“Your punishment for being one of the defeated will be held next week.” Major Sea was explaining to the group of battered cadets. Healers were moving among them to deal with their injuries, and bursts of light from the healing spells interrupted the Major as she spoke. Looking frustrated at the interruptions she quietly stood and waited until the basic treatment of the wounded was completed.

Orchid had woken up to discover that the heat of the flame had singed his hair until it was just a light fuzz atop his head. His eyebrows had also suffered and seemed almost black in color due to the ash off his burned skin and clothing. The state of his face had caused his friends to burst into peals of laughter, delighting in his misfortune and Orchid suspected that Rock’s father had some issue with him. Even Justain had seemed in a better mood despite having been knocked out immediately before he could display any of his skills.

“This little exercise can be considered as a greeting of sorts between all of you Cadets. I’m sure that you are now aware of the capabilities of your new classmates to some extent.” The Major gestured to include all of them.

The cadets all had damaged clothing and expressions of misery and contemplation as they looked around at their classmates. The fight had showcased that all of them were very dangerous children and that the selection procedure had not been biased in any manner. It was a concern that plagued the children of citizens the most, feeling that the nobility or powerful families were able to use their influence to let students join the military branch despite the Academies well known independence. This sort of fight served to reinforce the capabilities of their future colleagues right from the start.

That’s actually kind of smart. I wish they’d at least not use an instructor to deal with us at the end though.

“Let me reintroduce myself. I am Major Liselotte Sea, adjutant Battlemage of the Drachen Army. I will be one of your primary instructors and my specialties are strategic Spellcasting and Siegecraft, and will be leading your courses in these subjects. I’m aware many of you already know Major von Hintelbach, however, for those of you who don’t, the Major is on independent assignment, attached to the Foreign Office and is specialized in Combat Magic and Defensive Fields.” She signaled everyone to sit comfortably before continuing. “The next two years of training will be difficult to say the least, and our goal is to make sure you will all be ready to take up positions as sub-Lieutenants throughout our glorious military. As many of you are aware, all our officers join the military through three routes.”

Raising a finger for each of the routes, she explained.

“First, the most common route is through the military academy at the Black forest where new cadets and promoted enlisted soldiers undergo thorough training for six months before becoming sub-lieutenants. Second, mercenaries and adventurers can be promoted during times of war due to conscription, and finally, the military branch of the Kingdoms Academy, where magic users of high proficiency and combat aptitude are selected to go through the most rigorous program the Kingdom can design to become Guardians.”

She stood straight and pointed at her arm, her voice taking on a solemn cadence.

“Guardians are the greatest defenders of the people of Eich and it will become your responsibility to act in a manner that enforces the will of the King and government. This responsibility will be a great burden, but you can rest assured that you have all been selected after rigorous testing and your training will make sure that you will be prepared for whatever may come. All of you who graduate will be entitled to wear a coat marked with this symbol. It shows that you are representatives of the Kingdom and your words are law.”

The forked green lightning on her sleeve sparkled with her every movement, shimmering in the sunlight. The light reflecting off the symbol was almost hypnotic and no one could tear their eyes off it.

Guardians of Eich. That’s what I want, and that symbol is so shiny.

“What is that made of, to make it glow so much?” Whispered a boy to his side. Glancing at him Orchid realized it was the cadet who’s elbow he’d broken.

“It’s a Mana-thread reinforced with some magical metals and Cobalt. That’s what causes it to shimmer.” Orchid explained.

“Really?” The boy said looking at him. “That’s fascinating, how did you know?”

“It’s a standard thread reinforcement used to inscribe Glyphs in fabric. Although, the combination of metals varies depending on the usage and the manufacturer. The knowledge is part of Craftsman training. Orchid Kale, sorry about the arm.” Orchid replied.

“Vale Kretzik. The arm’s not a problem, I’ve been hurt worse on the farm. You’re a crafter?” Vale asked his eyes shining in excitement.

“Apprentice. We should probably pay attention.” Orchid pointed at the Major who was continuing her speech.

Sea tapped her shoulder and the shimmering on her arm dimmed.

“It’s imperative that you all realize the power that you will wield both personally and in your capacity as Guardians. Never, ever, let down your positions and the people who believe in you, whether they are your loved ones or the people of the nation.”

Taking out some small devices she distributed it among all the cadets.

“These are some of the latest information storage devices directly from the Archivists central research facility, the ISD-3. They have two functions. First, they can access the Academy’s library and let you withdraw books and scrolls that you are eligible for, at will, along with various items that the instructors will assign for you. Second, they have a small storage area that you can use to keep all your supplies and retrieve them at any time.”

Holding the small device in his hand, Orchid was impressed with its small size. Fitting into the palm of his hand it looked like a flat white disk. He could barely make out the Glyphs that were engraved into it, being so small that it just looked like a squiggle.

