It had been three weeks since Neah's departure from home to attend the prestigious academy in the Kingdom of Astoria. As the sun began to set on the horizon, the knight escorting him informed Neah that they would reach the academy by the next day. The entourage decided to stop at a nearby village to rest and refresh themselves after a long day of travel.
As they settled into a quaint tavern for a well-deserved meal, Neah found a moment of solace and amusement as he sat at the diner table, engrossed in a book he had brought along to pass the time. Little did he know that this peaceful interlude was about to be disrupted.
A sudden voice, dripping with arrogance, demanded their table. Neah glanced up to see a noble girl around his age with her entourage trailing behind her. "Give us your table and find another place to sit" she said imperiously. "We'll pay for your expenses since we'll be troubling you".
Neah looked around the crowded tavern and noted that there were no other vacant tables available. While he would have preferred to avoid any confrontation, he didn't want to be disrespected either. With a calm demeanour, he replied, "I appreciate your offer, but we are also weary from our journey and would like to have a proper meal and rest".
The noble girl's expression twisted in disbelief, seemingly unaccustomed to being denied. However, before she could make a scene, her composed butler intervened, gently taking her aside. "Young lady, please not here, and remember your father's instructions not to cause a commotion" he whispered, leading her away.
Neah couldn't help but smile to himself, finding the encounter amusing. He had always been one to avoid unnecessary trouble, and it seemed that even on the road to the academy, he couldn't escape the complexities of noble life.
As the evening wore on, the tension eased, and Neah resumed his reading, occasionally glancing around the tavern. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of encounters awaited him at the academy, especially with fellow noble students like the spirited girl he had just encountered.
With the sun setting on the horizon, Neah's mind wandered to the days ahead, anticipating the challenges and opportunities that would shape his journey at the academy. Little did he know that this chance encounter was just the beginning of a series of events that would set the stage for his future in the world of Terra Veritas.
With the first rays of dawn painting the horizon, Neah's excitement grew as he knew they were close to arriving at Astoria Academy. As their entourage continued the journey, he couldn't help but observe noble children from various backgrounds also making their way to the esteemed academy, each with their own aspirations and dreams.
As they approached the grand entrance of the academy, Neah felt a mix of nervousness and determination. While he was born into nobility, he knew that gaining admission to the academy wasn't a simple matter of birthright. The academy had strict requirements for entry, including proficiency in magic and control over one's mana for mage candidates and exceptional skill and talent for knight and warrior candidates.
Neah's heart pounded in his chest as he contemplated the challenge ahead. Being a hollow, he possessed an incomparably weak mana core, making him ineligible as a mage. He knew he had to conceal this fact from others, for only his family knew of his unique condition. Thus, he would have to rely on his skillful swordsmanship to impress the examiners and prove that, despite lacking magical talent, he could be a formidable knight.
Determined to prove himself, Neah set aside thoughts of his hollow nature. Instead, he focused on displaying his prowess in swordsmanship, aiming to catch the eye of the examiners with his precision, speed, and finesse. His goal was not fame or recognition but to gain knowledge and stand side by side with his family, protecting their legacy and reputation.
With a heart full of determination and a thirst for knowledge, Neah stepped forward to face the entrance exams for the knight and warrior classes, where his journey to learn new knowledge in this world would truly begin.
Neah took a deep breath as he sat down to take the written examination. The room was filled with tension as the noble candidates diligently answered questions on literature, history, and other areas of knowledge. As he delved into the test, Neah's mind raced, recalling the countless hours he had spent studying to prepare for this moment. He thought back to his family's library, where he had pored over ancient texts and literary classics, determined to excel in every subject.
In his thoughts, he mused on the importance of literature and the arts in shaping a noble's character and understanding the complexities of the world. He contemplated the works of famous poets and philosophers, analysing their themes and messages, hoping to draw inspiration from their wisdom to enhance his answers.
The questions seemed almost trivial to him; he found the literature test easy, and the knowledge examination didn't pose much of a challenge. He answered each question with confidence and precision, fueled by his genuine passion for learning and knowledge.
