Before the sun had even begun to rise above the horizon, Bereshith was already awake.
The palace was still quiet.
Most of the servants had not yet begun their morning duties, and the corridors were illuminated only by the faint glow of lamps placed along the walls.
Bereshith opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a few moments.
Today was the day.
His first day at Sol Academy.
After everything that had happened—the years of hardship, the endless slumber, his recovery, the months of rehabilitation, and finally the five months of preparation—he had finally reached the moment everyone had been waiting for.
He slowly sat up.
"Today's the day."
A small smile appeared on his face.
He immediately began his morning routine.
After stretching and completing his exercises, Bereshith took a bath and carefully prepared himself for the day. He dressed in his academy uniform, adjusted his collar, and checked his appearance one last time in the mirror.
For a moment, he barely recognized himself.
He looked older.
More composed.
More refined.
Yet beneath all of it, he was still the same Bereshith.
He smiled at his reflection.
"I wonder what everyone will say when they see me."
He packed the remaining belongings he would need for the academy into his suitcase.
Once everything was ready, he opened his bedroom door.
Before he could take another step, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Good morning, Young Lord Bereshith."
Bereshith looked toward the hallway.
Standing there was the girl he had brought home from the streets months ago.
She was no longer the filthy, frightened child who had followed him through the city with the intention of stealing his money.
She stood upright now, wearing a neat butler's uniform.
Her short hair was carefully groomed, and her posture was noticeably straighter than before.
Bereshith smiled.
"Good morning, Lily."
The girl lowered her head respectfully.
"The breakfast and carriage are ready for your departure. Lord Lucas, Madam Maria, and Madam Eva are waiting for you."
She paused.
Then her expression softened slightly.
"Especially Young Lady Yareach."
Bereshith chuckled.
"I understand. Let's go."
He began walking beside her.
After a few steps, however, he glanced toward Lily.
"Since you're coming with me, I'd like to ask something."
Lily looked at him.
"Yes, Young Lord?"
Bereshith looked her over.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
Lily blinked.
"Like what?"
"Pants, a butler's uniform, and short hair."
Lily became slightly stiff.
Bereshith continued walking.
"I don't remember you looking like this before."
Lily lowered her gaze.
"Lord Lucas said that females are prohibited from entering the male dormitories. Therefore, I have to disguise myself in order to serve you."
Bereshith stared at her for a moment.
"Oh."
That was all he said.
Lily glanced at him.
"Is that all?"
"What else should I say?"
"I thought you might object."
Bereshith shrugged.
"Well, I hope there won't be any problems once we get there."
Lily smiled faintly.
"I hope so too."
Neither of them noticed the amused expressions of two servants who happened to be passing nearby.
For the past five months, Lily had been learning everything she needed to know about serving the household.
Sarah had been particularly strict with her.
She had taught Lily how to clean, organize clothing, prepare rooms, serve meals, communicate with nobles, and follow household etiquette.
Lily had struggled at first.
She had grown up on the streets.
She had barely known where her next meal would come from.
Now she was expected to understand noble etiquette and serve members of one of the most influential families in the kingdom.
But she had worked hard.
And a week before Bereshith's departure, Lucas had finally given her a name.
Lily.
It was the first name she had ever truly been given.
And with that name came another responsibility.
Only Lucas, Maria, Eva, and Lily knew the real reason she was being sent with Bereshith.
She was not merely his servant.
She was his restraint.
Lucas knew his son.
He knew Bereshith possessed a kind heart.
He also knew that kindness could sometimes make Bereshith reckless.
So Lily had been instructed privately.
If Bereshith ever made a decision that was obviously dangerous, foolish, or likely to cause unnecessary trouble, Lily was expected to question him.
She was, in Lucas's words, his son's "damage control."
Bereshith himself had absolutely no idea.
And Lily intended to keep it that way.
When they reached the dining hall, the rest of the family was already waiting.
Yareach immediately turned toward Bereshith.
Her face brightened.
"Brother!"
Bereshith smiled.
"Good morning, Yareach."
Yareach rushed toward him but stopped herself before throwing her arms around him.
She had been taught enough etiquette to know that Bereshith was wearing his academy uniform.
Instead, she smiled proudly.
"You look amazing."
Bereshith looked down at himself.
"Really?"
"Yes!"
Lucas laughed from his seat.
"Of course he does. I helped choose that uniform."
Maria smiled.
"You also changed your mind three times."
Lucas cleared his throat.
"That is called careful consideration."
Eva laughed softly.
"You were arguing about buttons."
"Buttons are important."
Everyone laughed.
Bereshith sat down.
Breakfast began.
The conversation quickly became lively.
