Dune and the others approached the academy's massive gates, their eyes widening as the full scale of it came into view. Towering black and silver walls wrapped around the academy, and beyond the open gates lay a sprawling garden-like courtyard.
Lush trees and vibrant flowers lined the walkways, and a grand fountain in the center shimmered under the sunlight. The place was alive with movement, hundreds of students had gathered, all preparing for the entrance exams.
"Woah," Ned breathed, his eyes darting around as they stepped inside.
Everywhere they looked, there were people from different backgrounds. Some students stood in small groups, chatting nervously, while others meditated in silence, their faces calm and focused.
A few were dressed in elaborate robes, symbols of noble families stitched into their sleeves, while others wore plain yet sturdy travel clothes, likely from distant towns or villages. There were students stretching and practicing forms, their movements precise, while some carried exotic weapons strapped to their backs. The energy in the air was electric, a mix of anticipation and tension.
As they walked through the crowd, Dune leaned in and whispered to Atlas and Ned, his voice low and serious. "Remember, we aren't using our Zetens. If we do, we'll have problems. So at any point, don't activate it."
Ned rolled his eyes but nodded. "Yeah, yeah, got it."
Atlas gave a firm nod. "Understood."
Before they could say more, a deep, resonant sound filled the air, like a massive instrument being struck. The entire courtyard went silent. All eyes turned toward the grand staircase leading up to the academy's main building, where a raised platform stood.
A figure stepped forward.
The moment they appeared, the entire crowd erupted into cheers and shouts. Some students even looked in awe, whispering excitedly to one another.
Dune exchanged glances with Ned and Atlas. The energy of the crowd was undeniable, but…
"Who is that?" Ned muttered, frowning.
"I have no idea," Dune admitted.
Atlas narrowed his eyes. "He looks familiar."
The three of them stood still, watching as the figure prepared to speak.
As Dune stood among the crowd, watching the figure on the platform, a voice suddenly spoke beside him.
"You guys new here?"
Ned turned to see a young man with blond hair and sharp brown eyes. He wore a blue and gold uniform, the kind only nobles or high-ranking families would wear. His skin was clear, his posture confident, he carried himself like someone used to being respected.
Ned grinned. "Yeah, we just got here. We're taking the entrance test."
The blonde nodded. "I'm Leon. Leon Amidas."
Ned introduced them in return. "I'm Ned, this is my brother Dune, and our friend Atlas."
Leon's smile remained, but his expression shifted slightly. "And which family are you guys from? The last names?"
Ned blinked, confused. "Last names? Uh… we don't have one. We're not from any family or clan."
Leon's face fell, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Are you serious? Do you really think you can take the entrance exam and actually pass? You guys didn't even go through special training… while I was trained since birth for this."
Ned sighed, already familiar with how nobles thought. It was better to ignore them than get provoked. But Atlas had different ideas.
"We don't really care. We're going to pass this exam and surpass plenty of arrogant people like you here."
Huh? Atlas i didn't expect you to actually answer him.. "He's right!" Ned added, grinning.
Leon's disappointment turned into mild irritation. "I doubt it."
Dune, meanwhile, turned to Ned, lowering his voice. "I think I know who that is."
"Who?" Ned asked.
"Ramires," Dune said, glancing back at the platform. "I remember Amanda talking about him back in our class. He's a researcher. His Neba is only Orange, but he's still one of the most respected figures in Sanatria. Apparently, a lot of what we know about Neba and Zeten was discovered by him… and he's the director of Bloodrose Academy."
Ned and Atlas nodded, listening closely.
Ned smiled. "I'm glad we'll be learning from someone like him."
Leon, who had been standing there awkwardly, realized he had been completely ignored in their conversation. He coughed, trying to insert himself back in.
"Ramires doesn't teach anyone personally," he said flatly.
Dune turned to him, confused. "And who are you?"
Atlas and Ned chuckled at Dune's response, and Leon's expression darkened.
Was Dune not even listening to me before?!
Before Leon could respond, a commanding voice echoed across the courtyard.
Ramires stepped forward, his voice carrying across the massive courtyard.
"Welcome to this year's entrance exam of Bloodrose Academy. This year, we have many special individuals attending our exam…"
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as Ramires gestured to the man beside him.
"Standing next to me is the Hero of Sanatria, Cassius Ceresy, the strongest soldier in the nation and one of only three Purple Neba users on the continent."
A wave of whispers rippled through the students. Then, as Cassius stepped forward, the silence broke into wild cheers.
Dune's eyes widened. Cassius Ceresy… he's here?
The man in front of them looked deceptively young, though everyone knew he was well into his forties. His long black hair framed sharp golden eyes, and a thin, well-kept beard traced his jawline. He wore a long, closed black cloak, its fabric rippling with his every movement. His presence alone was enough to shake the atmosphere, and even those who had only heard his name before could feel the weight of his reputation.
But Ramires wasn't done.
"Not only him," he continued, "but the King himself will be attending the exam, along with his sons, Damion and James Murderthrone."
The moment the name Murderthrone was spoken, a heavy pressure filled the air.
Then, from the grand entrance of the academy, he arrived.
Aramir Asus Murderthrone.
The King of Sanatria.