With the written tests behind him, Neah now faced the critical decision of whether to pursue the path of magic or swordsmanship. Both held their allure, but he knew that without any control over mana, the path of magic was currently closed to him. Instead, his heart was firmly settled on mastering the art of the sword and becoming a skilled knight.
The next part of the examination led Neah to a spacious training ground, where he faced the retired captain of the royal guards, the instructor for the swordsmanship test. The seasoned veteran's imposing presence exuded authority and experience. He eyed Neah with a scrutinising gaze, knowing that countless noble children had tried and failed to impress him.
"I want one thing from you, young one," the instructor said with a commanding voice. "Impress me, and you pass. But let me warn you, few have succeeded, and even fewer have managed to land a hit on me.
Neah nodded, his determination unwavering. He assumed a defensive stance, his eyes locked on the instructor's every move. Slowly, he began to approach, his steps measured and deliberate. He knew that he couldn't afford to be reckless, especially against a skilled adversary like the retired captain.
As Neah closed the distance, the instructor decided to initiate the first attack, aiming a powerful downward strike at him. To the instructor's surprise, Neah responded with impeccable timing, parrying the blow with precision and grace. The instructor felt a twinge of curiosity rising within him as he realised that Neah seemed to be testing him in return rather than simply defending.
Feeling the weight of Neah's scrutiny, the instructor launched a second attack, this time with a quick thrust aimed at Neah's chest. Reacting swiftly, Neah deflected the thrust and seamlessly transitioned into an offensive manoeuvre. The instructor found himself momentarily caught off guard, astonished by Neah's skillful counterattack.
In that brief moment of hesitation, Neah saw an opening and lunged forward, aiming for a clean strike. The instructor managed to evade the full brunt of the attack, but his beard bore the evidence of the young noble's prowess, slightly singed from the close encounter.
Impressed by Neah's composure and adaptability, the instructor couldn't help but smile. "You've got potential, young one," he said, nodding approvingly. "Keep honing your skills, and you just might become a formidable knight".
Neah gave it his all, showcasing impressive skills and adaptability during the spar. But as the duel reached its climax, the instructor's experience and mastery proved too much to overcome. With a swift, calculated move, the instructor pointed his sword at Neah's neck, signalling the end of the match.
Despite the defeat, the instructor's face beamed with approval. "Congratulations, young one," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You have passed the test. From now on, you'll be attending Astoria Academy".
Neah's heart swelled with pride and excitement. He may not have emerged victorious in the duel, but he had earned the instructor's recognition and the opportunity to pursue his dreams at the academy.
With a sense of determination and a bright future ahead, Neah bid farewell to the escort knights, expressing his gratitude for their support during the journey. From this day forward, he would reside in the academy's dorms, fully immersing himself in the world of learning and honing his skills.
With the entrance exams behind him and a newfound sense of purpose, Neah finally settled into his dorm room, the space that would be his home throughout his time at Astoria Academy. With meticulous care, he organised his belongings, carefully placing them in their designated spots—a wardrobe for his clothes, a bookshelf for his cherished tomes, and a reading table that would become a sanctuary of knowledge.
Fatigue tugged at his senses, but his passion for learning never waned. Even in his weariness, Neah found solace in books, and as he settled down at his reading table, he couldn't resist the allure of immersing himself in another tale. As he perused the pages, he stumbled upon a captivating account of a mythical place with Eternal Knowledge. The mere thought of such a place filled him with awe and wonder.
"A library full of knowledge, huh? Neah mused to himself. "Must be nice.
As he delved deeper into the text, he discovered a wealth of new knowledge – different Gods responsible for maintaining the world's order, a myriad of creatures that had only existed in the realm of fantasy in his previous world, ranging from mere goblins to mighty dragons. However, as the night wore on, exhaustion slowly wrapped around him like a comforting shroud. The long journey and the day's events had taken their toll, and before he realized it, sleep embraced him, carrying him away to dreams filled with boundless possibilities and the adventures that awaited him within the hallowed halls of Astoria Academy.
And so, with the promise of knowledge and discovery embracing him, Neah began his new life at the academy. Little did he know that the journey he had embarked upon would lead him to encounters and revelations beyond his wildest imaginings. In the world of Terra Veritas, where dreams intertwine with reality, anything was possible.
