The fire in the fireplace was dancing with faint flames, slowly devouring the wood, and whenever a spark faded, a new one would emerge, reflecting warm colors on the walls.

The sound of burning was like a quiet song, in harmony with the winds passing through the openings in the wooden walls. The fire, despite the intense heat of its flames, gave a feeling of reassurance, as if it was embracing the place with an invisible tenderness.

The rising smoke formed light clouds that faded into the air, while the light of the flame danced on faces and objects, enveloping them with warmth.

Inside this space that was filled with the heat of nature, Lucien felt as if his heart was engulfed by this warmth, embracing him, and taking him away from any anxiety. Everything was quiet, and the world at that moment had stopped.

There was nothing but the faint sound of the fireplace, which began to harmonize with the humming of an old tune, which the winds had lost over time, a tune that had carried him with it to this place, to that heart that still beats with life.

The melodies echoed in his ear, caressing the soul as if it were an eternal moment. The song in his heart was more than just words, it was a story of emotion seeping into the depths of his being. As his eyes roamed the place, he felt golden eyes watching him with a tenderness that words could not express. That tenderness melted his pain like snow melts in the sun. A light laugh followed, then a gentle whisper:

Wake up... my child Lucien."

Lucien sat up slowly in his bed, eyes that had become accustomed to the darkness before dawn, remaining closed for a while, as if they did not dare to open completely.

The song that had been playing in his ear was gradually fading, as his dreams were gradually fading in the dim morning light. Nothing hurt more than being separated from those still moments, where he still felt her tenderness enveloping him, those moments that brought him comfort and reassurance.

He finally opened his eyes, but with unfilled eyes. The cold floor was beneath his feet, and the marble ceiling contemplated him as one contemplates his face in a mirror.

He began to get up slowly, hardly feeling any sudden movement, only his hands groping the cold edge of the bed as if he wanted to make sure that he was in reality.

The images that were no longer visible, but the sound of the song still flowed in his mind. That song that filled his heart with a warmth that he could not bear in his real world.

He sighed silently as he He wiped away the remnants of tears that were stuck in his eyelashes. Whenever those dreams visited him, tears came against his will, tears that were invisible except in those moments.

Tears that he would not dare let flow, like an ancient seal from a powerful magician on his heart

Lucien looked at the clock, its hands that were slowly advancing reminding him that time waits for no one. He continued to stand for a few moments, thinking of nothing but the deep feeling of emptiness that enveloped him.

A new day had begun, and when he reached the moment when he was supposed to advance, he began to prepare himself for what was to come.

He approached his large mirror, which clearly reflected his image without hiding anything. It was the moment of change, the moment when he always felt the weight of his past on his shoulders.

He raised his hand and began to put on the Holy Academy uniform hanging next to the mirror, a soft white robe that shone under the pale morning light, wrapping around his body.

But as soon as he looked into the mirror, he felt a strange look fill his eyes. His golden eyes had been shining for a moment, but at that moment, Lucian closed his eyes and released an inner force that covered them with a pure blue color, cold and calm, hiding under layers of mysterious power those eyes that reflected his deep past.

His gaze represented nothing but a shadow of his buried emotions, just as it was the strength he hid under the umbrella of his apparent calm.

His pure white hair flowed through his fingertips as he carefully arranged it, then he looked at himself in the mirror, reflecting his perfect and perfect body - an athlete with a strong build, as if his body was shaped to live on the battlefield.

He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again, completing the perfect form he would wear today, where the world would know his name.

He gave the room one last look and headed towards the door, opening it quietly, hearing the sounds of laughter and the noise of the students in the hallway outside his silent room, he did not even look around and closed the door behind him.

Lucian's footsteps echoed in the halls of the residence, those simple spaces that housed many students who had the opportunity to join the Holy Academy. The residence he lived in was not intended for the nobles or those with money and status, but it was a simple place, but enough to give his students a sense of comfort in their first days.

