**Five months had passed since the start of the academic year**, and it was finally time for the midterm exams. The atmosphere at the academy was thick with anxiety and tension; every student knew that scoring below 60 would earn them a serious warning from the academy. If they failed to improve their grades in a short period, they could even face expulsion.
The exams were divided into two sections: written tests for general subjects like literature, basic mathematics, and the history of magic, and both written and practical tests for the magic course. Any form of cheating or misconduct would result in a zero and a strict disciplinary warning from the academy board.
Amid this pressure-filled environment, Arthur found himself thinking more about his friends than ever before. These past five months had given him a chance to understand Julius and Anos more deeply. With careful use of his special ability—**the Eye of Truth**—he had come to witness truths they had never spoken aloud.
**Julius...** Even before they'd come to the academy, back at the orphanage, he had secretly looked after Arthur, never once making it known. Always from the shadows, silently, he had protected him.
**Anos...** Behind his occasional smiles, a deep wound was hidden. After his mother's death, his father had turned into a drunk—screaming and beating his son every night. Unable to endure the nightmare that home had become, Anos had escaped to the academy. Yet not even his closest friends knew about his past.
Arthur knew these secrets—not out of curiosity or judgment—but because he had allowed the Eye of Truth to reveal them. And now, he carried the weight of those truths silently within himself.
He saw through Julius's quiet smiles and rare words. In the memories shown by the Eye of Truth, Julius was always looking after others in silence, never seeking recognition. Even back when Arthur, eyes full of hope, would say:
*"One day my parents will come back and take me home,"*
and the other kids would laugh at him, it was Julius who stood firm and said:
*"Don't mock him… he just needs a little time."*
Arthur had always believed Julius, like the rest, silently laughed at his dreams. But now he understood—Julius had never once made fun of him. Beneath that proud and occasionally aloof demeanor was a heart that cared far more than it let on.
**But what Arthur saw in Anos's memories… was horrifying.**
After his mother's death, Anos had been left alone with a father who had drowned himself in alcohol. A father who would come home drunk every night and beat his son without mercy. Screams, broken bones, tears… all etched into Anos's memory.
Arthur now understood how deeply broken Anos was beneath his ever-present grin and constant joking. But he couldn't say anything. If the truth came out, not only would Arthur's ability be exposed, but Anos might also feel vulnerable or betrayed—and that was the last thing Arthur wanted.
That night, the three of them sat together in their dorm room, surrounded by open books and scattered notes, preparing for their upcoming exams.
Arthur spoke with seriousness in his tone:
— "These exams are important... We can't afford low scores. Even one small mistake could cost us."
Julius ran his hands through his hair in frustration and groaned:
— "Damn it... I really shouldn't have slacked off so much. I left everything for the last minute... What do I do now?"
Anos gave him a calm, reassuring smile:
— "Start with the easy stuff first. Then tackle the harder parts. We'll help each other—we'll get through this together."
Just then, a loud knock echoed from the door. A voice called out from the hallway:
— "Anos Valdegott! You've got a letter!"
Arthur and Julius glanced at each other in surprise. Since the beginning of the school year, no one had ever sent Anos a letter. It had always been just the two of them who occasionally received notes from the orphanage.
Julius offered a hopeful smile and said:
— "Maybe it's from your family, Anos. That could be good news, right?"
But **Anos's smile faded as quickly as it had appeared**.
He forced a grin and said,
— "Ah, yeah… it's just a bit strange to be getting a letter now."
Arthur smiled warmly.
— "I'm happy for you, Anos. Let us know what it's about, alright?"
Anos gave a nod.
— "Sure. I'll go grab it and be right back—we still need to study."
As Anos left the room, Arthur and Julius returned to their books. But Arthur's mind wandered. Who could've sent the letter? His family? A childhood friend? Or perhaps… someone unknown?
Under his breath, he murmured,
— "Whoever it is… I just hope the letter doesn't break him."
Julius glanced at his book and said,
— "Arthur, could you explain this part to me?"
Arthur leaned forward, ready to help.
— "This is about the flow of mana. It says here that—"
Meanwhile, Anos walked down the hall toward the reception area. A sealed envelope with his name written on the front waited for him. He hesitated for a moment, then opened it with a trembling hand.
There was only one sentence inside:
**"If you get expelled from the academy, don't bother coming home."**
— *From your father.*
Anos's face darkened. His eyes emptied of all expression. Still holding the letter, he whispered to himself,
— "I wish I never had to go back… but I *have* to make it."
He knew that if he returned to the dorm with that look on his face, Arthur and Julius would instantly notice. So, he paused for a few minutes, took a deep breath, and spun a story in his mind. He'd say it was from an old friend—someone who missed him. He couldn't let his friends glimpse the chaos of his past.
