After the results were announced and he had bid farewell to Sister Maria and the other nuns at the church orphanage, Arthur gathered his few belongings—a simple leather pouch, a few changes of clothes, an old book, and a necklace that had now become his most treasured possession. The time had come to begin a new chapter in his life.
With slow but determined steps, he returned to the examination site, now prepared for the formal registration process. Only three from the church orphanage had passed: Arthur, Julius, and a quiet, dignified girl named Sophia. Seven others had come from different orphanages. Now, ten children chosen from among hundreds walked side by side, enveloped in heavy, thoughtful silence.
Arthur sat inside the wooden carriage beside the other students, eyes full of curiosity and excitement, as it slowly made its way through the winding roads toward the capital. The sound of the cart wheels rolling over ancient cobblestones played a soft tune, mingled with birdsong and the gentle spring breeze. Through the small window, Arthur admired the scenery—green hills, tall trees, and rivers like silver ribbons flowing through nature. Villagers and townsfolk along the way greeted the travelers with warm smiles and joy, as if every day were a festival.
After several hours, the cart arrived at the massive gates of the capital. A majestic city, with tall towers and grand buildings crafted from white and blue stone. In its wide and bustling streets, humans, elves, and dwarves lived side by side. The vibrant markets overflowed with diverse goods, the shouts of vendors, and the aroma of various foods—all showcasing a rich cultural tapestry.
Arthur stepped down from the cart and caught sight of the grand building at the heart of the city: the Royal Academy. With towering blue walls and tall columns—each at least twenty meters high—it was a marvel. Its enormous golden gates were adorned with intricate magical carvings, and royal banners bearing unique emblems waved atop it. Around the academy, students, professors, and magical creatures, each in their distinctive attire, added to the place's grandeur and mystique.
Alongside the others, Arthur made his way to the registration hall. Wooden tables covered in velvet cloth stood in rows, and the registration officials, dressed in formal garb with royal insignias, recorded the students' information. Each student, upon registration, received a unique badge indicating their class and magical level. With trembling hands, Arthur accepted his badge, a surge of pride and responsibility rising within him.
After registration, academy guides led the students to their dormitories—elegantly designed buildings equipped with modern amenities, situated around the academy's central grounds. Each dorm had study halls, magic practice rooms, and recreational areas. Arthur was assigned a room with a window facing the academy gardens. Tall trees, colorful flowers, and beautiful fountains created a tranquil view.
At the registration area, Instructor Kyle greeted them with a stern but pleased expression.
"Congratulations. As of this moment, you are officially students of the Royal Academy."
Several hours passed as they completed forms, received identification badges, and passed through various stations. Finally, with a half-smile, Kyle guided them to the uniform fitting room. Enchanted measuring tapes whirled around them, uniform colors were chosen, and everything was set in motion.
Kyle concluded,
"The academic year begins in one week. Your uniforms will be ready. Use this time to familiarize yourselves with the campus. Remember… this is the place where you can become the best version of yourselves."
With that, the students were led to their assigned rooms, each shared by three students.
Arthur, heart pounding, walked toward his room, eager to see who his roommates would be.
As he opened the door, a heated argument erupted.
"I *said* the top bunk is mine!" Julius's voice rang out, full of arrogance and stubbornness.
Opposite him stood a thin boy with messy black hair and round glasses. Both boys fell silent upon seeing Arthur.
Julius sneered,
"Ah, what a stroke of bad luck… You're my roommate too?"
The bespectacled boy kindly extended a hand.
"Hi. I'm Anos. Nice to meet you."
Arthur smiled.
"Hi, I'm Arthur. Nice to meet you too. Looks like I'm your new roommate."
Anos stepped back slightly and glanced at Julius.
"You know this guy?"
Arthur shrugged.
"Yeah, we're 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 my way... and we won't have a problem."
The room fell into a heavy silence. But within that silence, Arthur knew—this was only the beginning of an eventful chapter. One filled with friendship, rivalry, power… and perhaps something beyond all of it.
Anos said calmly,
"Got it… Let's try to make the most of this shared room."
Arthur said nothing more. He quietly went to his corner and began unpacking. Clothes, books, and his green pendant—all arranged carefully beside his bed. Meanwhile, the childish bickering between Anos and Julius flared up once again.
"There's no way I'm letting you have the top bunk!" Julius said, eyes blazing.
Anos gave a faint smile.
"Well, I could say the same to you, buddy."
Arthur tried to block out the noise. He lay back on his bed, hands behind his head, eyes fixed on the ceiling. His thoughts drifted... toward the future ahead.
He was now one of ten chosen from among hundreds. If Father Maldrius were still alive, he would surely be proud... Arthur gave a bittersweet smile.
