I stood there, sword still dripping with blood, heartbeat slowing, frustration burning in my chest.
I didn't know it then—
but I was already much stronger than I gave myself credit for.
Stronger than most adults.
Stronger than the average knight apprentice.
A prodigy, maybe even a genius in swordplay, some said.
But all I felt was… weakness.
The border knights landed beside me, their auras fading as they sheathed their glowing blades. One of them clapped me hard on the back.
"Good job holding out until we got here, kid. Brave of you."
Another frowned through his helmet. "Why were you the only one fighting out here?"
I didn't answer.
I didn't know how to answer.
They didn't press it. Their priority was the Count, the Black family, and getting us safely inside the towering gates of Zenonva, the largest kingdom I had ever seen.
The knights escorted us to a briefing hall inside the outer fortress. It was clean, organized, professional—nothing like the rugged outposts near Ignis.
Count Arenbelle and Sir Sullivan gave their reports first.
When they explained that a fourteen-year-old had killed four chimeras alone… and survived…
the knights stared at me like I was some prodigy.
"He sustained injuries, but… not many," one knight muttered.
"A kid took down four abominations without aura?"
"Is he actually fourteen?"
Then it was my turn.
I told them everything—nothing extra, nothing less. Just the truth.
Silence filled the room when I finished.
"…Incredible," one knight finally said.
"You have frightening potential. Killing four chimeras at your age, and without aura… it shouldn't be possible."
Another added softly, "If you unlock aura, you'll be terrifying."
Their praise warmed my chest.
I felt myself blush a little—embarrassing, but impossible to stop.
But when they mentioned aura, the happiness flickered.
My core… still hadn't awakened.
Only faint signs.
Barely anything.
It stung.
After the briefing ended, I stepped outside and was greeted by the Black family and the Count.
They thanked me—sincerely.
I nodded. I was glad they all survived. But the faces of the fallen escort guards lingered in my mind. I couldn't save everyone.
That guilt stayed.
Sullivan handed me the payment, and Count Arenbelle offered extra gold for protecting his children and family.
I bowed my head slightly in thanks.
As I turned to leave—
"Rain!"
I stopped.
Elise ran toward me, eyes watery. When she reached me, she hesitated, then asked:
"Are you… going to the Academy?"
I blinked. "The academy?"
She nodded eagerly. "The High-Crest Academy of the Arts. It's in the center of the four great continents. The best academy in the world."
She spoke like she was describing a legend.
"Future mages, knights, spiritualists, spirit tamers—even the ones blessed by the gods—go there," she said, eyes shining. "Will you attend, Rain?"
I shrugged lightly. "I don't know. Maybe. If my journey leads me there."
"I'm going," she said proudly. "When I turn sixteen. The entrance age is sixteen."
Six years of training…
future knights…
future mages…
It stirred something inside me.
"If I can go," I said, "I will."
She beamed. "I'll become a mage, Rain."
"What?" her father gasped behind her.
She nodded fiercely. "I don't want Rain to fight alone."
Her voice softened. "I want to stand by your side."
I couldn't help but smile.
"I'll meet you there, Sir Rain," she said, smirking through her teary eyes.
I chuckled and waved goodbye before heading to the local blacksmith. My sword needed repairs badly. After a few hours, the blade was restored, sharp and balanced once again.
I made my way toward the northern gate.
Two weeks until the Lionhearth exam.
I needed to move.
When I arrived, Count Arenbelle was waiting for me.
He smiled warmly. "Rain, one last thing."
Beside him stood a brown horse—nothing special, but sturdy, healthy, and fast enough.
"This horse belongs to Lionhearth," he explained. "We borrowed it months ago. Since you're heading there, please return it to the Knight's Cavalry. And… ride it to make your journey faster."
I bowed slightly. "Thank you, Count Arenbelle."
I mounted the horse, gripping the reins.
The Count gave a final wave as the gates opened.
I rode off beneath the night sky,
toward Lionhearth,
toward the exam,
toward whatever came next.