At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight break through the horizon, dew trickles down the leaves of the trees. Nearby, men load carts in a calm, almost leisurely atmosphere. Among them stands a boy with long black hair tied into a ponytail. He wears a simple peasant's polo shirt and loose, wide trousers held up by a belt resembling wrapped bandages.
The boy is quite handsome. He gazes at the sky with his azure-blue eyes, breathing slowly, lost in thought.
Alex:
(This world is filled with absurd situations. What amazes me most, however, is people. We humans are driven by fear and desire. The desire to shine, to be wealthy, surrounded, loved—even to have friends. I don't seek any of that. The only thing I pursue is freedom. That is my vision.
Fear, on the other hand, is the opposite of all desire. The fears I speak of are demons that haunt us, reminding us of our own powerlessness. I believe I'm living such a situation myself. But if someone who has never been taught how to be strong were consumed by those demons… what would become of them?)
Alex then turns his gaze toward the gate of the castle's inner grounds. That's when he notices Ella approaching. She is dressed in gray trousers and a violet shirt, her white hair flowing freely down to her chest, her expression distant and thoughtful.
She walks straight past Alex, completely lost in her thoughts, not even noticing him. As she passes behind him, Alex turns to follow her with his eyes before calling out:
— Good morning, Ella!
She stops, turns around, and smiles when she sees him.
— Good morning, Alex. Did you sleep well?
Alex studies her for a moment before answering:
— Me? Yeah, I slept fine. But you didn't. You barely slept last night.
Ella smiles gently, her voice soft and almost trembling.
— So it really shows that much…
Then, regaining a more natural tone, she adds:
— Please don't worry about it. Just act like everything's normal.
Still standing near the gate, Alex suddenly hears footsteps rapidly approaching. They grow louder with each second. Ella waits for Alex's reply, but he only notices what's happening at the last moment. As usual, he slips his hands into his pockets, steps slightly aside, then murmurs—loud enough for Ella to hear:
— Don't worry. I'll stop bothering you.
Ella:
— Huh?????
That's when she sees her.
A pink silk dress lifted in hurried hands. Slippers slapping against the ground. Looking up, Ella spots a beautiful princess running toward her at full speed.
— Ella!!!!!!
Ella freezes.
(Wait, wait, wait… What?!)
Before she can react, Tanya—the kingdom's princess—leaps forward and wraps her arms tightly around her.
— Don't leave, Ella! I'll miss you so much!
Ella struggles to pull her away.
— Tanya, please, be reasonable. You're a princess—you can't do this.
Tanya (clinging even tighter):
— I don't care! Without you, nothing here means anything!
Someone taps Tanya on the shoulder from behind.
— You know, we'd like to say goodbye too.
It's Iris. Tanya pouts like a sulking child but eventually lets go. Already dressed in her priestess robes, Iris steps forward, hugs Ella, and speaks gently:
— Be brave, little mage. I know this won't be easy. But look—everyone's here to see you off. Even Furious, fresh back from a difficult mission.
Ella looks past Iris and sees all the group members gathered in their usual attire. A short distance away, Alex watches them silently.
(Hmm… Human relationships fascinate me. Humans are among the most troublesome creatures in existence, yet they possess an incredible ability to form bonds. I've never managed to do that.)
Without him realizing it, Iris grabs his arm and starts pulling him along.
— Come on! You too. You're one of us.
Alex looks down at her, thinking:
(This really gets annoying after a while.)
But then he remembers Eva dragging him around in the same way.
(Still… you do get used to it.)
Soon, only overlapping voices remain.
— Is that Alex?
— Alex… you've grown…
And the rest is nothing but a long chain of goodbyes.
Moments later, a carriage exits the inner grounds and comes to a halt before the group. Inside sit Melty—dressed much like Ella—and Karden, wearing simple clothes, his scythe wrapped tightly in bandages.
Melty:
— No time to waste. Get in!
Iris nods.
— This is it. Go on, you two.
Tanya hugs Ella one last time.
— Be strong. I know how much you hate that place.
Ella smiles softly.
— I should be saying that to you.
— But you're the one leaving! Tanya protests.
— Yes. And I also know my beloved princess will struggle without me.
Melty, clearly irritated, snaps:
— Hurry up! The Academy is two and a half weeks away!
Tanya suddenly jumps onto her.
— Little sister, even if you act tough, I know you'll miss me too!
Melty pushes her away, flustered.
— Stop that! You're not allowed!
— Alright… go on. I won't stop you anymore, Tanya finally says.
Alex and Ella climb into the carriage—Alex sitting opposite Melty, Ella opposite Karden.
Iris closes the door.
— Take care of yourselves. See you soon.
The carriage begins to move.
Iris turns to Tanya.
— Will you be all right, Your Majesty?
Tanya throws herself into her arms.
— No! Not at all! I'm crying!
Inside the carriage, Ella watches the scenery slowly drift by, thinking of those she has left behind. Alex studies Melty for a brief moment before leaning back.
(I don't even know where I'm going… or what I should prepare for. I'll just sleep.)
He slowly closes his eyes.
