The Royal Capital

As the sun began to set, the knights rode into the Royal Capital, Akihara. The city was a marvel of ancient architecture, with towering stone walls and grand gates that marked its entrance. Streets were lined with polished cobblestones, and the buildings, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate rooftops, whispered tales of history and power. The air was filled with the mingling scents of spices from the market, the rich aroma of baked bread, and the distant hint of incense from the many temples that dotted the city.

The training with Takumi began the very next day. Zhì Jūn was woken before dawn, the sky still dark as night, with only the faintest hint of light creeping over the horizon. Takumi led him outside, where the cold morning air bit at their skin, but there was no time for complaints. They started with a long run through the palace grounds, the vast gardens and courtyards providing the perfect terrain for endurance training. 

Zhì Jūn, despite his natural talents, found the run more exhausting than he had anticipated. His legs burned, his breath came in ragged gasps, and yet Takumi moved with a calm ease, his steps never faltering, his breathing steady. 

After the run, they returned to Takumi's home, where a simple breakfast awaited them. The portions were small, just enough to replenish their energy without indulging. Takumi emphasized the importance of self-control, not just in their 

training, but in all aspects of life. "Discipline," Takumi told Zhì Jūn, "is the foundation of true strength. Without it, even the greatest power can lead to ruin."

Zhì Jūn listened intently, hiding his surprise at the difficulty of the training. He had thought himself powerful, but Takumi's regimen was rigorous, testing his limits in ways he hadn't expected. What surprised him more was how effortlessly Takumi handled the same challenges. There was no trace of strain on the older man's face, only a calm focus that intrigued Zhì Jūn.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Zhì Jūn grew accustomed to the routine. They would rise early, run, eat sparingly, and then spend hours training in both physical combat and magical discipline. Takumi drilled him on the fundamentals, but also on advanced techniques, pushing Zhì Jūn to hone his already formidable skills.

Takumi was a man in his 30s, with a slender, lean build that belied his strength. His black eyes were sharp and focused, always watching, always assessing. His short black hair was neatly kept, and a trimmed beard added a rugged edge to his otherwise simple appearance. He wore unadorned clothes, preferring functionality over flair, a reflection of his disciplined nature. Despite his modest demeanor, Takumi held the rank of Silver Knight, the third-highest rank in the kingdom's knighthood, with only 200 members in its esteemed order. The Silver Knights were among the elite, each granted a chamber within the Royal Palace, a privilege 

not afforded to those of lower ranks who had to live outside the palace grounds.

Zhì Jūn often marveled at the size of the Royal Palace, realizing it could easily accommodate 30,000 people if necessary. The palace was a fortress of luxury and power, and the thought of mastering such an environment only fueled his determination.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Takumi and Zhì Jūn sat in the courtyard, resting. Takumi observed the boy, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "You've improved remarkably, Zhì Jūn," he said, breaking the silence. "In just a few months, you've grown stronger, faster, and more disciplined. And these new spells you've learned… they're not ones taught to someone your age. You're special."

Zhì Jūn smiled, but it was a careful, modest smile. "Thank you, Takumi. I've worked hard because I know how much is at stake. I want to be ready for anything."

Takumi nodded, clearly impressed. "You've shown a level of determination I don't often see, even in adults. Most children wouldn't be able to endure what you've gone through."

Zhì Jūn's smile widened slightly. *He underestimates me,* he thought. *Good. That's how it should be.*

In truth, Zhì Jūn was not just determined; he was relentless. Every morning, he pushed himself to his limits, and every 

evening, he spent hours practicing new spells, refining his control over his magic. He had no time for the distractions of childhood. His mind was singularly focused on his goals, and the training with Takumi was just another step on his path to power.

Takumi, oblivious to the true depth of Zhì Jūn's ambitions, continued to guide him, genuinely believing he was helping to shape a future knight. He saw potential in Zhì Jūn, something that set him apart from others, and he was determined to nurture it. Little did he know that the boy before him was already far beyond what he could imagine, both in power and in ruthlessness.

As the months passed, Zhì Jūn's abilities grew at an astonishing rate. He mastered complex spells that even seasoned knights struggled with, and his physical prowess increased to match his magical strength. Takumi was impressed, but also wary. He knew there was something different about Zhì Jūn, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

One night, as Zhì Jūn lay in bed, his body aching from the day's training, he allowed himself a rare moment of introspection. *I've come so far already,* he thought, staring at the ceiling. *But this is only the beginning. I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals. The weak have no place in this world, and I will not be weak.*

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. 

Takumi's voice called out, "Zhì Jūn, are you awake?"

"Yes," Zhì Jūn replied, sitting up.

Takumi entered the room, a small smile on his face. "I was just thinking… you've been doing incredibly well. If you keep this up, you'll be ready to join the Kōsokudō Academy by the time you're twelve."

Zhì Jūn nodded, hiding his satisfaction. "That's what I want more than anything, Takumi. I want to be strong enough to protect those I care about, to make sure no one else has to suffer like I did."

Takumi's smile widened, clearly moved by the boy's words. "I'm proud of you, Zhì Jūn. You've got a good heart, and I'll do everything I can to help you reach your goal."

As Takumi left the room, Zhì Jūn lay back down, his mind already racing ahead. He knew that he had to keep up the act, to play the role of the innocent, determined child. But in his heart, he felt no remorse, no guilt for the lives he had taken. All that mattered was his own survival, his own ascent to power. And with each passing day, that power grew closer within his grasp.

