A silhouette stood before Myrn.
She was motionless—upright, imposing without excess. Her reddish hair caught the fading light of day, and her knightly attire, perfectly fitted, bore neither unnecessary ornament nor ostentation. Every detail spoke of discipline and experience.
"What were you planning to do to this child?"
Her voice was calm, yet it left no room for humor.
The men understood immediately. Their confidence shattered in an instant. Upon recognizing the armor, they stepped back almost instinctively, then fled without a word, as though lingering even a second longer would spell their doom.
Myrn did not move.
He did not thank her.
He showed neither surprise nor relief.
He simply watched her with cold eyes, analyzing her posture, her breathing, the way she carried herself.
She appeared without me detecting her… he thought. For now, she and I clearly aren't playing in the same league.
The woman turned her head slightly toward him.
"Come. Someone wishes to see you."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and began to walk away. After a brief hesitation, Myrn followed.
A short distance ahead, an elegant carriage was stopped by the roadside. Three guards stood watch around it—alert, yet next to the woman, they seemed almost insignificant.
Someone important is inside, Myrn thought.
The carriage door opened.
A young girl stepped down lightly. Her slender figure, natural poise, and deep black hair were enough to betray her noble lineage. Unlike the knight, she wore an open, almost warm smile.
"Nice to meet you," she said cheerfully. "My name is Aria Zaranger."
Then, as if it were only natural, she turned toward the woman beside her.
"And this is my personal guard."
The knight placed a hand over her chest.
"Elyndra."
Myrn observed the scene for a moment before responding in a neutral tone.
"Myrn Thalvorn."
"I've never heard of that family," Elyndra remarked, her scrutinizing gaze fixed on him.
"That's normal. They're commoners," he replied without hesitation.
Aria blinked in surprise but did not dwell on it. Elyndra, however, seemed more thoughtful.
She expected a different answer, Myrn noted inwardly. She wants something… but traveling to the capital for free is still a good deal.
They boarded the carriage. Elyndra sat across from Myrn, her gaze ever vigilant, while Aria took a seat beside him, clearly delighted.
The journey passed without major incident. Two days later, they arrived in the city of Kurt—a bustling, noisy place where commerce dominated every street. Merchants, adventurers, and travelers crossed paths endlessly.
Upon arrival, they parted ways. At least, that was what Myrn thought.
"We'll meet here again tomorrow morning!" Aria called out as she walked away, smiling brightly.
Myrn sighed inwardly. If I disappear without warning, I'll only invite unnecessary trouble.
As night fell, he decided to get some fresh air. The stone-paved streets of Kurt gleamed under the moonlight when an unpleasant sensation crept into his mind.
I'm being followed.
He calmly sat down on a bench, as though he had noticed nothing.
A voice emerged from the shadows.
"No need to pretend."
Elyndra believed Myrn was hiding his strength, while in truth, he had only sensed her due to years of experience.
Myrn turned his head slightly.
"You're discreet," he said simply.
She stepped behind him.
"When I intervened, you were ready to kill those men, weren't you?"
He stared at her for a few seconds before answering without evasion.
"Yes. All of them."
The blunt honesty caught her off guard. She realized then that this boy was not merely strange—but dangerous.
The next day, the journey resumed. The atmosphere had changed. Elyndra watched Myrn with an interest she no longer tried to hide. Aria, meanwhile, talked endlessly, asking question after question.
"What are you going to the capital for?" she asked.
"To enroll at the academy," he replied simply.
"The Ghartt Academy?" Her eyes lit up. "Me too!"
Myrn then asked the question that had been bothering him—why they had left their domain to travel so far.
Aria lowered her gaze, a shadow of sadness crossing her face.
"We're going to see my grandfather…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Myrn immediately fell silent, his eyes fixed on an invisible point in the distance. He said nothing, allowing her emotion to linger in the quiet. The journey continued in relative calm, broken only by rustling branches and the murmur of the forest.
When night fell, they camped near an inland sea with dark, tranquil waters. Moonlight reflected gently across the surface, forming a silver mosaic over sand and stone. The air was cool and invigorating, filled with a light, salty breeze that brushed against the skin.
Myrn withdrew to a secluded spot on slightly higher ground, where moonbeams dotted the earth. It was the perfect place to train undisturbed, to keep the subtleties of his swordsmanship sharp. Each movement he repeated was brutal, precise—almost cruel in its efficiency—yet he could feel that his body had not yet reached perfection.
"I need to temper my body…" he murmured, brushing his left arm as he gauged his strength.
Suddenly, a faint sound behind him caught his attention. His eyes turned slowly, and he saw Elyndra standing there—silent, motionless, watching his every move.
He studied her for a few seconds before breaking the silence.
"How old are you?"
A chilling silence fell. Their eyes locked. Elyndra looked unsettled, almost shocked by the question. After a moment, she answered stiffly.
"Why do you ask?"
Myrn straightened, sheathed his sword, and adjusted his clothes with calm precision.
"Simple curiosity… or maybe because you enjoy spying on people," he said evenly.
