The gates of the vast academy opened for the first time this year.
Hundreds of students poured in from all corners of the kingdom—the sons of commoners, the sons of merchants, and the sons of noble families.
Everyone dreamed of finding their place here, where the path to glory begins.
In a vast courtyard, the academy's banners fluttering above, stood the elderly headmaster in his dark formal attire.
Here, he raised his magic wand in the air and commanded silence.
"New students! Today you join the greatest academy in the kingdom's history. Here, heroes are forged, combat skills are honed, and the names of future leaders are written."
Behind him stood seven students in elegant robes that shimmered against their bodies, radiating an awe-inspiring energy.
Whispers filled the courtyard:
"They are the sons of noble families!"
---
✦ The Ten Families
In this world, ten noble families rule the kingdoms and states:
1. The Luin Family—Lords of Darkness, the most powerful in secret and in public.
2. The Asterion Family – Lords of the Sky and Stars.
3. The Valex Family – Lords of the Wind and Speed.
4. The Ignis Family – Bearers of the Hellfire, their leaders are ruthless but loyal.
5. The Aqua Family – Lords of the Waters, skilled physicians and warriors of the Sea.
6. The Luminara Family – People of Light, holy priests and warriors.
7. The Navarra Family – Lords of Ice, mysterious beings who dwell in the Far North.
8. The Draconis Family – Descendants of ancient dragons, their blood carries the power of the dragon directly.
---
✦ Children of Noble Blood
The Director began introducing them one by one:
"This is Princess Alysia of the Luminara Family."
"And this is Princess Regnal of the Ignis Family."
"And this is Prince Camellia of the Valex Family."
...and continued introducing the rest.
They all stood tall, heads held high, as if born to lead.
But as the names were finished, the students began to whisper:
"Wait… aren't there eight families?!"
"Where's the heir of the Luwin family?!"
---
✦ The Hidden Secret
The headmaster raised his hand to calm the crowd:
"Regarding the heir of the Luwin family… he'll be away for a while."
The room froze in astonishment.
But the headmaster didn't elaborate further.
Flashback:
In a dark room a few days earlier, Saruto's father stood before the headmaster.
"I want to keep my son's identity a secret. Treat him like any other commoner… he received an exceptional scholarship.
He'll be among the students, but no one will know who he is. I've placed him in the advanced class that brings together the heirs of the eight families."
The headmaster frowned:
"Are you sure about this decision?"
The king replied firmly:
"This is the only way for him to hone his strength without relying on his family's status."
---
✦ Among the Elite
The scene returned to the present.
The students were divided into classes.
The sons of the seven noble families were directly selected for the Advanced Class, the academy's elite.
Meanwhile, Saruto… with his purple hair and hawk-like eyes, stood disguised among the commoners.
His name was recorded as "A commoner who received an exceptional scholarship."
But the surprise… he, too, was admitted to the Advanced Class!
To sit among the nobles, in his first test of disguise, and the beginning of his true journey within the academy.