Chapter 7: Fake It Till You Break It
The rhythmic creak of the carriage wheels filled the air as Lloyd sat in silence, his fingers tracing the silver embroidery on his cuffs.
"We should be Arriving soon." Selene stated she looked at Lloyd up and down who gave her a nod
"Although I am curious on how you managed to acquire those clothes. But it's none of my business."
Lloyd jolted, 'I should've thought this through a bit more, there's no way someone like me could have acquired money for luxuries like this'
"Still, you seem different aside from the clothes, like a completely new person" She gave Lloyd a long hard look
"Have your memories started to come back?"
"Something like that" Lloyd murmured, not wishing to disclose too much information. Lloyd trusted Selene however some things were not meant to be told.
The trip from Eastwatch to the middle wall had been long, but as the landscape changed, so did the world around him.
After exiting Eastwatch and travelling through the open plains for half a day they entered through a large metallic gate used for the convenience of people passing through to the inner or outer wall.
The simple wooden houses and dirt roads of Eastwatch were a vast contrast compared to the middle wall city's, cobblestone streets lined with brick and stone homes, their walls adorned with intricate carvings and banners bearing family crests. Lanterns that glowed with steady, magical light lined the streets, and the scent of fresh bread and roasting meats drifted from grand restaurants that put Eastwatch's modest eateries to shame. People strolled about in tailored coats and finely woven dresses, their posture upright, their eyes sharp, nothing like the weary, struggling folk of his hometown.
This was the city where the academy resided, The largest city in Blackreach capital of the walls some called it, However its true name being Vel'caria.
Lloyd kept his expression impassive, but he couldn't help but feel like an outsider. He was stepping into a world far beyond what he had known. In Fact he still knew nothing of this world and largely acted on whims and instinct.
The carriage slowed before an arcanist shop, its windows displaying an array of weapons embedded with shimmering Malachite gems. Selene stepped out first, gesturing for Lloyd to follow. Inside, the scent of oiled steel and polished wood filled his nose. The shopkeeper, a stout man with an eyepatch, recognized Selene immediately and gave a respectful nod.
"Vice-Captain Vale, a pleasure as always," he greeted. "What brings you in today?"
"I'm here to purchase an A-blade, one for a first timer" Selene replied, glancing toward Lloyd.
The shopkeeper sized Lloyd up before stepping behind the counter and pulling out a case. With a flick of his wrist, he opened it, revealing a dagger with a serrated edge, the hilt embedded with a dull red Malachite shard. "This one is forged from the remnants of a Lower Earl Demon called Skritch. Quick, deadly, and good for someone who prefers finesse over brute strength."
Lloyd lifted the weapon, testing its weight. It felt balanced, the magic within humming faintly beneath his fingertips.
'It's not like I know what makes a good A-blade so it will work.'
He gave Selene a nod, and without hesitation, she placed a pouch of coins on the counter.
"Thank you," Lloyd murmured, slipping the weapon into the sheath at his side.
"You'll need it where you're going," Selene said. "Come on, we have an interview to attend."
Lloyd hesitated at first but he needed this weapon, Lloyd vowed to pay selene back someday.
The Grand Academy loomed ahead, its towering spires casting long shadows over the pristine white stone courtyard. Ornate archways marked the entrance, and beyond them, the academy grounds stretched endlessly, filled with training fields, lecture halls, and dormitories that rivaled the estates of noble families. It was the heart of arcanist education, where the strongest and most talented gathered to hone their craft.
Lloyd followed Selene into the principal's office, a large chamber lined with bookshelves and relics from past battles. Seated behind a mahogany desk was an elderly man, his broad frame still imposing despite his age. A thick beard covered his face, and his piercing gray eyes studied Lloyd with quiet intensity. He was no mere administrator—this man had once been the Captain of the Night's Watch.
"Lloyd Eosian," the principal spoke, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "I've read your evaluation. Your compatibility with Malachite is exceptional, Your talent is the cream of the crop. But talent alone does not make an arcanist. Tell me—what do you seek to accomplish here?"
Lloyd met his gaze, his mind flashing back to the torment he had endured, the screams, the pain, the feeling of helplessness. And what about his second chance?, the anger he felt, the joy he found in revenge and the emptiness that corroded his heart after. "I seek purpose."