In that silent moment, he made himself a vow:
"No matter what comes my way... I have to keep going. Maybe I'll lose people... but if I get stronger, I won't have to lose anyone ever again."
Days passed since that night. Each morning before sunrise, Arthur slipped out of the dorm. The cold morning air kissed his cheeks, but he ran on regardless—leaving behind the weariness of body and mind in the quiet streets. He traversed the city countless times, pushed himself through grueling physical routines, then returned to the dorm before others had even stirred.
One morning, during breakfast, Arthur sat beside Anos and Julius. The smell of fresh bread and sizzling meat filled the air.
Anos, mid-bite, suddenly paused.
"By the way... did you guys hear the news? It's all over the city."
Julius, mouth full, asked,
"What news? What happened?"
Anos lowered his voice.
"They say a dark cult sacrificed twenty-five kids our age trying to summon a demon... But they couldn't control it. The demon killed them all and attacked the city."
Arthur frowned.
"What? Did that really happen?"
Anos continued,
"Yeah... but the Holy Knights arrived in time. Before more people got hurt, they destroyed the demon. The summoning took place near the slave market, apparently."
Julius said,
"So they used the slaves as sacrifices?"
Anos shrugged.
"No one knows for sure. But dark cults are growing... Some say they've infiltrated high-ranking positions in the city."
Arthur's mind filled with images of those children—screams, fire, and a shadowy creature. But he shook the thoughts away. Now was the time to focus, not fear shadows.
He said,
"Let's keep our focus on what matters. Classes start in a few days… We need to be ready."
Julius, ever proud, smirked.
"I'm already ready. Been training with swords all week—wood and steel. No one here's going to outlast me."
Anos laughed.
"Then I guess you should be top of the class, huh?"
Arthur looked at both of them and smiled faintly. A quiet beginning… but beneath the surface, something was already stirring—and he could feel it.
Anos asked gently:
"I've been working on basic magic control… trying to refine my mana flow. What about you, Arthur?"
Arthur replied thoughtfully:
"I've been doing physical training… but at night, before sleep, I practice mana control too."
Anos nodded.
"Honestly, we still don't fully understand how mana works, but once classes begin, we'll finally learn."
Julius said,
"Let's train our mana together tonight. And talk more about ourselves... We should get to know each other better."
Anos smiled.
"Yeah… I like that idea. What do you think, Arthur?"
Arthur nodded.
"Sounds good to me."
Anos said:
"Then tonight at nine, in the Academy park. It's quiet there and away from the dorms—gives us space to train and talk."
Arthur and Julius nodded in agreement.
---
**9 PM**
Arthur arrived at the park first. In the silence of the night, he watched students still wandering from the library. He thought to himself:
*It must be great to be literate... Most commoners can't afford education—it's too expensive. But as a selected student, you get to learn for free... as long as your grades stay high.*
Minutes later, Anos and Julius arrived.
"Hey," Anos greeted.
"Hey," Arthur and Julius replied together.
The three sat in a corner of the park. Their conversation began casually—with training routines and simple memories. But soon, it shifted to deeper things... to wounds not easily shared.
Arthur and Julius talked about their lives as orphans, about Father Maldrius, and days when the grief still felt fresh.
Anos took a deep breath.
"I'm truly sorry... That must've been so hard."
Arthur and Julius simply nodded.
After a pause, Julius said:
"We've talked about ourselves… Now it's your turn."
Anos gave a gentle smile.
"Alright… Where to begin? I'm the son of Commander Ainz. Born into a wealthy family. Three years ago, I lost my mother... to a curse. My father still blames himself—he couldn't save her."
Arthur and Julius said softly,
"We're sorry to hear that."
Anos went on,
"I have two older brothers—one joined the army, the other became a merchant. As for me... I want to become a successful magic professor someday. Someone who teaches others. Maybe then… I'll make my father proud, like my brothers did."
He looked up at the sky. The stars gleamed, and the night, quiet yet full of meaning, listened on.
Julius was silent for a while, then said with emotion:
"I want to become the best. Someone whose name echoes in history… Someone kids will want to be like, even after I'm gone. That way... maybe this life, with all its pain and loneliness, will be worth it."
Arthur paused before speaking softly:
"I want to protect the people I care about. I want to make the world a better place... because I still have people worth living for."
Anos and Julius smiled.
Julius said with confidence,
"You'll make it. Don't worry."
Anos added with a warm smile,
"Yeah, we've only just met, but I know we can build something real here—deep friendship."
After a brief silence, Anos placed his hands on his knees.
"Alright guys... Let's begin. The sooner we understand mana, the better our chances to shine in class."
The three sat in a semicircle on the grass. A gentle breeze rustled the trees, the night's calm their only companion. The full moon above glowed as if bearing witness to a newfound vow.
