The warm spring sun scattered like shards of gold over the Knight Training Square at the center of Red Tide Territory.
In the middle of the square stood a temporary platform, reinforced with oak and black iron nails, in still silence.
On the platform, Louis wore a cloak of red and black, standing as straight as a lance.
Behind him stood eight young boys and girls, clad in full armor, with solemn expressions.
Their backs were straight, and a longsword hung at their waists.
These were the eight who passed last year's Blood Stone trial.
A year has passed, and now they are all Apprentice Knights.
The most outstanding naturally was Weir, who had broken through to become a Mid-tier Official Knight.
He stood at the forefront, the sunlight illuminating his stern side profile, while the Red Tide Emblem on his armored chest glowed brilliantly.
Below the platform in the square, over seventy young boys and girls stood densely packed.
