The walk to Martial Application was unpleasant, to say the least. Much like the martial arts evaluation during the class screening, it was held outside behind the academy's large buildings and dorms.
The academy's layout was something to admire. A massive central building, truly a modern-day wonder in every sense of the word, served as a hub for all the facilities and dorms. In one way or another, everything connected back to that middle structure.
Behind the academy buildings was where most, if not all, of the martial arts training took place. At least, that was the case for most students. The school itself was quite beautiful, and the outside was no exception.
Looking down, I realized it would be best to roll up my pant legs so the dirt from the path wouldn't stain them.
After making sure my pants were safe, I finally made my way to the large training area.
I was early, like I usually was. It wasn't required, but showing up ahead of time was usually a good idea.
I walked over to a tree near the training area and leaned against the rough bark while I waited for the instructor.
As I stood there, my thoughts wandered to the history of this world.
Saint Academy was located on the continent of Valera, a once-unified empire that fractured into smaller nations after what was known as the Divine War.
Maps and history books mention at least five known landmasses inhabited by humans. They are all separated by vast oceans. There is only one exception. A continent called Nulesia is connected to Sheol, an uninhabited region that some believe was used as the core for summoning an Old God.
Of course, that is only speculation. No one has ever been able to prove the existence of the divine, no matter how hard they searched.
Thinking back to Valera it was broken into a couple budding nations
Kael-Sar, the ashlands of the east, Largely infertile for unknown reasons. It consists of warlords, unknown tribes, and merchants.
Verdam, the central province and seat of power. Fertile, beautiful. It was overrun with nobles. Many consider it the "Crown Jewel". Many people came from noble families and the society was run as such this is why the academy has such a class system. Nobles fund and donate to the academy for power of decisions and academics, which in turn leads to the academy letting nobles for the most part run amuck with no restraints..
And the Frostspire Reach, a largely uninhabited tundra. Only ancient tribes that have adapted to the mystical weather there can expect to live a full life.
Saint Academy sat perched on the border of Verdam and Kael-Sar, which brought in students from both nations. The Academy was close enough to pretend it was neutral, but it was no secret who called the shots.
The nobility.
Everything bent to bloodlines in Valera. Even if they had no reason to. It was submission or death.
Snapping out of my trace I could hear that the instructor arrived. Ser Ronwick. Old knight. Scarred from shoulder to jaw. The old geezer didn't say anything except to bark out orders.
He scanned the group. Paused when he saw me. No surprise was visible on his face. He didn't even acknowledge my new state.
Then he pointed. "You. Forsaken."
My title.
'I should have expected this' I sighed to myself.
I stepped forward.
He pointed again. "You. Albrecht of House Drenn."
The instructor threw two swords at each of us.
"Begin."
No warning. No preamble.
I watched as my sword hit the dirt before casually bending over to pick it up
The arrogant bastard underestimated me as he rushed toward to slam the sword into the back of my head.
However, he didn't expect me to sweep his legs out from under him from my bent over positioning.
Grabbing the sword off the ground I made my way over as he was still trying to catch his breath from falling.
I tensed the muscles in my leg before kicking the hand he held his sword causing it to fly out of his hand.
Pointing the wooden sword to his neck I demanded in a harsh tone.
"Concede"
"I would never consider someone of your standing."
'It can never be easy with these people.'
I looked over to the instructor and he simply nodded toward me.
I simply raised my foot, planting it above his throat and pressed until his grip on my shoes slacked.
I couldn't kill him, but I didn't feel like trying to reason with him, It simply wasn't worth my time.
When I walked back to the edge of the ring, standing in the space left so graciously by my classmates.
I looked forward, catching an analyzing glimpse from Ser Ronwick as he looked at me.
He nodded.
That was the first nod I'd ever gotten from someone like him.
And just like that, class was over.
==================================================================
I skipped the infirmary. I didn't need it.
Instead I decided to rest and ponder during my free time before lunch. I spotted a withered and wretched tree in the courtyard I was in. Sitting against the fluffy grass I laid against the tree. It was barren, wildlife seemed to avoid it in favor of other trees. It must have been inflamed at some point causing it to stop growing. Regardless of appearances I appreciated it. It allowed me to rest.
For some time I just watched students make their way to their various classes.
However, after that got boring I just stared at the tree.
The silence between us left me curious.
I wondered what Path it had been given before it died.
I wondered if I had one at all.
[System: You walk a rewritten thread.]
Of course I do.
===============================================================
The last class was the best, obviously behind alchemy.
Lunch was pleasant.
Regardless of being in a low tier class the food was delicious.
I sat alone in a stand alone corner as I was stuffing my face.
Thankfully, I did because people would think I was crazy on top of useless, this was due to the look of surprise that filled my face as the system prompted itself on its own.
[Analyzing host integrity. Refining soul resonance. Tracing divine imprint.]
I said nothing.
I thought of Akari. Of the divine Paths. Of the threads under everyone's skin.
The system pulsed.
[Thread detection unlocked. Passive scanning enabled.]
[Ability requires sleep to digest]
The world would never look the same again.
Tomorrow, I will see them.
The hidden chains.
The quiet prisons.
Perhaps, with enough time I will even find a way to alter them.