Six months of Academy training had taught me more about our world than I'd learned in fourteen years of village life, but it wasn't until graduation approached that I really understood how everything fit together.
"So let me make sure I've got this right," I said to Daichi as we reviewed our notes one last time. "The Daimyo is basically the ultimate authority for our entire region?"
"That's right." Daichi nodded with his usual mountain kingdom certainty. "Everything in Shinrin Region falls under his jurisdiction. The six guilds, the Regional Army, trade agreements, diplomatic relations—all of it reports to him eventually."
I tried to wrap my head around that level of responsibility. Managing one village seemed complicated enough, but an entire region with millions of people? "How does he keep track of everything?"
"That's what the guild system is for," Rina chimed in, joining our study session with her arms full of political theory texts. "The six guilds handle most of the day-to-day operations. Crimson Fang, Silver Moon, Iron Crown, Storm Hawks, Azure Blade, and Broken Chain each have their specializations."
"Like what?"
"Think of them as different departments," she explained, settling down with her books. "Some focus more on Akuma threats, others handle trade route protection, border security, internal peacekeeping. The Daimyo coordinates their efforts and makes the big decisions."
"And if something's too big for the guilds?"
"That's what the Regional Army is for," Daichi said. "Elite-level warriors who answer directly to the Daimyo. They handle external threats, major corruption outbreaks, anything that requires serious military response."
The scope of it was staggering. I'd grown up thinking the village council's decisions were important, but compared to managing an entire region's security and prosperity, village politics seemed almost quaint.
"What about the other regions?" I asked. "Kasai, Mizu, Tsuchi, Kaze?"
"They have similar systems," Rina said. "Each region has their own leader—some call them Daimyo, others use different titles—and their own guild structures. Though the exact organization varies."
"Like how?"
"Kasai Region only has four major guilds, but they're supposedly incredibly powerful. Quality over quantity approach." She flipped through her notes. "Mizu Region has eight guilds because of all the trade routes and maritime challenges. Tsuchi Region has five, mostly focused on mountain defense."
"And they all work together?"
"When they have to," Daichi said with the diplomatic caution of someone from a mountain kingdom that had to deal with multiple neighbors. "There's cooperation on major threats, trade agreements, stuff that affects everyone. But each region handles their own internal affairs."
"What about Kage Region?"
Both of them exchanged glances. "That's... more complicated," Rina said finally. "They don't really participate in inter-region cooperation the way the others do. Very closed off, very secretive."
"The instructors don't talk much about Kage Region politics," Daichi added. "Something about 'limited reliable information' and 'specialized circumstances.'"
I got the impression there was more to that story, but apparently Academy students weren't cleared for whatever details existed.
"The important thing," Rina continued, "is that our region's system works well. The Daimyo provides overall leadership, the guilds handle specialized operations, the Regional Army deals with major threats, and somehow it all coordinates to keep people safe and prosperous."
"Plus there's apparently coordination between regions for really big problems," Daichi added. "Though they don't teach us much about how that works. Above our pay grade, I guess."
Above our pay grade. That phrase had come up a lot during Academy training whenever we'd asked about larger political structures. There were hints of cooperation and coordination beyond the regional level, but the details were always classified or deemed too advanced for current curriculum.
"Speaking of pay grades," I said, grinning at my study partners, "tomorrow we find out if any guilds actually want us."
"Are you nervous?" Rina asked.
"Terrified," I admitted cheerfully. "But also excited. Six months ago, I couldn't even pass a village trial. Now I might actually join one of the guilds that protects our entire region."
"You'll do fine," Daichi said with his characteristic understatement. "Your tactical approach impressed the instructors. Protection-focused thinking is valuable."
"Iron Crown might be interested," Rina added. "Your techniques align with their operational philosophy from what I've heard."
Iron Crown. Izuma's guild. The thought of potentially serving under the man who'd saved Mina and me was both exciting and intimidating.
But that was tomorrow's worry. Tonight was about celebrating how far we'd all come.
The graduation ceremony took place in the Grand Assembly Ground, but the scale was completely different from our arrival six months ago. Academy officials filled the platform, joined by Izuma wearing formal Iron Crown regalia that made his previous Academy appearance look casual.
"Graduates of Shinkai Academy," Administrator Tanaka announced, "you represent six months of intensive preparation. Guild recruitment is a privilege, not a guarantee. Positions are limited and standards are exceptional."
Then Izuma stepped forward, and the entire assembly ground fell silent.
"I am Captain Izuma of Iron Crown Guild," he announced, his voice carrying easily across the gathered students. "Tomorrow, all six guild leaders will be present to observe the selection process."
My heart was hammering. All six guild leaders. Tomorrow.
"You will demonstrate your capabilities through combat trials," Izuma continued calmly. "Controlled duels will allow guild leadership to evaluate potential recruits under realistic conditions."
Combat trials?
My brain completely stalled. "Wait... we have to fight each other?"
I heard Daichi make a strangled sound beside me, while Rina whispered, "That's not what I expected at all."
"Brackets will be announced momentarily," Izuma continued as if he hadn't just turned my world upside down. "Trials begin at dawn. Guild selections will be made based on performance, tactical thinking, and demonstrated capability under pressure."
I'd been expecting interviews. Maybe some technique demonstrations against training dummies. Possibly written examinations on regional politics and threat assessment.
Actual combat against my fellow Academy graduates had never entered my mind.
Looking around, I could see the same shock on other faces. The quiet murmur of surprise rippled through our group, but everyone was too stunned for major outbursts.
"This changes everything," Kenji muttered, his usual confidence shaken.
"Brackets are posted," an Academy official announced. "Study your assignments. Rest well. Tomorrow determines your future."