It was a castle in the distance, its heights soaring past the other architectural structures within the city. Tall spires raised high on already towering curtain walls that spread thoroughly—encompassing nearly half of the city's own walls.

"It's supposed to be the last defensive stronghold if this place faces an all-out war that claims the entire city." Old Man Joe Light sighed as they drew closer to the Academy.

Timothy spoke up with a slight frown. "According to the travelling minstrels, I don't think that ever…"

"It did, the city just isn't fond of proclaiming such events. People had their hand tied behind their back." Old Man Joe Light's voice was more serious this time.

"Who had attacked the city?" Han asked, trying to ignore the unsettling feeling in his stomach.

"Many races, from demons to elves and drakes, undeterred by distance and wanting to expand their lands." The old man briefly glanced at them. "It may seem peaceful, but war is still occurring far off the capital and beyond the trenches—now that you guys are off to become warriors, I hope that you guys keep vigilant. Fellow humans may stab you in the back, but they're also the one's who'd stand behind you."

Han found himself glancing at Timothy. The young man returned the look with one of his own, their lips pressed together thinly.

It was a little hard to take in all of this information for sure—especially for someone who had lived in their small village all their life. Han managed to take it all in, thanks to the countless amounts of media he had previously consumed through movies and shows… but being so immensely within this narrative, even he felt the weight on his shoulders.

They may stab you in the back but they'd also look out for you… is that how the world operated here?

The Creator's Will thoroughly ignored.

Each one only after the benefit of their own—would he do the same? Could he change the narrative?

"We're finally here at last!" Old Man Joe Light announced as they passed through the gates, the portcullis raising up to let them in. The castle grounds were much bigger than he imagined, it was akin to a university's grounds. The courtyard was a large encapse of green grassy fields filled with several men and women training and lecturing on the grass.

But their attention fell to the person in front of the main building, it was an old man, much like old man Joe Light—but instead of farmer overalls, he was dressed like a dignified headmaster. A frock coat and well-fitting slack pants, what was most prominent was the pristine white gloves as they held a wooden cane.

They stopped in front of him.

He nodded his head slightly in greeting. "Welcome to Kraelonia Academy, it's good to see you once again, Joseph."

"Headmaster Pierce, it's good to see you as well." Old Man Joe Light greeted stiffly as he went down. Timothy and Han scrambled down as well and bowed respectfully.

So this was the person in charge of the Academy? It was apparent that the two shared history—it only made sense that Old Man Joe, or Joseph, was able to get him in due to the connection. But how it only applied to him and not Timothy was one thing he didn't like.

"These are the two young men you want me to take in despite the semester already being half-way through?" Headmaster Pierce raised a brow at the older man, although his attention briefly passed over them. "I was under the assumption that you were here to bring geniuses and future heroes, but you have brought—one averagely classed boy and another one without even gaining a single class beyond [ Peasant ]. Your judgement is always beyond me."

Han Jing found himself holding back a winded down sigh, the Headmaster was no kind grandfatherly man with a long beard and a wand like Albus. Instead they were probably dealing with an older severe man instead. If only he could change their personalities with a snap. Casting a glance to the young man, expecting a look of annoyance on their face—he only saw a gloomy and dark face.

Someone resigned to the words of an authority figure.

Maybe it was because he kind of felt bad for the guy, it was like he was a younger brother of sorts. He raised his head up to speak up—but he didn't need to.

"Well, I saw something in each of them. Besides, if the greatest Academy across our Kingdom can't shape these people up into at least a powerful and renown [ Mage ] or [ Warrior ], I may have better prepared to send them to Druphia instead."

The Headmaster clicked their tongue, "I suppose you place too much of a burden on my shoulders as usual." He glanced at the two of them, focusing on Timothy. "What's your name boy?"

"Timothy...Timothy Cook, Headmaster Pierce."

The older man raised a brow, "I see. How about you?"

"Han, sir." He answered curtly. Trying to grasp the name Timothy Cook. He should have known that the people here had odd last names. Light. Pierce. Cook. Summers. It was a bit of a letdown.

"Han what?"

What exactly was his last name here? Should he make something up?

"The boy lost his family at a young age, I reckon he doesn't remember. And unfortunately, we weren't able to know of his family name either." Old Man Joe Light spoke up with a shake of his head.

"Alright, gather up your things and we'll immediately begin the testing to sort the two of you. Follow me." Without much of a single word, the heavy double doors behind them soon opened up.

Magic.

The older man walked in without even awaiting a word. The now opened doors slowly began to close once more.

Han looked back to see Timothy already tossing him his rucksack and carried his own behind his bag like a pre-teen Santa Claus. Han followed after his companion but turned back one more. He wanted to ask the older man many things, but Old Man Joe Light, the old man simply took off his hat and waved it at him.

"You two rugrats take care of yourself!"