Chapter 9: The Path of No Return

  As Arkin rode in the carriage, his thoughts were consumed by his older brother. He wondered if Zasp was safe and what had truly happened to him. After a long journey, he finally arrived at the military academy.

  "Wow! This place is amazing!" Arkin said in awe.

  As he stepped down from the carriage, a young man approached him.

  "Hey, man! Are you new here?" the guy asked.

  "Ahmm, yeah," Arkin replied. "What about you?"

  "Yep! I'm new here too, hahaha!" the guy answered cheerfully.

  "Ahmm, what's your name?" Arkin asked.

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  "I'm Kwinn Kerkwood. Just call me Kwinn," he introduced himself happily.

  "Geez, your name sounds like a girl's," Arkin teased.

  "I know, right? Hahaha!" Kwinn laughed playfully.

  "So, what's your name?" Kwinn asked Arkin.

  "I'm Arkin Makenzkie, but just call me Arkin," he replied.

  "Ohh, nice to meet you, Arkin!" Kwinn said cheerfully.

  "Nice to meet you too, Kwinn," Arkin responded with a slight smile.

  After that, they both entered the lobby, amazed at how many people were there. The room was filled with new recruits, all chatting, looking around, or waiting for instructions. The grand hall buzzed with excitement and anticipation as everyone prepared for the journey ahead.

  As Arkin and Kwinn looked around, a loud voice suddenly echoed through the hall.

  "Attention, recruits! Line up immediately!" a commanding officer ordered.

  The chatter in the room quickly died down as everyone hurried to form lines. Arkin took a deep breath, realizing that his journey as a soldier was about to begin.As Arkin and Kwinn stood in line, the heavy oak doors of the grand hall creaked open, and a tall, battle-hardened knight strode in. His armor bore the sigil of the kingdom, and his presence alone commanded silence among the recruits.

  "I am Captain Reinhardt, commander of the palace guard," his voice rang with authority. "From this day forth, you are no longer mere peasants or merchants' sons—you are soldiers of the realm! Your lives belong to the crown, and your duty is to uphold its honor."

  Arkin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his decision settle upon him. He had chosen this path not for glory, but for vengeance.

  "Training begins at first light. The weak will falter, and the strong shall rise. There will be no mercy for cowards." Captain Reinhardt's piercing gaze swept over them. "Now, find your quarters and rest. You will need your strength."

  As the recruits began dispersing, Kwinn let out a low whistle. "Well, this is going to be either an adventure or a death sentence."

  Arkin smirked, adjusting the strap of his satchel. "Either way, there’s no turning back now."