Crossing the academy gates, I immediately understood the magnitude of the place. This was no mere learning institution... it was a city in itself. From the entrance, the facilities stretched as far as the eye could see, a marvel of architecture and organization.
Despite its majesty, the line of aspirants moved orderly towards a side building, located right next to the main entrance. The crowd did not stop; it flowed like a constant river, guided by veteran students who patrolled the surroundings giving clear instructions to newcomers.
I was walking beside my horse, with my sword hanging at my side, when one of these students approached and extended his hand to stop me.
"Access with animals is prohibited in the admissions facilities," he said in a firm tone. "Unless you plan to take the knight entrance exam. In that case, your destination is the south zone, in that building you see in the background."
He pointed with his hand. In the distance, atop a small hill, stood a building shaped like a sword plunged into the earth. A vision as symbolic as it was imposing.
"Esteemed senior, may I ask what the difference is between both exams?" I asked respectfully.
The student who had spoken to me gave a sarcastic smile.
"It seems you know nothing... yet, it's interesting."
"Clarence, leave him be," another intervened, in a deeper voice. "Explain what he needs."
"Understood, Captain." Clarence sighed. "Look, the test in that building everyone is following is for those who wish to become bureaucrats or officials. In contrast, in the building on the hill, nobles are evaluated... and any commoner who believes they have what it takes to become a knight."
"I appreciate the guidance of the seniors," I replied, bowing nobly.
Without wasting more time, I mounted my horse and rode to the sword shaped building. As I approached, the atmosphere became quieter, heavier... as if the air itself recognized the difference between this place and the rest of the academy.
In front of the building, three men clad in plate armor chatted calmly. Noticing my arrival, they looked up. Their gazes were sharp as blades, and when their eyes fell upon me, an alarm activated in my mind.
"Alert: Extremely dangerous target detected. Desperate flight recommended to preserve life."
"Angel," I murmured mentally, "how strong are the three knights in front of me?"
"Analyzing...
Knights in front:
Strength: 12.5
Agility: 14.6
Vitality: 15.0
Knight in the back:
Strength: 52.3
Agility: 59.1
Vitality: 61.3"
"Damn..." I swallowed. "It's impossible... I wouldn't even see the moment I die."
As I tried to remain calm, the knight in the back stepped forward. He did not raise his weapon or adopt any stance, but his mere presence was devastating. I felt as if a colossal monster was watching me, as if the gates of the abyss had opened before me. For an instant, my body refused to respond. I could not even move a finger.
"It is disrespectful not to dismount in the presence of the evaluators..." his voice was deep, harsh as a sentence.
The words snapped me out of my trance. I hastened to dismount, but I stumbled upon landing. I rolled on the ground like a beginner, feeling the sting of ridicule more than the blow.
"My apologies, sir. I did not mean to offend you," I said, forcing a bow from the ground.
The pressure vanished as if it had never been there. His gaze softened slightly. That man... he must possess some ability to impose such fear with only his presence.
"My name is Anthon. I am the commander of the First Battalion of Caerlin, one of the five battalions that protect this academy." He pointed to the two knights behind him. "They will be the instructors in charge of the commoner group this year. By the looks of it, you are the last to arrive. So far, twelve people have been recruited."
He turned to the instructors.
"Call everyone. The recruitment period is over."
The knights left at great speed and, in a few minutes, returned with eleven more young people. Some looked disheveled, others with swollen faces. It was evident that not all arrived of their own free will.
"Welcome," the commander said without bothering to repeat his name. "I like to personally greet the novices, so they understand what kind of place they are getting into."
His gaze pierced us one by one. The same pressure returned, though lighter. Just a reminder of who was in control.
"First and most importantly: you are commoners. You have no backing here, so you must stick together. I also started as one of you; I know what you will face. Believe me when I tell you it will be tough. Perhaps even inhuman. But if you persevere... someday, all of them will be beneath your feet."
For the first time, a spark of fire ignited among us. I saw expressions harden, fists clench with determination. Even the instructors gave a slight smile, remembering their pasts and all they had endured to reach this point.
"Now," the commander continued, "which of you has received formal training in swords, bows, spears, or shields?"
No one raised a hand. Not a single one. An awkward silence filled the air. The old William, perhaps, had experience... but I had only wielded a weapon for the first time a day ago.
I preferred to go through all the basic training. Deceiving them would only delay me.
"I see... It's always the same," the commander grumbled. "Your comrades, the nobles, master every weapon I mentioned. They have been trained since they learned to walk. This year, three hundred sixty nobles were recruited. You are only twelve."
His words were blades. But not to humble us. To confront us with reality.
"For the next six months, you will be trained. At the end, you will be evaluated. All those who do not meet the minimum standard... will be expelled. I wish you the best of luck. You are dismissed. The instructors will take you to your rooms."
The echo of his words reverberated in our minds like thunder. The difference between us and them was brutal.
And yet...
These kinds of challenges are what motivate me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always done what everyone said was impossible.
So let's do it.