Today was finally the day of the exam. Leo, with his extensive experience in taking these tests, felt no hint of nervousness. On exam days he would skip his usual morning exercises, so after getting dressed, he headed straight to the kitchen. His mother fully aware of the significance of the day, had prepared breakfast in advance. Once Leo finished eating she walked with him to the front door. Standing at the threshold she gave him a warm smile.
"I don't need to say anything, do I?" she said.
Leo recognized the familiar ritual. In every exam he'd taken before, Lisa would offer comforting words. But today the confidence in his eyes told her he didn't need them. He returned her smile.
"No," he replied.
With that Leo bid her farewell and made his way to the association. Once there he changed into his uniform in the storage room and went to find Peter.
"Mr. Peter, I'm ready," Leo announced.
Peter glanced up and nodded. "Good. Go to Faleria."
Leo's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Aren't you going to check my mana score first?"
Peter's expression remained casual. "No need."
"But you said my combined states needed to be over 500!"
Peter shrugged. "Back when we first talked about the D- rank exam, I didn't know all the details. I only found out yesterday that our crystals can't measure past 200. So, there's no point in testing you now."
Leo's confusion deepened. "So, are you coming with me?"
Peter shook his head. "I did mine yesterday."
A wave of uncertainty washed over Leo; the unknown nature of the D- rank test made him uneasy. His curiosity finally got the better of him. "What was it like?"
Peter's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I can't tell you."
Leo felt the tension knot tighter in his stomach.
"Don't worry, you'll do fine," Peter reassured him. "Now go, they're waiting for you."
'They?' Leo thought, the word echoing ominously in his mind.
Each cryptic response from Peter seemed to weigh him down more. 'Who are they?'
Still lost in thought, Leo made his way to Faleria at the back of the yard.
When Leo arrived, he immediately recognized the broad muscular back of the man standing before him. Even from behind there was no mistaking who it was. As he approached, Leo placed his fist over his chest in a gesture of respect.
"Captain, coach, good morning."
"Good morning," they replied in unison.
Edmond's gaze was stern as he looked Leo up and down. "I take it Peter told you this exam would be different?"
Leo nodded. "Yes."
"Good. Go inside and gear up with everything you think you'll need," Edmond instructed.
Leo stepped into the training room where all of his equipment awaited him. His eyes scanned the familiar sight of his gear: swords, belts, and gems. He secured his belt, slid his light sword into place and made sure everything was ready. He also grabbed his inactive mana belt. If his guess was right, he probably had to fight Edmond, who could cleave a C-rank opponent in half without breaking a sweat.
When Leo emerged, Faleria handed Edmond a one-handed sword she had retrieved from the equipment rack.
Edmond shed his coat and assumed a battle-ready stance. "The exam is simple," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "Impress me with everything you've got."
Leo's mind raced as he assessed the situation. Facing Captain Edmond, victory was out of the question. The real goal was to impress him. The challenge however, was that most of Leo's skills relied on physical contact, and he was certain Edmond knew that as well.
In less than a heartbeat Leo decided to start with a direct physical assault. He activated his calm gem, a steadying presence that sharpened his focus and drew his light sword. With a swift momentum he lunged forward and slashed from the top right. Edmond deflected the strike effortlessly, his eyes never wavering. Leo pressed on, unleashing a flurry of rapid attacks. Each strike met the captain's blade, blocked as easily as if they were practice swings.
Mid-combination Edmond shifted his stance and parried, launching a quick counterattack. Leo reacted just in time, dodging with a nimble twist and leaping into the air as if he had anticipated the opening. The moment he was airborne, he activated the power of the light sword, a radiant glow enveloping the blade.
Before stepping onto the field, he fastened his weight bracelets around the guards of his sword. He wasn't entirely sure if activating them would increase the sword's weight, but he decided it was worth testing. Just as his descending slash was about to connect, he triggered the bracelets. The sudden surge in weight added a powerful force to his strike amplifying its impact with the unexpected pull of gravity.
A sharp clang rang out as steel met steel, the sound reverberating through the training yard. The force behind Leo's attack was immense, bolstered by both light magic and gravity. Yet, Edmond's steady arm absorbed the blow without flinching, his expression calm and unreadable.
With a subtle shift Edmond pushed back, applying pressure that sent Leo skidding two meters across the ground before he managed to stabilize and land on his feet.
This time, Edmond charged forward, leaving Leo no time to catch his breath. Leo braced himself, using every ounce of strength and skill he had to parry the captain's relentless strikes. Each blow felt like being hit by a battering ram, straining every muscle in his body. Even with all his effort it wasn't enough. Edmond's final strike sent Leo's sword flying from his grasp, spinning through the air above them.
Before Leo could react, Edmond's next attack aimed directly for his neck. Instinctively, Leo activated his shield and raised his right hand summoning a fireball that crackled and pulsed in his palm.
