmen in Aevonia, who have abilities beyond the limits of ordinary humans. They are respected and revered by everyone."
Kai was silent for a moment, imagining how great a Celestial-level swordsman could be. He became even more eager to study at the sword faculty and improve his skills.
"How do we advance?" Kai asked.
"We have to take the exams and training held at the end of each semester," Leo explained. "The exams are different for each level. To advance to the Journeyman level, for example, we have to master all the basic moves and win a training duel against a senior."
"Sounds challenging," Kai said.
"It is," Leo replied with a smile. "But it's all worth it. The higher our rank, the more opportunities we get, both in our military and political careers."
They arrived at the gate of the sword faculty. Two knights stood guard beside the gate, checking every student who entered. Leo showed his student card to one of the guards, and the guard let them in.
Kai followed Leo into the sword faculty. He saw a large practice field in the center of the building. Dozens of students were practicing their swords there, guided by experienced instructors. The sound of clashing swords and shouts of encouragement filled the air.
Kai felt his spirit burning. He couldn't wait to join them and begin his new adventure as a swordsman.
Kai and Leo entered the main hall of the sword faculty. The hall was spacious and grand, with high ceilings and walls decorated with various weapons and armor. In the center of the hall was a fighting arena surrounded by spectator seats.
"This is where we'll spend most of our time," Leo said. "We'll be learning sword stances, battle strategies, and also practicing our physical strength."
Kai nodded enthusiastically. He couldn't wait to start training.
"Oh yeah," Leo continued. "I almost forgot. We have to register with the administration first to get our class schedules and uniforms."
They walked to the administration office located in the corner of the hall. There, they were greeted by a middle-aged woman with black hair and gold-rimmed glasses.
"Welcome to the sword faculty," the woman said with a friendly smile. "My name is Madam Evelyn. How may I help you?"
"We're new students," Leo replied. "We'd like to register."
Madam Evelyn nodded. "Very well. Can you give me your name and class?"
"Leo Fireheart, Novice class," Leo said.
"Kai Valerian, Novice class," Kai said.
Madam Evelyn recorded their names in the ledger. "All right, Mr. Fireheart and Mr. Valerian. Here are your class schedules and uniforms. You can pick them up at the warehouse located at the back of this building."
"Thank you, Madam Evelyn," Leo and Kai said simultaneously.
They left the administration and headed to the warehouse to get their uniforms. The sword faculty uniform consisted of a black robe with the faculty crest on the chest, gray trousers, and leather boots. Kai tried on his uniform and felt quite satisfied. He looked like a real swordsman.
After changing, Kai and Leo returned to the practice field. There, they joined the other new students who were listening to an explanation from an instructor.
"Welcome to the sword faculty," the instructor said in a stern voice. "My name is Master Ragnar. I will be your instructor for this semester."
Master Ragnar was a well-built man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore full armor and held a large sword in his hand. An aura of power emanated from him.
"Today, you will learn the first basic stance," Master Ragnar continued. "Pay close attention and follow my instructions."
Master Ragnar began the demonstration of the first basic stance. He moved with incredible speed and precision, his sword flashing through the air with deadly grace. The new students watched in amazement.
"Now, it's your turn," Master Ragnar said. "Try to imitate my moves."
The new students began to try the first basic moves. Kai also tried, memorizing Master Ragnar's movements and copying them carefully. He felt his body moving with more fluidity and coordination than before. He smiled. He was starting to like this exercise.
However, in the middle of the exercise, Kai felt a cold sensation creeping up his back, like he was being stalked by a predator. He sharpened his hearing and caught a snide whisper that seemed to blaspheme him. He turned his head and saw a young man with jet-black hair and gray eyes that were sharp as steel. His brows were deeply furrowed, his lips were tightly locked, and his jaw was tense. His eyes were narrowed, emitting an unconcealed flash of hostility. The air around the young man seemed to thicken and cool. Some of the students practicing nearby subconsciously moved away, feeling the negative aura emanating from him.
"What's going on?" Master Ragnar stopped the practice and walked over to the crowd. "Why did you stop?"
All eyes were on Kai and the dark-haired youth. Tension was in the air.
"Nothing, Master," the young man replied in a flat voice. He put his sword back in its sheath and turned to leave.
Master Ragnar looked at Kai with a probing gaze. "Kai Valerian, right?"
Kai nodded.
"I hear you have a remarkable talent," Master Ragnar said. "Show me."
Kai was a little surprised. He hadn't expected to be tested in front of everyone. But he didn't want to disappoint Master Ragnar. He picked up his practice sword and prepared.
"Attack me," Master Ragnar ordered.
Kai hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to hurt Master Ragnar.
"Do not be afraid," Master Ragnar said. "I can parry your attacks."
Kai nodded and began to attack. He used the first basic move he had just learned, but he added a little improvisation. He moved nimbly and quickly, his sword flashing at Master Ragnar from various directions.
Master Ragnar parried all of Kai's attacks with ease. He looked calm and relaxed, as if he was playing. However, Kai could feel the power hidden behind Master Ragnar's movements. He was like a sleeping dragon, ready to unleash his mighty power at any moment.
Kai increased the speed and power of his attacks. He used all his skills, but still couldn't break through Master Ragnar's defenses. He was getting frustrated.
Suddenly, Master Ragnar stopped Kai's attack with ease. He brought his face close to Kai's and whispered, "You're too focused on the moves. Let go of your mind and let your body move on its own."
Kai was stunned. He thought about Master Ragnar's words. Let go of the mind? Let the body move on its own? What does that mean?
Master Ragnar took a step back and signaled Kai to attack again.
Kai closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried to empty his mind, forgetting all the moves and techniques he had learned. He let his instincts and natural talent take over.
When he opened his eyes, he felt a change in himself. He felt lighter, freer, stronger. He attacked Master Ragnar with an unexpected move, his sword dancing through the air with incredible speed and precision.
Master Ragnar looked shocked, and had to do everything in his power to fend off Kai's attack. Their fight became more intense, their swords clashing creating sparks and deafening clanking sounds.
The freshmen who witnessed the fight were dumbfounded. They couldn't believe Kai could fight evenly with Master Ragnar.
"Amazing!" exclaimed Leo. "Kai fights like an expert!"
In the middle of the fight, Kai felt a strange energy flowing through his body. He remembered his 'Unlimited Talent' skill. He focused his mind and imagined his sword being enveloped in an energy aura. Instantly, Kai's sword glowed brightly, increasing the power and speed of his attacks.
Master Ragnar was pushed back. He didn't expect Kai to be able to use sword magic.
"What is this?" murmured Master Ragnar. "What a talent..."
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terimakasih untuk kalian yang sudah membaca, jangan lupa tekan tombol like dan favorit yaa~
itu akan sangat membantuku.
Sorry for the shortcomings, I'm still in the learning phase and this is my first time making a novel.(っ- ‸ - ς)