Adlet and Lathandre returned to the boy's hometown, where he was able to bid farewell to his parents before leaving for an indefinite journey.
Once again, his parents tried to protest his departure, but eventually gave in, realizing their son was truly capable of pursuing his dream—and reassured by the presence of his master.
The thirteen-year-old left his parents to begin the long journey toward the capital alongside Lathandre. They had stopped in a nearby village to buy provisions and a new outfit for Adlet, and were now ready to continue without delay.
As usual, their days alternated between walking, training, and resting. Adlet noticed he had grown stronger since his trial in the woods and now tried to adapt to this newfound stamina, adjusting his control day by day.
He loved traveling through unfamiliar lands, and the closer they drew to the capital, the more the small villages he knew gave way to larger towns, bustling with life.
The landscape itself remained largely unchanged—vast green plains, open fields, shimmering lakes, and rivers whose sources fell from the rocky Star-speckled sky.
Months passed, and the two travelers finally reached their destination: a high rocky plateau overlooking an immense city.
A wide staircase of white stone, about a hundred steps long, led to the top, where the rooftops of countless buildings peeked above the encircling wall.
"Here is Tray, the capital of our kingdom," Lathandre announced.
"It's... huge," Adlet murmured, struggling to find words for the sheer scale of the city.
"This is where our paths diverge," the old man continued.
Adlet knew his master would have to leave once they reached the Academy, yet hearing it still caught him off guard. This separation, however, also marked the beginning of a new stage in his growth. His master had already devoted so much time to him that asking for more would have been selfish.
"What will you do now?" Adlet asked.
"Well… I'll resume my research where I left off," Lathandre replied.
"I could register as a Protector and follow you. After all, my dream has always been to explore the world, not stay locked up in an academy," Adlet said, his tone eager, almost pleading.
"You wouldn't be of much help at your current level," the old man said, shaking his head. "Besides, you'll have your chance to explore—once you've progressed enough."
"Then that's what I'll do," Adlet said firmly. "But when will we see each other again, Master?"
"Hmmm... If you manage to triumph at Darwin Academy, I'll come back for you. Then, and only then, you'll be free to explore the world as I promised."
"Very well, I'll finish with the Academy quickly then. Prepare to come back for me soon!"
"That's the right attitude," Lathandre said, handing him a small pouch filled with gold coins.
"This will cover your registration. The Academy is next to the eastern staircase of the city. Its gates won't open for three days, so take the time to explore Tray. I've added a little extra so you can afford an inn and meals."
"Thank you… for everything, Master," Adlet said, bowing deeply.
"It's the least I can do for my student. One last thing—don't speak to anyone about Pami or where you truly obtained your beetle. Now, it's time to say goodbye. Good luck, my dear student."
"Take care, Master," Adlet replied softly.
Lathandre gave a rare smile before turning north, his silhouette soon swallowed by the horizon.
Meanwhile, Adlet turned toward the capital and began his ascent of the hundred-step staircase.
Several lifts were set up along the sides, transporting people and goods—far more popular than climbing the stairs. That didn't bother Adlet; he preferred the solitude, the silent challenge of each step.
At the top, the boy was immediately engulfed by the crowd. The streets were overflowing with people; he had never seen so many souls gathered in one place. Awe and nervousness filled him in equal measure. White stone buildings towered on both sides, lining a road that led deep into the city's heart.
He spent the next few hours wandering through the bustling streets and colorful shops before finally finding an inn where he could stay until registration day. Those few days of rest allowed him to explore, taste local food, and finally relax—a luxury he hadn't known in months.
Time passed quickly, and before long, the Academy gates were due to open.
At dawn, Adlet left his inn and headed east. He already knew the path by heart. Darwin Academy stood like a fortress at the city's edge, surrounded by massive walls and an aura of authority. Its gates were still closed when he arrived, but several people were already waiting.
Most were older than him—future Aspirants hoping to register as Protectors. The crowd grew until it reached nearly a hundred people.
Adlet couldn't help but feel amazed that so many Protectors existed in EFU. He had known the kingdom was vast, but never imagined such numbers.
As he began to grow impatient, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"You're… Adlet?"
He turned and froze. It was Florian—a boy from his village. They had studied together, though Florian had always boasted about training from a young age to become a Protector. If he was here, it meant he hadn't been lying.
"Yes, that's me. And you're Florian, right?" Adlet said.
"Yeah. Didn't expect to see anyone from the village here. You're registering too?"
"Of course. Why else would I be here?"
"So the rumors were true—you really spent your days alone in the forest. Still, I hope you know there are prerequisites for registration. It'd be a shame if all that effort was wasted," Florian said with a smirk.
"Don't worry about me," Adlet replied evenly.
Before the tension could grow, the gates opened with a heavy creak. A tall man stood in the doorway, his presence commanding silence.
"Welcome, candidates. If you are here today, you aspire to defend humanity from Apex threats lurking within the danger zones—and bring pride to our kingdom.