With a swift move, Edmond shifted his left hand away from his sword and grabbed Leo's outstretched wrist forcefully redirecting the fireball. The searing flame shot harmlessly to the side scorching the ground with a burst of heat and smoke. Meanwhile, Edmond's sword clashed against Leo's shield, sending a shockwave that propelled Leo backward. He hit the ground hard, skidding several meters before coming to a stop. His light sword clattered to the ground a few meters to their side.
Dazed, Leo blinked and opened his eyes. Edmond was already beside him, the captain's sword hovering at Leo's neck an unmistakable smile on his face. But in an instant, the smile faltered as Edmond's eyes darted to the right. He jerked his head aside just in time. A thin line of red appeared on his cheek—a shallow cut.
A second later, Leo's light sword thudded into the ground beside him, vibrating slightly from the impact.
Edmond calmly extended a hand to Leo, who took it as they both shook the dust from their clothes. Once they had composed themselves, Edmond's eyes met Leo's.
"You tried to deceive me into lowering my guard and followed it up with a surprise attack using your bracelets to add weight to your sword," Edmond said, his tone even. "Normally, that alone would have caused you to fail..." He paused, letting the tension stretch between them making Leo's heart pound faster. "But managing to stay composed under my assault and using Illusion and False Image within mere seconds..." Edmond's serious expression softened into a small smile. "You passed the exam."
Leo's smile broke through, unable to be hidden. Edmond had hit the mark; when the sword slipped from Leo's grasp, he had quickly cast False Image to create a convincing illusion. When Edmond seized Leo's hand he seized the chance to cloak the real sword with invisibility rather than using Blur as he initially intended. Edmond's maneuver felt like a test of his ability to think on his feet, and Leo had risen to the challenge manipulating the sword through the air with telekinesis to deliver the final surprise.
Edmond pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Leo.
"Give this to Peter. He'll fill you in on the rest," Edmond said.
"Thank you, Captain," Leo replied, taking the paper with a respectful nod before heading off to find Peter as quickly as possible.
"Congratulations," Peter greeted him the moment he stepped into the room.
He raised an eyebrow. "I haven't even said anything yet."
Peter chuckled. "Have you looked in a mirror? Your face says it all."
Leo's triumphant grin turned into self-consciousness as he remembered how openly he had been smiling. He quickly tried to compose himself, but the exaggerated effort only made his expression look even more awkward, causing Peter to laugh harder.
"Why are you always embarrassed about showing happiness? Hand over the paper," Peter said, still smiling.
Leo's cheeks flushed a little, but he pulled the paper from his pocket and handed it over. Peter scanned the document, his expression becoming serious for a moment before he looked back at Leo.
"Your schedule is going to change completely starting tomorrow. Because you need to master both Enchanting and Advanced Illusion, you'll have to devote significant time to your training," Peter said, glancing at the detailed schedule Edmond had prepared.
"Advanced Illusion?" Leo repeated, a hint of puzzlement in his voice.
Peter nodded. "That's right. Now that you're officially D- rank, you've completed all the material in the beginner illusion courses. And remember, you're also on the warrior path so your schedule is going to be more demanding. Here's how it works: no more need to go to the library. You'll have warrior training from 9 to 11 on even days of the week. On odd days, it's Advanced Illusion. After those sessions, you'll be free until 1 but you're required to stay either at the Paladin Association or the Grand Cathedral."
Leo's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "Why the Grand Cathedral?"
Peter leaned back, folding his arms. "That's where the Advanced Illusion classes are held. The captain decided it would be best if you took your Enchanting lessons there too. So, on days when you have both lessons you'll be at the cathedral until 4. Your Enchanting class runs from 1:30 to 4. On days with just the warrior class, you'll head to the cathedral immediately after your training."
Leo's mind spun as he pieced together the demanding new schedule. After a moment, he asked, "Can't Mr. Han teach me?"
Peter shook his head. "Lavi's a C-rank. To teach someone the instructor has to be at least two ranks higher than the student, and that rule only applies until B-rank. Don't ask me why—that part's a mystery to me."
Leo's eyebrows knitted together. "So, who's going to be my teacher?"
Peter let out a sigh. "That's still up in the air. But what I do know is that you'll need to be back here by 4:30 for patrol duty, which goes until 6. That'll be the end of your day."
Peter looked at Leo, waiting for a reaction. When Leo remained silent clearly mulling over the new responsibilities, Peter raised an eyebrow. "Any questions?"
Leo had a hundred swirling in his mind, but he knew Peter wouldn't have the answers to most of them. He simply shook his head. "No."
"All of this starts tomorrow, so you have the day off."
"So I just go home?" Leo asked glancing at Peter.
Peter hesitated for a moment, a flicker of internal debate crossing his face. "Actually, if you don't have anything to do at home I could use your help."
