Chapter 15: The Road to Valencrest
Morning came early.
The courtyard was already prepared.
A carriage stood near the gates, polished and ready. Two horses, steady and disciplined, waited without sound.
Adrian stepped out, adjusting his coat slightly.
"…So this is it."
No ceremony.
No crowd.
Just movement.
Final Words
"Adrian."
He turned.
Baron Ardent stood at the entrance, as composed as ever.
"…You're leaving sooner than expected," Adrian said.
"…You stayed longer than expected," the Baron replied.
A pause.
"…At the academy," the Baron continued,
"…you will not rely on convenience."
"…You will be judged."
"…I assumed that."
"…Good."
Another moment passed.
"…Don't waste your time there."
Adrian nodded once.
"…I won't."
That was enough.
Departure
The carriage moved.
Slowly at first—
Then beyond the gates.
The estate faded behind him.
Fields.
Workers.
Stone walls.
All shrinking.
"…Didn't think I'd leave this soon."
The Escort
Inside the carriage sat one other person.
Kael.
Silent as usual.
Adrian glanced at him.
"…You've been to the academy?"
"…A long time ago."
"…Then you know what I'm walking into."
Kael didn't respond immediately.
"…Discipline."
"…Competition."
"…And reality."
"…Sounds annoying."
The Road Ahead
The scenery changed gradually.
From rural land—
To wider roads.
More travelers.
More movement.
In the far distance—
Faint outlines of towering structures.
"…Valencrest," Kael said.
Adrian narrowed his eyes slightly.
The capital.
Tall white walls.
Orderly roads.
Banners fluttering even from afar.
"…Looks expensive."
Something Different
The carriage slowed slightly.
Another group passed by.
Knights.
Well-equipped.
Disciplined.
Adrian watched carefully.
Then—
He felt it.
Something subtle.
Not visible.
But present.
"…What was that?"
Kael didn't look at him.
"…You noticed."
"…Noticed what?"
"…Aura."
Aura
Adrian leaned back slightly.
"…Explain."
Kael spoke calmly.
"…Aura is not something you see."
"…It's something you feel."
"…Every trained swordsman has it."
"…Some just don't realize it."
Adrian frowned slightly.
"…So it's like strength?"
"…No."
"…Strength is physical."
"…Aura is control."
A brief pause.
"…Control of what?"
"…Your body."
"…Your mind."
"…Your intent."
Adrian stayed quiet.
Understanding It
Kael continued.
"…At first, you won't have it."
"…Then you'll start to notice things."
"…Movements."
"…Patterns."
"…Openings."
"…And eventually?"
"…You'll understand."
Silence settled.
Adrian looked outside again.
"…So that's what the academy teaches."
"…Not directly."
Kael's voice remained steady.
"…They train you."
"…Push you."
"…Force you into situations where you either understand it…"
"…or fall behind."
"…Efficient."
The First Month
Adrian rested his head slightly back.
"…Let me guess."
"…They don't throw us into rankings immediately."
"…No."
"…The first month is different."
Adrian smirked faintly.
"…Of course it is."
Kael continued.
"…For one month…"
"…All first-years train."
"…Only training."
"…No ranks."
"…No titles."
"…Just foundation."
Foundation Month
Adrian closed his eyes briefly.
"…Body training."
"…Sword basics."
"…Mental focus."
Kael glanced at him.
"…You catch on quickly."
"…It's obvious."
Adrian continued calmly.
"…They're preparing everyone for the same thing."
"…Aura."
No response.
But silence confirmed it.
The Goal
Adrian opened his eyes.
"…So in one month…"
"…We either awaken it…"
"…or fall behind."
"…Yes."
"…And those who awaken it early…"
"…stand above the rest."
Kael didn't deny it.
A Small Thought
Adrian looked ahead.
The capital was getting closer.
Clearer.
Larger.
"…Interesting."
Not fear.
Not excitement.
Just curiosity.
"…Let's see how far I get."
Ending
The carriage moved steadily forward.
Toward Valencrest.
Toward the Royal Academy.
Toward something new.
"…One month, huh."
A faint smirk formed.
"…Should be enough."