I woke up expecting everyone to still be here, but it seemed they had left much earlier than I expected.

  The room was quiet, almost too quiet. The kind of stillness that made it clear I had been left behind.

  I sighed, running a hand through my hair before noticing a letter on the nightstand.

  From Ravyn.

  Great. This could either be something important… or absolute nonsense.

  I picked it up and unfolded the paper.

  "Uhh… good luck and study well… and uhh… and uhh… and uhh… oh yeah! The figure Elza was talking to was actually no one. I guess I was just too drunk yesterday. Hehe."

  I stared at the letter.

  Then read it again.

  Then slowly crumpled it in my fist.

  "…What did I expect?" I muttered, sighing.

  So after all that tension, all that worry—it was nothing?

  Typical Ravyn.

  Shaking my head, I got up, stretched, and made my way downstairs.

  The tavern was much quieter now. A few early risers sat at the wooden tables, eating simple meals, murmuring softly amongst themselves. The tavernkeeper gave me a small nod as I approached, setting down a plate of breakfast without me even needing to ask.

  Bread, eggs, and some kind of roasted meat. Simple, but good enough.

  I ate in silence, my thoughts drifting back to yesterday’s battle.

  When I finally stepped outside, the sight before me made my stomach sink a little.

  The village was still recovering.

  People were working tirelessly, repairing broken buildings, cleaning up debris, and tending to the wounded. The air smelled of burnt wood and lingering ash. Even though we had stopped the demons, the scars they left behind remained.

  I watched as a group of children helped stack bricks for a collapsed wall, their small hands dirty with soot. Nearby, a woman was kneeling by a broken stall, staring at the charred remains of whatever business she had once owned.

  The aftermath of war was always ugly.

  And this was just one village.

  I exhaled, adjusting the strap of my sword.

  There was still so much more to do.

  The thought of what that guy said yesterday still lingers. To go to an academy.

  "Hmm." My past wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. If anything, it was more about 2D girls than real life. What was the term again? Right... Sigh—a NEET.

  I didn’t finish college, but I did manage to graduate high school. Not that it mattered much in the end. The thought of going to school again... The bullying I suffered.

  Maybe this is the way the universe wants me to face my past. I was summoned here for a reason, so I’ll live this life fully.

  "Now… where is that academy?"

  I muttered to myself, glancing around. The thought of stepping into a school again made my stomach twist, memories of whispers and laughter at my expense bubbling to the surface. But this wasn’t the same world, and I wasn’t the same person.

  I clenched my fists. No more running. If fate had dragged me here, then I’d make the most of it.

  ...

  I see it. Well, not like it’s hard to miss that massive building.

  I expected to walk all the way here, but surprisingly, they had steam engines. Maybe this world is more advanced than I thought… or is it just this kingdom?

  I frowned, watching as a large steam-powered carriage rumbled past, hissing as it expelled white vapor into the air. The mix of medieval architecture and industrial technology felt strange—almost like this place was caught between two eras.

  As I stepped off the train, I was greeted—not by one person, but by five.

  "Sir Eli, please join our guild! We will—" one man eagerly stepped forward, only to be cut off by another.

  "No, you should join us!" a second voice chimed in, just as desperate.

  Before I could react, another figure pushed through the small crowd, shoving the others aside. "Move!" he barked before dropping to one knee before me. "Sir Eli, please join The Crossed Irons."

  The Crossed Irons... The name had a certain weight to it. It carried strength, purpose. I like it.

  I turned my gaze to the others still fighting for my attention.

  Arcane Order—a guild dedicated to magic. Well, I don’t really have mana, so that’s out.

  Golden Ledger Consortium—a merchant guild. I could definitely use money… but do I really want to spend my days negotiating trade deals?

  Fists of the Eternal Flame—judging by their logo, a clenched fist engulfed in fire, they were likely a martial artist guild. Not exactly my style, but I respect the discipline.

  And finally, The Crossed Irons—a guild focused on swordsmanship.

  God, what are these choices? Are they even real guilds? I thought guilds were supposed to be groups working toward something meaningful, not desperate recruiters swarming new arrivals.

  I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "So… what exactly do your guilds do?"

  I took a deep breath, glancing at each representative before me. Alright, let’s see what I’m dealing with.