When he reentered the room, Julius greeted him with a cheerful smile:
— "So? Who was it from?"
Anos, calm and composed, replied:
— "An old friend… said they missed me. Just a little catching up."
Julius nodded.
— "Ah, nice! That's great."
Arthur offered a faint smile. He knew the truth was something else entirely.
Softly, he said,
— "Anos… if something's wrong, you can always talk to us. No matter what it is, we're here."
Anos paused for a moment. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes—but then he smiled again.
— "It's nothing serious… but thanks. If anything comes up, I promise I'll tell you."
Arthur said nothing more.
He knew… Anos still wasn't ready to share that pain.
---
A few hours later, after an intense study session, Arthur decided to visit the academy's library for deeper research. The place was vast—lined with towering shelves and thick tomes. Dozens of students sat silently, immersed in their own books.
Arthur walked over to the world history section. Among the rows of dusty spines, a white and gold cover caught his eye. A radiant star symbol was etched on its surface.
The title read:
**"The Lost History"**
He sat down right there and began to read. Page after page, the book pulled him in. Hours passed unnoticed.
One passage revealed a haunting truth—despite the world's ancient age, the calendar now marked the year 329. It explained that every **500 years**, once the global population reached a critical threshold, **gates** would open. Some led to other worlds… and others—to **hell itself**.
The phenomenon was called **"The Correction of Order."**
From these gates, monsters, demons, and beings of darkness poured into the world, ravaging civilizations, destroying cities, and killing hundreds of thousands.
Arthur's mind swirled with questions.
Why did these invasions happen? Was it truly about population control?
Were there protectors of the world—gods, angels, warriors?
Or… did no one really care?
Each question led to another, none with a clear answer.
Arthur sat quietly in his seat, thoughts heavy and tangled.
He mused to himself:
— *"Humans are a fragile race… but they've always survived by standing together. That's how they've endured calamities… but maybe this time, it won't be enough."*
He looked toward the window.
His thoughts continued:
— *"This world isn't just home to humans. There's the Elven Kingdom, the Dwarven realms, even the Demon Lords' dominions and Sacred Lands… beings far more powerful than us.
But if *they* couldn't prevent the last cataclysm…
then what's coming must be an end like no other."*
Arthur blinked. His chest felt heavy.
Was the only option to wait for the end of this era… and the beginning of the next?
He decided to speak with **Professor Charles** later—ask him about the phenomenon known as the *Correction of Order*.
As he wandered deeper through the shelves, still flipping through books, his eyes suddenly caught a familiar figure—a girl with golden hair and eyes the color of the deep sea.
**Sophia.**
The girl who'd sat beside him in many classes these past five months, with whom he'd slowly built a warm, easy friendship.
Arthur smiled, walked over, and said gently:
— "Hi Sophia, how are you?"
Sophia looked up, her expression soft.
— "Hi Arthur. I'm good, just getting ready for the exams."
Arthur glanced at the books scattered across her table and smiled.
— "Nice! I was doing the same. Mind if I join you?"
Sophia responded kindly,
— "Not at all. I'd be happy to have company."
They sat side by side and began studying together. As Arthur turned the pages of his book, he tried to deepen his understanding of the world's history—and of the forces at play in the shadows around him.
---
**Understanding the World Around:**
Arthur reflected to himself:
"I now live in the capital of the Kingdom of Tarolinia—
a vast and powerful realm with a population exceeding one hundred million.
A land where humans, elves, dwarves, half-humans, and even mutated beings coexist.
A kingdom whose economy is built upon rich mines, handicrafts, and the export of jewelry,
attracting investors from all over the world."
He paused for a moment and recalled:
"Currently, King Elrius and Queen Esria are in their fifth decade of life.
They have three children: two princes and a princess."
Arthur closed the book momentarily, trying to recall the information he had heard about the royal family.
---
**Arthur's Thoughts on the Royal Family:**
Arthur said to himself:
"The first prince, Alrion, is in his late twenties. There are many rumors about him...
They say he treats his subordinates harshly, acts impulsively at times, and has a strong passion for war and combat.
Apparently, these days he's fighting in high-level dungeons to gain more experience."
Arthur murmured:
"I'd rather never get involved in politics... People can appear angelic on the outside but be demonic within."
Then he thought about the second prince:
"Asterius... a smart young man with a love for knowledge. He's in his early twenties.
It's said that he renounced his right to the throne and chose to stay out of politics."
Arthur, looking thoughtfully at the book in his hand, said:
"Maybe he just wants to be an advisor... or simply avoid the dangerous world of politics."
But then he remembered:
"Considering the attacks by demonic cults in recent years... he has every right to stay away from society. His fear isn't baseless."
