The academy was a plain building that looked similar to a barraks. It was far outside the capitol to prevent nobles from attempting to pressure students or teachers there. The royalty didn’t feel like losing capable soldiers to their pettiness. Students wouldn’t be allowed to return home during the term under any circumstances, nor were they allowed to send or receive letters. While they were in the academy, the only thing that they could do was study battle tactics and train themselves. There was no split into different semesters or trimesters there. The term would begin in August and end in June of next year. All for the sake of keeping information within the walls skin tight and away from the prying eyes of the nobles.

Applicants were flooding in from all over, but nobody was talking. They walked in eerie silence towards the academy. Soldiers only speak when they’re told to. A slight mistake could lead to not being able to enter the academy. Noctis continued in the same direction as everyone else, and then a commotion broke out about 20 feet in front of him.

“How dare you!” A boy in nice looking clothes was glaring at a girl in what could only be described as a collection of rags. “You filthy commoner, look what you did to my shoes. I’ll-” before he could finish his sentence a figure had appeared between him and the girl. It grabbed him by the face and lifted him into the air.

“Ugh, you’re making me work so early in the morning? Why can’t you just be obedient?” a woman’s voice escaped the figure. It was filled with charm but lacked any enthusiasm. She was a strawberry blonde woman in her mid 20s with an alluring body, and her eyes burned with an ice cold hatred. She wore a standard uniform with sleeves rolled up and a few buttons were undone, adding to her charm. Despite the fact that she was very attractive, not a single person dared to stare for too long.

“If you haven’t noticed, this is an area run by the military, not your backyard. All these applicants are property of the state. I implore you, please let me know. What were you going to say? What were you going to do with your measly strength?” Her grip strengthened and the boy began to scream. “Where’s all your attitude now?”

“Proctor Alicia, please put the applicant down.” A rough voice sounded out.

“Tch.” She let him go and walked over to the girl, comforting her while asking her a few questions about what happened.

Another figure appeared in front of the noble boy. It was a tall man who was at least 50 years old, judging by the gray hair and wrinkles. He wore a tank top, which exposed his still powerful muscles and some of the scars that riddled his upper body. On his right arm, his tattoo that symbolizes his contract depicted a golden lion roaring alone in a wide field. It started at his shoulder and stretched all the way to his elbow.

“Thank-” he was cut off right away.

“Leave. I’ve no use for someone who can’t control their outbursts due to their supposed superiority. If your father has any questions tell him he can find Lieutenant General Gaius Zeno. Proctor Alicia, let’s go.” He turned around and left without giving him a second glance. Alicia finished talking with the girl, gave her a light pat on the head and followed behind Gaius.

Anger and disbelief surfaced on the boys face, but he wasn’t dumb enough to object. He simply got up and left with his head hung. With the very brief commotion ended, the process of dividing the students resumed. Fear and respect were instantly ingrained in all of the bystanders.

There were 6 lines forming, each with a proctor at the head. After talking with a proctor the applicants would be sent to one of the areas that were numbered 1 - 10. Each area was around 300 square feet and there was a barrier that prevented him from seeing inside any of them. Noctis had noticed that very few people were sent to area 2, and not a single person was sent to area 1. As the number went up, the amount of people who were sent there went up.

When it was finally time for Noctis to get distributed to an area. In front of him was Lieutenant General Gaius. He was at least a full head taller than Noctis, and up close there was a fearsome, intimidating aura around him. “I guess magic can be used this way, too.” Tyrants voice rang out in his head. “That old coot is contracted with the Nemean Lion, and is using some of his magic to emit its presence.”

“Name and beast.” He could feel Gaius’s hazel eyes staring through him inquisitively.

“Noctis.” he didn’t finish his sentence and instead handed him the letter than the old priest had given him. Noctis wasn’t sure what was written in it, but the seal on it looked important.

Gaius took the letter and began to read. When he finally looked up, from the letter, a hint of shock was present on his face. “So you’re a pup that old general Benett took in? You’re quite lucky, aren't you? Very well, go to area 1.”

Area 1? But nobody else went to area 1. He questioned the result but still headed there nevertheless. As he walked toward area 1, more and more people looked at him. He could feel the weight of all the eyes on him. If looks could kill, there would have been many attempts on his life right then. The scornful glares, however, were outnumbered by those that were of awe and sheer curiosity.

When he got there he realized it wasn’t completely empty. There was a girl standing there in pure white armor that covered her completely from the neck down. It contrasted perfectly with the shoulder length black hair and pale skin. Her facial features were immature but still close to perfection. Noctis was mesmerized by the beautiful sight but snapped back to reality when her ruby red eyes shot open. It wasn’t just some random beautiful girl. It was one of the only other people that knew his secret. He was currently alone in Area 1 with the princess of the kingdom.