  The first man, wearing deep blue robes embroidered with silver runes, stepped forward with an air of superiority. "We of the Arcane Order seek those who possess a sharp mind and an affinity for magic. Though you may not have mana now, with the right tutelage, anything is possible."

  I resisted the urge to sigh. "Yeah… not exactly my specialty."

  A woman in fine merchant attire adjusted her glasses and gave me a shrewd smile. "The Golden Ledger Consortium can offer you wealth, influence, and stability. You’d be surprised how far coin can take you in this world."

  I had to admit, that one was tempting. Having money meant access to better equipment, better living conditions, and fewer headaches. But did I really want to spend my time negotiating and managing trade deals?

  Before I could reply, a muscular man wearing a sleeveless gi and flame-embroidered sash cracked his knuckles. "Join the Fists of the Eternal Flame, and you’ll forge your body into an indomitable weapon. We accept only the strongest, and you have potential."

  I stared at the flaming fist emblem on his chest and barely held back a sigh. Yeah… I don’t think pure hand-to-hand combat is for me.

  Then, the man who had knelt before me—his armor scratched but well-maintained—stood tall and spoke with unwavering conviction. "The Crossed Irons is the path of the sword. We forge our will through battle, and only the finest warriors can call themselves Ironsworn. You carry a blade, don’t you?"

  That one actually caught my interest. I glanced down at Nyxrend, the sword at my hip. A guild focused entirely on swordsmanship? That might not be a bad idea…

  Before I could make up my mind, the final representative—a hooded woman with piercing golden eyes—spoke in a quiet but firm voice. "The Mystic Keepers of Balance do not seek fame or fortune. We ensure the world remains in equilibrium, preventing any one force from upsetting the grand design. We are the watchers in the dark, the hands that tip the scales when needed."

  That sent a chill down my spine. Mediators, spies, and saboteurs? That’s… unsettling.

  I crossed my arms, glancing between them. "God… what are these choices?" I muttered under my breath. "Are these even really guilds? I thought guilds were about achieving something greater, not just recruiting random people off a train."

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  The Arcane Order representative frowned. "We are far from random. We have sought you out because we see potential in you."

  The merchant woman from the Golden Ledger Consortium chuckled. "And because securing talent early is always a wise investment."

  The martial artist from the Fists of the Eternal Flame grinned. "Because we recognize a fighter when we see one."

  The knight from the Crossed Irons nodded. "Because you carry a blade, and that means you have a duty to master it."

  The hooded woman from the Mystic Keepers of Balance simply observed, offering no justification—just waiting for my answer.

  I exhaled sharply. No pressure, right?

  I was starting to lean toward the Mystic Keepers of Balance. They sounded mysterious, powerful—like they knew things no one else did. And, if I was being honest, I always wanted to be a ninja.

  My decision made, I pointed directly at the hooded woman. "You. I’d like to join your guild—but under one condition."

  The other representatives fell silent, watching intently.

  "I’ll only take on your missions, training, and whatever else you throw at me after I’ve finished studying at the academy," I continued. "Until then, I’m just a student."

  For a moment, there was no response. The hooded woman—Lyana Orin, if I remembered correctly—studied me with her piercing golden eyes. Then, without a hint of hesitation, she gave a slow, deliberate nod.

  "A fair request," she said, her voice smooth yet unreadable. "We are patient, and we understand the value of preparation. Very well, Elric Dela Cruz. From this moment on, you are an Initiate of the Mystic Keepers of Balance."

  A strange chill ran down my spine. Did she just use my full name?

  The other guild representatives weren’t as composed.

  The Arcane Order recruiter scoffed. "What a waste of potential."

  The Golden Ledger Consortium representative shook her head. "Such a shame. I could’ve made you a very rich man."

  The Fists of the Eternal Flame member crossed his arms. "You’d rather skulk in the shadows than forge your body into steel? Your loss."

  Only the Crossed Irons knight remained respectful. He nodded at me. "I respect your decision. May your blade always find its mark."

  Lyana extended a gloved hand. "We will be watching your progress, Initiate. When the time comes, we will call upon you."

  I hesitated for only a second before shaking her hand. Her grip was firm, but her touch was ice-cold.

  Without another word, she turned and walked away—no, disappeared into the crowd. One moment she was there, the next, gone.

  I exhaled sharply and rubbed the back of my neck. "Well… that happened."

