Beeru stepped through the academy gates, his mind swirling with questions. Why had the old man, Eron, helped him? Why had the guard reacted so strangely upon seeing the seal? And most importantly, what lay inside this mysterious academy? With these thoughts clouding his mind, he followed the stone pathway, surrounded by towering structures and disciplined students training in open courtyards.
As he walked, lost in thought, he suddenly found himself standing before the grand entrance of the academy's main hall. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The hall was vast, with tall pillars and intricate carvings along the walls. At the far end, an old man with an imposing presence sat behind a grand wooden desk, various seals placed neatly before him. His aura alone was enough to indicate his high stage of power.
Beeru approached with confidence and spoke, "I've come to take admission into the academy."
The old man raised his gaze, his eyes devoid of any emotion. "Show the seal of the ex-student," he commanded in a calm but authoritative tone.
Beeru, maintaining his composure, retrieved the seal and placed it on the desk. As soon as the old man's eyes landed on it, his expression shifted slightly—a hint of recognition, perhaps even a smile. "Ah… Mr. Eron," he murmured, almost to himself. "He was one of the finest students to ever train here."
He turned his attention back to Beeru. "How do you know him? Eron never took a student after leaving, and it's been nearly ten years since he graduated. And now, suddenly, he chooses a successor?"
Beeru was taken aback by the revelation. "I… I only met him this morning," he admitted. "I was robbed in the city, and he suggested I come here with this seal."
The old man chuckled, shaking his head. "If Eron gave you this seal, then he must have seen something in you. That alone is enough reason for you to join this academy. But remember, this place has rules. Five of them, to be precise. Listen carefully."
He leaned forward, his voice growing more serious. "First, you are not allowed to fight with any fellow students outside of the designated dueling ring. However, if a conflict arises, you may challenge them to a deathmatch inside the ring."
Beeru tensed at the mention of a 'deathmatch,' but he remained silent as the old man continued.
"Second, respect your seniors. If any senior abuses their power, you have two options: either challenge them in the ring or file an official complaint. Third, once you join the academy, you are bound to it for life. If the academy ever needs your help, and you are capable of providing it, you have no choice but to comply."
Beeru swallowed hard. These rules were not as simple as he had expected.
"Fourth, you cannot leave the academy without explicit permission. And finally, the fifth rule—you cannot renounce your title as an academy student of your own will. Only in extreme circumstances can you be granted an exception. But if you are expelled… you can never return."
A moment of silence followed as the weight of the rules settled in.
Beeru took a deep breath. "I understand. I am ready to become a student of this academy."
The old man nodded approvingly and took out a glowing seal, placing it before Beeru. "Drop a bit of your blood on it," he instructed.
Beeru pricked his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the seal. The moment it touched the surface, a strange warmth spread through his body, and he felt an invisible bond forming between him and the academy. Behind the old man, a massive wall covered in candles flickered—and as Beeru completed the ritual, a new candle ignited, its flame burning brightly.
"That flame represents your existence in this academy," the old man explained. "It will burn until the day you either die or are expelled."
Beeru bowed his head respectfully and took the seal.
The old man smiled faintly. "You may now go and begin your training. All necessary details about the academy and your training schedule are stored within the seal."
Beeru nodded, feeling an unfamiliar sense of excitement. He stepped outside the hall and glanced at the name displayed on his training schedule. His instructor's name was **Master Kaelon**.
Who was this Master Kaelon? And what challenges awaited Beeru in his training?
With these questions in mind, Beeru walked towards the training grounds, unaware that his journey had only just begun…