Chapter 7 : Arrival

Chapter 7 

It took about a month to complete the journey, which was filled with golly spirits. Everyone had been excited about the loot they had managed to obtain, as well as for me, the newest.

During that month, we all unanimously decided three things–

One: We will leave our former lives and commit to our common cause, the revitalization of murim. 

Two: We will all enroll in the academy, and graduate with a high grade to ensure our future in murim.

Three: We will completely seal our goals, our abilities, and identities, especially princess Adriana. It was agreed she would go by Ariana.

During that time, since I could not learn the way for most weapons, Vince taught me the basics of fist-fighting. He taught me basic charging, energy blasts, blocks, grapples etc. Josiah helped too. He taught me a skill called 'reload' that charged up all one's energy and released it in a single, powerful blast. And as per the name, it took a long time to perform another blast, which depended on the user. 

I was also given the rundown of how they came to be. Most of them were rejected by general society, some running away from their respective villages and meeting each other. The rest 

The morning sun rose from the east, more magnificent and brighter than it had ever been.

The air was fresh and the breeze gentle.

"This is it" I thought.

"It has to be it". Venus butted in.

The sound of the crow was loud. It was so loud that it woke everyone up. All of the reconnaissance team, led by Ash, were the ones at guard as they slept on the deck for the most of the time, 10 in all. The mages, 10 in number, would focus on the princesses' safety.

The rest of us, apart from exempting Lola and Jamie who focused on steering the ship and assisting princess Adriana, would take care of the condition of the ship.

"Finally, we're here. The smoke was killing me" Adriana said, while of course, smiling.

"Everyone get together," she cried.

"Remember our cause. Remember our reason for breathing. All at once, in 3,2,1!!"

"For the revitalization of murim, for the protection of the weak, and for the restoration of order!"

We all shouted in unison. 

One could tell it was a ragtag band, with a simple look. Though that was the case, that did not stop them from their goal, although it was a little far off.

As soon as we arrived on the coast, we abandoned the ship. "Why didn't we sell it?" you may ask. "This was a new technology that not many people had, and the demand would be very high". Well I did ask, and got a scolding.

"Yes, and we might as well hand ourselves straight to the authorities. You like being in prison, Muna? Huh? If you really wanna keep up with us, you should be able to catch on with our intentions without having to be told. Selling that ship would make it harder for us to lay low and easier for us to draw more eyes. Think boy, think!". That was Lola, and this was her attitude towards me. She was normal to everyone, but seemed to view me as lesser than everyone else. And the fact that she's one year younger than me doesn't help at all. She just pisses me off.

We finally got the campus, not too far deep within the continent. We chose a place called the Royal territory, which was colonized by foreign people, not that this mattered to me though. The point of going to Yulo was to 'clean; our history, while also graduating with the highest marks, as to solidify our position in murim. I don't care who helps me or who stops me. You're either by my side or in my way. I must survive, and I will, at any cost.

We arrived in the morning and spent our time looking around and enjoying ourselves, as this time of the year was a festival time. This was usually when students from the Yulo academy graduated, and the academy hosted a parting celebration. It was one of the most, if not the most prominent of jubilations in the R.T. It got so big over the years that they hosted an outsider party, just on the outskirts of the academy. They claimed it was to share their joy with everyone, whether in the academy, or out, according to Oliver.

"These bastards, they only host an outside party so that they can make profit on the outside as well. People can still come to the academy today, but for a hefty price. They only care about others when there's something in it for themselves."

Despite saying this Kainan had already inhaled 2 bottles of booze. 

"I'm not celebrating them, I'm celebrating us for finally making it here. It was getting very dangerous raiding places, y'know!" He defended himself. It was clear that he was there not for us, not for them, but for the booze. He could just say that next time.

It was not soon enough that Ariana, we now called her, called us together to discuss our next action. 

"As we know, our time in the academy will last only four years. If you catch on quickly, you know what I'm about to say. Anyone want to guess?"

It was clear that her topic of discussion was the Geddish war. Since the war happened 10 years ago, and Xilan was able to bargain for about 14 years, we would have to face the war as soon as we graduate.

Not wanting to sound like a know-it-all and to probably give the others a chance, I kept my mouth shut

"Me, me!!" a voice sounded right behind us.

"Hey! Keep it down Jennie! Do you want guards to knock on our door? We spent a lot of time picking this inn. Don't ruin it for us." Shane said. Despite knowing he was absolutely right, someone had to butt in.

"He really is too serious for his own good" Venus, after being completely absent for the past month or so, finally said. 

"Where were you in the past month, popping up all of a sudden to nag" I was obviously joking but I didn't expect what happened next.

"You brat! I've had work and been busy! Who are you to say where I should be and what I should do! You?! I knew I spoiled you too much! You dare talk back to me! If only I was there right now I'd beat you–"

It got so bad I was closing my ears. That didn't work. 

"You ok bro?" Kainan asked.

I clenched my jaw, gritted my teeth as hard as I could, because Venus was still yelling in my head.

"Y-yeah its nothing" I replied, my voice sounding weak even to me. I was so distracted that I forgot what was happening in front of me.

"S-so actually, the war was stopped 10 years ago and Xilan bargained for 14 years. That was ten years ago. The war will kick off four years from now, our graduation" Ariana said, breaking the cold silence from Shane's interruption.

Everyone froze at that revelation .seemed that somehow, we were destined for a life full of trouble. No one would be happy about that.

"Remember everyone, attend the academy with all seriousness and receive all the training you can. We will need it. We'll be busy as soon as we exit the academy." She paused.

"That's all for tonight. Tomorrow is enrollment day. Get some rest."