After the results were announced and after bidding farewell to Sister Maria and the other nuns of the church, Arthur packed his few belongings: a simple leather bag, a few sets of clothes, an old book, and a necklace that had now become his most treasured possession. It was time to begin a new chapter in his life.
With slow yet determined steps, he returned to the exam grounds, now prepared for the formal registration process. Only three children from the church orphanage had passed: Arthur, Julius, and a quiet, graceful girl named Sophia. Seven others had come from different orphanages. Now, the ten who had been selected from among hundreds walked side by side in heavy, thoughtful silence.
At the registration hall, Instructor Kyle greeted them with a serious yet pleased expression.
"Congratulations. From this moment on, you are officially students of the Royal Academy."
Several hours passed as they completed forms, received identification badges, and moved through various rooms. Eventually, with a half-smile, the instructor led them to the clothing measurement room. Magical measuring tapes spun around them, the uniform colors were chosen, and preparations were finalized.
At the end, Kyle said:
"The school year will begin in one week. Your uniforms will be ready by then. Use this time to get familiar with your surroundings. And don't forget… this is the place where you can become the best version of yourselves."
After completing this stage, the children were taken to their dormitories. Each was assigned to a three-person room.
Arthur's heart was pounding as he approached his room, eager to see who his roommates would be.
When he opened the door, the sharp sound of an argument greeted him.
"I said the top bunk is mine!" That was Julius, full of pride and stubbornness.
Standing opposite him was a skinny boy with messy black hair and round glasses. Both paused when they saw Arthur.
Julius sneered. "Oh great… you're my roommate?"
The boy with glasses, however, reached out his hand kindly.
"Hi. My name's Anos. Nice to meet you."
Arthur smiled and replied,
"Hey, I'm Arthur. Good to meet you too. I guess I'm your new roommate."
Anos took a step back and glanced at Julius.
"You know this guy?"
Arthur shrugged.
"Yeah, we came from the same place. But honestly… we've never really talked before."
Julius said indifferently,
"Doesn't matter who you are. Just don't get in the way of my success, and we'll be fine."
Silence fell over the room. But within that silence, Arthur knew this was only the beginning of a new and eventful chapter—one filled with friendship, rivalry, power, and perhaps something beyond all that.
Anos said gently,
"I understand... Let's try to make the most of being roommates."
Arthur said nothing more. Quietly, he walked to the corner of the room and began arranging his things. His clothes, books, and green pendant were placed carefully by his bed. Meanwhile, the childish quarrel between Anos and Julius flared up again.
"Like hell I'm giving you the top bunk!" Julius growled, eyes blazing.
Anos gave a faint smile. "Well, I could say the exact same thing, buddy."
Arthur tried to block out their voices. He lay down on his bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts wandered… toward the future.
He was now one of the ten chosen from among hundreds. If Father Maldreus were still alive, he would have been proud. Arthur smiled bitterly.
In that moment of inner silence, he made himself a vow:
"No matter what comes my way... I must keep going. I may lose many along the way, but if I become stronger, I won't have to lose anyone else."
Several days passed since that night. Every morning before sunrise, Arthur would leave the dorm. The chill of dawn kissed his cheeks, but he ran—ran to leave behind the weight of his mind and body in the quiet streets. He traversed the city multiple times, trained his body rigorously, and then returned to the dorm.
One such morning, he sat at the breakfast table with Anos and Julius. The aroma of fresh bread and seared meat filled the air.
Anos, who had been eating, suddenly put down his food and said,
"Hey, did you guys hear the news? It's spreading all over town…"
Julius, with his mouth full, asked,
"What news? What happened?"
Anos lowered his voice,
"They say a dark cult sacrificed twenty-five kids our age to summon a demon… but apparently, they couldn't control it. The demon killed them all—and then attacked the city."
Arthur frowned.
"What? Did that really happen?"
Anos nodded.
"Yeah… but the Holy Knights arrived in time. They destroyed the demon before there were more casualties. They say the summoning happened near the slave market."
Julius asked,
"You mean they used slaves for the sacrifice?"
Anos shrugged.
"No one really knows. But dark cults are becoming more common these days... Some say they've even infiltrated high-ranking positions in the city."
Arthur fell into thought. His mind filled with images of children screaming, blazing flames, and an unknown creature… but he pushed the fear away. Now was the time to focus on his goal—not the shadows in the dark.
