The Path of a Knight

(Samuel's POV)

The Knight Academy stood tall before us, a grand fortress of stone and steel, its banners fluttering against the wind.

The entrance gates were massive, guarded by two imposing knights in gleaming armor. Their gazes were sharp, watching every passerby with scrutiny.

Leo, walking beside me, kept fidgeting with his ragged sleeves. "Are… are you sure they'll take me in?" His voice wavered with uncertainty.

I smirked and patted his head. "Trust me, kid. They'd be fools not to. You've got potential."

One of the guards at the gate stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he examined Leo. "What business do you have here, stranger?"

I placed a hand on Leo's shoulder and said, "This boy, Leo, wishes to join the Knight Academy. He's got no family, no home… but he's got the heart of a fighter."

The second guard scoffed. "A street rat? We don't take thieves here."

Leo tensed, clenching his fists. I sighed. "Damn, these guys are really by-the-book."

I folded my arms. "Listen, if you don't take him in, where do you think he'll end up? Back on the streets? Maybe in the dungeons? Or worse, joining some gang? That's not what you knights stand for, right?"

The first guard frowned. "The Academy only accepts those who show promise, those who prove they are worthy of training."

I grinned. "Then give him a chance to prove himself. A trial, maybe?"

The guards exchanged looks before one of them nodded. "Fine. He will undergo the Knight's Trial—if he succeeds, he may stay."

Leo's eyes widened. "I… I can do it! I'll prove myself!"

I ruffled his hair. "That's the spirit, kid."

The guards motioned for Leo to follow them. As he stepped forward, he suddenly turned back to me. "Samuel… you're not coming with me?"

I shook my head. "Nah, kid. My journey is just starting. This place… this is your journey now."

His face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Will I… see you again?"

I smirked. "If fate allows it, yeah."

Leo clenched his fists and stood tall. "Then… next time we meet, I'll be a knight!"

I chuckled. "I'll be holding you to that."

As the gates of the Knight Academy shut behind Leo, I turned back toward the bustling streets of the city. One story ends, another begins.

I took a deep breath. "Well then… where to next?"

____

As I walked away from the Knight Academy, a thought lingered in my mind. What kind of future awaits Leo?

I smirked and whispered, "System, show me the future simulation of Leo."

A blue holographic screen appeared before me, flickering as the System processed my request. Soon, images and text started to form.

____

Future Simulation: Leo's Path

Name: Leo Valhert

Title: Knight of the Silver Oath

Age: 25

Status: Royal Guard Commander

Achievements:

Defeated the Blood Fang Mercenaries single-handedly.

Became the youngest knight to reach Captain Rank.

Earned the title "Lionheart" for his unwavering courage in battle.

Sworn protector of the Imperial Princess.

Wielded the legendary Sword of Valor, said to be unbreakable.

Trained under the Grandmaster of Knights, surpassing his peers in swordsmanship and strategy.

Personal Life

A respected knight, feared by enemies and loved by his people.

Never forgot his humble beginnings, often visiting orphanages and sponsoring young warriors.

Kept a silver locket—the only memento from his past—given to him by "a wandering traveler."

Final Words in the Simulation

Leo stood atop a battlefield, his silver armor covered in scratches, but his stance firm. As he gazed at the setting sun, he murmured:

"Samuel… wherever you are… I hope I've made you proud."

___

The simulation ended. The holographic screen disappeared.

I stood there, speechless for a moment, then smirked. "Damn, kid. You really outdid yourself."

I turned away, hands in my pockets, and walked toward my next adventure. "Guess I'll see you again someday, Knight Leo."

a familiar chime echoed in my ears.

[DING!]

A translucent blue screen materialized before me, displaying the latest system notification.

----

[Quest Completion Notification]

Quest: "Guide the Lost One" – Completed!

You have successfully guided Leo Valhert to a future of greatness.

By securing his admission into the Knight Academy, you have altered his fate from a street thief to a noble warrior.

Rewards:

+500 EXP

Title Unlocked: "Fate Weaver" (Grants slight influence over the destiny of those you interact with)

Item Obtained: [Silver Oath Pendant] – A keepsake that strengthens the bond between you and Leo.

---

I smirked. "Well, well. Looks like I'm already making waves in this world."

I glanced at the pendant in my inventory—a silver medallion with a lion crest engraved on it. A faint glow surrounded it, as if it held a deeper meaning yet to be uncovered.

I turned back to the Knight Academy one last time.

"Do your best, kid. Make that future a reality."

Then, with a newfound sense of purpose, I strode forward into the unknown, ready for the next adventure.