Thus begins Spirit of Hero: Royal Academy.
The Kingdom of Nora reigns supreme over nearly half of the central territory of the continent. Despite its dominance, the kingdom chose to establish an academy near the western border—an institution reserved for the children of great political figures.
Founded over two centuries ago by exceptional mages and knights, the academy admits only nobles. Its reputation has spread as far as the Western Kingdoms, where it is well known that sending one's child there guarantees not only an intermediate-class weapon, but also a true monster of knowledge.
It was for this reason that Melty, the second princess of Nora, was setting off for four years of training. Yes—four long years.
Ella, however, was going there for a different reason. Thanks to her extraordinary genius, she had graduated at the age of sixteen. Granted a scholarship, she had then been selected to teach for one year in the magic division, as a form of recognition for her achievements.
As for Alex and Karden, victims of circumstance, they were not coming to study at all. Their role was to ensure the safety of Princess Melty. For all these reasons, the convoy carrying them reached Doran—a city near the academy—after more than two weeks of travel. The city was large and bustling, rich in trade.
From the window, Alex observed the city and thought:
(It's obvious. Given its location, this city lives off border trade. If the academy isn't far, it should be somewhere around here.)
But on the opposite side, he noticed Ella staring out the window as well, her head resting on her fist.
(Then it's probably not here. I would've seen a reaction from Ella. Besides, since the journey began, she hasn't seemed quite herself. I talk a lot, but I don't even know what life in an academy is really like. Maybe it's not as great as people claim.)
Soon after, the convoy turned away from the city and headed toward the forest. Despite how deeply they ventured into it, proper roads continued to stretch ahead. Slowly climbing a hill, they finally arrived at their destination.
A massive steel gate. A road paved with stone slabs. A large fountain. Then towering buildings rose into view. The academy looked exactly like the ones described in fantasy tales. The wagons and carriage moved onward toward the dormitories, just as impressive, standing farther ahead.
The lead carriage came to a halt, as did the mounted escorts. The riders dismounted. The knight leading the convoy stepped forward and bowed before an elderly woman wearing a servant's apron.
He spoke:
— My respects, great steward of our humble institution. We have been sent from the capital to entrust these inexperienced youths to your care.
The woman studied him for a long moment before replying:
— Oh, Gabriel! My dear child… so you're already working in the capital?
Gabriel (Knight):
— Yes, and it's all thanks to the training I received here. I'm still deeply grateful.
She placed a hand on his shoulder.
— There's no need for that, my boy. Stand up straight. And you there, in the carriage! Hurry up and show yourselves—and quickly!
Ella was the first to step down, followed by the rest of the group. Despite her reputation for being harsh, the old woman smiled broadly and exclaimed:
— Well, well! Wouldn't you know it—our little prodigy mage? Ella! So you truly came after all?
Ella bowed politely.
— Madam Lurecia. You already knew. It was my only condition when I completed my four years of study here.
Lurecia snapped her fingers, grinning widely. Servants immediately rushed over.
— You'll wait for Miss Ella's belongings to be presented, then take them to the instructors' quarters.
The men unloading the wagons began to move the luggage.
Lurecia:
— And the others? Have you lost your tongues?
Hearing this, Alex recalled what Ella had told him earlier:
The dormitories are managed by Lurecia—a woman with a rather shocking personality. When we arrive, don't say anything. Let me do the talking. It'll be better that way.
(I completely understand.) Alex thought.
Standing beside Ella, Melty bowed and spoke:
— My name is Melty Nora, and these two boys are my personal guards.
Lurecia stroked her chin thoughtfully, then snapped her fingers again.
— So, we have Tanya Junior and her entourage.
Six more servants appeared at once.
— Girls, take care of our guests.
Then, with confidence, Lurecia smiled.
— Go on, make yourselves comfortable. I have a feeling this year is going to be exciting, little prodigy!
With that, she walked away.
Still bowed beside Ella, Melty trembled with frustration before straightening up alongside her.
The men continued unloading the wagons while the servants carried the luggage away. In the middle of it all, Alex and the others simply stood there.
Alex looked at Ella—and read her lips:
I can feel it… this year is going to be long and exhausting.
After Lurecia left, the group that had arrived at the academy stood frozen in place. Alex, feeling a bit awkward in the situation, asked Ella:
— Hey, Ella! So… what are we supposed to do now?
Before Ella could answer, a group of maids appeared in front of each of them, bowing politely.
— Pardon us, but could you please follow us? We'll show you to your rooms.
Alex watched them, thinking:
(Unbelievable… all of them are stunning and charismatic.)
Ella said simply:
— Follow them. They'll take you to your rooms.
She then followed the maid ahead of her.
Alex watched her go, thinking:
(She really doesn't seem herself.)
Then it was his turn. He followed the maid assigned to him. Observing her from above, Alex thought:
(I can watch her over and over, and I always end up thinking the same thing: she's just too young.)
The maid turned around. She had a slightly round, cute face, shoulder-length blonde hair, and a confident voice.
— Aren't you a little young to be doing this job? she asked.
Alex, shocked, replied:
— Look in a mirror first!
