Chapter 2

When they reached the palace Alric’s steps heavy as he made his way to the grand palace. The king greeted him with gratitude, his daughter safe and sound beside him. "Alric, you have shown bravery and honor in protecting my daughter. I offer you a place as a royal guard, to watch over her and serve the kingdom."

But Alric shook his head, his voice firm. "I appreciate your offer, Your Majesty, but I must decline. I believe in earning my place through hard work and dedication. I will enroll in the academy and join the military force, where I can prove my worth."

Princess Elara listened to his words, admiration glowing in her eyes. She had seen many suitors vying for her hand, but none had shown the integrity and humility that Alric displayed. "He is a man of honor," she whispered to herself, a newfound respect blooming in her heart.

The king, impressed by Alric's resolve, nodded in understanding. "You have earned my respect, Alric Ethan Ironhide. May your path be guided by courage and honor. Know that the doors of the kingdom are always open to you." And with that, Alric thanked the king and before that, the king gave Alric a family insignia.

It’s a sign that, he was friends with the royal family. Alric takes it and bow his head then left the palace, his destiny calling him to a new journey of self-discovery and growth.

Alric had set his sights on enrolling in the academy after leaving the comforts of the palace behind. As he strode towards the grand entrance of the academy, a sense of anticipation and curiosity filled his heart. What adventures awaited him within those hallowed halls, he wondered.

Upon arriving at the academy, Alric noticed his peers milling about, their expressions a mix of excitement and apprehension. They were all eager to embark on this new chapter of their lives, but none knew what trials and tribulations lay ahead.

Alric made his way to the auditorium, where a buzz of chatter and murmurs filled the air. He leaned against the wall, observing his fellow students as they awaited the arrival of the principal. When she finally appeared, a sense of authority and wisdom surrounded her like a cloak.

"Welcome, students of the Academy of Lestia," the principal began, her voice ringing out clear and strong. "My name is Elowen Armstrong. Today marks the beginning of your journey towards greatness. As you choose your military branch to specialize in, remember that each path holds its own challenges and rewards."

As the principal listed the various branches available for enrollment, Alric's gaze lingered on the mention of the Legion. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as the principal described the Legion as the elite force of warriors, skilled in both defense and offense, tasked with safeguarding the kingdom from the deadliest threats.

While the other students eagerly lined up for their chosen branches, Alric hesitated, his eyes fixed on the slot reserved for the Legion. Despite the allure of joining such a prestigious and powerful group, he knew the trials and tests to prove one's worthiness were notoriously difficult.

As the students filed past, Alric remained rooted to the spot, his expression unreadable. It seemed no one shared his desire to join the Legion until five figures emerged from the crowd, moving purposefully towards the vacant slot.

In the grand auditorium of Lestia Academy, the esteemed principal, Lady Elowen, stood before a sea of eager faces, her voice resounding with authority as she detailed the various branches of the military that students could choose to join. The Legion, a mysterious and enigmatic branch shrouded in rumors and whispered tales, was often dismissed by most as a path not to be taken. Yet, as Lady Elowen spoke of the prestigious slots within the Legion, a spark of curiosity ignited within her.

Among the group of five individuals who had been selected for the Legion Slots, there were two striking women who commanded attention mere moments upon their entrance. The left woman with silver hair possessed an ethereal beauty, reminiscent of a goddess, while the right woman with chestnut locks exuded an Amazonian strength that could rival any warrior. Their presence radiated power, their gazes sharp and unfaltering.

The third person, a man with tanned skin and spiky blonde hair, carried a formidable long sword. He exuded an air of narcissism, his arrogance and opportunistic nature palpable as he swaggered with pride. Beside him stood a man of contrasting characteristics - he bore white skin, fiery red hair, and carried both a katana and a naginata. Despite his bashful and honest demeanor, there was an undeniable loyalty that shone in his eyes.

Lastly, a man unlike the rest caught the attention of both the two beautiful women and the others in the room. With an aura of friendliness and trustworthiness, he possessed a rugged handsomeness, his unruly dark hair adding to his enigmatic charm. Carrying a sword and a short sword, he was known for his diligence and philosophical outlook on life.

As Lady Elowen observed the interactions among the five individuals selected for the Legion, a disturbance arose. The narcissistic swordsman began to boast about his prowess and belittle those he deemed beneath him, igniting tension within the group. It was at this moment that a figure emerged from the shadows, a man named Alric Ethan Ironhide, whose arrival heralded an unforeseen turn of events.