Everyone wanted to talk to Bereshith.
Yareach reminded him about things he had forgotten to pack.
Maria reminded him to behave properly.
Eva reminded him to eat properly.
Lucas reminded him not to get involved in unnecessary fights.
Bereshith slowly looked around the table.
"Am I going to school or going to war?"
Lucas immediately answered.
"Both."
Bereshith stared at him.
"Father."
Lucas laughed.
"I'm joking."
Maria gave Lucas a look.
"Mostly."
Bereshith sighed.
"I already regret asking."
Everyone laughed again.
But beneath the laughter was something else.
Pride.
They had all watched Bereshith struggle to recover.
They had watched him relearn how to walk.
They had watched him rebuild his strength.
They had watched Maria and Eva spend months teaching him etiquette.
And now he was finally going to step into the academy.
When breakfast ended, everyone accompanied him toward the palace entrance.
The carriage was already waiting.
The horses stood patiently while the coachman waited beside the door.
Bereshith stopped before the carriage.
He looked back.
Everyone was there.
Lucas.
Maria.
Eva.
Yareach.
Lily stood beside him with her suitcase.
Bereshith smiled.
"Well... I guess this is goodbye."
Yareach immediately frowned.
"Don't say it like that."
Bereshith laughed.
"You're right. It's not goodbye."
He looked at everyone.
"I'll see you again."
Lucas stepped forward and placed his hand on Bereshith's shoulder.
"Remember what I told you."
Bereshith nodded.
"Walk away from trouble."
"Good."
"And if I can't walk away?"
Lucas stared at him.
Bereshith smiled innocently.
"I'm asking hypothetically."
Lucas sighed.
"Then use your head."
Maria approached next.
"Remember everything you've learned."
Bereshith nodded.
"I will."
Eva smiled.
"And don't forget to eat."
"I won't."
Yareach stepped forward last.
She looked up at her brother.
For a moment, she seemed reluctant to let him leave.
Then she smiled.
"Brother... make lots of friends."
Bereshith smiled warmly.
"I'll try."
Yareach hugged him tightly.
"And come home safely."
Bereshith returned the embrace.
"I promise."
After they separated, Bereshith climbed into the carriage.
Lily followed him inside.
Before the door closed, Bereshith leaned toward the opening.
"I'll see everyone later!"
Everyone waved.
"Good luck!"
The carriage began moving.
Bereshith watched his family slowly disappear behind him.
For several moments, he remained silent.
Then he leaned back against his seat.
A nervous smile appeared on his face.
"Sol Academy..."
Lily sat opposite him.
She noticed his expression.
"Are you nervous?"
Bereshith looked at her.
"A little."
Lily smiled.
"You don't look nervous."
"That's because Maria taught me not to show it."
Lily giggled.
"Then I suppose the lessons worked."
Bereshith looked through the carriage window.
The palace slowly disappeared behind them.
Ahead lay the city.
And somewhere beyond it stood Sol Academy.
The place where his new life would begin.
He had heard so many stories about it.
The students.
The teachers.
The noble families.
The training grounds.
The classrooms.
And most importantly...
His friends.
Bereshith's expression suddenly brightened.
"I wonder if Levanah is already there."
Lily looked at him.
"You seem more excited now."
"Of course I am."
He smiled.
"I haven't seen everyone in a while."
Lily tilted her head.
"You saw them Not long ago."
Bereshith paused.
"...That's true."
Lily smiled.
"You are strange, Young Lord."
Bereshith laughed.
"Maybe."
The carriage continued through the streets.
The morning sun finally began rising above the horizon, illuminating the city with golden light.
Bereshith watched the streets pass by.
People were beginning their day.
Merchants opened their shops.
Children walked beside their parents.
Carriages traveled toward the city center.
And somewhere ahead, students were beginning another school year.
Bereshith rested his chin against his hand.
His heart beat faster.
Not from fear.
From excitement.
After everything he had endured, he was finally going somewhere simply because he wanted to learn.
He wasn't running from hunger.
He wasn't running from danger.
He wasn't fighting for survival.
He was going to school.
And somewhere ahead, waiting for him, were the people he had missed.
Levanah.
Lexy.
Cyse.
Cyte.
The princesses.
And perhaps even Renasu, if Princess Verleen had decided to release him.
Bereshith chuckled at the thought.
Lily looked at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He smiled toward the road ahead.
"I just have a feeling today is going to be interesting."
The carriage continued onward.
And with every turn of its wheels, Sol Academy drew closer.
The carriage finally slowed.
Bereshith, who had been watching the scenery through the window, immediately noticed the enormous stone gates standing ahead.
