hidden
The wooden carriage sped down the rocky path, its wheels bouncing off the uneven stones, making an annoying rattling noise.
I leaned back, taking in the fresh air. Seeing this new place made me excited. I couldn't wait to carry out the plans I made back on Élodie's ship.
I whistled, feeling at peace. Away from all the chaos.
After everything that happened, I didn't want to get involved in any more mess. I planned to stay low.
Clip, clop – skrrt.
The carriage came to a stop in front of a massive gate.
Is this the place?
I hopped off and thanked the driver. Once the carriage rolled away, I turned to examine the towering gate ahead of me.
As I took a step forward, a guard suddenly blocked my path.
"What's your business here?"
His question caught me off guard. What should I even say? A student? Someone wanting to enroll? This was my first time in a place like this.
I stood there for a moment before finally replying, "I want to enroll as a student at the Academy of Sandy."
"A student? Did you seriously come all this way just for that? What proof do we have that you're eligible?"
His words annoyed me.
"I literally just came here to study," I said, and the word study itself reminded me of my uncle.
"You're a commoner?" the guard asked again.
"Yeah. Got a problem with that?" I frowned, sensing the slight discrimination in his tone.
"If that's the case, come back tomorrow with a student card. If you break this rule, you'll be treated as a criminal," he explained.
A student card? Is that some sort of access pass to enter?
"Alright, thanks," I replied before turning to leave.
"Wait… why are you only enrolling now? The school term has already been going on for a while," he asked, curious.
"My aunt forced me to. I just got sent here," I answered.
"You're 17?"
"Yeah."
"In that case, hurry up."
"Thanks. I'll be off, then."
After that whole conversation, I finally stepped into a vast, lively place.
If I remembered correctly, this was Lexicon Town—a knowledge hub named by the Second King himself.
I walked around, observing the surroundings. People were eating, running, laughing, and just enjoying life.
"Peaceful."
That was the first word that came to mind.
But… would this peace last?
---
After wandering (and getting lost) for a few minutes, I finally arrived at a large area surrounded by tall gates. A huge sign read: Academy of Sandy.
I took a step forward—only to be stopped by another guard.
Was every fancy place like this?
"What's your purpose here?" he asked.
"I'm 17 and want to enroll as a student."
"follow me."
I complied, walking behind him as he led me through the academy grounds. The place was massive, with towering buildings that had an elegant, high-class design.
"Why are you enrolling so late?" he asked as we walked.
"Is it that weird?" I asked back.
"Most people your age are already in their second year. Since you're just joining, you'll likely have to take a test to determine your placement in the first year."
A test, huh?
After a few minutes, we arrived at an office.
"We're here," the guard said before leaving without another word.
I turned my gaze to the office. A woman with dark green hair was sleeping at the desk, snoring pretty loudly.
Should I wake her up?
I carefully stepped closer—
But she suddenly shot up, wide awake.
"YES?! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" she shouted.
I flinched. "Uh—I want to enroll as a student."
"WHY NOW?!"
I took a step back.
"You people are a pain in the ass! Disturbing my nap—" she grumbled before sighing in defeat.
"Name?" she asked, pulling out a piece of paper.
"Nao Sarutobi."
She suddenly froze.
"Sarutobi? Who's your father?"
"That's my uncle's family name," I answered.
"…Alright."
She scribbled something down and continued asking for details like my age, place of residence, and so on.
"Now, we'll test your abilities. Follow me to the training grounds."
I nodded and followed her.
---
In front of me stood a massive triangular stone.
"Destroy it," she ordered.
I smirked. "Got it."
I clenched my fist, pulled back, and—
THWACK!
Pain shot through my hand instantly.
"OUCH!!"
I shook my throbbing hand. That thing was solid as hell!
The woman looked at me, completely speechless.
"Next," she said after a long pause, "block this attack."
She muttered a spell, and suddenly, a fireball came flying toward me.
My eyes widened.
"T-TIME OUT! WAIT—!!"
I flinched, bracing for impact—
But before it could hit me, the fireball vanished into thin air.
The woman's expression shifted to disbelief.
"Next, place your hand on this stone table," she instructed.
I obeyed.
A few seconds passed before she gasped.
"Impossible… Have you never trained before?"
"Nope," I lied.
"Sorry I'm just curious… here's your student card. You'll be placed in Year One, Class 1-A. This is your dorm key—Room 36. You start tomorrow."
She handed me a card with my picture and personal details.
Wait—when did she even take my picture?!
I gave her a weird look.
Reading my expression, she answered, "I took it just now. No need to check in with the guards. I'll handle it."
"Alright, thanks." I gave her a slight nod out of respect.
Before leaving, she pointed in a direction. "Your dorm is over there."
I nodded again.
As she walked away, I stood there for a moment, deep in thought.
She looked shocked when she heard my uncle's name.
Looking down at my student card, I noticed something strange.
It only had Nao on it.
No Sarutobi.
Just who was my uncle…?