He said,
"Let's focus on what matters for now. Classes start in a few days… we need to be ready."
Julius, with his usual arrogant tone, smirked,
"I am ready. Been training with swords these past days—both wood and steel. No one can stand against me."
Anos chuckled.
"Then you should be top of the class from day one, right?"
Arthur glanced at them both and smiled faintly. A quiet beginning—but beneath the surface of these days, something was stirring... and he could feel it.
Anos spoke gently:
"I've been doing some basic mana control training these past few days... Trying to get my control to a high level. What about you, Arthur?"
Arthur responded thoughtfully:
"I used to do physical training, but at night, before sleeping, I practiced mana control too..."
Anos nodded.
"To be honest, we still don't really understand mana, but once classes start, we'll learn exactly how it works."
Julius said:
"Let's practice mana control together tonight. And maybe talk about ourselves too… It's better if we get to know each other more."
Anos smiled.
"Hmm... sounds like a good idea. What do you think, Arthur?"
Arthur nodded in agreement.
"I think it's a good idea."
Anos said:
"Then tonight, nine o'clock, at the academy park. We'll meet there."
Arthur and Julius nodded farewell.
***
*9:00 PM*
Arthur was the first to arrive at the park. In the quiet of the night, he watched students still moving in and out of the library. He thought to himself:
*It must be nice to know how to read and write… Commoners can't afford education, it's too expensive. But if you're one of the selected students, you can study for free… as long as your grades stay high.*
A few minutes later, Anos and Julius arrived.
"Hey," Anos said.
"Hey," Arthur and Julius replied together.
The three of them sat in a corner of the park. Their conversation started gently—from daily training and simple memories—to eventually touching on their hidden pain. On pasts that were sometimes too hard to even speak about.
Arthur and Julius talked about being orphans, about Father Maldrius, and the days when his loss was still fresh.
Anos took a deep breath.
"I'm really sorry… It must've been so hard for you."
Arthur and Julius only nodded.
After a pause, Julius said:
"We talked about ourselves… Now it's your turn."
Anos smiled softly and said:
"Alright… Where should I start? I'm the son of Commander Ainz. I was born into a wealthy family. Three years ago, I lost my mother… due to a curse. My father still blames himself because he couldn't save her..."
Arthur and Julius said with sympathy:
"We're sorry for your loss."
Anos continued:
"I have two older brothers—one joined the army, the other became a merchant. I… I want to become a successful magic professor one day. Someone who teaches others. Maybe then, I can make my father proud… like my brothers."
Then he looked up at the sky. The stars were shining, and the night was peaceful, yet full of unspoken words.
Julius thought for a moment, then said with feeling:
"I want to be the best. Someone whose name will be remembered in history… Someone kids will want to be like, even after I'm gone. Maybe then… this life, with all its pain and loneliness, will be worth it."
Arthur stayed silent for a moment, then said softly:
"I want to protect the people I love. I want to make the world better… because there are still people left in my life."
Anos and Julius smiled.
Julius looked at Arthur with certainty.
"Don't worry. You're not going to lose us."
Anos smiled gently as well.
"Yeah, we're always with you."
After a moment of silence, Anos put his hands on his knees and said:
"Alright, guys… Let's begin. The sooner we understand mana, the better chance we have to shine in class."
The three of them sat in a half-circle on the park's grass. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, and the quiet night was their only music. The full moon shone above, as if it too was witness to their new pact.
Anos closed his eyes.
"First, we have to try to feel mana inside our bodies. Take a deep breath, focus inward. Mana is like a river flowing through us."
Arthur closed his eyes. He calmed his breathing. Tried to block out all sound—even his thoughts. It was just him and his body… and a strange sensation, like a gentle warmth starting from his chest.
Suddenly, he felt something tremble inside him. A faint pulse of energy… as if his heart had briefly synced with something else. Not just his body—but something deeper. Like a memory, or maybe the presence of something ancient and unknown.
Julius opened his eyes and said:
"I just felt a really faint sensation. Like a small spark."
Anos smiled.
"That's it. We're all beginners, but those sparks… they're the first step."
Arthur exhaled.
"I felt something too. Very faint… but real."
Anos said:
"Let's do it again. With practice, that spark will become a flame."