Above them was the emblem of Sol Academy.
The academy itself stretched beyond the gates, with enormous stone buildings, towers, courtyards, and training grounds visible in the distance.
Bereshith's eyes widened.
"So this is Sol Academy..."
Lily looked through the opposite window.
"It is quite large."
The carriage came to a complete stop.
The coachman climbed down and opened the carriage door.
Bereshith took a deep breath.
Then he stepped outside.
For a moment, he simply stood there.
The cold morning air brushed against his face.
Then—
"BERESHITH!"
Bereshith's eyes widened.
A group of familiar faces immediately rushed toward him.
Levanah was at the front, followed closely by Lexy, Cyse, Cyte, Princess Inoha, and Princess Alesh.
Levanah's face was filled with excitement.
"Bereshith! Welcome!"
Lexy smiled brightly.
"You're finally here!"
Cyte raised his hand.
"About time!"
Cyse laughed.
"We thought you'd never arrive."
Princess Alesh smiled politely.
"Welcome to Sol Academy, Sir Bereshith."
Princess Inoha, however, couldn't contain herself.
"You're finally here!"
She immediately moved toward him before stopping herself and remembering where she was.
Bereshith laughed.
"It's good to see all of you again."
Lily stepped out of the carriage behind him.
She quietly stood beside Bereshith with her hands folded neatly in front of her.
The sudden gathering created an enormous commotion at the academy entrance.
Students who had been walking through the gates stopped.
Some turned around.
Others whispered.
A few began openly staring.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know."
"Why are all of them waiting for him?"
"Isn't that Princess Inoha?"
"And Princess Alesh?"
"They're actually waiting for that freshman?"
Another student looked toward Cyse and Cyte.
"Those two are seniors, aren't they?"
"Yes."
"Then why are they greeting a new student like he's some important noble?"
Someone else whispered.
"Maybe he's from one of the major noble houses."
Another student shook his head.
"No. I've never heard of him."
"Then perhaps he's a relative of the royal family."
"Impossible. Look at how Princess Inoha is looking at him."
The whispers continued to spread.
Within minutes, students who had never even heard Bereshith's name were already trying to figure out who he was.
Bereshith noticed the growing crowd and scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Uh... everyone is staring."
Lexy glanced around.
"Let them stare."
Cyte laughed.
"They're probably wondering why half the academy's top upperclassmen came to welcome one freshman."
Cyse nodded.
"They're going to be talking about you before your first class even begins."
Bereshith sighed.
"Wonderful."
Levanah smiled.
"Don't worry about it."
Bereshith looked at her.
"Easy for you to say."
Levanah laughed.
"You'll get used to it."
Then another commotion began from behind them.
The students near the entrance suddenly straightened.
Whispers immediately became quieter.
Someone spoke nervously.
"Wait..."
Another student turned around.
"Is that...?"
The crowd parted.
Prince Rayryn walked through the academy gates.
Unlike the first time Bereshith had met him outside the palace, Rayryn was now wearing the formal uniform of a royal academy representative.
He walked calmly toward them.
Bereshith immediately straightened.
"Your Highness."
Rayryn smiled.
"There you are."
He walked directly toward Bereshith.
Then, without hesitation, he placed an arm around him and pulled him into a brief embrace.
Bereshith froze.
The surrounding students froze even harder.
Rayryn laughed.
"Finally, welcome to Sol Academy!"
Bereshith blinked.
"Thank you, Rayryn."
The moment those words were spoken, the surrounding students exploded into whispers.
"Did he just call Prince Rayryn by his name?"
"He did!"
"And the Prince hugged him!"
"Who is this freshman?"
"Why does Prince Rayryn know him personally?"
"Is he some kind of royal friend?"
One student leaned toward another.
"Maybe he's secretly engaged to one of the princesses."
The other nearly choked.
"What?!"
"I'm just guessing!"
Another student immediately interrupted.
"No, look at Princess Inoha!"
Several students turned toward her.
Princess Inoha was standing beside Bereshith with an unmistakably happy expression.
The whispers became even louder.
Bereshith heard some of them and immediately became uncomfortable.
"Rayryn..."
"Hmm?"
"They're talking about me."
Rayryn glanced around.
"Let them."
Bereshith sighed.
"That's not very comforting."
Rayryn laughed.
"You'll survive."
He then looked toward the academy entrance.
"Come on. The welcome ceremony is about to begin."
Bereshith nodded.
"Right."
The group began walking toward the academy.
Students continued watching them as they passed.
Some whispered.
Some stared.
Others tried to determine exactly who Bereshith was.
But Bereshith didn't pay much attention.
He was simply happy to finally be there.