Zhì Jūn, sitting on the horse behind Takumi, stared wide-eyed at the bustling streets. He observed the well-dressed merchants haggling with customers, the priests offering blessings to passersby, and the children laughing as they ran 

through the crowds. This was nothing like the humble village he had left behind. Here, the world felt alive, throbbing with potential and power. 

Yet, behind his innocent gaze, Zhì Jūn's mind was calculating. *This city is a place of opportunity,* he thought. *But also a place filled with dangers. I must tread carefully.*

As they rode deeper into the city, the majestic spires of the Royal Palace came into view, their tips disappearing into the clouds. The palace was massive, with walls that seemed to stretch endlessly, guarded by statues of legendary knights and mythical beasts. It was a fortress, but also a symbol of the kingdom's might.

Takumi glanced at Zhì Jūn. "You've been quiet since we entered the city. Are you alright?"

Zhì Jūn nodded, feigning a somber expression. "It's just… everything happened so fast. My village, my parents…" He let his voice trail off, letting the sadness hang in the air.

Takumi's eyes softened. "I understand. But you're safe now. We'll get to the bottom of what happened. The council will want to hear everything you have to say."

Zhì Jūn looked up at Takumi with wide, innocent eyes. "The council?"

"Yes," Takumi replied. "They're the judiciary that keeps our 

power in check. We answer to them, and they're the ones who ensure that justice is served. They're located in the Royal Palace. We'll head there now."

As they approached the palace gates, Zhì Jūn couldn't help but be captivated by the grandeur of it all. The gates themselves were colossal, decorated with intricate designs of dragons and phoenixes. Guards in shining armor stood vigilant, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Inside the gates, the palace grounds spread out in a vast expanse of gardens, fountains, and statues. The main palace towered over everything, its golden roof gleaming in the setting sun.

*So this is where true power resides,* Zhì Jūn thought, his heart beating faster. *I must find a way to harness it for myself.*

The knights led Zhì Jūn into the council chamber, a grand room with high ceilings and walls lined with portraits of past rulers and council members. At the center was a long table, where the council members, dressed in their formal robes, sat in judgment.

Takumi guided Zhì Jūn to the center of the room, and the questioning began.

"Child," the head councilor, an elderly man with a stern expression, began, "tell us what happened in your village."

Zhì Jūn looked down, playing the part of a scared and traumatized boy. "It was the demons," he whispered, his voice trembling. "They came in the night. I tried to stop them, but I couldn't. They destroyed everything… my parents, my friends… they're all gone."

The councilors exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

"Are you certain it was demons?" one of them asked, leaning forward.

Zhì Jūn nodded vigorously. "Yes, I saw them with my own eyes. They were terrifying."

The councilors continued to question him, probing for details, but Zhì Jūn remained consistent, never slipping in his story. He could see the doubt in their eyes beginning to fade, replaced by sympathy and concern.

Finally, the head councilor sighed. "This is a grave matter. We will investigate these claims thoroughly. Thank you, child. You've been very brave."

Zhì Jūn lowered his head in gratitude, hiding the smirk that threatened to surface. *Fools,* he thought. *They believe every word I say.*

After the council dismissed them, Takumi led Zhì Jūn out of the chamber and through the palace corridors. The knight's 

home was located within the palace grounds, a modest but comfortable house surrounded by gardens.

Takumi opened the door and gestured for Zhì Jūn to enter. "You'll stay here with me for now," he said. "You'll be safe, and I'll make sure you're taken care of."

Zhì Jūn nodded, walking into the house. It was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold, empty feeling he had carried with him since leaving his village.

As Takumi went to prepare dinner, Zhì Jūn found himself alone in his new room. He sat on the bed, staring at the wall as his thoughts drifted back to the night of the massacre. 

He felt no regret, no sadness for the lives he had taken. Those people were nothing more than obstacles, mere stepping stones on his path to power. The guilt that should have weighed on him was absent, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve.

*I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals,* he thought. *No one will stand in my way.*

A knock on the door broke his train of thought, and Takumi's voice called from the other side. "Zhì Jūn, dinner is ready."

Zhì Jūn took a deep breath, pushing aside his darker thoughts. He needed to maintain his facade, to continue playing the innocent child until the time was right.

At the dinner table, Takumi served a simple meal, but the warmth and care that went into its preparation were evident. As they ate, Takumi tried to make conversation.

"Have you thought about what you want to do now?" Takumi asked gently.

Zhì Jūn looked up, his eyes bright with feigned hope. "I want to become strong. I want to protect people, so nothing like this ever happens again." He paused, then added, "I want to join the knight academy when I'm older."

Takumi smiled, clearly moved by the boy's determination. "The Kōsokudō Academy is one of the finest in the kingdom. It's not easy to get in, but I believe you can do it. I'll help you train, so by the time you're twelve, you'll be ready to join."

Zhì Jūn smiled back, his expression filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Takumi. I'll work hard, I promise."

As they continued their meal, Zhì Jūn's mind was already racing ahead, planning his next move. He knew that the path to power was long and treacherous, but with Takumi's help, he would have the means to grow stronger. The knight academy would be his next stepping stone, and from there, he would continue to climb until he reached the very top.

For now, he would play the role of the innocent boy, biding his time until he could reveal his true self. The road ahead was 

filled with challenges, but Zhì Jūn was ready to face them all with a sharp mind and an unyielding will.