Chapter 12: New Knights and the Brewing Storm

Inside the royal meeting chamber, the Lord Emperor stood with arms folded, gazing out a stained-glass window shimmering with the sigil of the kingdom.

"It's been three days since Ardy's clash with Lord Raven," he said. "We lost two S-Rank students already. We can't afford to lose more."

Kael nodded solemnly. "What do you want us to do?"

"Gather the remaining six S-Rank students. Form a unified team." The Emperor added, "Also, call Oscar."

Master Lee spoke up. "Sir, Oscar is still deep in training. Since he can't use magic, he's sharpening his physical techniques and spatial awareness. He needs more time."

The Emperor sighed. "Fine. Then train the others, Kael. Lee, oversee the strategy."

Later that day, all six S-Rank students—Ardy, Akumo, Sumi, Ruka, Zero, and Edward—stood in a straight line before Kael and Lee.

Kael's eyes were sharp.

"Your power is recognized. But now you'll taste what true training means."

A flash of time—two years passed.

Two Years Later

Under a twilight sky, Ruka and Sumi walked together, both matured into graceful warriors. Ruka's beauty had only grown, and Sumi's confidence had blossomed.

"You and Zero talk often," Ruka teased.

Sumi blushed. "W-We do... but I haven't confessed."

Ruka smiled. "If you don't say anything, how would you know if he feels the same?"

Sumi looked down. "I… I'll think about it."

They arrived at the ceremony grounds where the rest of the S-Rank students awaited. Ruka's eyes naturally drifted toward Ardy, watching silently from under a tree.

Kael stepped forward.

"You've all completed your training. From this day forward, you are officially Holy Knights. The new elite."

He paused, surveying the group.

"Your leader will be… Akumo."

"Any objections?" he asked. Silence answered him.

Akumo nodded, "I'll do my best."

Kael unfurled a scroll.

"There's unrest in the eastern jungle city and riverside city. A civil war is brewing. If it erupts, thousands will die. And both cities hold strategic value—we can't afford to lose them."

"We also have trouble from the neighboring kingdom. All top Holy Knights are defending the border—including me, Lee, and the Emperor."

He handed a map to Akumo.

"This is your first mission. You're on your own."

Akumo studied the parchment.

"The main road takes seven days," he muttered, "but the jungle route only takes three. We'll go that way."

The next morning, the team set off through dense greenery. Along the way, they faced wild beasts and monsters—felling them with ease. They found joy in swimming at pristine waterfalls, collecting herbs, and setting up glowing fire-lit campsites.

Yet Ardy remained distant—always seated alone, eyes on the sky.

In two years, bonds had formed. Akumo and Zero had become close friends to Ardy. Even Ruka, once shy and unsure, now walked beside him with ease.

She often tried to tease or charm him—but Ardy deflected every advance.

One night, the boys dug a pit and filled it with steaming water using fire and water magic. They soaked and laughed—everyone but Ardy, who stayed at the edge.

Later, it was the girls' turn.

Sumi bathed first and left. Ruka remained.

Ardy, assuming it was empty, stepped in, wrapped in a towel.

Ruka stepped out at the same time—and froze.

Ardy's physique was lean, cut, practically sculpted.

"Oh my," Ruka teased with a blush, "you're looking kinda... hot."

Ardy narrowed his eyes. "You're still in a towel. Go get dressed."

Ruka smirked. "What, did you feel something? If you want a peek, just ask."

"Please," Ardy muttered, "just get lost."

Suddenly—Ruka's towel slipped.

She gasped. Ardy immediately turned his head, eyes shut.

"I-I didn't see anything… just a little…"

Ruka's face turned crimson. "You pervert!" she shouted, fleeing into the trees.

Ardy sighed, dipped into the spring, and leaned back under the stars.

Three days later, Team Akumo reached the edge of the conflict zone.

From a distance, three masked figures observed them from the rooftops.

Masked No. 2 handed an eerie glowing stone to No. 3.

"This one's yours. Can you do it?"

No. 3 was silent, a single tear dripping beneath his mask.

"I'm sure she's in heaven now," No. 1 said quietly. "It wasn't your fault. She was just… a slave girl. And an elf."

No. 3 clenched the stone. "There are no strong fighters left in the capital. We'll take the second stone."

"You two," he added. "Get the third."

That evening, Akumo gathered the locals from both cities for a council.

He stepped forward.

"The civil war began because of one thing—a magic stone embedded in the sacred ring of the God statue."

He pointed to the map. "This stone was stolen. Each village thought the other one took it. That's what lit the fire between you."

Ruka crossed her arms. "Wait… is that stone the same kind as the ones we're protecting?"

Akumo nodded grimly. "Yes. It's another one of ours."

Ardy's voice was low and steady. "Then it makes sense. We're the only S-Rank team left. The top Holy Knights are at war. The A-Ranks are already deployed."

"They're targeting our weakest points," he said. "They want the stone… and they plan to take it from the Academy next."

Everyone went silent.

The storm was just beginning.