The residence rooms were relatively narrow, their walls bare except for the wooden shelves that decorated the harsh walls, some of which were crowded with books and scraps of paper, and others held the personal belongings of some of the students. The surfaces weren't always spotless, but everything worked in its context; a place that didn't need to be pretentious, just served the needs of those who lived there. There was a small window in each room that looked out onto the street leading to the academy, giving a glimpse of the life outside that went on without pause. The floors were wooden, a little worn by age, but nothing to disturb the serenity that pervaded the place.

Outside, the scenery was in harmony with the tranquility that enveloped the residence. Tall trees surrounded the small buildings, their leaves dancing in the fresh morning air. The scent of the damp earth and wildflowers growing near the paths added beauty to the scenery. The golden rays of the sun filtered through the tree branches, reflecting off the lush green leaves, creating enchanting shadows that moved gently with the breeze.

After a few steps, Lucian began walking down the paved path that led to the academy. The ground was covered with a small pebble of white stone, surrounded by patches of green grass covered with dewdrops. The air here was cooler and fresher, and the scent of jasmine flowers spread across the horizon, announcing his arrival at the place that would change the course of his life forever.

Then, after about ten minutes of walking, the building of the Holy Academy appeared before him, its giant gate almost hugging the sky. The gate of the academy stood out in its grandeur, its sight breathtaking in its majestic silence. Made of wrought iron, its carvings told ancient stories of light and darkness, as if it were a keeper of the secrets of time. It was in the middle of a great wall of white stone that extended along the path leading inside, a massive wall crowned with golden crowns, shining in the sun.

On both sides, the tall towers that surrounded the gate bore the emblems of the Holy Academy, engraved with precision and skill, shining a bright blue. The gate itself was closed, and in front of them was a guard dressed in the academy uniform, waiting intently for the students who had begun to gather. The ground here was paved with smooth stones, shining and sparkling in the morning light.

As Lucian approached the gate, he realized the difference between his small world in which he had grown up, and this huge place that symbolized power and purity. He felt a strong desire and a great thirst, knowing that he was stepping into a place that would contribute to achieving his goal.

Lucian reached the gate of the Holy Academy, to find himself surrounded by a large crowd of students who had gathered in front of the gate in orderly rows.

They were all dressed in the same uniform that reflected the majesty of the academy, a bright white uniform with gold threads intertwined on the edges, that covered their bodies in a harmonious manner, mixed with soft tones of blue on the ends of the sleeves and around the necks. The details of the uniform indicated discipline and respect for the venerable institution they aspired to become a part of.

In front of the huge gate, eyes were watching the time, waiting for the sign of the start of the grand ceremony. The clock tower that stood in the middle of the academy began to chime with its resonant sounds, crossing the sky with a precise noise expressing the decisive moment. Each tick seemed to herald the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these students, all eager to take a new step towards their future in the Holy Academy.

Then, the large door began to slowly open, the sound of metallic creaking breaking the silence that had enveloped the place, to reveal a wide square stretching out before them. The square was covered with pure white tiles, reflecting the light dazzlingly and creating a mixture of soft shadows. On the edges were trees planted regularly, their thin branches rising towards the sky, as if they were carefully guarding the place.

In the square itself, rows of professors and guards were standing in an orderly manner, their formal clothes shining with the colors of the academy, each one of them holding a serious look, as if they were a symbol of the order and authority within this place.

There were guards holding long batons with strong hands, standing at attention, their stance reflecting the strength and solidity of the academy, while some professors were holding papers and small folders, exchanging short discussions with each other about the arrangement of the event.

In the center of the square, in front of the large staircase leading to a raised platform, the most important scene was unfolding. The staircase was slowly rising upwards, each step on its surface completed with elegance, paved with smooth stones that scattered the sunlight above, shining and reflecting it.

At the top, on the raised platform, stood the director of the academy, a huge figure surrounded by an aura of majesty. His formal clothes were in harmony with the color of the academy, rich black with silver threads that came to life in the sunlight. Beside him stood a group of professors, some holding writing utensils, some observing the audience with great precision and concentration. Their eyes did not miss a single detail, as if they were weighing each student with their most precise standards.

With the last chimes of the clock tower, the students began to walk in quick steps towards the square, where they lined up in front of the stairs respectfully, their eyes directed towards the platform where the principal and the professors stood in contemplation.