Having distributed the devices, Sea sat down in front of the group.

“Play with them later.” She rebuked seeing several cadets putting items into the ISD’s. “The library access is only possible on the grounds of the Academy itself. Once you’re past the walls you won’t be able to access the Academy’s library or instructor’s repository. For the next 3 months, you will be having a variety of classes. there are some basic courses that are compulsory for all of you. Various specialized courses have been scheduled for you based on your proficiencies as determined by your entrance tests. Upon completion of the first 3 months there will be a practical test alongside various units of the military.”

Her expression became stern and she issued a warning. “At the Academy you may be students, but as cadets, you are all already members of the military and as such are subject to military discipline from this moment onwards. You can get a set of guides on the ‘Laws of the Military’ through your ISD.”

Taking out a notebook from her ISD along with a writing implement she scribbled something inside before looking at them.

“Today we’ll just have a quick orientation session before you head back to your rooms to finish setting up and check your schedules. Your classes will begin tomorrow. Now, who can tell me the structure of the military?”

Several hands shot up and the Major pointed at a waif like girl with waist length hair. The girl stood up, her standing height barely taller than Rock’s head while he was sitting. She glared at Rock who was next to her and he hunched his posture a little to accommodate her.

“The military is divided into five separate Commands that report directly to the Chief Marshal of the Military department in the Capital. The titular head of the military is the King who acts through his Chief Marshal. The five separate Commands are North, East, South, West and Central, with each having a Marshal in Command. Each of the Commands have two Armies comprised of three legions each. These are the only standing armies in the country and are reinforced by temporary legions conscripted during times of war and the personal retinues of the nobles. Each Command has an attached unit of Battlemages and Healers that are assigned to forces as required. Various special units also exist such as the Drake Riders, Monster Tamers, Spirit Summoner’s and so on. These units have independent command structures under the Military department or are hired directly from the Guilds as is the case with the Summoner’s. These units are deployed and assigned directly on the Chief Marshals orders.” Finishing her answer confidently the girl looked at the Major for her evaluation.

“Excellent answer. As you continue your studies you will be informed of the various groups that support the military, such as the logistics division that operates under the finance department and other units and people that are important in our operations. Please sit Gertrude.” The girl named Gertrude sat down while looking proudly at the other cadets. Not seeing any response or admiration from the group she appeared to be slightly irritated.

“Next question…”

Orchid paid close attention to all of the cadets and the questions, answering those he was certain about. Studying his classmates, he felt pressured as it was clear they were all knowledgeable in various fields, even the exuberant Vale confident in his answers.

The Academy really recruits only the best.

After the Major dismissed them, Orchid looked at the ISD in his hand to see if he could study it. He wasn’t able to spend long on it before Vale approached him with a hesitant expression on his face.

“What can I help you with Vale?” Orchid asked while playing with the device.

“I just.. Would like to make friends.” He mumbled.

Looking up in surprise Orchid glanced at the nervous looking boy.

What’s wrong with him?

“Sure Vale, we can get to know each other, but why did you come to me? There are already groups forming over there.” Orchid said as he pointed at the children getting to know each other.

“You were the only one to talk me, everyone else always avoids me. I’m new to the capital and I can’t understand the things they’re talking about.”

“They’re talking about the capital? Then they must be from outside the city, but no worries. I just think it’s strange to make friends with someone who broke your arm only a short while ago.” Grinning, Orchid tossed the ISD from one hand to the other.

“No no no no, that’s just an exercise.” Vale stammered.

“Relax, that was a joke. Why don’t you tell me about yourself?” Orchid placated him.

Vale seemed to calm down and became excited and started to talk about his past. He was from a small village in the southern plains and had grown up the youngest brother in a large farmer’s family. His magical ability had become apparent at a young age and worried about its manifestations his parents had taken him to a nearby town where coincidentally a military post was receiving a Guardian on patrol. Despite his long explanation, Orchid summarized it as a series of lucky chances that led to him being tested and trained before being given admission to the Academy.

Sounds like his life is from a storybook, the farmer mage gradually learning of his powers. Still, that explains his difficulty in interacting. I doubt many people want to play with someone with overwhelming magical powers whose very steps can make the plants bloom around him. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone who’s so in tune with nature.

Trailing off when he realized that he’d been speaking nonstop Vale blushed and apologized for talking so much.

“No problem my new friend. How would you like to see something interesting, since this is our first meeting?” Orchid asked as he jumped up, walking towards the dormitories.

“Interesting?” Vale looked puzzled.

“Have you ever met a Prince?” Orchid casually spoke over his shoulder. Seeing Vale frozen with his mouth hanging open he added. “Don’t worry, he’s only a crybaby. As long as you don’t make him cry we’ll be fine. “

Snickering he kept walking, Vale jogging to catch up and furiously questioning him about the prince.

Found someone interesting.