The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 006

The days passed quickly, and before he knew it, Lucian was nine years old. The small village he lived in no longer seemed big enough to contain his curiosity. In his mind, he knew the world was out there waiting for him - a world full of opportunity and danger.

But the journey to that future required a first step, and that step was Arcadia Academy. A place known as a hotbed of young genius, where talents from all over the kingdom gathered to be forged into the future pillars of the nation.

"Arcadia Academy..." Lucian murmured, looking far into the horizon. In his heart, he knew that this place was more than just a school. It was a new territory he had to conquer, a place where he might find answers to his slowly returning powers.

Preparations for their departure to the Academy had begun months earlier. Anna was busy sewing new clothes for Lucian, making sure everything was perfect. Meanwhile, Evan trained with him every morning, teaching him basic fighting techniques.

"Lucian," Evan said one morning as they practiced in the backyard. "I know you're talented, more than you let on. But remember, true power isn't just about technique. It's about heart, about the courage to stand up even when the world is trying to knock you down."

Lucian nodded. He had heard many such words of wisdom in his previous life. But this time the words felt different. There was a warmth to them, something he had never felt before.

However, this morning's training brought an unexpected surprise. As their wooden swords clashed, Lucian felt something strange - an old familiar energy surging through his body. His movements became faster, stronger, and without realizing it, he managed to disarm Evan's wooden sword with a single strike.

Evan was surprised, but his smile broadened. "Excellent, son. You really are my son."

But inside, Lucian felt more than pride. He felt a spark of his old power - the power that had once made him feared on the battlefield. If only for a moment, he knew that his past was slowly returning to him.

At night, Lucian tried to recreate that feeling. He held the wooden sword alone in the courtyard and replayed the moves he had made against Evan. But this time the energy didn't appear. "Why?" he muttered in frustration. But he realized that his old power wouldn't just come back. It was something he had to understand and master again, step by step.

The day of departure finally came. Lucian stood in front of the house, wearing the new clothes his mother had lovingly made for him. A simple carriage, a gift from a kind neighbor, waited for him out front.

Anna hugged him tightly, tears in her eyes. "Be the best you can be, my son. Remember, no matter what happens, we will always love you."

Evan put a hand on Lucian's shoulder. "Take care of yourself out there. And if anyone bothers you, show them you're Evan Rayne's son."

Lucian smiled a little. "I'll be fine, Dad, Mom. Thank you for everything."

The trip to Arcadia Academy took two days. On the way, Lucian sat quietly in the carriage, watching the changing landscape outside the window. Towering mountains, dense forests, and finally the tall towers of Arcadia Academy came into view in the distance.

When the carriage stopped in front of the Academy's massive gates, Lucian got out and took a deep breath. In front of him was a magnificent gate with beautiful carvings, flanked by huge statues of the Academy's founders.

"So this is the Arcadia Academy," he murmured. "The place where it all begins."

The first day at the Academy was a busy one. The new students from various regions gathered in the main hall to listen to the principal's welcome speech. Lucian sat in the back row, his eyes scanning his surroundings carefully.

He saw a variety of faces - some enthusiastic, some nervous, and some full of confidence. But one thing he noticed was their aura. As someone who had once been a legendary warrior, he could sense the strength of others, however faintly.

The speeches ended and the students were divided into groups for a tour of the Academy. Lucian joined a small group led by a young instructor named Seraphina.

"Arcadia Academy is a place to learn, but also to grow," Seraphina said as they walked through the large library. "Here you will be tested not only in knowledge, but also in courage and character."

Lucian studied every inch of the Academy. The library, the training rooms, the dueling arenas - all designed to train and develop the students. But beneath the admiration, he couldn't shake the feeling that something greater was waiting for him here.

When the tour ended, Lucian made his way back to his dormitory. On the way, however, he met a student who looked different from the others. His long black hair was tied back neatly, and his piercing eyes radiated confidence.

"Are you new?" the student asked, his voice cold but not hostile.

Lucian nodded. "Yes, my name is Lucian."

The student smiled faintly. "I am Kael. Welcome to Arcadia Academy. May you be prepared for what lies ahead."

Although the conversation was brief, Lucian sensed something strange about Kael. There was an aura of strength behind his calm demeanor, something that reminded him of the soldiers he had once known.

That night, Lucian stood at the window of his dormitory and looked up at the moon shining in the sky. He remembered the spark of energy he had felt while training with Evan, and he knew that his strength was not completely gone.

"If this is truly a new beginning," he thought, "I must seize every opportunity."

He opened the notebook Seraphina had given him during the tour and read through each of the academy's rules and the list of subjects to be taken. One of them, Basic Swordplay, made him smile a little. "I once led thousands of warriors, and now I have to learn the basics again. How funny."

With renewed determination, she promised herself to become stronger, not only for herself, but also to protect those she loved. Images of Evan and Anna appeared in his mind, their warm smiles giving him new strength to face whatever lay ahead.

The journey at Arcadia Academy was just beginning, and Lucian knew it wasn't just about regaining his powers. It was about understanding who he really was and what the purpose of his new life was.