— I'm serious. Even your friend following behind… you both really look like kids.
They walked a bit further before Alex snapped back:
— And you? Have you looked at yourself?
As they approached a large building, the girl replied calmly:
— I'm just a maid. Besides, Madam Lurecia considers me competent because I survived her training. You, however… I doubt you could even protect our princess.
Alex exhaled deeply and muttered:
— Think what you want, viper tongue!
— I'm not "Viper Tongue," she said, smirking. My name's Sophia.
Meanwhile, Ella arrived at a very spacious room. She stood by the window as maids brought in her belongings. She asked the maid who had guided her:
— Can you tell me where Alex and Karden are?
The maid, also blonde but taller and with long hair covering one eye, replied politely:
— If you mean the two young men serving as Princess Melty's guards, they're staying in a recently built building. That's where the close guards have been housed since it became common practice. That's all.
Ella thought for a moment, then asked:
— Has everyone else settled in already?
— Yes, they must be getting organized, the maid responded.
Melty could be seen in her room surrounded by numerous maids unpacking her belongings. Karden occupied a smaller room with only a few personal effects. Alex, meanwhile, was still with Sophia, in a room similar to Karden's.
Sophia said to him:
— Here's your room. It should be enough. Honestly, with only three trunks and two swords… you're really modest, kid.
Then she left the room, adding:
— See you, little brat.
Alex watched her go, exasperated.
(If she's considered competent, I really don't know where the world is headed.)
Back in Ella's room, she murmured:
— I hope they adjust quickly.
The maid standing before her looked at her firmly.
— Honestly, Ella, I wonder why you even came back. I know better than anyone how much you hate this place. You should have stayed away. The only person you should worry about is yourself.
Ella lowered her head and whispered:
— Maybe… you're right.
— Maybe? No! Now, I'll prepare a bath for you.
The maid bowed and started to leave, but Ella stopped her.
— Wait, Marie! Thank you… for everything.
Marie paused for a moment, then said:
— No need. I gave you a hard time, but you helped me without expecting anything in return.
She left.
Ella watched the maids organize her things, thinking:
(It hasn't been that long, but everything seems so different. So many new things… How did it all start? I can't help but wonder.)
She looked out the window. Rain had begun to fall, and people ran for shelter. The scene outside seemed almost unreal, as her mind drifted into memories.
Flashback
Loir, six years earlier
The city of Loir, northeast of Nora, is a true attraction. Like Doran, it's a border town, but far busier. Here lived an old man writing books on medicine.
Nox Lumano was a former healing mage. Having never had children, he had taken in a little girl who lived on the streets. He raised her, and she grew up. This ten-year-old girl, Ella, was special: she spent her time playing with spheres of light created by magic.
While Nox wrote his book, she approached him.
— Grandpa! Grandpa! Look at this! Isn't it amazing? I even imagined it myself!
Passersby stopped in front of the shop, surprised by the scene, but Ella didn't care at all. Nox put down his pen, stroked her head, and smiled.
— Very good, Ella. You're talented. You should even take magic lessons.
The little girl smiled back immediately.
— But I don't need lessons, Grandpa! I just want to be with you!
Nox leaned to respond, but accidentally knocked a shelf. A large bronze bowl fell toward him, and instinctively, Ella used telekinesis for the first time to stop it.
— Be careful, Grandpa! You could have hurt yourself!
Nox picked up the bowl, stunned.
(She's not kidding… No need to waste money on magic lessons.)
He set the bowl down, closed his book, and said:
— How about we go to the market and buy something for dinner?
Ella jumped with joy.
— Yes! Yes! Yes!
At the market, Ella used telekinesis to put apples back on a stall that had fallen, running and shouting:
— Hop! Hop! Come on, hop!
The merchant observed.
— Mr. Nox, isn't that Ella?
— The one and only, he replied, slightly embarrassed.
— She's incredibly talented. Have you considered sending her to the Royal Academy of Magic?
— No. She already hates lessons, and she's still too young.
Nox then saw Ella imitate a magician casting flames. She opened her hand and created fire. He gave her a tap on the head.
— I told you not to play with fire.
— But it's my first time! she protested.
(This girl is a prodigy…) thought the woman watching.
That night, after dinner, Nox put Ella to bed and continued writing by candlelight.
— Grandpa… where are Mom and Dad?
— I don't know. I found you in another town when you couldn't even speak.
— Do you miss them?
— Not at all. I'm happy with you.
— Me too.
— And… what are you writing?
— A book about love. A book about heroes.
— Heroes? You're always talking about him… but I don't care.
Then she added:
— Good night, Grandpa… my hero.
— Good night, my little prodigy.
The next day, Ella played mage in front of the shop. Suddenly, an out-of-control horse charged down the street. Nox pulled the coachman aside, but the horse charged again. Ella then created a magical barrier that knocked it out.
— Grandpa! Is everything okay?
Nox smiled… then collapsed, clutching his chest.
Ella's eyes filled with terror.
Ella (present):
(Thinking back… it all started there.)
(Yes… it all started there.)
Scenario by Ben Écriture .