Leo had already sensed Peter's struggle with his workload today and with no other plans, he nodded. "Sure."
"We have a new member joining us. He's in the back room getting ready. I have a lot on my plate, so could you show him around?"
"Of course," Leo replied, a sudden question forming in his mind. "Mr. Peter, how exactly do groups like the Paladins recruit new members? Is there a system, or is it just special circumstances, like how the captain offered me a spot?"
"There's more than one way to recruit new members," Peter explained. "The most common method is through the church's special classes. They test you for a week and if they find you worthy, they'll train you for free. If not, you'll have to pay for the training yourself."
"So, anyone can enroll?" Leo asked.
"Not exactly. There are conditions," Peter said, raising a finger. "You have to be devout to the God of Light and you can't have any criminal record. there are more but I can't remember them now."
"And how do they decide if someone's worthy?"
Peter shrugged. "No idea."
"What about the other ways?" Leo pressed.
"Some people get noticed by the higher-ups, like you did. Others get in through family influence—nobles, for example, usually have an easy way in."
Leo tilted his head thoughtfully, then asked with a curious glint in his eye, "So, what's our new member's name?"
Just as Peter was about to answer, the door creaked open and a young man stepped into the room.
"Mr. Liam Hans, this is Mr. Leo Mantine, a paladin. He'll be showing you around," Peter introduced.
Liam approached and extended his hand. Leo met it with a firm handshake.
He was a striking figure, standing at 169 cm, with an air of quiet determination. The boy's short, jet-black hair crowned a face balanced on the cusp between boyhood and manhood. His medium build suggested strength and nimbleness, a testament to countless days spent in training. What drew attention most were his eyes: vivid blue, sharp, and filled with a restless curiosity that searched the room as if seeking answers to unasked questions. A small nose and thin lips softened the intensity of his gaze, giving him an appearance that was subtly captivating. He wasn't the kind of handsome that drew stares, but there was an undeniable charm that lingered in memory.
"Nice to meet you," Liam said breaking the silence.
"Likewise," Leo replied with a small nod.
He then gestured toward the hallway. "Let's go, then."
With a quiet acknowledgment, Liam followed Leo as they set off down the corridor.
Once they stepped out into the hallway, Leo began explaining, "The room you were just in is the storage room. You'll always go there to get ready. The door on our left is another entrance; you'll use it later once you get your ID." He turned and glanced at Liam. "Did Peter take your status yet?"
Liam nodded. "Yes, he said I'm an F- rank."
"Good. I started at G-rank myself."
"Mr. Goodwin mentioned you're a paladin too. What rank are you?" Liam's straightforwardness hinted at a confidence that Leo guessed came from noble upbringing.
"I'm a D- Illusionist," Leo replied.
"D-? But you look as young as me!" Liam's eyes widened in surprise.
Leo responded with a small smile and continued down the hall. "The next door on the right is the library. At the end of the corridor, we have two more doors. The one on the left is the living room and the one on the right is the great hall."
Leo pushed open the door to the great hall. Unlike usual, it was empty.
"No one's here?" Liam asked, puzzled.
"Not today. Let's check the living room."
They moved on and found out why the great hall was vacant. Inside the living room, Frank Albert, Wina, and Liamond were sitting together, chatting and sipping coffee.
Leo introduced them, "Everyone, this is Liam Hans. Liam, meet Mr. Albert Cardaye, Frank Rove, Liamond Hammart, and Ms. Wina Ewer."
Liam's face turned a shade of pink when he looked at Wina. "Nice to meet you all," he said, his voice steady despite his sudden shyness.
"Nice to meet you too. Come and sit," Albert invited.
Liam followed Leo to an empty spot on the sofa. Albert was to his left, and Liamond sat directly across from him.
"So Liam, what fields do you want to take?" Liamond asked.
Frank chimed in before Liam could answer, "Li, let him at least take his first lesson before grilling him."
To their surprise, Liam spoke up confidently, "I want to be a Conjurer and a Divinator."
Frank's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Wina smiled knowingly and looked at Frank. "Mr. Liam is from the Hans family, a well-known noble house in Flesa. They start training their children in these arts at age twelve."
'I knew it,' Leo thought to himself when Liam spoke up again.
"Just call me Liam, please," he said, his gaze fixed on Wina. Albert stifled a chuckle, covering his mouth with his hand to hide the amusement.
After a bit more chitchat, Leo led Liam back to the corridor.
"There's one more door in the main hall near Ms. Lara's desk, which leads to the captain's office and there's a yard behind the first door we passed. Other than that, there's nowhere else to show you," Leo explained. "I don't have your schedule so you'll need to check in with Mr. Peter for that. I'm guessing you know the way?"
"Thank you, Mr. Mantine."
"Just call me Leo."
Liam nodded and turned on his heel, heading toward the storage room. Leo watched to make sure he was on the right path, then made his way home.