It had been three weeks since Neah's departure from home to attend the prestigious academy in the Kingdom of Astoria. As the sun began to set on the horizon, the knight escorting him informed Neah that they would reach the academy by the next day. The entourage decided to stop at a nearby village to rest and refresh themselves after a long day of travel.
As they settled into a quaint tavern for a well-deserved meal, Neah found a moment of solace and amusement as he sat at the diner table, engrossed in a book he had brought along to pass the time. Little did he know that this peaceful interlude was about to be disrupted.
A sudden voice, dripping with arrogance, demanded their table. Neah glanced up to see a noble girl around his age with her entourage trailing behind her. "Give us your table and find another place to sit" she said imperiously. "We'll pay for your expenses since we'll be troubling you".
Neah looked around the crowded tavern and noted that there were no other vacant tables available. While he would have preferred to avoid any confrontation, he didn't want to be disrespected either. With a calm demeanour, he replied, "I appreciate your offer, but we are also weary from our journey and would like to have a proper meal and rest".
The noble girl's expression twisted in disbelief, seemingly unaccustomed to being denied. However, before she could make a scene, her composed butler intervened, gently taking her aside. "Young lady, please not here, and remember your father's instructions not to cause a commotion" he whispered, leading her away.
Neah couldn't help but smile to himself, finding the encounter amusing. He had always been one to avoid unnecessary trouble, and it seemed that even on the road to the academy, he couldn't escape the complexities of noble life.
As the evening wore on, the tension eased, and Neah resumed his reading, occasionally glancing around the tavern. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of encounters awaited him at the academy, especially with fellow noble students like the spirited girl he had just encountered.
With the sun setting on the horizon, Neah's mind wandered to the days ahead, anticipating the challenges and opportunities that would shape his journey at the academy. Little did he know that this chance encounter was just the beginning of a series of events that would set the stage for his future in the world of Terra Veritas.
With the first rays of dawn painting the horizon, Neah's excitement grew as he knew they were close to arriving at Astoria Academy. As their entourage continued the journey, he couldn't help but observe noble children from various backgrounds also making their way to the esteemed academy, each with their own aspirations and dreams.
As they approached the grand entrance of the academy, Neah felt a mix of nervousness and determination. While he was born into nobility, he knew that gaining admission to the academy wasn't a simple matter of birthright. The academy had strict requirements for entry, including proficiency in magic and control over one's mana for mage candidates and exceptional skill and talent for knight and warrior candidates.
Neah's heart pounded in his chest as he contemplated the challenge ahead. Being a hollow, he possessed an incomparably weak mana core, making him ineligible as a mage. He knew he had to conceal this fact from others, for only his family knew of his unique condition. Thus, he would have to rely on his skillful swordsmanship to impress the examiners and prove that, despite lacking magical talent, he could be a formidable knight.
Determined to prove himself, Neah set aside thoughts of his hollow nature. Instead, he focused on displaying his prowess in swordsmanship, aiming to catch the eye of the examiners with his precision, speed, and finesse. His goal was not fame or recognition but to gain knowledge and stand side by side with his family, protecting their legacy and reputation.
With a heart full of determination and a thirst for knowledge, Neah stepped forward to face the entrance exams for the knight and warrior classes, where his journey to learn new knowledge in this world would truly begin.
Neah took a deep breath as he sat down to take the written examination. The room was filled with tension as the noble candidates diligently answered questions on literature, history, and other areas of knowledge. As he delved into the test, Neah's mind raced, recalling the countless hours he had spent studying to prepare for this moment. He thought back to his family's library, where he had pored over ancient texts and literary classics, determined to excel in every subject.
In his thoughts, he mused on the importance of literature and the arts in shaping a noble's character and understanding the complexities of the world. He contemplated the works of famous poets and philosophers, analysing their themes and messages, hoping to draw inspiration from their wisdom to enhance his answers.
The questions seemed almost trivial to him; he found the literature test easy, and the knowledge examination didn't pose much of a challenge. He answered each question with confidence and precision, fueled by his genuine passion for learning and knowledge.