  I turned to face the towering academy gates, my next challenge looming ahead.

  "Alright," I muttered to myself, stepping forward. "Time to actually get into this school."

  ...

  As I headed into The Aurewyn Grand Academy of Magic and Combat, I felt something strange. And this time, it wasn’t my stomach—it was the weight of dozens of eyes on me.

  People were staring, whispering among themselves as I walked past.

  Holy shit, this is so awkward. My steps slowed instinctively. Why is everyone staring at me?

  A group of students near the entrance glanced my way, one of them nudging their friend before whispering something. A few others shot me side-eyes, some curious, some… amused?

  I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to shrink into myself. I wish you were here, Porky.

  At least my oversized boar wouldn’t care about social norms. He’d just trample through, chewing on someone’s cloak while I tried to process whatever the hell was happening.

  I hadn’t even enrolled yet, and I was already the subject of gossip.

  What is this, some kind of initiation ritual?

  The Aurewyn Grand Academy of Magic and Combat was unlike anything I had ever seen.

  The massive stone archway marking the entrance stood tall, adorned with ancient runes that faintly pulsed with energy. The academy itself loomed beyond it—a grand fortress-like structure with towering spires, elaborate stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings of mythical beasts etched into the weathered stone. Despite its age, the building radiated an aura of power and prestige, as if it had stood the test of time for centuries.

  The front yard was alive with activity. To my left, a group of students practiced magic, their hands glowing as they conjured fire, water, and lightning. Some struggled, nearly setting their robes ablaze, while others performed spells with the precision of seasoned mages.

  To my right, swords clashed as aspiring warriors sparred in designated training circles, their instructors barking corrections. The sharp ring of steel echoed through the air, mixing with the occasional grunt of pain or triumph.

  Further ahead, beneath the shade of an enormous oak tree, several students sat with books in hand, deep in study. Some scribbled furiously on parchment, while others muttered incantations under their breath, testing their knowledge. It was a strange but fascinating sight—combat and academia seamlessly intertwined.

  I swallowed hard and stepped forward, pushing past the entrance and into the main hall.

  Inside, the grandeur only intensified. The ceilings stretched impossibly high, upheld by massive pillars inscribed with ancient text. Chandeliers hovered above, glowing with an ethereal blue light, casting a soft radiance over the polished marble floors. Hallways branched out in multiple directions, each leading to different wings of the academy.

  Students bustled through the corridors, dressed in robes of various colors—each hue likely denoting their area of study. Some carried stacks of books, others enchanted quills that floated beside them, jotting down notes as they walked. A few were engaged in deep discussion, their hands gesturing wildly as they debated magical theories or battle tactics.

  I took a deep breath, still feeling the weight of countless stares, and made my way toward the headmaster’s office.

  The path led me through a spiraling stone staircase, past doors marked with unfamiliar symbols, and finally to a pair of massive double doors with a crest emblazoned in gold—a phoenix rising from an open book, surrounded by crossed swords.

  I hesitated only for a second before pushing them open.

  Inside, an enormous wooden desk sat at the center of a vast, circular chamber. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and artifacts encased in protective glass. Floating candles drifted lazily above, their soft glow illuminating the room in a warm light.

  And at the far end, seated behind the desk, was the headmaster.

  An older man with sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to dissect me the moment I stepped in. His deep-blue robes were adorned with silver embroidery, resembling constellations. He didn’t look frail, despite his age—if anything, his presence was suffocating, like a storm waiting to break.

  For a moment, he simply observed me in silence. Then, he spoke.

  "So… you are Elric Dela Cruz."

  I stiffened.

  Oh, great. He already knows my name.

  "Don't be too shocked, we were expecting you," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. He coughed lightly before continuing, "My name is Alden Garner."

  I stared at him, taking in the details—his regal posture, the fine embroidery on his robes, the way his piercing gaze never wavered.

  But none of that really mattered.

  Because the only thing that truly caught my attention…

  Was his bald head.

  Damn, that thing is smooth.

  It reflected the warm glow of the floating candles, almost like it had been polished to perfection. I had to resist the urge to squint, wondering if there was some kind of magic involved.

  I cleared my throat, trying to push the thought aside. "Right… Headmaster Garner."

  His eyebrow twitched slightly.

  Shit. Did he notice?

