Avrion Academy

The students couldn't stop talking about what color sashes they might receive. The discussion was relentless, and it was beginning to wear on Ray's patience. He had no idea what they were talking about, and the constant speculation was driving him crazy.

Their journey had taken them to a vast expanse of open land, where fields of tall grass stretched as far as the eye could see. They set up camp near what appeared to be a wheat field, lighting a fire as night fell.

As usual, the group gathered around the fire. The conversation once again revolved around the "Big Three"—the strongest students—and what sashes they would receive.

Thankfully, Ray wasn't the only one confused. Another student finally voiced the question that had been nagging at him.

"What are these sashes you guys keep talking about?"

One of the knights escorting them took the opportunity to explain.

"The sashes are ranks given to knights. As you all know, squires are the lowest rank of knights, but even among squires, there are divisions. Take me, for example."

The knight pulled a sash from beneath his armor.

"I am a White Sash Squire, as are all the other knights escorting you. We are considered the top of the squire class, while Red Squires are at the very bottom."

As he spoke, he cast a glance at Ray. A few other students also turned their heads in his direction, their expressions unreadable. Clearly, some of them still held resentment over what had happened earlier that day. This also explained why some students had been murmuring that Ray would end up with a red sash.

"How are these ranks decided?" another student asked.

"When we arrive at Avrion Academy, you will undergo a test to determine your abilities."

Excitement buzzed among the students at the thought of proving themselves.

Gary then asked a more pointed question. "What's the actual difference between a Red Squire and a White Squire? Isn't a knight still a knight?"

The knight nodded. "Yes, they are both knights, but the treatment they receive is vastly different. A White Squire receives guidance, personal training, and additional rewards. Red Squires, on the other hand, are seen as having no potential. They receive only basic training with no mentor. They are left to fend for themselves and are often abandoned by the academy in the eyes of other students."

With that explanation, the students retired to their tents for the night. Ray decided to rest as well rather than go hunting. His body was fatigued and needed time to recover.

The journey continued for another three days. As they drew closer to the kingdom, magical beasts became scarcer, making it more difficult for Ray to hunt. By the time they arrived at their destination, his total points had reached seventy-five. Although he hadn't hit the hundred-point goal he had set for himself, he was satisfied. It wouldn't be long before he achieved it.

Finally, they arrived at Avrion Academy.

The students gazed in awe at the towering stone walls that surrounded the city. They were twice the height of those in Renny Town, and the city itself was at least three times as large.

In the heart of the city stood a grand palace, visible even beyond the walls. A massive square banner bearing the Avrion Academy crest—white with two wings and a sword down the middle—draped down its front.

The entrance to the city was just as grand. The front gate was reinforced with iron bars as thick as two men standing side by side. It took four knights to turn a massive wheel just to lift it. The sheer size of the gate was impressive, large enough for Ray's former dragon self to pass through with ease.

Even as a dragon, Ray wasn't sure if he could have taken down a fortress of this scale. Humans had grown much stronger and more organized over the past hundred years.

As the gates lowered to let them in, the students left their carriages behind to be handled by others. A group of knights wearing red sashes took charge of the transport.

Wilfred parted from the group, stating that he had a meeting to attend. He wished the students luck on their upcoming assessment before departing. That left Squire Master Lancy to guide them on a tour of the city.

The sights were breathtaking. Unlike the villages Ray had seen, which relied on torches and fires for light, this city used magical crystals to illuminate the streets. Every building looked pristine, as though it had been constructed only yesterday.

It was almost surreal. The contrast between the village he had grown up in and this city was staggering. It felt as if they belonged to two entirely different worlds.

"How far until we reach Avrion Academy?" a student asked.

Lancy smirked. "We are already here. The entire city is Avrion Academy. Every single person here is a knight—there are no ordinary citizens."

Ray glanced around. Now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen a single child in the entire city.

Lancy continued, "Of course, not all of them are students. Once you graduate, it is mandatory to serve as a knight for two years. After that, you are free to do as you wish. Most choose to stay, given the benefits and rewards that come with being a knight."

They continued walking as Lancy pointed out various locations—the armory, the library, and other essential areas. Ray mentally noted their positions, particularly the library. He was eager to learn more about his past and the Shadow Plague.

As the tour continued, Lancy led them to a quieter part of the city. The atmosphere grew noticeably heavier. The students whispered among themselves as they realized where they had been taken.

They were standing in a vast cemetery.

Thousands upon thousands of gravestones stretched out before them, an eerie reminder of the academy's purpose.

Lancy continued walking through the field until they reached five massive statues positioned at the cemetery's center.

"I brought you here today to remind you that we are at war," Lancy said solemnly. "War is not glorious—it is brutal. People die. Loved ones are lost. We fight for those who are still alive. These statues stand in honor of the founders of Avrion Academy. They were known as the legendary Dragon Knights."

Ray's eyes narrowed. "Dragon Knights? What does that mean?"

Lancy dismissed the question. "During your time here, you will learn about the history of the Alure Kingdom and Avrion Academy. There is no rush. Now, follow along."

The students obeyed, but Ray lingered behind, his gaze fixed on the statues. There was something off about them.

The statues depicted knights wearing armor and wielding weapons seemingly crafted from dragon parts—a tail repurposed as a sword, teeth embedded into shields. Though it could have been artistic embellishment, Ray couldn't shake his unease. The idea that his own kind had been used in such a way made his blood boil.

Then, as he continued staring at the statues, an unsettling sensation crept over him. Something was wrong.

He activated Dragon Eyes.

His breath hitched.

Beneath one of the statues, deep within the tomb, he could see a flicker of life.

A red and yellow presence.

Something was alive in there.