Adlet's senses went on high alert as Daven charged toward him.
Time seemed to slow, giving him just enough space to react. He lunged forward as well, hands outstretched, ready to grab his opponent's arm the moment he struck.
A cloud of dust erupted where the two boys were about to collide. When it cleared, a third figure stood between them, holding both of their arms just before impact.
It was a man in the Academy staff uniform. Some of them were assigned to monitor the students discreetly, and he had acted in an instant to prevent the situation from escalating.
"First warning for both of you. Fighting is strictly forbidden on Academy grounds," the man declared.
Daven angrily pulled his arm free, and the staff member released Adlet as well.
"This wasn't a fight, just some greetings," Daven said, feigning calm.
Adlet didn't bother responding, disgusted by such arrogance. He walked away, abandoning the spot he had chosen; it wasn't important anyway.
Only a few dozen steps later, Florian caught up to him, jogging to keep pace.
"Wait!" he shouted.
"You're not seriously following me again after all that?" Adlet groaned.
"No… well, yes, but I just want to talk to you this time," Florian said.
"Then talk," Adlet snapped.
"Actually… the reason I've been following you until now," Florian began, "was because I thought you didn't belong here. I wanted to prove how much better I was by training near you.
But after seeing that guy act the same way toward us, I realized how childish I'd been. I wanted to apologize… and, of course, thank you for standing up for me."
"Fine, you're forgiven. Can you leave me alone now?" Adlet said, trying to cut the conversation short.
"Wait! There's more!" Florian insisted.
"What now?" Adlet replied, growing more annoyed.
"I realized something. We should train together.
Think about it—we're all stuck here inside the Academy, no way out, with only this training ground. Doesn't that seem… strange?" Florian pressed.
"Not really. It's normal for a Protector to train in the wild. And if we're cut off from the world, it's probably to see what we're capable of without our masters," Adlet said after a moment of thought.
"But what if there's another goal? Think about the vermin who attacked us—he had a group with him, and since he comes from a noble family, he probably got advice before coming here.
What if the reason we're all stuck in this plain environment, without any help, is to force us to socialize and find training partners?" Florian suggested.
Adlet considered it. It made sense—training with a fellow Protector was far more effective than any rock or tree.
"But didn't the staff just say fights are forbidden?" Adlet asked.
"This isn't a fight—it's cooperation," Florian clarified.
"Well… we can try that," Adlet said.
They agreed to find a more secluded spot and eventually chose a dense grove at the far end of the Academy's grounds.
Florian's combat style was fluid and unpredictable. He leapt from tree to tree, striking from unexpected angles.
Adlet focused on dodging, grappling, and destabilizing his partner with swift maneuvers. They deliberately avoided using Aura to prevent injury.
Neither could land a decisive blow, but both improved steadily.
Weeks passed. Their partnership flourished, and no staff member intervened—a clear sign they were on the right path.
Their progress was remarkable. Adlet extended his Aura reach, enhancing his grip and strike distance, while Florian could manifest his Aura as wolf-like tails, using them to block or propel himself.
—
Once a week, all students gathered in the amphitheater for the Academy's only official lesson.
Previous classes had covered kingdom geography, the capital's governance, and Protector prerogatives—intended to turn children from all walks of life into perfect representatives of the Protector order.
Today's subject caught Adlet's interest far more than past lessons: History of the Kingdom of EFU.
He took a seat as the amphitheater filled, waiting for the professor. Soon, Barno took the stage.
"As you all know, it is the year 978 of the royal calendar, which means our kingdom was founded nearly a millennium ago.
Let me tell you what we know about that era. Several millennia ago, humans were few and struggled to survive against the Apex.
Back then, these beasts roamed freely, and humanity evolved slowly, forming small groups to hide, defend themselves, and hunt for food.
This separation from natural standards likely prevented humans from evolving into Apex themselves.
Just over 978 years ago, one man broke the mold, evolving and granting others the ability to assimilate Aura.
He was the first ancestor of the royal family, Astrea, whose power still flows in their veins today—the kingdom's greatest force.
Thus, humans could compete with Apex and no longer needed to hide.
The Kingdom of EFU was founded 978 years ago where the royal city of Nest now stands. A century later, the population had grown enough to expand south to the rocky plateau we now call Tray, our current capital.
Over the following centuries, humans consolidated, defeating the plains beasts and prospering across the land. Three noble families—Dryad, Neraid, and Horus—emerged as protectors, each governing a region to contain powerful monsters. They earned both honor and family names.
Understanding this history helps you grasp the legacy you inherit as future Protectors. Your mission is nothing less than humanity's survival."
Adlet recalled hearing the Dryad name at his village school. That explained why Florian recognized Daven as a noble, and why Daven had been so arrogant.
It didn't excuse his behavior, and Adlet's determination to confront him only grew stronger.
—
Months passed. Adlet and Florian trained together relentlessly, mastering physical techniques and Aura manipulation.
After six months at the Academy, Adlet was now 14 years old. He and Florian believed they had reached Upper Rank 1 and had therefore gone to the monthly Academy evaluation to determine who had the necessary level to embark on a mission.
Adlet was dismayed to find Daven among the candidates but resolved to keep his distance.
Daven went first, projecting a gray Aura.
"Upper Rank 1. Congratulations," the examiner said.
Florian followed with his orange Aura.
"Upper Rank 1," the examiner confirmed. He shot Adlet a knowing glance before stepping aside.
Adlet stepped forward calmly, manifesting his Dark Beetle Aura.
"Received. End of tests."
Eight students qualified for missions that month. The examiner instructed them to report to Barno for assignment details.
Daven led the group, while Adlet stayed alongside Florian.
"See? Partnering up was a good idea!" Florian said.
"I'll admit it—you were right. I wouldn't have progressed this fast alone," Adlet replied with a smile.
"Even Daven, noble as he is, couldn't keep up!"
Hearing that name erased Adlet's smile, but he refocused.
"Come on, let's go," he said, heading toward Barno's office.
At Barno's office, Adlet was instructed to sit.
"You absorbed a Rank 1 beetle in the Dark Woods, correct?" Barno asked.
Adlet nodded.
"Now that your Aura is Upper Rank 1, you've nearly reached your potential.
Two options: settle here as an apprentice Protector in a region of your choice, or aim to evolve further. To do that, there's only one place I know with a suitable species for your beetle: the Dryad Forest."
Daven's face flashed in Adlet's mind, but he kept his composure.
"When can I leave?" he asked.
"Starting tomorrow, a confirmed Protector will be assigned to guide your group," Barno replied.
"Guide a group?" Adlet asked.
"Yes. Apprentice Protectors travel in teams under a senior Protector. You'll go with Daven and Florian."
Adlet clenched his jaw but masked it with a calm expression. His desire to explore and meet his master's expectations outweighed petty rivalries.
"If there are no further questions, that concludes today's session. We'll meet again for the departure ceremony," Barno added.
—
The next morning, Adlet packed his few belongings and joined Florian, Daven, and a supervising Protector for the ceremony.
"You've reached the level necessary to embark on your first mission. As apprentices, you'll patrol the borders of the dangerous zones, observing Apex activity.
A confirmed Protector will lead your team," Barno explained.
Adlet's heart raced with excitement—he would finally live as a Protector.
Barno handed each boy a stone badge on a leather strap, etched with the Protector emblem: three swirling branches extending from a central point within a circle.
"You are now officially apprentice Protectors. Good luck," he concluded.
The trio bowed slightly before stepping through the Academy threshold, ready to face the wide world awaiting them.
As the academy gates closed behind him, Adlet felt the weight of destiny settle on his shoulders—his true journey as a Protector had just begun.