They focused again. The night grew deeper. The distant chimes of the clock tower rang, announcing midnight.
At that moment, a strong wind rose. Trees rustled. Arthur opened his eyes and looked up. A dark cloud covered the moon.
"The wind suddenly shifted direction… and there was a smell of wet earth, mixed with something metallic in the air. Arthur frowned. That scent… it was strange. Like blood. But old and dry."
Anos murmured:
"The air just changed... You feel it too?"
Julius said:
"The mana... it's getting restless."
Arthur stood up. His heart was pounding. There was a feeling inside him he couldn't ignore. Something had awakened nearby. He looked toward a small forest at the edge of the park.
A shadow emerged from between the trees. Tall, distorted… and it seemed mana was fleeing from its presence.
Anos stood up slowly and said:
"What is that? An animal?"
But Julius gripped his training sword tighter:
"No… that's something else."
Arthur took a step forward. That feeling inside him… it was waking again. But this time, stronger. Like a silent voice echoing through his bones:
*Rise, child of freedom. The time is near.*
Arthur stepped forward again. His eyes fixed on the shadow in the trees. The creature made no sound, yet its presence made the air feel heavy and full of pressure.
Anos whispered:
"Why can't it come closer?"
Julius said:
"Maybe because of the academy's barrier… a magical protection."
Arthur reached out his hand… involuntarily. As if something inside him wanted to connect with that shadow. But as his fingers touched the air, a pulse of invisible energy shot from his fingertips.
The shadow let out a loud, muffled scream. A dark sound that mixed with the wind and scared the birds from the trees. Then it pulled back… and vanished.
Anos quickly rushed to Arthur:
"You… what did you do?"
Arthur was breathing heavily. His hand was still trembling.
"I don't know… I just… felt like I had to do it."
Julius frowned.
"That was strange. Really strange. A normal creature can't even get near the academy's barrier, but that thing did."
Anos:
"And then disappeared when you touched it… Arthur, you triggered something. Something we don't understand yet."
Arthur tried to calm himself. His heart still pounded like a drum.
"I don't understand it either… but… that thing… was calling to me."
Anos and Julius both looked at Arthur with concern. For a few moments, the night turned quiet again. The stars returned to the sky and the moon emerged from behind the clouds. As if whatever had happened… was over. But something in that night had changed forever.
Julius placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"Whatever it was, we survived. Now let's head back… we've got a tough day tomorrow."
Anos nodded.
"Yeah. But we need to stay alert. This academy… might be safer than the outside world, but not forever."
The three of them returned to the dorm in silence, but each carried an unanswered question in their heart:
*What exactly was that shadow? And why did it only react to Arthur?*
After that strange night, the three of them decided not to speak of the shadow again—at least not until they had more answers.
But Arthur... he still heard the echo of that voice in his mind:
> "Rise, child of freedom… The time is near."
But instead of answers, only a maze of questions remained. The rest of the night passed without sleep. Julius stirred in the next bed and whispered:
– "You awake?"
– "Yeah… I can't calm my mind."
They shared a short conversation about their past, the orphanage, and the bitter truth of being abandoned; then came silence, and eventually, sleep.
Early in the morning, as usual, Arthur and Julius went out for running and physical training. Anos stayed in the room, focusing on mana.
A week later, the official uniforms arrived; black cloaks and jackets with golden trims, bearing the emblem of the rising sun. Seeing the outfit lit a small flame of pride in their hearts.
Breakfast was served in the dining hall, where the chatter of hundreds of students echoed with the excitement of a new year.
Anos looked around and muttered under his breath:
"After breakfast, the headmaster said everyone has to gather in the assembly hall."
Julius shrugged:
"Alright, let's see what kind of rules this place has."
### The Assembly Hall
The grand hall, filled with rows of ebony wood seats and crystal chandeliers, buzzed with the rise and fall of murmuring conversations—until the large door beside the stage opened, and silence swept over the room.
A group of instructors entered. Leading them was a tall old man, with silver-white hair, piercing blue eyes, and a short cane in hand. He stepped onto the podium, paused, and said in a warm yet firm voice:
"Students of the Eternal Dawn Academy, welcome.
I am **Marcus von Hensy**, the headmaster of this academy. For some of you, this is your first year; for others, it may be your second or third. I promise all of you: if you try your best, this place will unlock your limitless potential."
