The gale-force wind howled ruthlessly across the open gorge, whipping rain and dust into the air. High above the roaring river, Ray was locked in a desperate battle against gravity. Muscles burning and veins bulging against his skin, he held onto the thick, coarse rope with a single hand—bearing the raw, crushing weight of the dangling carriage. His other hand was white-knuckled, desperately locked onto the cold steel beam of the bridge support. Beads of cold sweat mixed with the mist, running continuously down his pale face as his grip steadily began to slip.
Inside the shattered frame of the carriage, terror had frozen time. The father held his young son in a suffocating embrace, shielding the boy's eyes with a trembling palm. Every creak of the straining wood below sent a shockwave of dread through his spine. He closed his eyes, his entire body shaking as he prayed for a miracle.
Then came Leo.
Moving with swift, lethal precision, Leo maneuvered himself over the edge, his dark eyes ablaze with razor-sharp focus. The casual air he usually carried was completely gone, replaced by dead serious intensity.
"Grab onto me right now!" Leo barked, his voice cutting cleanly through the roaring wind. "We climb using this rope. There's no time to hesitate—it's going to snap!"
With no second option and panic driving their instincts, the father and son lunged forward, locking their arms tightly around Leo. The young boy buried his face deep into Leo's chest, his small fingers clutching the fabric of Leo's shirt with a knuckles-white grip. Leo bit down hard on the wooden hilt of his katana, clamping it firmly between his teeth. With a heavy load strapped to his body, he stepped out into the open air and began dragging them up the fraying rope, muscle by muscle.
Noticing the faint tremor in Ray's holding arm, Leo pushed his body past its limits, accelerating up the line until his free hand clamped firmly onto the solid bridge beam. He hauled the family over the edge to safety.
"Let go, Ray!"
Ray unclasped his fingers. The moment tension snapped, the empty carriage plummeted into the abyss, smashing violently against the hidden, jagged river rocks below with a resounding crash that echoed through the canyon.
Up on the cobblestone bridge, everyone collapsed into the cool air, gasping for breath. Ray fell to one knee, chest heaving heavily as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The father gently lowered his son to the ground, and the boy instantly threw his arms around his father's neck, sobbing quietly in relief.
Tears welled up in the father's eyes as he looked up at the two young boys who had just defied death for them.
"Thank you... thank you so much," the father stammered, his voice trembling with overwhelming emotion. "You saved our lives. Please, name anything you desire—wealth, favor, status—whatever I have, it is yours!"
Ray slowly pushed himself up, catching his breath before offering a warm, genuine smile. "Please, keep your offer. We're training to become Knights. Protecting people isn't something we do for rewards—it's just who we are. You don't owe us a thing."
Moved by their selfless honor, the man smiled softly, bowing his head in deep respect. "If you ever find yourselves near my lands, my doors will forever be open to you as family."
Exchanging a respectful bow, Leo and Ray turned toward the horizon. Realizing how much time they had lost during the rescue, they kicked off the ground and burst into a full sprint down the winding path.
As they crested the final emerald hill, the landscape opened up to reveal a breathtaking sight. Nestled at the foot of towering mountains stood the grand academy. Its colossal white-stone towers and gilded spires reached high into the sky, piercing through the passing clouds. Surrounding the perimeter was a massive, crystal-clear lake that reflected the azure sky like a flawless mirror. Vibrant flower beds, ancient oak trees, and polished stone walkways surrounded the perimeter, making the entire estate look like a realm straight out of legend.
Leo and Ray slowed their pace, gazing at the sight in awe.
"Woah... it looks even bigger and more imposing than the rumors said," Ray remarked, a grin spreading across his face.
"Enough staring, let's get inside before we get locked out!" Leo replied, excitement gleaming in his eyes.
Stepping through the massive archway into the central entrance hall, they were met with awe-inspiring architecture. Soaring vaulted ceilings were supported by massive marble pillars wrapped in golden engravings, while sunlight filtered through intricate stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colors across the floor. Endless rows of tall bookshelves lined the upper balconies, and twin grand staircases curved gracefully toward the higher floors. Right at the heart of the hall stood a majestic tier fountain, surrounded by bustling crowds of elite students conversing and going through their daily routines.
"Man, this place is incredible," Leo mused, looking around at the grand decor. "I might actually enjoy studying here!"
"Since when do you ever open a book?" Ray snorted, smirking at his friend.
"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in."
A voice chimed from behind them. They turned around to find two boys standing side by side. The one who spoke was Felix Ward—a 13-year-old boy standing at 162 cm with a lean, agile frame, sharp brown eyes, and bright blonde hair. He was dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt, tailored emerald-green trousers, and a matching emerald-green coat. Standing silently beside him was Kio Mortis, matching Felix's 162 cm height and lean build, with messy jet-black hair, dark piercing eyes, and the exact same emerald uniform.
"Where are your academy uniforms?" Felix asked, raised eyebrows eyeing their travel-worn clothes.
Leo and Ray blinked in unison, exchanging completely blank, clueless expressions—it hadn't even crossed their minds that a dress code existed.
Before they could even formulate an excuse, a heavy footstep echoed behind them.
"Uniform violations on day one?"
Noah Winter stepped into view, standing at 165 cm with a lean build, snow-white hair swept across his forehead, and ice-blue eyes that glared with strict authority. "As a member of the Disciplinary Committee, I am duty-bound to recommend your immediate expulsion for breach of academy protocol!"
Pinch.
Noah's dramatic speech was cut short as a hand snaked around from behind and pinched him hard on the waist. Noah gasped, jumping two feet into the air while clutching his side in agony.
"Quit making up roles, Noah," a calm, crystal-clear voice rang out.
Stepping out from behind him was Nyra Velmire. Standing at 154 cm, she carried herself with effortless grace, her long black hair framing a composed face and sharp brown eyes.
"The Disciplinary Committee members haven't even been officially selected yet," Nyra said coolly, not even bothering to look at Noah as she walked past. "Stop floating in the clouds and act like a normal human for once."
"Who are you calling an animal?!" Noah shouted back, rubbing his sore hip while glaring at her retreating back, though he quickly straightened up when Nyra cast a icy glance over her shoulder.
"Leo! Ray!"
A cheerful shout drew everyone's attention as three more figures jogged through the crowd toward them. It was Alina, her vivid purple hair swaying with every step and her bright blue eyes sparkling; Alex, a broad, chubby-built boy with messy brown hair and freckles scattered across his cheeks; and Nico, a lean boy with short black hair and sharp black eyes.
"We saw the morning papers!" Nico grinned, slapping Leo on the shoulder. "It talked all about that crazy Morveth incident! The article kept the names secret, but Felix spilled the beans to everyone!"
Leo's head slowly turned toward Felix, his aura darkening instantly as a terrifying glare washed over his face.
"Felix..." Leo said, his voice dropping an octave as his hand drifted toward the hilt of his katana. "If you ever ask me for help again... I swear I'm going to chop you in half."
"I'M SORRY! IT WAS TOO INTERESTING NOT TO TELL!" Felix squeaked, dropping to his knees and bowing his head to the floor repeatedly in panic.
The tense air vanished instantly, replaced by bursting laughter as the group burst into smiles, the chaotic warmth of their circle setting in.
...Yet, far above the laughter and noise of the bustling hall, a shadow blanketed the high arches of the upper balcony.
Standing silently in the darkness was Kyron. Standing at 175 cm, his long, messy black hair fell casually over his forehead, completely veiling his face. His eyes remained closed, oblivious to the world around him, while a subtle, unreadable smile played on his lips—watching the scene unfold down below.