A towering man, easily over two meters tall, strode forward with a slow, deliberate pace. His long black hair was crowned with a red and black metal crown, jagged like a throne of blades. His thick beard, streaked with silver, only made his presence even more intimidating. He wore a regal yet battle-worn cloak, black and crimson, its weight dragging against the floor.
The entire courtyard bowed instantly.
Dune hesitated, feeling a weight press on his back. Even he and his friends had no choice but to lower their heads. Still, he only bowed slightly, his instincts resisting the pressure of the king's presence.
Beside the king stood his two sons.
Damion Asus Murderthrone had long black hair and piercing red eyes. A blood-red cloak draped over his shoulders, and his face was unreadable, calm yet dangerous.
James Murderthrone, on the other hand, stood in stark contrast to his father and brother. With golden-blond hair, dark brown eyes, and a wide, almost playful smile, he looked far more approachable. His clothes were decorated with golden ornaments, shining under the sunlight like a noble untouched by war.
The courtyard fell silent as King Aramir Asus Murderthrone took a step forward, his towering presence suffocating the air itself. His crimson cloak billowed slightly as he surveyed the gathered students, his piercing red eyes gleaming with something dark, rage, resolve, and absolute authority.
Then, his voice rang out, deep and commanding, shaking the very ground beneath them.
"Fein is gone."
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd. Whispers broke out, but no one dared speak too loudly.
Aramir continued, his tone sharp like a blade.
"Destroyed. Reduced to nothing but ash and ruin." His jaw tightened, his voice steady but filled with controlled fury. "By a single being, a monster wielding the power of Purple Zeten."
Gasps echoed through the academy grounds. Even the boldest of students stiffened. A Purple Neba user? That was power beyond comprehension.
"The one responsible for this massacre still roams free," Aramir went on, his voice filled with venom. "But know this, we will hunt them down and wipe them from existence. Whoever they are, wherever they hide, their fate is already sealed."
His words carried the weight of absolute certainty. This wasn't just a threat, it was a declaration of war.
Aramir's gaze swept across the crowd, locking onto each student as if burning his message into their souls.
"This is why Zetens must be eradicated." His voice lowered, but the intensity only grew. "This is why we do not tolerate their existence."
Dune felt his stomach twist, but he held his expression firm.
"You stand here today as students of Bloodrose Academy. But do not forget why you are here. This world is plagued by a disease, a disease known as Zetens. They are unpredictable, uncontrollable, and too powerful to be allowed to exist. Fein is proof of that. If left unchecked, they will destroy everything."
He let his words hang in the air before delivering the final blow.
"The Lord of Fein, Cadogan, gave his life to protect his city. He sacrificed himself, fighting to the very end."
For a brief moment, Aramir paused. Whether it was to honor the fallen or to let the weight of his words fully settle, none could tell.
Then, he clenched his fist, his voice filled with raw command.
"Use this as your fuel. Let the destruction of Fein ignite your will to fight. Grow stronger, rise higher, and when the time comes, wipe every last Zeten from this world."
A roar erupted from the students, a cry of fury, of vengeance, of unshaken loyalty.
The war against Zetens had only just begun.
Ramires took his place and Aramir continued calmly.
"Tomorrow we will have another, very special guest arriving in Rendely. Who is interested to see how Bloodrose Academy works."
"Most of you already know the rules of the test, but I will explain them again. There are four trials, tests in which you will be judged."
"Four tests that will determine your worth. And your scores will decide your fate."
The air grew tense. Everyone listened, their hearts pounding.
"As you know, today, we are only accepting those with a Green Neba, along with exceptional new talents."
"I suggest you put on your best display, because this is more than just a test. Many families and high-ranking officials will be watching you. And if they find you worthy… who knows?"
Aramir let the words linger before his deep voice continued. "You might even earn their support."
A murmur passed through the crowd. Dune and the others remained still, absorbing every word.
"Now," Ramires declared, "let's discuss the four tests of BloodRose."
1. Strength Test
"We will assess your raw power, both physically and through your Neba."
Dune, Ned, and Atlas exchanged glances. Cadogan already explained this to them.
2. Ability Test
"This test is about what makes you unique. Show your talent, prove your worth, and display your best skills to earn a high score."
3. The Trial or Potential
A deep silence filled the air.
"This test… will determine your future."
4. Combat Test
"You will fight against an opponent in a one-on-one duel.
Dune's stomach twisted. He remembered Cadogan's warning.
Last two tests were the most important, especially Potential. This was the test that favored noble bloodlines.
Unlike the others, which tested skill, instinct, or raw strength, the Potential Test was designed to measure what a person could become in the future. That was why Bloodrose Academy favored noble families, because those with powerful bloodlines were seen as more 'valuable.'
But Cadogan explained to trio that what this test actually judged is the Soul, your soul is what determines your own potential.
Even so, for commoners like Dune, Ned, and Atlas, this test was their greatest obstacle.
The King's voice cut through Dune's thoughts.
"Now," Aramir said calmly, "go and register for the trials. Return tomorrow and prove yourselves in front of Rendely!"
The courtyard erupted in cheers. Students shouted in excitement, some nervous, some confident.
Dune, Atlas, and Ned looked at each other.
They weren't nobles. They weren't from any powerful family.
But they didn't care.
They were determined.
And nothing was going to shake that.