His sharp gaze scanned across the faces before him.
"But first, you must know the three fundamental rules:
1. **Advanced magic is strictly forbidden on campus.** Any dangerous action—intentional or accidental—will lead to severe consequences.
2. **Class attendance is mandatory.** Two consecutive months of absence will result in a warning; four months, and you'll be expelled—unless it's due to medical or highly exceptional circumstances.
3. **Academic performance.** If your grades fall below expectations three times in a row, you'll be dismissed from the academy.
These rules are simple; following them is the price of the great opportunity you have here."
Then he gave a gentle smile:
"Now, on behalf of the faculty, I welcome you to Eternal Dawn. From this moment on, your future depends solely on your own efforts—so shine brightly."
The chandeliers seemed to glow even more, and the hall trembled with the applause of hundreds of students.
Arthur felt he had taken another step toward Father Malderius's dream and the promise he had made to himself… yet, the memory of that shadow in the night still whispered in the back of his mind.
The three of them were on their way to class when Arthur suddenly saw a girl with golden hair—Sophia. In Arthur's mind, she was a true prodigy.
Arthur, Julius, and Anos entered the classroom. Julius sat beside Arthur at the front, but Arthur chose one of the back seats, where he could look out the window. To his surprise, Sophia sat next to him.
Arthur was a bit taken aback but thought to himself: "She's probably just looking for familiar faces. It makes her feel more at ease. The three of us came from the same orphanage, but we hadn't really talked before the academy. I became friends with Julius—maybe I can be friends with Sophia too."
He smiled and said, "Umm... hi, I'm Arthur. Nice to meet you."
Sophia replied, "Hi, I'm Sophia. I hope we have a good year together."
Arthur asked, "Are you getting used to the academy?"
Sophia said, "Yes, I've met a few people. I made some new friends in the dorms too."
Arthur said, "Oh, that's great. If you need any help, I'm happy to assist."
Sophia smiled and said, "Thank you."
Just then, a tall, slender woman in her early thirties entered the classroom. She looked around and said:
"My name is Satlas. I'm your teacher. Welcome. My goal is to teach you reading, writing, and arithmetic. But be warned—I'm strict, and I'll make sure each of you gives your best."
A few hours of lessons passed. Then Satlas said, "For next session, practice today's material several times and write it down. You're dismissed."
After a short break, the second class began. A middle-aged man with white hair and black eyes entered. The room fell silent.
"My name is Charles Hilson. I'm your magic instructor. Congratulations on entering the academy."
He paused and asked, "Can anyone define magic?"
Many hands shot up. He pointed to one student—a girl with black hair and brown eyes stood and said:
"Manipulating the surrounding mana flow to create or alter something is considered magic."
Professor Charles smiled and said, "That's one way to define it. But a more precise definition is this: Magic is the creation of a new reality with the mind. For example, to make a fireball based on physics, you'd need wood, heat, and fuel. But with magic, you can alter the surrounding mana and create that reality unnaturally."
"The power of magic depends on one's mana capacity, knowledge, and skill. Some people can only create small fireballs, while others can cause explosions that destroy entire continents."
He continued, "Today, we'll begin with sensing and controlling mana."
The class hours passed, and at the end of the day, Arthur, Julius, and Anos returned to the dorms. Julius threw himself onto the bed and said:
"I'm exhausted!"
Anos said, "Take a short rest. Then let's go eat—I'm starving. You guys?"
Arthur and Julius both said, "Same here."
After a short break, they went to the dining hall. It was bustling with students chatting and eating. They found a table and sat down.
Julius looked around and said, "Sophia's over there, sitting alone."
Arthur asked, "Where?"
Julius replied, "She probably hasn't made any friends yet… maybe she's still getting used to the place."
Arthur said, "She's alone for now, but once classes get going, she'll get to know others."
After dinner, they returned to the dorm. Julius fell asleep immediately, but Anos began reviewing the day's lessons—especially the alphabet they had learned in the morning. He even started reading some of the beginner books.
Anos asked Arthur, "Aren't you going to review?"
Arthur replied, "I want to practice mana control first. Then I'll review."
Anos nodded and got back to his practice. Arthur closed his eyes and focused his mind on the mana surrounding him…