The principal regarded him for a moment before nodding. "I see. A respectable goal for an Arcanist who has lost his memories. Given your abilities, you've been assigned to Class A. Normally, your talent would place you in Class S, but there is no room at the moment. Class A, however, is among the best. Do not waste this opportunity."
Lloyd inclined his head respectfully. "I won't."
"Good. Your dormitory has already been arranged. Dismissed."
On the walk to the dorms lloyd fell into deep thought
From Lloyds knowledge Selene told him there were over 1000 Students in Crysmal Academy. There were 3 separate years with classes ranging from A-G including S class being the very top of each year. Normal students joined at the age of 18-20 any later and the amount of progress you make as an arcanist will decrease immensely.
However Lloyd being a special case he joined at 16 due to his loss of memories and extremely high compatibility allowing him to join earlier than usual. There were around 30 - 40 students in each class. His A class, the first year being some of the best in his year.
'I still know nothing about being an arcanist. But I'll learn what it means here.'
The Class A dormitory was unlike anything Lloyd had ever seen. His room alone was larger than the shack he had lived in back in Eastwatch. A plush bed, a wooden desk, a wardrobe, and—luxuries he had only dreamed of—a private shower and toilet. The air smelled fresh, untouched, as though it belonged to someone else entirely.
He placed his belongings inside the wardrobe, adjusting the sheath of his new weapon before turning to Selene, who had accompanied him. She gave him a small nod. "This is where I leave you. The teaching assistant will take you to your class. Try not to get into too much trouble."
Lloyd smirked faintly. "Of course, Thank you once again."
Selene nodded. "See you when the sky turns blue."
'What does that mean?'
I stepped out of the dorm to find a young man in academy robes waiting outside, offering a polite bow. "Lloyd Eosian, correct? I'll be taking you to your class. They're currently on the training field. Follow me."
Lloyd followed without a word. The academy's training field was vast, stretching farther than his eyes could see. Students dressed in the academy's uniform—dark tunics adorned with gold insignias—were engaged in sparring matches, some using A-blades, others doing harsh physical exercises. The instructor, a stern-looking man with a scar across his jaw, paused as Lloyd approached.
The teaching assistant cleared his throat. "Sir, this is Lloyd Eosian, the new addition to Class A."
The instructor looked him over before gesturing for the students to gather. "Everyone, we have a new recruit. Introduce yourself, Lloyd."
Lloyd stepped forward, his gaze scanning the crowd of his new classmates. "I'm Lloyd Eosian."
He left it at that, his tone cold and firm. He could feel the stares of his peers, some curious, others indifferent. He didn't care. He wasn't here to make friends.
The instructor nodded. "Good, Fall in. Training isn't over yet. You can call me instructor thompson."
Lloyd stepped into line, with the uncertainty of his future ahead. He was here now. And Lloyd would find his purpose here.
—-------------------------------------------------
"Alright, we'll finish off there, clean everything up and you're dismissed until the next period." Instructor Thompson called out
However Lloyd could hardly process his words, he was drained and on the verge of passing out.
'This is worse than the demon kings training plan' Lloyd thought looking up at his instructor nervous of future lessons 'He's a devil'
Despite this, this was a fairly standard training session for arcanists which Lloyd had joined half way through.
'I've got a long way to go, but I'll catch up soon enough.'
While Lloyd rested on the ground a tall, muscular male walked over to him.
'He's massive'
"You're Lloyd right?"
"Thats me" Lloyd replied lazily
"I see, nice to meet you. I'm Doran Castiel." He spoke reaching a hand down to Lloyd
Lloyd grabbed it and stood up while replying "Nice to meet you too."
"Since you're new here I've been asked to take you round the campus and show you the different parts of the academy."
"I see, that would be helpful, thanks"
"Anything you wanna see first?"
"Not particularly. Maybe the cafeteria?"
"Cool, let's go there first"
As they walked off the training grounds, Lloyd and Doran could hear distant mumbling off the other students.
"Did you see that? He looks so weak. He barely even made it through half the lesson"
"He's tiny as well. And not even 18 yet. What is the principle thinking?"