Everything in the place seemed perfect, everything reflected the order and discipline in which the Holy Academy lived. The moment had come, and each one of the students here carried in their hearts new dreams, and countless ambitions.

In this majestic atmosphere, Lucian stood, witnessing the beginning of his new life, which he had prepared for for many years, and yet, despite the majesty, purity, and grandeur of the place and the people around him, he felt nothing but a wave of disgust inside him, and stood silently and calmly observing the scene around him.

The principal stood on the platform, and slowly raised his hand to silence the crowd. His voice was deep and strong, carrying undeniable power, but it also carried within it tenderness, as if his words were addressed to each one of them personally.

"Dear students,"

He said it slowly, then glanced across the crowd. His voice filled the arena and reflected the solemnity of the Holy Academy.

"You are here today because you have something special within you, something not everyone has access to. You are here because you have been chosen to be servants of the light, protectors of the light, and guardians of this world that is threatened by darkness at every moment."

He took a deep breath before continuing.

"This place where you stand today is not just an academy. It is a temple of learning, a temple that prepares you to be more than just fighters. This place will teach you how to be Holy Knights, how to be swords against the monsters that threaten our land, how to protect the temple, and how to keep the reputation of the empire pure and clean. Your mission is greater than training and fighting, you are here to become a symbol of hope, a symbol of sacrifice for the sake of future generations."

He spoke as if every word that came out of his mouth carried a great weight, and the students listened intently.

"But don't think that the road will be easy. Each of you will face challenges you didn't expect, you will face moments of doubt, and there will be times when you will feel like your strength is running out. But remember this well: you are here for a great reason, and this academy is not a place to escape crises, but rather a place where you will find your true strength. There is a power within each of you that you have not yet discovered, but within the walls of this great edifice, you will learn how to release it."

He paused for a moment, and raised his hand in the air to emphasize his words.

"You are now on the cusp of a new beginning, the beginning of your journey to become Holy Knights. I want to see you all train hard, letting nothing stand in the way of your determination. Fight for the Temple, for the Empire, and for the light of this world. You will become legends, and your names will be remembered for centuries to come."

Then he looked at all the students, and said in a firm voice, but with a hint of pride in his eyes:

From now on, you are not just students. You are the Knights of the Holy Academy. Begin your journey today, and be worthy of this title."

He slowly lowered his hand, gave a rare smile, and then said:

"Now, let's begin."

With the chimes of the tower pulsing in the background, the Holy Academy began to breathe a new beginning, and the students began to applaud in joy, moved by the Principal's words that would echo in their ears for a period of time, connecting their young hearts.

As the Principal delivered his encouraging words, Lucian's steady blue eyes watched silently, as if devouring every word, but his mind was elsewhere. He did not need those false words, nor the Holy Academy's reassurances of hope and sacrifice. Everything the Principal said was filled with illusions. Empty words that meant nothing to him.

"Holy Knights? Protecting the temple?" Lucian whispered inwardly with sarcasm as he looked down at the ground beneath his feet.

Then he raised his head to the sky, where the sun was shining brightly on the horizon, but Lucian saw nothing but shadows.

"Hope… that lie that hides behind the bright words,"

He thought to himself, frowning as he watched the blue sky. He could see the sky, but at that moment he was seeing a darkness that only he knew about. And hands that were constantly choking him.

"This sacred academy, these fighters, these loyalists," he said bitterly in his mind.

"There's no difference between you and those standing in the shadows, you're all just puppets in a lost theater. All this is nothing more than a thin veil for the ugly truths.

He muttered in a low voice, barely audible, "You will not see any light… as long as my breath burns inside me."

With these words, he regained his calm. A silent coldness began to appear on his face, and his blue eyes avoided everything around him. At that moment, he did not dream of becoming a holy knight, but he dreamed of one thing only: extinguishing the darkness that was penetrating his soul, and opening the way to destroy everything around him.

While the students around him were reacting to the headmaster's enthusiastic words, Lucian stood there, far away from them, living in his own world, knowing that the path he chose was not as full of light as they imagined. Rather, it was the path he would open himself… for his own hateful day that would make everyone regret its occurrence