  "Please, sit down. We have much to discuss," Alden said, gesturing toward the chair in front of his desk.

  I hesitated for a second before stepping forward and lowering myself into the seat. The cushion was surprisingly comfortable, but that didn’t do much to ease the tension settling in my shoulders.

  Alden folded his hands together, his sharp gaze never leaving me. "Your arrival at the academy has stirred quite a bit of interest. I assume you've already noticed the whispers."

  I exhaled. "Yeah, kind of hard to miss when half the school is staring at me like I have a second head."

  The headmaster chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "That is to be expected. You are not an ordinary student, Elric Dela Cruz."

  There it was again—my full name. The way he said it felt intentional, like he was testing something.

  I leaned back slightly. "Alright, I'll bite. What exactly do you mean by that?"

  "To fight an Archdemon at such a young age and to be personally noticed by Archmage Ellianthriel Aurewyn… I suppose attention is not something you can avoid," Alden said, his voice calm yet deliberate.

  I stiffened. Ellianthriel Aurewyn? That name again.

  First, she annihilates an entire demon swarm in seconds. Then, she takes an interest in K. And now, apparently, she’s been keeping tabs on me too?

  I forced a chuckle, though it came out more strained than I intended. "Yeah, well… I wasn’t exactly trying to get on anyone’s radar. The Archdemon kind of forced my hand."

  Alden steepled his fingers, studying me as if weighing something in his mind. "Regardless of intent, the fact remains that you have stepped into a world where power and reputation carry significant weight. There are many who would seek to use you, test you, or eliminate you—depending on how they perceive your potential."

  Oh great, now I have to worry about assassination attempts too?

  I sighed and leaned back in my chair. "So what, is this the part where you warn me to keep my head down?"

  Alden smirked slightly. "Quite the opposite. Hiding would only invite more curiosity. Instead, I suggest you focus on mastering your abilities. The academy will provide you with the tools you need—whether you choose to use them wisely is up to you."

  I exhaled sharply. Fantastic. No pressure at all.

  I drummed my fingers against the armrest, letting his words sink in.

  "So, what exactly does the academy expect from me?" I asked. "Am I just another student, or am I supposed to be something… more?"

  Alden leaned back slightly, his gaze unwavering. "For now, you are a student. You will attend classes, train, and grow stronger like any other. However—" he paused, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "—many here will be watching you. Not just the faculty, but the nobles, the military, and even the High Pontiff’s Circle."

  I blinked. "The High Pontiff?"

  Alden nodded. "Elza Evendawn has taken an interest in you as well. Her support ensures your protection… for now."

  Do they not know I live with her?

  I held back a sigh. If Elza’s support was the only thing keeping certain people from coming after me, that meant I was already in deeper than I thought.

  Alden studied me for a moment, as if gauging my reaction. "That being said, the academy will not shield you from the challenges ahead. Your reputation, your alliances, your enemies—you will have to navigate them on your own."

  "Fantastic," I muttered, rubbing my temples. "So basically, I’m free to make as many mistakes as I want, as long as I don’t die in the process."

  A small smirk crossed Alden’s lips. "That is one way to put it." He gestured toward a stack of neatly arranged papers on the side table. "Your enrollment forms. Once you sign them, you will officially be a student of Aurewyn Grand Academy."

  I stepped forward, picking up the quill. The parchment felt heavier than it should, as if the decision carried more weight than I realized.

  No turning back now.

  And with that, I just signed away my freedom.

  Alden took the parchment, giving it a quick glance before nodding in satisfaction. Without missing a beat, he handed me a piece of paper along with a neatly folded set of clothes.

  "This contains your schedule, dorm number, and academy uniform," he said, his tone still composed but slightly lighter.

  I unfolded the paper and scanned the details. My dorm number was listed as West Wing, Room 217. At least I wouldn’t be sleeping outside.

  Alden leaned back in his chair. "I hope your stay here will be enjoyable. Though, do not feel pressured about joining mid-semester."

  I let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah, I’m sure jumping into a school full of prodigies and noble brats halfway through won’t be overwhelming at all."

  The headmaster smirked but said nothing.

  I sighed, tucking the schedule into my pocket and grabbing the uniform. "Guess I better get settled in."

  With that, I turned toward the doors, ready to step into my new life at Aurewyn Grand Academy.