"Beats me, they let anyone in if they've got an ounce of talent and a powerful backing"
This didn't bother Lloyd, precisely because they were right, he was small and scrawny. Didn't even know how to wield an A-blade and only was accepted due to Selene. Still he wasn't going to let their expectations of him stay that way.
"Ignore them, I respect people like you." Doran huffed.
"Huh, why?" Lloyd surprised of his words
"People like them only work to the bare minimum. Sure they're stronger than you now, but from what i saw in just this training session, You're a real hard worker. It's people like me and you who are going to become strong, so strong that nobody can stop us." Doran smiled at Lloyd.
These words cut deep in Lloyd, he wasn't even thinking of becoming stronger, He was merely running because he had nothing else to do. He trained hard because that's all he knew how to do.
"Is this your purpose? Is that why you train so hard, to become strong?" Lloyd questioned
"Not at all, Becoming strong is merely a stepping stone for me. One day I will become the Leader of the Arcane Watchers. And single handedly defend this bastion." He laughed as if flaunting how great he was.
Lloyd was impressed. At merely his first meeting, he already had grown to like Doran.
Doran and Lloyd walked through the academy discovering and learning about various parts of the academy. Doran had been in class 3 weeks before Lloyd so he had some experience.
Before they finished up at their final lesson of the day.
"Malachite Resonance Training, pretty much enhancing our compatibility with our personal weapons through meditation, sparring or personal practice." Doran answered
"I see, I've never used an A-blade before."
"Oh really? That's rare to see. No worries though, I can walk you through it."
They entered the training hall where multiple metallic dummies lay along with sparring pitches and a separate sound proof room for meditation. Class A students were already training as they entered the room
The instructor was standing in the middle of the class
"Ah Lloyd, this is a lesson to enhance compatibility with an A-blade. Feel free to choose whichever method you feel you need the most, feel free to ask if you need any help."
"Alright, thanks."
Instructor Thompson nodded and stepped off
"We should probably use the sparring pitches, as surprising as it sounds. The best and fastest way to break through to your weapon is through intense sparring. Don't worry i'll go easy on you though." Doran snorted
Lloyd had quite the competitive personality, "You're on" He smirked although Lloyd had no idea how to wield a knife.
They walked over to an open sparring pitch and Doran talked Lloyd through the steps
"Firstly, take the knife out its sheath, give it a swing see how it feels"
So that is what he did. He took out the dark steel coloured knife, a faint red light emanated within. However, not enough to break through.
Lloyd swung it in the air with a right diagonal slash followed by a vertical slash upwards. The weight was light and smooth.
Doran picked up an unusually large wooden mace, almost as tall as Lloyd.
"You sure it'll be fine? Not using your A-blade?" Lloyd spoke slightly nervous of the immensely large opponent he faced
"Of course, an A-blade has no edge if the wielder hasn't broken through yet."
"Don't, blame me if you get hurt!" Lloyd announced dashing at Doran
Doran prepared himself in a stance, As Lloyd approached at unnatural speed he swung upwards aiming for Dorans neck. However Lloyd was too slow. Dorans physical prowess was miles above Lloyds even without his A-blade.
Once a user has broken through to an A-blade they will display immense speed and physical prowess which is why Doran was slightly surprised to see Lloyd disappear in front of him
'A feint?!' he thought quickly, twisting his body to protect the back of his neck. Where Lloyd had appeared and struck at. The weapons collided and Dorans wooden mace shattered into a hundred pieces.
"Wha- No way" he Gasped, staggering backwards from the force he felt from Lloyd.
Lloyd jumped back, distancing himself from Doran.
"Lloyd, you said you've never wielded an A-blade before?"
"I haven't even held a knife before. Is this not supposed to happen?" Lloyd answered truthfully
"No… Lloyd, look at your knife."
He looked down to his knife had turned into a dark crimson red colour
"When did this happen? Does this mean I'm breaking through?"
"No, far from it. You've already broken through and harnessed at least 20% of its power." Doran stuttered, Eyes wide in shock.
"What?!?" Lloyd yelped
End of Chapter 7: Fake It Till You Break It