Ch 2

The route to the kiddy academy was uneventful. Houses and simple shops surrounded the path. It was a pre-modern look since the capital was just new. An amalgamation (combination) of various clans and merchants. Clans becoming the main sources of mages and merchants as civilians.

The division won't be clear until peacetime since now everyone tries to survive. To note, the division exists due to clans having a strong background and civilians having to strive twice or thrice more than their nobler counterpart.

The sky was bright blue and the sun's rays illuminated the path. Such a nice weather to welcome her and companions to a wondrous era of killing and madness. It's just right to appreciate the breeze that surrounds her. A gentle lull in such a world.

After minutes of walking, the doors of the academy was seen. It is a far cry from the academy of the future and yet there's a certain majesty to a place where the strong sought to build. That, and the fact that there were countless security measures and defenses taken.

There were guides that ushered the children towards a hall. Supposedly, that was the place to register and be welcomed by a powerful mage. She had heard these from the older kids back at the orphanage. Supposedly, it was awe-inspiring and so cool to see a strong mage.

Another thing, it seems that there are still rights and liberties of an orphan afterall. For the academy, although its compulsory to take a 2-year basic education, it seems that the choice to continue further education or other prospects aside from being a mage was allowed. An available chance to avoid being cannon fodder.

However, though that seems nice to hear, not many take this chance. All would want to be a great mage to defy their fate. Being a mage also guarantees financial security compared to taking to other industries. So few orphans do really leave the program. Since the promise of continued shelter and food allowance is too tempting.

"Kid, move along." A guide ushered her towards the seat after she signed her name at the registration

Lights were focused on the stage and there were minimal decorations around. There were a couple hundred children around and it was expected that after the compulsary education, the number will be cut in half.

It was only a couple of minutes before the noise was abruptly silenced. A man walked down the stage imposingly. He wore a military uniform and was releasing an aura of prestige and honor.

Clan children recognized who he is and knew of a powerful mage, a mage that's part of the capital's proud few. A title achieved with a lot of lives and bloodshed.

Van Heinwick is someone who people ought to be wary of. It's more appropriate to say he was here to start the propaganda of developing the love for the capital. Reputation and honor speaks the best afterall to have the confidence, ability, and right to inspire gullible children.

"Good day, children, today, you are starting a new journey that makes all the difference..."

His speech only lasted for 10 minutes before the crowd ended with an applause. It was a margin of difference from the long speeches that irritated one to no end.

"...the strong will have the choice to live so study well and may there be Glory to Ether" His etherun covered the hall and gave an illusion of a prosperous capital and the feeling of proudness to be a citizen. There was also a feeling of him talking directly to you instead of the hundreds present.

Huh, it's good to know how they value the aspirations of 7-year-olds. Heinwick even bothered to use his an illusion powered by etherun. Indoctrination truly starts early.

Indeed, only the strong will live and has the choice to live.

The man exits and the guides began to assign them to their rooms. One class caught her eye as there was more apparent care for them. It seems that these are the children the major clans had cultivated. It would be tragedy to be assigned with them. Egos will surely compete.

Luck still favors her and she was assigned into one of the ordinary classes. Thus begins her pre-academy journey.

...

The days were filled in learning history, basic math, basic theory on etherun, and etc. Weeks had passed with her sinking into mediocrity. Well, until now.

Before her was a child lying in the ground after she beat them up due to inattention. Today, was the start of their spars that was minutely supervisioned.

She hadn't had a good grasp of her strength and was momentarily distracted by another spar as it was simultaneous with others. Indeed, that was a rookie mistake she should avoid getting distracted. The child infront of her was no good either, coming unto her with the intent to kill truly shows a trait of a child from war. The child aimed for her neck and with fast reflexes adjusted to the heart when she avoided that deathly strike to the neck and instincts took over as she followed-up with a punch.

"Arta? You should control your strength" Komi Inu was a teacher she disliked. Standing before her with faux concerned but sparkling eyes as another teacher attended to her downed partner.

Komi Inu didn't know distance. She liked knowing things and this did not bode well for her. Inu was already in her case after several days of meeting her. This spar was just a nice sign for her to continue.

Well, she was bound to be disappointed. After this, it won't matter more since there is safety in mediocrity. Say, Arta would be good at defending and taking some punches then be down on the next spars.

Inu patted her head before going to another spar. Her muteness not bothering Inu after several days of "getting along". Then, there goes another day at this kiddy academy.

So what's this foreboding feeling?