"Asterius, despite his many fears, possesses extraordinary talent in magic. He's even considered a level 5 mage, which means power equivalent to an A+ ranked being. However, physically, he's weak and can't endure direct combat for long. Most likely, he always fights from a distance; he has significant strengths but also clear mental and physical weaknesses."
On the other hand, it was said that Asterius treated his subordinates very well, and no one had ever seen him angry. The king once requested an S-rank adventurer to become Asterius's personal bodyguard, and that adventurer accepted the responsibility. It's said that this bodyguard saved the prince's life multiple times from dangers like poisoning by servants or direct attacks in public places. Therefore, getting close to Asterius isn't easy.
Regarding Princess Diana, she's a few years older than Asterius. Not much information is available about her, but like her brother, she renounced her right to the throne and didn't enter the political arena. Rumors say that at one point, Alrion intended to eliminate her, which led the king to exile Alrion for a period.
However, what's clear is that both Diana and Asterius have no interest in political conflicts, perhaps due to fear of Alrion.
Arthur thought to himself:
"If things proceed normally, Alrion will become the next king. I don't know if he'll be a good king... but I hope he doesn't bring ruin and war."
---
**Continuing the Study Session**
Arthur and Sophia continued studying together, immersed in a vast and unknown world where their destinies were being written...
A world that still concealed dark secrets within.
**About the Neighboring Nations of the Kingdom of Tarolinia:**
- **To the West:** Lies the Kingdom of Rusgardin, with a population of about 75 million, predominantly humans. Due to its proximity to the sea, its main exports are fish, sea creatures, dyes, and ink. Its economy is strong, and it has a very capable army. The Rusgardin army is known for having many Arcanewarriors—those skilled in both magic and swordsmanship.
Its ruler, **Queen Elinor**, a woman in her late 30s, is shrewd, political, and very powerful. She is not only a holy human and an S-rank being but also possesses power that poses a threat to a country or even a continent.
- **To the Southwest:** Is the Kingdom of Selinda, with a population of about 135 million, making it one of the largest and most populous kingdoms. Its inhabitants include humans, dwarves, and half-humans. The country's exports include food, cotton, clothing, and magical items. This country is full of numerous dungeons, making it the best place for adventurers and providing a separate source of income.
Its current king, **Serius**, is a cold and strict man who, after the death of his family, never smiled again, yet still cares deeply for his people's welfare. There have been several rebellions in this country, but each time they were suppressed by Serius, who remains in power.
- **To the West:** Lies the Elven Kingdom of Ilvarin; a lush land covered with forests and tall trees, with a population of about 70 million. This country is ruled by an ancient queen named **Eliandria**. She is one of the few elves who have evolved into the "Divine Elf" species and is considered an S-rank or higher mage. Eliandria has repeatedly resisted the "Order Reform" event and, with her unique strategies, has saved her people.
- **To the Southeast:** Is the Kingdom of Draulkin; a country with a population of 200 million, full of half-humans and fertile lands. Agriculture in this country is developed to an unparalleled level.
Its king, **Tarmoren**, is a leader who, despite his warrior spirit, always tries to delay war to prevent harm to his people.
- **To the East:** Lies the Holy Empire, the most powerful country in the world, with a population of about 1 billion. This empire is governed by 12 popes who prevent personal interests from interfering in state affairs. Despite extensive damage from the "Order Reform" events, this empire has always risen with greater strength.
- **To the Southeast:** Is the Kingdom of Varlia, known as the kingdom of giants and orcs; a desert and mountainous land with a population of about 100 million. Its military power is high, and it has special expertise in earthquake-resistant construction.
Its king, **Kourosh**, is a powerful leader loyal to his people.
- **To the South:** Lies the Kingdom of Gal'Dorak, the land of dwarves and dragons, with a population of about 230 million. A country covered with high mountains, also an excellent place for dragons that live in the highlands. Its main exports are high-quality iron, copper, and jewelry.
Its king, **Volgar**, is a political and shrewd leader who cares deeply for his people and shows steadfast resistance against dangers.
- **To the North:** Is the Empire of Miralis, the land of monsters, with a population of about 1 billion.
Its king, **Maldor**, one of the seven original demons, dreams of a peaceful world for all races. However, he is also powerless against the "Order Reform" event and believes this event is necessary to maintain the world's balance.
- **At the Northernmost Point:** Lies the Kingdom of Istralon, the land of winged and semi-aerial beings. The cities of this country float in the sky and have a population of about 75 million.
Its ruler, **Queen Moralis**, is a calm, dignified, and shrewd woman who has very limited relations with other countries.
---
**At the Center of This World**, there is a vast and mysterious forest called the **Forest of Darkness**.
A forest as vast as several kingdoms, filled with mindless and dangerous monsters. It is said that anyone who enters this forest never returns.
A forest that hides many secrets within...