Despite Lionel's worries, the morning came quietly.
Early in the morning, the young nobles were gathered in the middle of the forest where the Imperial Academy had set up a stage.
Lionel stood among the crowd. He was already wearing a set of new clothes that was befitting for their location. While standing, he couldn't help but yawn every few minutes. He was so sleepy.
He hadn't slept much because he couldn't stop thinking about the footprint that he saw. Whoever that person was, he had to find out soon. However, the problem was that he didn't even have a clue about it.
This is quite hard… he let out a deep sigh.
As he looked around, no one looked suspicious either. Everyone seemed like they had a good sleep.
After a good few minutes, a tall and bulky man stepped onto the stage. His presence alone was enough to make everyone quiet. He wore a navy and gold robe that had the insignia of the Imperial Academy on the chest.
"Good morning, everyone," the man began. "I am Professor Darius Valemont, from the Imperial Academy's Department of Combat and Discipline. I'll be overseeing this year's retreat along with my fellow instructors."
He took a small pause and gave a glance to everyone.
"As you all know, this retreat will last for five days. Each day will test different aspects of your life. It will test your mind, your strength, your courage, and your sense of leadership. Remember, the goal of this retreat is not just victory, but growth."
"So for today," he continued, "we'll begin with a test of mind. You'll be divided into groups to take part of a strategic field quiz. There will be scenario-based questions in matters of diplomacy, tactics, and decision-making. Use your heads this time, and not your swords."
A few nobles chuckled softly at that, earning a small smile from the professor.
"After that, you'll participate in a large group activity we call The Labyrinth Game. You'll navigate through a section of the forest we've prepared. Expect traps, dead ends, and confusing pathways. The first team to arrive at the end will win."
With that announcement, the crowd immediately let out their excitement.
"For tomorrow," the professor was not finished yet, "you'll be tested on strength and endurance. There will be a horseback race through the lower valley. We'll see who among you has the best control and stamina."
Cassian, who was standing near the front, smiled faintly. He felt confident in it. He was known for his exceptional horseback skills.
"On the third day," Darius said, "we move on to combat and discipline. There will be duel games in the morning and formal mock battles between houses in the afternoon. Remember that this is just a friendly game, so we'll only provide wooden sticks as weapons."
The crowd let out a joking sigh because of it.
"The fourth day will be your hunting trip. You'll work independently and head into the depths of the forest. You'll be judged based on the hunt you'll submit to us."
A few students exchanged eager looks with it.
"And finally," the professor said with a small smile, "on the fifth day, we'll conclude with a celebration. A closing banquet will be held here at the camp, along with the awarding of merits to those who've stood out."
"Woah? An awarding?"
"We'll have banquet!"
"That means we can drink!"
"We're free to get drunk without our parents!"
Professor Darius chuckled at that.
"Now," he said, "I'm sure many of you are wondering what the final reward will be."
The crowd immediately fell silent, curiosity filling the air. Even Lionel, who had been half-asleep moments ago, lifted his head slightly to listen.
"The participant who earns the highest score at the end of this five-day retreat…" Darius said, "will receive an automatic qualification to the Imperial Academy."
Collective gasps echoed through the crowd. A few nobles exchanged wide-eyed looks among one another, clearly surprised.
That's right. Even if the people here came from different noble families, admission into the Academy still requires them to pass the entrance examination. Their name and title won't help them there.
So this award was huge, knowing that this will allow the winner to enter without taking that exam. It was a recognition of both talent and discipline.
"Whoa!"
"This is huge!"
"I should win this and make our family proud!"
Some of the younger nobles who hadn't entered the Academy yet looked both nervous and thrilled.
The Academy was known to be extremely selective. Failing the exam once was common. Even Cassian was known to fail it on his first try.
"As for those who are already studying at the Imperial Academy…" his lips curved into a knowing smile as he looked at the nobles who were familiar to him already.
"If one of you won, your reward will be a two-week vacation from the academy that you may use anytime."
That instantly earned louder reactions. The older nobles who were already in the Academy let out surprised laughter and cheers.
"A 2-week leave?"
"Did I hear that right?"
"This is good!"
A two-week leave was no small thing. The Academy's breaks were famously short, usually no more than three or four days at a time, except if there are massive celebrations. Their schedules were strict, too, and so was their workload.
To have two full weeks of freedom, and to use them whenever they wanted, was something rare and almost unheard of.
"And that's not all," Darius added, raising a finger. "The highest scorer will also receive 1000 gold coins from the Imperial Academy."
That got everyone's attention.
"1000 gold coins?"
"The Imperial Academy is so generous!"
"A thousand gold coins is my allowance for half a year already!"
The people cheered out loud. Even the more composed nobles couldn't hide their surprise. A thousand gold coins were a massive reward. For some, it was already months' worth of allowance.
They could buy a lot with it. It was enough to buy a small plot of land, jewelry, a high-quality weapon, a vacation to another empire, or even to fund a business venture!
Darius chuckled softly at the reaction. "I see you're all motivated now," he said. "Good. Remember that all of these rewards are earned, not given. So show us your best."
He clasped his hands behind his back and stepped down from the platform, signaling the start of the event.