Chapter 11: The Academy's Welcome
The second day of the journey began as the first rays of sunlight kissed Fulan and Fayrouz's faces. They stepped off the merchant's cart onto the cobblestone streets of the Kingdom of Saita. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the delicate scent of blooming flowers, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from nearby bakeries. In the distance, the city stirred awake—murmurs of early risers, the soft clatter of hooves against stone, and the distant tolling of a bell created a gentle symphony of morning life.
Fulan turned to the merchant, his bandaged hands fumbling for a few coins. The movement sent a sharp sting through his burns, but he ignored it. The merchant, a plump man with a round face and a kindly smile, simply waved him off.
"No need for that," he said with a chuckle. "This was my route anyway. The road ahead is still long for me, so if you ever see me in need, perhaps you can lend me a hand instead. Farewell."
With that, the merchant urged his horse forward, and the cart trundled away, leaving Fulan and Fayrouz standing in the heart of a city that seemed to breathe with life and beauty.
Fulan's gaze swept over the surroundings, taking in the elegant houses—smooth brown and white walls adorned with garlands of flowers, their petals swaying in the breeze. He imagined how they would glow at night, painting the streets in a sea of colors. Every window cradled a vase brimming with vibrant blossoms, and beneath their feet, the polished gray stones of the street shimmered faintly under the golden morning light. It was nothing like the rough dirt roads of the villages they had left behind.
The city pulsed with energy. At the corner of the street, a café bustled with early customers, their cups of steaming tea releasing fragrant tendrils of spice into the air. Merchants called out, their voices lively as they showcased silken fabrics, glistening trinkets, and exotic fruits. Families strolled hand in hand, while young scholars hurried past with books tucked under their arms. Everything was so different, so... perfect.
Fulan exhaled, muttering under his breath, "But this isn't fair..."
Fayrouz, who had been silently observing the scene, turned her head. "What did you say?"
Fulan blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Nothing," he replied quickly.
"Fine," She waid while stepping forward with purpose, "First, we need to find medicine for your hands. Then, we'll head to the academy."
Her confidence made it seem as if she knew exactly where to go. Fulan, however, frowned and quickened his pace to walk beside her.
"Do you even know where the academy is?" he asked skeptically.
"We have two options," she answered, her tone unwavering. "We either ask someone or look for the most impressive building in the city. The academy's architecture will make it stand out."
Fulan sighed. "So you don't know either."
Fayrouz ignored him, her sharp eyes scanning the lively street. After a moment of silence, she spoke again, her voice quieter but firm. "Fulan, at the academy, we'll meet all kinds of people. Rumors say even the most gifted fail the entrance exam. But each of us has a trump card—our abilities. As long as you're not the first to reveal yours, you'll be safe."
Fulan listened intently, the weight of her words settling in his mind. "But I already know your ability, and you know mine."
Fayrouz glanced over her shoulder, her gaze locking onto his. "What you've seen of my power is barely fifteen percent of its full potential. If I have to crush the entire testing hall to pass the exam, I will. So don't worry about helping me. During the exam, I'll be a different person. If they make us enemies, it's best for you to avoid facing me."
With that, she turned away, her attention back on the bustling street.
Fulan let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. And yet, here you are, helping me find medicine. You could've gone straight to the academy, but you chose to give a help.
Minutes later, they stepped into the nearest pharmacy, where the air was thick with the scent of dried herbs and medicinal oils. Shelves lined the walls, crammed with glass bottles filled with shimmering liquids, powders, and odd-shaped roots. The dim golden glow of enchanted lanterns flickered above, casting shifting shadows on the wooden floor.
A doctor, an elderly man with sharp eyes and thin-rimmed glasses, examined Fulan's bandaged hands with practiced precision. His fingers were cold against Fulan's skin, sending a slight shiver up his spine. After a moment, the doctor straightened and reached for a small vial containing a translucent green liquid.
"All you need to do is drink this and wash your hands with it," he explained, his voice smooth and assured. "This is the cheapest medicine I have, based on your request, and it'll heal you in a few hours."