Lily followed quietly behind them.
She remained dressed in her butler's uniform, her short hair making her appearance convincingly masculine.
Rayryn eventually noticed her.
He stopped.
"Wait."
Bereshith turned around.
"Yes?"
Rayryn pointed toward Lily.
"Servants aren't permitted inside the academy."
Bereshith's expression immediately changed.
"My Prince, Lily is my servant. Can y—"
Rayryn raised his right hand.
Bereshith stopped speaking.
Rayryn then raised his left hand and extended his index finger.
It was a simple gesture.
But someone immediately understood.
A young man approached from nearby.
He appeared to be around Rayryn's age.
His clothes were immaculate, and his posture was perfectly straight. He carried himself with the refined manner of a royal butler.
He stopped before Rayryn and bowed.
"Yes, Prince Rayryn."
Rayryn looked toward Lily.
"Lead this child to Lord Bereshith's assigned room."
The young butler nodded.
Rayryn continued.
"Make certain she is safe. Show her the room, explain the academy's rules, and provide whatever she requires to make herself comfortable."
His tone remained calm and authoritative.
"Do you understand?"
The butler bowed again.
"Yes, Your Highness. I understand completely."
Lily looked toward Bereshith.
For a moment, uncertainty appeared in her eyes.
Bereshith smiled.
"It's alright, Lily. I'll see you later."
Lily bowed.
"Yes, Young Lord."
She then followed the young royal butler.
Bereshith watched them disappear down another corridor.
Rayryn turned back toward him.
"Don't worry. She'll be fine."
Bereshith nodded.
"Thank you."
Rayryn smiled.
"Now come on."
Bereshith turned toward his friends.
Levanah, Lexy, Cyse, Cyte, and the princesses were already waiting.
Cyte grinned.
"Come on, freshman."
Cyse laughed.
"Your first day is about to begin."
Lexy smiled.
"And don't embarrass us."
Bereshith looked at her.
"Why would I embarrass you?"
Lexy shrugged.
"I don't know. I just wanted to say it."
Bereshith shook his head with a laugh.
The group continued toward the auditorium.
Behind them, the academy entrance remained filled with curious students.
The rumors had already begun.
Nobody knew exactly who Bereshith was.
Nobody understood why Prince Rayryn had personally welcomed him.
Nobody knew why Princess Inoha, Princess Alesh, and several prominent upperclassmen had been waiting for him.
But they would soon find out.
Because today wasn't merely Bereshith's first day at Sol Academy.
It was the beginning of a new chapter of his life.
Then moments later.
The group finally reached the entrance of the grand auditorium.
The enormous doors stood open before them, with countless students already entering through the halls. The sound of conversation, footsteps, and excited voices filled the academy grounds.
Bereshith looked toward the auditorium with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
He had waited so long for this day.
But before he could take another step, Cyse stopped.
"This is where we're going to part ways, Bereshith."
Cyse smiled warmly at him.
Bereshith looked at him and nodded.
Cyte stepped forward next, giving Bereshith a casual smile.
"Yeah. We have a job to do. Just take a seat wherever you're comfortable."
Levanah nodded in agreement.
"Just like he said. Don't worry about where you sit. There aren't any assigned seats anyway."
Lexy gave Bereshith a gentle smile.
"We have to go now. Just relax and enjoy the ceremony."
Bereshith smiled.
"Alright. I'll see you all later."
Princess Alesh stepped forward. Her voice was softer than the others, carrying a slight shyness.
"It's great to see you back and healthy, Sir Bereshith."
Bereshith smiled politely.
"Thank you, Your Highness. It's good to see you too."
Princess Inoha, however, said nothing.
She simply walked toward him.
Bereshith barely had time to react before she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"All I wanted to say is…"
She smiled.
"Today, you will be the star."
Bereshith froze.
His eyes widened.
His entire face immediately became warm.
"Inoha—"
He barely managed to say her name.
Levanah and Lexy had already witnessed everything.
Their eyes widened in disbelief.
Levanah immediately grabbed Princess Inoha's right wrist and pulled her away.
"What was that for, you sly fox?!"
Lexy grabbed Inoha by the uniform and pulled her toward the opposite direction.
"You horny witch! We agreed—no touching today!"
"Hey! Let go of me!"
Prince Rayryn laughed as the three girls immediately began making a commotion beside the entrance.
Bereshith stood there awkwardly, still processing what had just happened.
Before he could say anything else, Prince Rayryn placed a hand on his shoulder.
"What Princess Inoha said is true."
Bereshith turned toward him.
Rayryn smiled.
"You are a star today. So just relax and enjoy the ceremony, alright?"