However, the path from ambition to mastery will be long. The first step begins now: the entrance test for Darwin Academy. The cost is fifty gold coins, payable in advance, regardless of outcome. If all is clear, line up calmly before me."
He stepped aside, and the line quickly formed. Adlet, who had arrived early, stood near the front—just behind Florian, who seemed proud of his place.
"First candidate!" the man called.
A boy stepped forward, handed over a pouch of coins, and revealed his Aura—a faint brown glow surrounding his body.
"Lower Rank 1 Aura," the examiner noted, while a colleague recorded the result.
"Name and Guardian?"
"Thomas. I've assimilated a Dark Bear."
"Very well. Stand over there."
The next candidates followed, showing various Rank 1 Auras and creatures Adlet had never seen.
Then came Florian's turn. His body lit up with a bright orange glow.
"Intermediate Rank 1 Aura. Name and Guardian?"
"Florian. My Guardian is a Three-Tailed Wolf."
"A Rank 3 species. Not bad," someone murmured behind Adlet.
Finally, it was his turn. Adlet stepped forward, focusing his Aura on his arms. Months of training made it easy to manifest the dark, shimmering glow of his power.
"Intermediate Rank 1 Aura," the examiner declared.
Adlet blinked in surprise. He had expected lower—and felt pride stir within him. His master had been right: the Dark Woods had made him stronger.
"Name and Guardian?"
"Adlet. Dark Beetle."
The examiner raised an eyebrow, and whispers spread through the crowd.
"Dark Beetle? Never heard of it."
"Probably a weak species."
"Ephemeral type. Won't last long."
"He probably failed to defeat a real creature and settled for that."
The examiner cleared his throat, silencing the gossip. "Very well. Join the others."
Adlet obeyed, jaw clenched. He'd prove them wrong.
When the last candidate finished, the examiner led the group into a vast amphitheater. Once everyone was seated, he addressed them.
"Welcome, students, to Darwin Academy. I am Barno, your supervisor.
Though this place bears the name of an academy, we do not train Protectors directly. You will develop your own strength through experience and discipline. Natural selection will determine who rises—and who falls.
Our role is to evaluate your progress, provide essential knowledge, and organize rank-promotion exams. Passing these will grant you access to missions suited to your level—missions that can also help your Guardian evolve.
You are now apprentice Protectors. You may not accept missions until reaching Upper Rank 1.
For those aiming higher, listen well:
Upon reaching Rank 2, you may attempt the annual promotion exam to become a Confirmed Protector.
Upon reaching Rank 3, you can take the test to become a Master Protector.
And finally, once you attain Rank 4, you may attempt the exam granting entry into the Royal Guard—known across the kingdom as the Aegis."
Adlet thought back to his master's words.
Had "triumphing over the Academy" meant reaching the Aegis?
It seemed likely. Yet that title didn't sound like the limitless freedom of exploration his master had promised.
Still, it was far too soon to worry about such things.
"Exams occur yearly, one month apart," Barno continued. "The last Royal Guard admissions were just last month. The next cycle begins in nine months—if you're strong enough to reach it."
A spark of determination lit in Adlet's eyes.
"From tomorrow, you're on your own to reach Upper Rank 1. You have full access to the academy facilities—but you cannot leave until you've completed your first mission," Barno concluded.
The briefing ended, and the students were led on a tour through the facilities: dormitories, dining hall, grand arena, and the vast training grounds at the base of the plateau.
By the time they returned, night had fallen. Adlet arranged his belongings and went to bed, mind burning with new ambitions.
At dawn, he headed for the training grounds, where dozens of students were already gathering. He descended the cliffside staircase, passing an academy staff member repeating, "No fighting—you're here to train, not to duel."
The grounds stretched for several kilometers, dotted with trees and open meadows—perfect for training.
Adlet wandered deeper, sensing someone tailing him about twenty meters back. He veered off-course, quickened his pace, and soon lost sight of the pursuer.
Minutes later, he found a quiet clearing near the wall, hidden by thick trees. Perfect for solitude—and progress.
Just as he reached the center, his follower appeared at full speed. Florian.
Feigning casualness, the boy avoided eye contact, saying nothing.
Adlet hesitated to confront him but chose to ignore it. If Florian wanted something, he could speak first.
He began his training, pushing a large rock to warm up, managing easily without calling on his Aura. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Florian practicing powerful leaps, both of them focused in silence.
Their rhythm was soon interrupted by four other students entering the clearing.
"Move aside, peasants," said a brown-haired boy their age, grinning as his companions snickered.
"I'm not a—" Florian began, but the boy flicked a pebble at him, scratching his arm.
"I am Daven Dryad. Peasants like you obey without question."
Anger flared inside Adlet. He picked up a stone and threw it back at Daven. The boy caught it effortlessly and crushed it between his fingers.
"Big mistake," Daven hissed, lunging forward.
Adlet felt his body tense—not in fear, but instinct.
This time, he wouldn't run.