Chapter 8 - Under the Gaze of a Beast

As I crossed the academy gates, I instantly understood the magnitude of this place. This wasn't just a learning institution… it was a city in itself. From the entrance, the facilities stretched as far as the eye could see, a marvel of architecture and organization.

Despite its majesty, the line of applicants moved forward in an orderly fashion toward a side building located just beside the main gate. The crowd never stopped; it flowed like a constant river, guided by senior students patrolling the area and giving clear instructions to newcomers.

I walked alongside my horse, with my sword hanging at my side, when one of those students approached and raised a hand to stop me.

"No animals are allowed in the admissions area," he said firmly. "Unless you're planning to take the knight entrance exam. In that case, your destination is the southern zone—see that building on the hill?"

He pointed into the distance. Atop a small hill stood a building shaped like a sword driven into the earth. A sight as symbolic as it was imposing.

"Senior, may I ask what the difference is between the two exams?" I asked respectfully.

The student smirked sarcastically.

"Looks like you don't know a thing… Still, that's kind of interesting."

"Clarence, let it go," another senior said, his voice deeper. "Just explain what he needs to know."

"Understood, captain." Clarence sighed. "Look, the test in that building everyone's heading to is for those wanting to become bureaucrats or officials. But the one on the hill is for nobles… and any commoner who believes they've got what it takes to become a knight."

"I appreciate your guidance, seniors," I replied with a noble bow.

Without wasting any more time, I mounted my horse and rode toward the sword-shaped building. As I got closer, the atmosphere grew quieter, heavier… as if the very air recognized this place as something far more serious than the rest of the academy.

In front of the building, three men in full plate armor were chatting calmly. When they noticed my approach, they looked up. Their gazes were sharp as blades, and when their eyes locked on me, an alarm rang in my mind.

Alert: Extremely dangerous targets detected. Desperate escape recommended to preserve life.

Angel, I murmured mentally, how strong are the three knights in front of me?

Analyzing...

Knights ahead: Strength: 12.5

Agility: 14.6

Vitality: 15.0

Knight in the back:

Strength: 52.3

Agility: 59.1

Vitality: 61.3

"Shit…" I swallowed hard. "That's impossible… I wouldn't even see the moment I die."

As I tried to stay calm, the knight in the back stepped forward. He didn't draw his weapon or take any stance, yet his mere presence was devastating. I felt as if a colossal monster was staring into my soul—as if the gates of the abyss had opened before me. For an instant, my body refused to respond. I couldn't even move a finger.

"It's disrespectful not to dismount in the presence of evaluators," he said, his voice deep, like a final verdict.

His words snapped me out of the trance. I rushed to dismount but stumbled as I landed. I rolled across the ground like a beginner, the burn of embarrassment stinging more than the impact.

"My apologies, sir. I meant no offense," I said, forcing a bow from the ground.

The pressure vanished, as if it had never been there. His gaze softened slightly. That man… he must've possessed some ability to instill such fear by mere presence alone.

"My name is Anthon. I'm the commander of Caerlin's First Battalion, one of the five battalions that protect this academy." He gestured to the two knights behind him. "They will be in charge of this year's commoner group. From the looks of it, you're the last to arrive. So far, twelve have been recruited."

He turned to the instructors.

"Call them all. Recruitment is over."

The knights disappeared at astonishing speed and returned within minutes with eleven more youths. Some looked disheveled, others had swollen faces. It was clear not everyone had come of their own free will.

"Welcome," the commander said without bothering to repeat his name. "I like to personally greet the newcomers—so you understand exactly what kind of place you're stepping into."

His eyes scanned each of us. That same pressure returned, though lighter this time. Just a reminder of who held control.

"First and foremost: you are commoners. You have no backing here, which means you must stand together. I started as one of you. I know what you'll be facing. Believe me when I say it will be hard. Maybe even inhuman. But if you endure… someday, all of them will kneel beneath your feet."

For the first time, a spark of fire lit among us. I saw hardened expressions, fists clenched in silent resolve. Even the instructors allowed themselves faint smiles, remembering their pasts and all they had endured to reach this point.

"Now," the commander continued, "which of you has received formal training with swords, bows, spears, or shields?"

No one raised a hand. Not a single one. An uncomfortable silence filled the air. The old William might've had experience… but I had only wielded a weapon for the first time yesterday.

I'd rather go through all the basic training. Pretending would only hold me back.

"I see… Always the same," the commander growled. "Your noble peers have mastered every weapon I just named. They've been trained since they could walk. This year, three hundred and sixty nobles were recruited. You are only twelve."

His words were like blades. But not meant to humiliate. They were meant to confront us with reality.

"Over the next six months, you will be trained. At the end, you will be evaluated. Anyone who fails to meet the minimum standard… will be expelled. I wish you the best of luck. You are dismissed. The instructors will take you to your quarters."

The echo of his words thundered in our minds. The gap between them and us was brutal.

And yet…

These are the kinds of challenges that drive me.

For as long as I can remember, I've done what everyone said was impossible.

So let's do it.