Bereshith slowly nodded.
"Yeah… I'll try."
Rayryn gave his shoulder a light pat before walking away.
Behind him, Cyse and Cyte immediately noticed the commotion is getting chaotic.
Cyte grabbed Lexy from behind before she could continue arguing with Inoha.
"Alright, that's enough."
He covered Lexy's mouth with one hand while locking his other arm around her and lifting her slightly off the ground.
"Mmph! Mmmph!"
Lexy struggled in his arms.
Meanwhile, Cyse raised his hand.
A magical circle appeared beneath Levanah.
"Wait—Cyse, don't you dare!"
A transparent magical cage suddenly formed around her and lifted her several inches from the ground.
"Let me out!"
Cyse sighed.
"You're making a scene."
"I'M MAKING A SCENE BECAUSE SHE KISSED HIM!"
"Exactly." Then shut Levanah's mouth with Magic.
The commotion finally began to settle.
Cyte looked toward Bereshith while still holding Lexy.
"See you later, Bereshith."
Lexy continued struggling in his arms.
Cyse gave him a casual wave.
"We'll come to see you later."
Princess Inoha finally straightened her uniform and smiled at Bereshith.
"Let's eat together later, okay?"
Her smile was bright, affectionate, and perhaps a little too intense.
Princess Alesh simply waved her hand.
"Goodbye, Sir Bereshith."
Bereshith waved back.
"See you later, everyone."
One by one, they finally disappeared into the academy's corridors.
Bereshith remained standing at the entrance of the auditorium.
For a moment, he simply watched them leave.
Then he turned around.
Hundreds of students were staring at him.
The atmosphere around him had changed.
Whispers began spreading throughout the auditorium.
"Who is that?"
"Wasn't he standing with the five Suns?"
"Five-Suns…"
"Why were they personally accompanying him?"
"And why did Prince Rayryn himself welcome him?"
Bereshith could hear some of the whispers, but he chose to ignore them.
He had barely taken a few steps when a young man suddenly approached him.
The boy carried himself with confidence and arrogance. His clothing clearly marked him as a noble, and the expression on his face suggested that he was accustomed to receiving attention.
"Hey, you!"
Bereshith stopped.
The young man looked him up and down.
"Introduce yourself! Who are you to be standing beside the Five-Suns?!"
Bereshith looked at him for a moment.
He observed him carefully.
The young man appeared to be another freshman, judging by his age and the academy uniform.
Bereshith waited.
Then—
He simply turned away.
Without saying anything, he continued walking toward the front seats of the auditorium.
The young man's expression immediately changed.
"What?"
Bereshith continued walking.
The young nobleman stood frozen for several seconds.
Then the surrounding students began laughing.
"Did he just ignore him?"
"Hahaha!"
"That's brutal."
"He didn't even answer!"
"Look at his face!"
The young man's face turned red.
His pride had been wounded in front of everyone.
"Hey!"
Bereshith kept walking.
The laughter became louder.
Some students pointed at the young nobleman.
"Maybe he didn't hear you!"
"He definitely heard you!"
"Looks like someone finally ignored the great noble son!"
The young man clenched his fists.
His breathing became heavier.
"Stop laughing!"
Nobody listened.
His anger finally reached its limit.
He rushed forward.
"HOW DARE YOU!"
Bereshith barely had time to turn around.
The young man's fist struck him directly across the face.
THUD!
Bereshith stumbled.
His feet lost their balance, and he fell hard against the floor.
The auditorium suddenly became silent.
The young nobleman stood over him with a victorious grin.
"How dare you ignore me, when I'm the third son of this country's Archduke?!"
Bereshith remained on the floor for several seconds.
He didn't respond.
He simply breathed.
Slowly.
Calmly.
Then he placed one hand against the floor and pushed himself upward.
He stood.
His cheek was slightly reddened from the impact.
But there was no anger in his eyes.
No fear.
No desire for revenge.
He simply brushed the dust from his uniform.
Then he carefully straightened his clothes.
He adjusted his collar.
Fixed his sleeve.
And finally looked toward the young nobleman.
"Look…"
His voice was calm.
"My apologies if you were offended by my actions."
The young man's grin disappeared slightly.
Bereshith continued.
"But if you wanted to learn who I am, at least use the proper etiquette to introduce yourself."
He paused.
"Isn't that right?"
The auditorium became completely silent.
Bereshith took one step toward him.
He then lowered his head in a proper, respectful bow.
His voice remained gentle.
Yet there was something cold beneath it.
"Pardon my lack of introduction…"
Bereshith raised his head and looked directly into the young nobleman's eyes.
"But may I ask…"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"To whom am I speaking?"