Chapter 26: Knight Training School
The next day.
Raven woke at 7:30 A.M., the sunlight already creeping through the curtains of his bedroom. Today marked his first day at the prestigious Knight Training School, and despite the sleep in his eyes, a flicker of anticipation stirred in his chest.
He washed up quickly, took a long bath to calm his nerves, and changed into his new uniform: a crisp white shirt tucked into neatly pressed blue pants. The fabric still smelled faintly of lavender and parchment—signs of fresh tailoring and his aunt's meticulous care.
When he stepped into the dining room, he found his sister and aunt already seated at the wooden table, steam rising from the breakfast dishes.
"What's special today?" he asked as he took a seat, sniffing the air.
"I've made boiled eggs, bread, baked beans, fried broccoli, and green tea," Shirley said, her tone brisk as she ladled food onto his plate. "No sulking—eat everything."
"Yes…" Raven groaned dramatically, slumping his shoulders. "Why are there always so many vegetables? It's been forever since we had meat."
"We just had pork last Sunday," Athena retorted, not looking up as she stacked beans and broccoli into a slice of bread. "Stop being a picky eater."
Shirley took a bite of her boiled egg and shifted the conversation. "Athena, are you buying a carriage today? Isn't it a little unnecessary right now?"
"The Knight Training School is three kilometers from here, Aunt. Walking would take over half an hour every day. Hiring a carriage costs three to five silvers each time, and I still have to head to the station afterward. It's more practical to buy our own," Athena replied, her tone firm and measured.
Shirley nodded, conceding. "Fair point."
"Also," Athena added with a wry smile, "I'm not a low-ranking officer anymore. It feels… beneath me to walk to the Police Station now that I'm Superintendent."
Shirley chuckled. "Buy a decent one, then. Besides, our little brat here is earning quite well these days. We can afford to breathe a little easier."
"Thanks, Aunt," Athena grinned, the tension in her shoulders loosening as they finished their meal.
After breakfast, Raven and Athena left the house and hired a four-wheeled carriage, paying three silvers to ride to the far end of town—Stonegate.
Known colloquially as Nobles' Lane, Stonegate was a district of marble villas, high walls, and refined magic. It was home to the elite: wealthy merchants, noble Walkers, and even a few high-rank Wizards. It was also where the Darkcross Knight Training School stood, a towering structure steeped in tradition and pride.
As the carriage rolled down cobbled streets bustling with life, Raven peeked through the curtain, his curiosity piqued.
"Athena," he asked, "is it hard to get into Darkcross? What's it really like?"
Athena, seated across from him, gave a thoughtful nod. "The school teaches basic knight etiquette, physical training, and some early guidance on Walker pathways. It's not hard to pass academically, but many students drop out due to the tuition fees."
"Do they teach Knight Techniques?" Raven asked, his eyes brightening.
"Not exactly," Athena replied. "You'll learn something called the Basic Technique. It helps your body develop faster and become more coordinated, but it won't increase your strength beyond normal human limits. Still, it's a good start."
The carriage soon arrived at Emerald Park, pulling up in front of a grand four-story building surrounded by expansive gardens filled with enchanted flora. The air was thick with the aroma of magic-infused blossoms, each releasing a fragrance more exotic than the last.
As Raven stepped out, he spotted dozens—perhaps hundreds—of students wearing similar uniforms, streaming through the main gate. Carriages lined the entrance, each polished and marked with family crests or magical seals.
"My shift ends at six," Athena called from the carriage. "Wait here after school. I'll pick you up."
He nodded and slung his bag over his shoulder.
The courtyard ahead was alive with motion—students chatting, servants unloading trunks, instructors giving directions. As he moved towards the gate, Raven spotted three familiar figures nearby.
One of them was a blonde-haired girl, no taller than 120 centimeters. She had olive skin, large brown eyes, and wore a white shirt and blue skirt. Her wavy hair framed her face beautifully.
Mary Whitbard.
Raven's steps slowed. Though she'd been his classmate, they'd never spoken. Something in her presence made his heart thud awkwardly in his chest.
To her right stood a round-faced boy with silver hair and silver eyes. He was slightly chubby and wore an unimpressed look.
Dennis… I think.
To Mary's left stood someone more familiar—black hair, blue eyes, and a laid-back grin.
Chris.
"Raven!" Chris waved enthusiastically. "I didn't know you were attending Knight School!"
"Yeah," Raven said with a small wave as he joined them. "Are we the only ones from our class?"
"Daisy's also enrolled," Chris said. "But Raven, how'd you even get in? I thought you were from… a poorer background," Mary added, genuinely curious.
Chris smirked before Raven could answer. "You don't know who his sister is, do you?"
Mary and Dennis turned to look at Raven more closely.
"Is she someone important?" Dennis asked.
"She's Athena—the Hero of Darkcross," Chris said proudly. "During the Beast Wave three years ago, she played a critical role and was promoted to Police Superintendent. Even Raven's aunt works in the Administrative Department as a high-ranking officer."
Chris clapped Raven on the back. "Mark my words—this guy's going to be a big name one day."
"Hmph. Commoners always dream big," Dennis scoffed. "Trying so hard just to get a government post? I can get a better one without stepping foot in this school."
He turned to Mary. "Let's go. If we stay near them, we'll only embarrass ourselves."
Without another word, he strode off, Mary hurrying after him.
"What's his problem?" Raven muttered.
"Noble brats are always like that," Chris said. "Don't let it bother you. But don't fight him either. He's from the Valeheart family—a Viscount Household. That kind of background can ruin your life before you even realize it."
He checked his pocket watch. "It's 9:00. The welcome meeting starts at 9:30 in the grand foyer. Come on."
They walked the stone path toward the building. The academy towered before them, its ivy-clad façade adorned with arched windows and a grand clock tower. The interior was even more majestic. The foyer stretched wide and tall, crowned by a dazzling chandelier shaped like a crystalline constellation.
The walls were draped with tapestries chronicling the empire's long, war-torn history. At the center stood a magical fountain that shimmered with iridescent liquid, occasionally changing color with a soft hum.
"Whoa…" Raven whispered, staring at the architecture and the sea of students around him.
Soon, the foyer grew crowded as hundreds of first-years and upper-year students gathered. Voices echoed in waves across the marble hall.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the second floor.
"There seem to be at least a hundred new admissions this year."
All heads turned upward.
A red-haired woman in a flowing blue robe descended the bifurcated staircase. Her presence commanded immediate attention. Around sixty years old, with amber eyes and a slightly wrinkled face, she carried a staff crowned with a silver crest.
"I am Agatha, Headmaster of Darkcross Knight Training School," she began, her voice deep yet composed. "I also teach Archery and Marksmanship. From this day forth, you will learn discipline, etiquette, and strength under our guidance. For the next five years, you will grow—not just from our lessons, but from each other through sparring and friendship."
As murmurs faded, she gestured toward a new figure approaching the center of the stairwell.
"Also, allow me to introduce a new instructor for Modern Etiquette."
A tall woman stepped forward, her presence delicate yet authoritative. She had blonde hair, amber eyes, and a graceful posture. Her attire was elegant—a fitted white corset adorned with a stomacher, a flowing white skirt, and a soft bonnet that completed the look of genteel sophistication.
"Good morning, students," she said with a warm bow, hand over her chest. "My name is Elizabeth. Until last year, I served as a language teacher at Silverhelm's Elementary School. Though I may not match the noble ladies in grace, I promise to teach you all the essential etiquette to carry yourselves with dignity."
Her voice was soft but clear, and Raven couldn't help but admire her calm poise.