Chapter 5: The Academy Letter and the Silver-Haired Observer
The first rays of dawn painted Vicky's room in golden light as he awoke. His eyes immediately fell upon a sealed letter placed neatly on his bedside table. Recognizing his younger brother Bazi's elegant handwriting, he quickly broke the seal.
"Dear Big Bro,
I have wonderful news! I've been accepted into the Royal Academy! I know how much this means for our family's honor. I hope you're doing well and staying out of trouble.
Your little brother,
Bazi Arkaan."
Vicky's hands trembled as he read the words. The Royal Academy—the empire's most prestigious institution that had produced legendary knights like General Kaelen and Grand Strategist Silas. Its professors were battle-hardened veterans who had fought in the Demon Wars, each with decades of combat experience.
"This is precisely what we need," Reman's voice echoed with unusual excitement. "If Bazi graduates with honors, the Arkaan name will be restored to its former glory. But..."
Vicky's expression darkened as fragmented memories surfaced. "In my previous life... they framed him for stealing sacred techniques. He was publicly expelled and... and he never recovered from the shame." His fists clenched so tightly the letter crumpled. "This has to be the Lin family's work! They won't stop until they've destroyed us completely!"
Suddenly, urgent knocking interrupted his thoughts. "Young Master! You have visitors!" a servant called from outside. "Knights from the city garrison are here to see you!"
Vicky descended to the main hall to find Gideon and twenty-three other knights kneeling in perfect formation. Their armor gleamed in the morning light, but it was their respectful posture that surprised Vicky most.
"Young Master Vicky," Gideon began, his voice filled with genuine reverence. "After witnessing your skill yesterday, we've come to pledge our loyalty to you personally—not to the Arkaan family name, but to you as our commander. Please allow us to serve as your personal guard."
Vicky stood speechless until Reman whispered, "Accept them! Thirty trained soldiers under your direct command will be invaluable against what's coming. This is a gift from fate itself!"
"Very well," Vicky said after a moment's consideration. "I accept your loyalty. But understand this—the training will be brutal, the standards impossibly high, and the dangers very real. Those who cannot keep up will be dismissed."
The knights responded with enthusiastic cheers that echoed through the great hall.
---
Scene Shift: The Count's Daughter Arrives
Meanwhile, a luxurious carriage bearing the crest of Count William Maar approached the Arkaan estate. Inside, Nisha—a young woman with hair like moonlit silver and eyes that held the wisdom beyond her years—stared out at the familiar landscape with mixed emotions.
She remembered her father's words from just yesterday: "You must observe Vicky closely. The rumors of his transformation are... intriguing. And remember, you two were promised to each other in a born marriage arrangement since childhood."
Born marriage—the ancient tradition where noble families pledged their unborn children to secure alliances. Nisha sighed. "I still remember how he ignored me during my last visit, too busy drinking and gambling to even acknowledge my presence. This 'changed Vicky' is probably just another scheme to improve his reputation."
When she arrived at the mansion, Vicky was nowhere to be found. After searching for nearly half an hour, her frustration grew. "Has he run off again? Probably back to his old habits already."
Butler Louis approached with a respectful bow. "Lady Nisha, are you looking for Young Master Vicky? He's at the eastern training grounds. He's been there since dawn—often trains until midnight these days."
Nisha's eyes widened in disbelief. "Vicky? Training? Until midnight? This I must see for myself."
She made her way to the training grounds, expecting to find an empty field or perhaps a few lazy soldiers going through motions. Instead, she witnessed a scene that left her utterly breathless.
Vicky moved like a tempest among his knights, demonstrating techniques that seemed to defy conventional combat principles. "Your balance is off! Again!" he commanded as he gracefully dispatched a large knight twice his size.
Soldiers lay scattered across the field—some groaning, others watching with rapt attention. Gideon, though kneeling and breathing heavily, watched Vicky with something approaching worship.
"Young Master," Gideon panted, "I've trained under sword masters and war veterans, but I've never seen anyone move like you do."
"Excellent," Reman commented privately. "Five of these men are already approaching Low-Level Knight rank. With your guidance, they'll break through within weeks. And you... I sense you're nearing Mid-Level Knight yourself."
A confident smile touched Vicky's lips. "I'll reach that level and beyond. Just watch me."
From the shadows, Nisha watched in silent amazement, her previous doubts crumbling before her eyes. The lazy, arrogant boy she remembered had been replaced by a focused warrior, a natural leader, and someone who commanded respect through action rather than title.
Her silver hair fluttered in the evening breeze as she whispered to herself, "Who are you really, Vicky Arkaan? And what happened to turn you into... this?"