Elyndra swallowed, surprised by the retort. She stepped back slowly, a faint smile escaping her lips.
"You really don't speak like a child…"
"A child?" Myrn murmured to himself as he returned to the camp. "I'd almost forgotten that I am one."
Then, almost politely, he added,
"And about my earlier question… please excuse me."
Elyndra remained silent for a moment, unsettled by the strangeness of this boy.
This boy is… strange, she thought before walking away.
At dawn, the journey resumed. Elyndra's face—usually impassive and stern—appeared slightly more relaxed, though her gaze still carried deep curiosity. Myrn, seated atop the carriage, watched the distant scenery, his sharp eyes scanning the horizons ahead.
Aria noticed the subtle change in Elyndra's behavior and whispered,"Did something happen?"
Myrn answered simply, his tone cold and direct."No, Lady Aria. There is nothing to worry about."
Notes on Myrn's companions
Elyndra Merdine, twenty-four years old, was Aria's personal guard and a five-star intermediate knight. With her serious expression and precise movements, she was often cold and difficult to read—traits that made her a formidable opponent.
Aria Zaranger, sixteen years old, was a third-year student and a three-circle mage specializing in fire. Overflowing with energy, always smiling and utterly unpredictable.
Myrn noted silently: In six years, she could reach Elyndra's level…
After several hours of travel, Myrn, Elyndra, and Aria finally reached the imperial capital—Grantteous.
The city stretched across vast distances, encircled by towering walls of white stone that seemed untouched by time. Watchtowers and monumental gates welcomed travelers, each entrance guarded by armored soldiers whose sharp gazes carefully scrutinized every arrival.
Inside the walls, the streets were wide and immaculately maintained. The noise of traffic—horse-drawn carriages, merchants shouting their wares, the clinking of armor—created a lively yet controlled rhythm. The buildings were imposing, built from pale stone and polished wood, topped with red-tiled roofs and balconies draped in the capital's colors. Statues of legendary heroes and former emperors stood proudly at major intersections, bearing witness to the city's wealth and long history.
As Myrn observed his surroundings, he took note of details useful for his future: guards patrolled in precise formations, each inn bore a distinct emblem, and even the movements of pedestrians seemed governed by an unspoken discipline.
Even in my previous life, I never saw a city this majestic… yet it radiates calm and nobility, he thought.
As they moved through the streets, several scenes caught his attention. Soldiers escorted a convoy of reinforced chests—likely imperial tax revenue—while street performers dazzled gathered crowds with daring tricks. Rumors circulated that the imperial family was preparing for a grand festival, explaining the unusual bustle within the capital.
They passed massive, ornate gates leading to the imperial palace. Even from outside, Myrn could feel the authority and power emanating from within. The immaculate gardens, marble statues, and flowing fountains projected an image of absolute control.
"I will take my leave here, Lady Aria," Myrn said, bowing his head slightly, as impassive as ever.
"You're leaving already? Allow me to invite you," Aria replied, her bright smile blending curiosity with mischief.
Myrn slowly shook his head, signaling that it was unnecessary.
Before he could say more, a firm voice cut in."One does not refuse a lady's invitation."
Myrn glanced at Elyndra, irritation flickering in his eyes, and replied coldly,"As you wish."
Moments later, another carriage arrived—this one proudly bearing the crest of zaranger's residence. Large and richly adorned, it radiated authority and discipline.
"What if we went to my estate?" Aria suggested, her smile leaving no room for refusal.
The journey lasted several hours. When the gates of the Zaranger estate came into view, Myrn immediately sensed the contrast with the Groundhutt domain from his previous life. Where Groundhutt ruled through pressure and brutality, Zaranger exuded peace—yet a peace steeped in hypocrisy and rigid ceremony. Perfectly trimmed gardens, paved walkways, and pristine white walls formed a carefully curated beauty, artificial and calculated, designed to impress and control.
Upon arrival, Aria disappeared almost immediately, leaving Elyndra to handle the guest. Myrn waited in a modest yet elegant reception room, thick carpets muffling every footstep. After some time, Elyndra returned to escort him, following Aria's instructions.
They walked through silent corridors until they reached a bedroom. Elyndra knocked lightly.
"Knock, knock."
"Come in," Aria's voice answered from inside.
As they entered, Myrn immediately noticed Aria's attire—bold and unexpected for someone of her status, sharply contrasting with the restraint typical of nobles. Instinctively, he began to speak.
"Why—"
She cut him off, her voice firm and authoritative."I'll be direct. Work for me."
Myrn studied her for a moment, analyzing the resolve in her eyes, before responding,"I'm sorry, but I must refu—"
She interrupted him again, her proud, unwavering smile unchanged."You don't understand. You are not allowed to refuse… if you wish to be admitted to Ghartt and remain in the capital, that is"
Myrn fell silent, his gaze sweeping the room as he assessed the situation. Then, a sly, mischievous smile crept onto his lips.
Ah… so that's what this girl wanted.
Aria, however, had no idea what she had just set in motion. She believed she was in control—but she had no understanding of the dangerous ground she had just stepped onto.