Fayrouz took the vial, turning it between her fingers as if expecting to find a hidden flaw. "You're saying the cheapest medicine you have can heal burns like these in a few hours?" Her voice held a note of skepticism. "It seems the healing properties of Menma have reached a high level of quality."
The doctor nodded, adjusting his glasses as they glinted in the lantern light. "Humans never stop researching the properties of the Menma virus. Its evolution isn't limited to human genes—it extends to plants and animals. Light, healing, and many other wonders… The mystery of Menma is vast, and we're slowly unraveling it." His lips curled into a knowing smile before he added, "Anyway, that'll be four silver coins."
Fayrouz's expression shifted in an instant, her eyes narrowing. "We'll give you two silver coins and one copper."
The doctor raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Wait, that's not even a negotiation… Fine, I'll settle for three silver coins."
Before Fulan could react, Fayrouz reached into his pocket and pulled out the exact amount, setting the coins on the counter with finality.
Fulan simply kept staring at her face. This girl knew well how much he struggled whenever he tried to pull coins out of his pocket.
The blue bandages, which the doctor had removed from Fulan's hands, now lay before her on the wooden reception counter. Fayrouz reached out and took them in her hand. The bandages began to glow softly, transforming into a delicate blue bracelet. She slipped it onto her wrist, a gentle smile blooming on her lips. "Now we can finally head to the academy," she said, raising the vial slightly as if it were a trophy.
The sky shifted as time passed, the clouds drifting lazily, their soft forms stretching and twisting under the golden morning sun. Shadows lengthened and shortened over the grand pathway leading to the heart of Ragandarok Academy, marking the steady march of the day.
A long road of intricately carved gray stone stretched before the arriving candidates, its seven-meter width adorned with vibrant flowers of all shades, swaying gently in the cool morning breeze. The air carried a fresh, floral scent, mingling with the distant echoes of clashing steel from the nearby training grounds.
A vast number of young men and women walked this pathway, their excitement and apprehension palpable as they approached the towering main building of the academy. Among them was Fulan, who turned to Fayrouz, walking beside him, and said in a calm voice,
"This place is enormous. We've already been walking for fifteen minutes."
Fayrouz responded just as calmly, her gaze sweeping over the grand structure ahead,
"Of course. This is the most important institution in the kingdom. It produces knights of unmatched skill. Even people from other kingdoms recognize the academy's prestige."
Fulan observed the countless aspiring students surrounding them and added,
"That explains why there are so many candidates..."
The pathway they followed was lined with combat arenas and training fields, which was why it took them so long to reach the academy's main building. Unlike the residences outside the academy's grounds, this structure was massive, resembling a grand university. Its roofs, painted a deep crimson, stood in contrast to the smooth, off-white walls, while doors and windows were framed in elegant shades of brown.
The main entrance stood open, yet no one had stepped inside.
However, as Fulan and Fayrouz neared the entrance—only about fifty meters away—they were met with an unexpected sight.
Candidates were seated in the garden, dozens of round tables spread across the lush greenery, each adorned with sweets and tea. Every table held at least four seats, and the entire garden was filled with the chatter of students enjoying the treats, seemingly carefree.
Fayrouz frowned, a sense of unease creeping into her voice as she said,
"What is this supposed to mean? Why are they welcoming us like this? I heard the exam is so difficult that only twenty percent pass. This doesn't make sense."
Fulan had already begun walking toward one of the tables, his eyes gleaming as he spoke,
"Who cares? I can't even remember the last time I had a proper dessert..."
He approached one of the empty tables — the only one left unoccupied due to the crowd. He pulled out the wooden chair and sat down at the round table.
Fayrouz glanced at him, puzzled.
"Huh? But I thought you were wealthy—"
Before she could finish, Fulan was about to place a soft, pink-colored confection into his mouth. Alarmed, Fayrouz swiftly stopped him, her voice firm,
"Wait! What if the test has already started? You should be more cautious!"