With the written tests behind him, Neah now faced the critical decision of whether to pursue the path of magic or swordsmanship. Both held their allure, but he knew that without any control over mana, the path of magic was currently closed to him. Instead, his heart was firmly settled on mastering the art of the sword and becoming a skilled knight.
The next part of the examination led Neah to a spacious training ground, where he faced the retired captain of the royal guards, the instructor for the swordsmanship test. The seasoned veteran's imposing presence exuded authority and experience. He eyed Neah with a scrutinising gaze, knowing that countless noble children had tried and failed to impress him.
"I want one thing from you, young one," the instructor said with a commanding voice. "Impress me, and you pass. But let me warn you, few have succeeded, and even fewer have managed to land a hit on me.
Neah nodded, his determination unwavering. He assumed a defensive stance, his eyes locked on the instructor's every move. Slowly, he began to approach, his steps measured and deliberate. He knew that he couldn't afford to be reckless, especially against a skilled adversary like the retired captain.
As Neah closed the distance, the instructor decided to initiate the first attack, aiming a powerful downward strike at him. To the instructor's surprise, Neah responded with impeccable timing, parrying the blow with precision and grace. The instructor felt a twinge of curiosity rising within him as he realised that Neah seemed to be testing him in return rather than simply defending.
Feeling the weight of Neah's scrutiny, the instructor launched a second attack, this time with a quick thrust aimed at Neah's chest. Reacting swiftly, Neah deflected the thrust and seamlessly transitioned into an offensive manoeuvre. The instructor found himself momentarily caught off guard, astonished by Neah's skillful counterattack.
In that brief moment of hesitation, Neah saw an opening and lunged forward, aiming for a clean strike. The instructor managed to evade the full brunt of the attack, but his beard bore the evidence of the young noble's prowess, slightly singed from the close encounter.
Impressed by Neah's composure and adaptability, the instructor couldn't help but smile. "You've got potential, young one," he said, nodding approvingly. "Keep honing your skills, and you just might become a formidable knight".
Neah gave it his all, showcasing impressive skills and adaptability during the spar. But as the duel reached its climax, the instructor's experience and mastery proved too much to overcome. With a swift, calculated move, the instructor pointed his sword at Neah's neck, signalling the end of the match.
Despite the defeat, the instructor's face beamed with approval. "Congratulations, young one," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You have passed the test. From now on, you'll be attending Astoria Academy".
Neah's heart swelled with pride and excitement. He may not have emerged victorious in the duel, but he had earned the instructor's recognition and the opportunity to pursue his dreams at the academy.
With a sense of determination and a bright future ahead, Neah bid farewell to the escort knights, expressing his gratitude for their support during the journey. From this day forward, he would reside in the academy's dorms, fully immersing himself in the world of learning and honing his skills.
With the entrance exams behind him and a newfound sense of purpose, Neah finally settled into his dorm room, the space that would be his home throughout his time at Astoria Academy. With meticulous care, he organised his belongings, carefully placing them in their designated spots—a wardrobe for his clothes, a bookshelf for his cherished tomes, and a reading table that would become a sanctuary of knowledge.
Fatigue tugged at his senses, but his passion for learning never waned. Even in his weariness, Neah found solace in books, and as he settled down at his reading table, he couldn't resist the allure of immersing himself in another tale. As he perused the pages, he stumbled upon a captivating account of a mythical place with Eternal Knowledge. The mere thought of such a place filled him with awe and wonder.
"A library full of knowledge, huh? Neah mused to himself. "Must be nice.
As he delved deeper into the text, he discovered a wealth of new knowledge – different Gods responsible for maintaining the world's order, a myriad of creatures that had only existed in the realm of fantasy in his previous world, ranging from mere goblins to mighty dragons. However, as the night wore on, exhaustion slowly wrapped around him like a comforting shroud. The long journey and the day's events had taken their toll, and before he realized it, sleep embraced him, carrying him away to dreams filled with boundless possibilities and the adventures that awaited him within the hallowed halls of Astoria Academy.
And so, with the promise of knowledge and discovery embracing him, Neah began his new life at the academy. Little did he know that the journey he had embarked upon would lead him to encounters and revelations beyond his wildest imaginings. In the world of Terra Veritas, where dreams intertwine with reality, anything was possible.