Anos closed his eyes.
"First, we try to sense the mana within our bodies. Breathe deeply, focus inward. Mana is like a river, flowing through us."
Arthur said, slightly surprised,
"You really know a lot. Did you have a teacher before?"
Anos smiled.
"Ah, yeah. I had a few private tutors who taught me the basics of magic. But once I got into the academy, I didn't need them anymore."
Then Arthur closed his eyes. He steadied his breath, letting all noise fade—even his thoughts. There was only him... his body... and a strange warmth, starting from his chest.
Suddenly, he felt a tremor within. A faint pulse of energy... as if his heart had synced with something. Not just his body, but something deeper—like a memory, or the presence of something ancient and unknown.
**Julius opened his eyes and said,**
"I just felt a faint sensation. Like a tiny spark."
**Anos smiled.**
"That's it. We're all beginners, but even those tiny sparks... they're the first step."
**Arthur exhaled.**
"I felt something too. Very faint... but it was real."
**Anos nodded.**
"Let's try again. With practice, that spark will turn into a flame."
They focused once more. The night had deepened. The distant sound of clocktower bells marked the arrival of midnight. They had been practicing mana control for hours.
Suddenly, a strong wind rose. The trees rustled loudly. Arthur opened his eyes and looked up at the sky. A dark cloud had covered the moon.
"The wind changed direction out of nowhere… and it smells like wet earth and fresh grass."
Julius, exhausted and sleepy, placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"…Tomorrow's going to be a tough day. We should head back to the dorm and get some rest."
**Anos nodded.**
"Yeah. But we need to stay sharp. Once classes start, we'll have to train even harder so we don't fall behind."
The three of them returned to the dorm in silence.
After that night, all three agreed to train daily so they wouldn't struggle during classes. Arthur and Julius decided to dedicate their mornings to physical training, while Anos chose to prioritize mana control.
As the first day of classes drew nearer, Arthur's mind raced with endless questions. He passed the rest of the night without a wink of sleep. Julius stirred in the bed beside him and murmured:
"Still awake?"
"Yeah… I can't settle my thoughts."
**Julius asked:**
"Are you thinking about the academy... or Father Maldreus?"
Arthur took a deep breath and said:
"Both. Father Maldreus meant a lot to me, but now he's just a memory. I feel more alone than ever, and this academy feels... unfamiliar. Honestly, you're the only familiar face here for me."
**Julius replied, his eyes half-open and his voice calm:**
"It makes sense that you're feeling that way. I don't feel completely at ease here either, but I'm trying to adjust. As for Father Maldreus… I'm sad too. I didn't spend as much time with him as you did, but he still meant a lot to me. Losing him—yeah, it hurts."
They spoke briefly about the past, the orphanage, and the bitter truth of being left behind. Then came silence—and eventually, sleep.
Early in the morning, as planned, Arthur and Julius went out for their run and physical training. Anos stayed behind in the dorm to work on his mana control.
A week later, the official uniforms arrived—black cloaks and jackets trimmed in gold, bearing theemblem of the Rising Sun. Seeing the uniforms lit a small flame of pride in each of them.
Breakfast was held in the dining hall, where the chatter of hundreds of students echoed with the energy of a new academic year.
**Anos glanced around and muttered:**
"After breakfast, the headmaster said we should all gather in the assembly hall."
**Julius shrugged.**
"Well, let's see what the rules are around here."
---
### The Assembly Hall
The large hall, lined with rows of ebony seats and glittering chandeliers, buzzed with conversation—until the grand doors near the stage opened and silence swept over the room.
A group of professors entered. Leading them was a tall old man with silver-white hair and piercing blue eyes, holding a short staff. He stepped onto the podium, paused, then spoke with a warm yet firm voice:
"Welcome, students of the Eternal Dawn Academy.
I am **Marcus von Hensy**, Headmaster of this institution. For some of you, this is your first year; for others, your second or third. I promise you this—if you work hard, this academy will be the place where your boundless talents are awakened."
His sharp gaze moved across the crowd.
"But first, there are three core rules you must know:
1. **Advanced magic is strictly forbidden on academy grounds.** Any dangerous act—intentional or not—will be punished severely.
2. **Attendance is mandatory.** Two consecutive months of absence will result in a warning. Four months, and you're expelled—except for medical or exceptional reasons.
3. **Academic performance matters.** If your scores fall below expectations three times in a row, you'll be dismissed.
"These rules are simple. But following them is the price of the great opportunity you've been given."
He then smiled gently:
"On behalf of the faculty, I welcome you to the Eternal Dawn. From this day forward, your future rests in your own hands—so shine brightly."
The chandeliers flared with light, and the hall trembled under the applause of hundreds of students.
