Reem went to the Adal Organization.
Rin went to the Noor Organization.
And Fred took a leave of absence along with the second-year students who, after this break, would be promoted to their third and final year.
Day Nine:
It was a strange beginning to the day, unlike any other. Almost complete silence. Workers cleaning the grounds. Snow falling. A biting cold in the air. Reem, Rin, and Fred were not there.
For the first time, he felt loneliness and boredom. He had grown used to them, and even though their separation was temporary, it felt heavy. He did not go to see them off at the train station because their organizations were located in different directions. He believed that perhaps this had saddened them.
But the truth was, he did not have the courage to say goodbye. If he had, his longing for them would only have grown stronger.
He retook the exam and passed this time. Fortunately, a problem with the train from Mona delayed the departure until six o'clock on the very day he finished his exam.
He prepared his belongings: his book, his pen, photos of his mother and Rin, and a bag containing the dragon egg, which he had placed along with the furniture he had recently purchased inside his storage ring.
Fred came to have dinner with him. They talked briefly before parting ways.
Later, while waiting near the station connected to the academy through a magical passage, he stood before a large stone gate located at the far end of the academy grounds. To the left stood one massive stone door, and to the right another. Beyond them lay the railway tracks and several benches along the side.
Melissa arrived, carrying a long bag that clearly looked heavy.
"Huh? Melissa… what are you doing here?"
"Thank goodness the train was delayed. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to keep my promise to you."
He did not understand what she meant at first, but she continued.
"Do you remember our agreement? The day Rin woke up from unconsciousness after using the Shadow Potion for the first time?"
"Of course. How could I forget a day like that? We agreed that you would keep the item you wanted to give me, the egg, and in return you would give me something useful in this world that suits my talent's descent."
"Exactly."
Melissa lifted the heavy bag at the very moment the stone gate opened and the train emerged from within.
It was enormous. Black with golden lines, red wheels dusted with snow. Smoke poured from its chimney. Large windows radiated golden light, illuminating the night. Its roar was loud and commanding.
"This is the tool I promised you. I spent days and paid a significant amount to obtain it."
"That's why you didn't come earlier?"
"Yes."
"Well… thank you."
The bag was truly heavy, and he stored it inside his ring. "I'll see what's inside later."
"By the way, will you be staying at the palace? Or perhaps going on a training period?"
"Neither."
Her answer was strange. He wanted to ask more, but the train's whistle interrupted him.
The elegant man who had served him food earlier stood at the train door and spoke in a refined voice:
"She will remain there… forever?"
He put on the ring and headed toward the train door. Melissa bombarded him with reminders and instructions about protecting the egg. It was slightly overwhelming.
He boarded the train and headed to his assigned room. He was not surprised by the interior space of the train, despite its massive exterior. After all the wonders he had witnessed, such things no longer amazed him.
The room contained a single bed with red blankets, a small air vent window, and a drawer.
There was also a wide corridor overlooking the outside more clearly, where meals were served. He was sitting there now.
Three full days passed aboard the train. It was enormous, almost like a moving empire. It stopped multiple times to pick up students from different academies.
Northern Academy.
Central Academy.
Noverin Women's Academy.
And what a surprise it was to see tall, strong women among them. Some of them would even head toward the borders for training.
...
"Tiibiiiin."
The sound of the train screeching to a halt echoed, followed by the conductor's voice:
"We have arrived at the borders of Monian."
The doors opened and everyone stepped out.
Eugene followed, and the moment he did, a freezing wind pierced into his bones. The gust was so strong he had to shut his eyes. When he opened them, his gaze reflected an enormous wall — unnaturally tall and wide — metallic blue in color.
To the left, the land sloped downward. Dozens of houses clustered around one large, half-circular building. Stone stairs led upward, where more houses were scattered across a vast area.
The scent of grilled meat filled the air. The clash of swords echoed against the cold wind.
"My God… what is this wall?!"
"Hey, you brats!"
A sharp, heavy voice came from behind.
The owner was a tall, muscular man with red hair and green eyes. He wore thick light-brown cotton clothing and carried a large sword strapped to his waist.
"Welcome to the Border. In short, this is a period of training — observation and learning — not a time to make friends. As you can see, the cold is harsh. Here, you are not students. You are trainees. Your mortality rate is high if you violate the rules. No law applies here equally to all."
He raised one finger.
"Rule One: You must obey the orders of the commander and the captains, no matter what."
"Rule Two: Any boasting — 'I am rich,' 'I am this or that' — will be punished immediately."
"Rule Three: Beyond that wall lies certain death. Do not approach it."
"Rule Four: The first rule may be disregarded only if it serves the greater interest of the entire organization."
"In short, these are your rules for the four-month training period. You may now head to your assigned housing. Tomorrow will be your first day."
What are all these rules and restrictions… and on top of that, this cold… but I'm excited.
Eugene muttered internally as he walked down a long stone staircase leading downward.
Once he reached the lower level, he noticed several doors embedded into the surrounding hillside.
I wonder what's behind those doors…
He chose a relatively small house. It had no visible door, only red candles circling above it. Under the strange gazes of those around him, he stepped inside.
Warmth greeted him.
The house was simple. A bed, a wardrobe, a chair, and a brown rug.
Ah… this truly looks like a harsh place.
He placed his ring on the wooden drawer and threw himself onto the bed.
What is this? This bed is rock hard… How am I supposed to sleep on this for four months?
End of Chapter