Fulan sighed in frustration, his hunger evident as he muttered,
"You're being too serious. Everyone else is eating without a care."
Before Fayrouz could argue further, something strange happened. Her shadow quivered unnaturally, stretching and twisting until a figure emerged—a well-dressed elderly man in black attire, his white hair neatly combed, and round glasses resting lightly on his nose.
Fayrouz barely had time to react before the old man spoke, his voice gentle yet confident,
"Your friend is right. We've laced these sweets with Minma particles to track all candidates—just in case any spies from other kingdoms try to infiltrate. Anyone who does not consume the desserts will be disqualified from tomorrow's exam. Once you've eaten, proceed through the main entrance.
"I am the Head Butler, and I will personally ensure you are served the finest meals today. It is our duty to offer hospitality before the true ordeal begins. Also, at precisely six in the evening, the Headmaster will deliver a welcoming speech. Until then, feel free to relax and enjoy yourselves."
With those words, the man seamlessly merged back into the shadows, vanishing as eerily as he had appeared.
Fayrouz moved her blue eyes towards Fulan, intending to discuss what had just happened—but what she saw instead made her pause.
Fulan was staring at the dessert in his hand, his expression completely changed. His once casual demeanor had vanished, replaced by something grim, almost fearful. His black eyes trembled, his grip on the confection shaky, as if he had just realized something horrifying.
Fayrouz, unable to understand his sudden shift, observed him with her sharp blue eyes and murmured,
"Fulan?"
His dark eyes flickered for a moment before he swiftly regained control of himself. A broad grin spread across his face as he chuckled,
"Oh, what a surprise! I've never seen a cake like this before, haha! It looks so perfect, I simply can't resist, hahaha!"
Without hesitation, he began eating, his expression returning to one of pure enjoyment as if nothing had happened.
"Come on, eat! They won't let you in otherwise."
Fayrouz exhaled softly, her long black hair—tipped with strands of deep blue—catching the light as she calmed herself.
"Maybe I really am overthinking things."
Convincing herself with the Head Butler's words, she dismissed her suspicions and joined Fulan at the table. She reached for a delicate pastry, her fingers brushing against the fine sugar dusted atop it. As she took her first bite, a hint of surprise crossed her face.
"It's hard to believe they put Minma particles in something this delicious."
She turned toward Fulan, who was still grinning as he devoured the desserts, and commented,
"Your behavior confuses me. Just a moment ago, you looked like the sweets were your enemy."
Her question was perfectly timed. Until now, she had no idea who Fulan truly was or what his purpose for coming to the academy might be. On the other hand, he already knew hers—to train relentlessly and become the highest-ranked knight possible.
Fulan did not answer. Instead, he simply continued eating, unfazed. Fayrouz sighed and picked up another piece of candy.
At that moment, two young men approached their table hesitantly. They were twins, unmistakably so. Their short stature, slender builds, and matching green hair and green eyes made them nearly identical. Each carried a slim sword at his waist, and they wore similar light brown outfits, their pale skin catching the sun's glow.
The two stood awkwardly near the table, unsure of how to speak.
Fayrouz's sharp gaze fell upon them, her tone strict,
"What?"
Her directness startled them, causing them to flinch. They seemed to forget whatever they had planned to say, their thoughts scattered. They even considered retreating quietly—until Fulan, his voice as calm as ever, interjected,
"This table has four seats. No need to be shy. We don't own it, after all."
Fayrouz glanced at him, her expression unreadable.
The twins immediately brightened and spoke in unison,
"Really?! Thank you!"
And just like that, they took their seats.
Fayrouz scanned the area, realizing something. Every table was now occupied.
"It looks like we should head to the main entrance now, as the butler suggested. There are plenty of others still searching for seats, and we're just taking up space."
Fulan nodded in agreement—but with his mouth full of cake. The sight was so ridiculous that Fayrouz smirked and said,
"Forget what I said earlier. There's no way you could be an enemy of sweets. If anything, you're their nightmare."