Arthur felt he had taken another step toward fulfilling the dream of Father Maldreus—and the promise he had made to himself. Yet the memory of that shadowy night still whispered at the edge of his mind.
As the trio walked to class, Arthur suddenly spotted a girl with golden hair—**Sophia**. In his mind, she was a true prodigy, someone far more talented than he was.
Arthur, Julius, and Anos entered the classroom. Julius sat beside Arthur in the front row, but Arthur chose a seat in the back where he could stare out the window. Unexpectedly, Sophia sat next to him.
Arthur was surprised, but thought to himself:
"She's probably just looking for familiar faces. That makes it easier to settle in. The three of us came from the same orphanage, but we hadn't really spoken before the academy. I became friends with Julius—maybe I can be friends with Sophia too."
He hesitated. Talking to girls wasn't easy for him, and he didn't know how to start. But he gathered his courage and finally said with a smile:
"Umm... hi, I'm Arthur. Nice to meet you."
Sophia smiled back.
"Hi, I'm Sophia. I hope we have a great year together. Since we're from the same place, feel free to be yourself around me."
Arthur asked, "Have you gotten used to the academy yet?"
Sophia replied, "Yeah, I've met a few people. I made some friends in the dorms too."
Arthur said, "Ah, that's great. If you ever need anything, I'm happy to help."
Sophia smiled. "Thanks."
Arthur felt a little embarrassed. The conversation was dry and awkward, but it was better than nothing. Maybe, over time, he'd find it easier to talk to her.
The room had a friendly atmosphere. Students were starting to get to know each other. Except for Arthur, Sophia, and Julius, everyone in the room came from powerful, wealthy families. This made the three of them feel a bit out of place—but they were confident that, in time, they'd find their place too.
This was Arthur's first class. Until now, he'd only received basic education at the orphanage. Being in a formal classroom like this filled him with nervousness and fear.
At that moment, a tall, slender woman in her thirties entered the room. She glanced over the students and said:
"My name is **Satella**. I'm your teacher. Welcome. I'll be teaching you reading, writing, and arithmetic—in short, the foundational knowledge every person should know. Since this is your first year, you'll only have three instructors, so don't stress too much. Just make sure to listen carefully and practice what you learn each day.
That said, I'm strict. I'll make sure each of you gives your best effort."
A few hours of class passed. Professor Satella taught the students the alphabet of the **Tarolic language**, the most commonly used language among humans. At the end, she said:
"For next time, practice today's lesson several times and write it out. 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. Welcome to the academy. I'm sure we'll have a great year together. If you give it your all, I know you'll be able to grow your talents and shine.
I won't burden you with difficult lessons today. Instead, let's get to know each other, and start with the basics."
He paused and asked,
"Can anyone define magic?"
Many hands shot up. He chose a girl with black hair and brown eyes.
She stood and said:
"Manipulating the flow of mana around you to create or alter something—that's magic."
Professor Charles smiled.
"Yes, that's one way to put it. But here's a more precise definition: Magic is the creation of a new reality through the mind.
For example, to create a fireball using natural laws, you'd need wood, heat, and fuel. But with magic, by manipulating mana, you can generate that outcome unnaturally."
"The strength of magic depends on the user's mana reserves, knowledge, and skill. Some can only make a small fireball. Others... can conjure an explosion strong enough to wipe out a continent."
"Today, we'll begin with sensing and controlling mana."
The day passed, and by evening, Arthur, Julius, and Anos returned to the dorm. Julius collapsed onto the bed and said:
"Ugh, I'm exhausted!"
Anos said, "Take a short rest. Then let's get dinner. I'm starving. What about you guys?"
Arthur and Julius said in unison, "Same here."
After a bit of rest, they went to the dining hall. It was crowded with students eating and chatting. They sat at a table in a quiet corner.
**Julius looked around and said:**
"Sophia's over there—sitting alone."
**Arthur asked:**
"Where?"
He spotted Sophia sitting quietly in a corner, eating by herself.
**Julius said:**
"She hasn't made any friends yet… maybe she's still adjusting."
**Arthur replied:**
"She's alone for now, but once classes really begin, she'll start connecting."
After dinner, they returned to the dorm. Julius immediately went to tend to the flowers he'd brought with him. He had a special fondness for plants and had brought his flowers all the way from the orphanage to the academy. Every day, he cared for them.
Anos, on the other hand, began reviewing the day's lessons—especially the alphabet they had learned that morning. He even started reading the beginner-level textbooks.
**Anos turned to Arthur and asked:**
"Aren't you going to review today's material?"
**Arthur replied:**
"I want to practice mana control first. I'll review afterwards."
Anos nodded and continued his studies. Arthur closed his eyes and began focusing his mind on the mana around him…