Chapter 7: The Caravan Road

  I still couldn’t forget that night—when I lost my mentor and was left with nothing but a letter, a guiding star in my journey. My thoughts often wandered into the past, but I knew I had to keep moving forward. Every step brought me closer to the capital, to the Akarion Academy.

  Fortunately, I wasn’t alone on this path. When I came upon a group of merchants and their companions, I felt lucky to meet them. The road was long, and good company made it easier.

  One of the guards, a tall man with a scar on his cheek, pulled his horse to a stop and said:

  “Hold! Who are you?”

  “Ryoek, a traveler,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “Heading to the capital. May I join you?”

  The man squinted at me but then nodded, signaling me forward. As I rode closer, his fellow guards gave me curious glances, but overall showed little concern.

  That evening, as we made camp, I approached one of the merchants who seemed easy enough to talk to. His name was Theodor, and he looked like a man who’d been in trade for many years.

  “Greetings,” I said, sitting by the fire. “I’m on my way to the capital. Have you heard anything about Akarion Academy? They say only nobles are accepted, but I find that hard to believe.”

  Theodor smirked, wiping his hands on a dirty shirt.

  “Ah, Akarion Academy… it really is a place for the chosen,” he said, gazing thoughtfully into the fire. “But… things have changed. King Arden IV recently signed a decree: anyone who passes the tests can enroll. Even commoners will have their own separate dormitory.”

  Those words immediately caught my attention. The king? A new decree? This wasn’t just a rumor. Theodor continued:

  “Before this, the academy was nobles-only. Now it’s different. I don’t know why they changed it, but they say the king wants the best minds to develop the kingdom.”

  I fell silent, absorbing the news. It was doubly surprising, considering how much I’d been thinking about my future. If I could pass those tests, it could open a path to the Academy—regardless of my bloodline.

  “I thought that kind of opportunity was only for the chosen few,” I said aloud, trying to wrap my head around the change.

  Theodor shrugged.

  “That’s how it always is,” he replied. “But if you want to know more, the capital has all the information you need. Besides… there are other academies in the kingdom. Akarion’s the best, no doubt, but there are options if it’s not the right fit for you.”

  I realized it was a good moment to ask about those other schools. I needed to compare them, to understand which one might suit me best.

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  “What other academies do you mean?” I asked.

  Theodor sat down beside me, rubbing his hands on his pants in thought.

  “Well, if you’re interested in elemental magic, there’s Tarnow Academy up north. They teach control over fire, water, earth, and air. But it’s not for everyone. Harsh and unforgiving—it’s for those ready for brutal challenges.”

  I nodded. That wasn’t for me. I wasn’t drawn to mastering the elements.

  “Then there’s Nox Academy. It’s for those who want to become masters of combat or strategy. They don’t just teach fighting—they teach you to think like a true warrior. If you’re looking to develop your combat skills, that’s a good choice.”

  I thought over his words. But I needed more than just combat. I wanted to grow not only physically, but mentally.

  “What about Valdron? I’ve heard they teach alchemy and artifact creation, right?” I asked, hoping to learn more.

  Theodor smiled.

  “Exactly. Valdron is for those who want to master alchemy and create magical artifacts. They’ll teach you how to brew potions, work with rare materials, even forge enchanted weapons.”

  I pondered, but that academy didn’t align with my ambitions either. My place was in Akarion, no matter how much I doubted myself.

  “Why do people say Akarion is the best?” I asked.

  Theodor chuckled.

  “Because they teach everything. It’s a universal academy—magic, warfare, diplomacy. Graduates from Akarion become exceptional individuals. They give you everything you need to succeed. From spellcraft to commanding armies—it’s for those who want to master it all.”

  A sense of resolve swept over me. That was exactly what I needed. Akarion wasn’t just for mages, but for all who had potential—and I wanted to be one of them.

  The next morning, as the caravan resumed its journey, I noticed one of the adventurers training nearby. He was a large man with a tattered cloak and a heavy sword that looked like an extension of his body. I approached, deciding that if I was to face trials ahead, training with someone like him would help.

  “You ready for a fight?” I asked.

  He smirked and replied, “Ready if you are. I’ll teach you how to win quick, if that’s what you want.”

  I nodded. We started sparring. Our blades clashed, and each strike I made grew more confident. If I was going to get into the Academy, I had to sharpen both my magical and martial skills.

  Later, the night wrapped us in mist as the forest thickened. The path narrowed, and an eerie silence heightened the tension. I felt danger approaching. We all sensed it. We moved slowly, bracing for the unexpected.

  Then they appeared.

  Four figures in dark cloaks, hidden among the trees—but their footsteps gave them away. I spotted them instantly: two with swords, one with a crossbow, and one with a bow. A classic bandit formation, relying on surprise and intimidation. They didn’t waste time on talk.

  “Stop! All the cargo is ours!” one of them shouted, his voice full of confidence.

  I didn’t doubt they’d attack. It was time to act quickly and smartly. But I wasn’t the only one ready. Guards were already lining up along the road, prepared to defend the caravan. Everything would be decided in seconds.

  The merchants, tense and silent, hid behind the horses, shielding their goods. The adventurers we traveled with swiftly took up defensive positions. One tall man with twin swords stepped forward, clearly ready to face the main threat. I watched as he studied every movement of the bandits, preparing for the clash.

  I analyzed the situation. My eyes quickly calculated likely outcomes. We had to eliminate the crossbow threat fast—he could cripple someone from afar. The guards and adventurers knew how to handle these situations, but I had to act too.

  As the crossbowman stepped forward, I reacted instantly. No hesitation. I moved toward his cover—tall shrubs hiding his position. My sword was ready. I crept close and hurled a dagger. He didn’t see it coming: the blade pierced his shoulder, and he fell with a scream.

  At the same time, the twin-sword adventurer, Lux, lunged at a bandit with a sword. Lux was a seasoned fighter—his strike was lightning-fast. He used his blades not just as weapons, but as tools to manipulate his enemy—one blade…