Alric, with his piercing oceanic eyes and an aura of unresolved mystery, strode towards the group with a chilling determination that sent shivers down the spines of those present. His presence was that of a looming storm, unpredictable and foreboding, as if he were a force of nature not to be trifled with.

The two beautiful women, the narcissistic swordsman, the loyal redhead warrior, and the philosophical swordsman all turned their gazes towards Alric, their curiosity piqued by this enigmatic figure who seemed to materialize out of thin air. Lady Elowen watched with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as Alric closed and reopened his emotionless eyes, signaling an impending upheaval that would alter the course of their destinies.

As Alric stood amidst the group, a palpable tension hung in the air, crackling with anticipation and uncertainty. No one knew the depths of his capabilities, the mysteries that shrouded his past, or the true extent of his power. In that moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the revelation of the man named Alric Ethan Ironhide and the pivotal role he would play in the unfolding tapestry of fate.

Alric's voice, when it finally broke the tense silence, was like the deep rumble of thunder, carrying the weight of unspoken truths and hidden purpose. "I am Alric Ethan Ironhide," he proclaimed, his oceanic eyes flashing with a mix of anger and determination. "And I walk the path of the Legion with a purpose that is my own."

The room fell into a hushed silence, the weight of Alric's words lingering in the air. The Narcissist, accustomed to a world where power and pride ruled, found himself facing a foe unlike any other. Alric's presence challenged his very core, stripping away the facades of arrogance and entitlement to reveal the frailty beneath.

In a voice filled with steel and resolve, Alric continued, "I need not share the context of my purpose, for it is mine to carry alone. But know this – the Legion will witness a change, a shift in the tides of fate that none can predict."

The two beautiful women exchanged knowing glances, recognizing in Alric a kindred spirit, a force of nature that defied simple categorization. The philosopher nodded in silent agreement, sensing a profound shift in the winds of destiny. And as for the Narcissist, his bravado crumbled before Alric's unwavering gaze, his words reduced to mere echoes in the face of true strength.

After that, Lady Elowen smiled gleefully as she saw Alric handle the situation unexpectedly, she stepped in before the Narcissist do something stupid.

“Alright now, before we are going to end. These people will give you a home room tag to begin our first day of the class” As she finished telling the agenda, handed out room tags in the bustling classroom, Alric was assigned to Room L-1 along with a group of intriguing individuals he had met earlier.

As the group settled in the classroom, the narcissist wasted no time in regaling his companions with tales of his supposed glory and superiority. Alric, unmoved by the display of arrogance, simply exhaled deeply and turned his attention to the instructor, who had begun the day's lesson.

After the class, a sense of familiarity washed over him as he beheld three figures approaching him. Alric welcomed their company, his small smile hinting at depths unexplored.

The two women found themselves mesmerized by Alric's penetrating oceanic blue eyes, while he regarded them with a cool and detached expression, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Sensing the curiosity and intrigue emanating from the trio, Alric inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, inviting them to speak.

The silver-haired woman was the first to speak, her voice like a melody that stirred forgotten memories within Alric's mind. "Greetings, Alric Ethan Ironhide," she began, her tone as soft as a whisper. "I am Seraphina Moonshadow, of the house of Moon. And this is my companion, Callista Evergreen, of the house of Arathorn."

Lyra, the brunette woman, offered a graceful nod in greeting, her eyes alight with a curious gleam. "A pleasure to meet you, Alric," she said, her voice as melodious as a songbird's.

Alric inclined his head in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting to the philosopher who stood beside them. "And who might you be?" he inquired, a note of intrigue coloring his words.

The philosopher smiled warmly, his voice resonating with a quiet strength that belied his rugged appearance. "I am Theron Blackthorn, of the house of Blackthron," he replied, his eyes meeting Alric's with a spark of recognition. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Alric."

Alric nodded, he stands up and offered them to go outside, the trio agreed then left the room.

When they reached the tranquil embrace of the academy's backyard. Alric, sat beside Seraphina, Callista, and Theron. As a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, they gathered to share dreams and ambitions that burned within their hearts.

the Seraphina, her silver hair shimmering in the early light, spoke first. "I dream of being the greatest female swordsman in all the lands, to wield my blade with skill and grace that would make even the elders proud."

Callista, with emerald eyes full of determination, nodded in agreement. "And I shall stand by your side, Seraphina, as your loyal companion, striving to match your prowess and become a legendary swordswoman myself."

Theron, his eyes alight with visions of glory, declared, "I aim to lead the Legion one day to command armies and defend our realm with unwavering strength and honor."

The girls turned their gaze to Alric, who sat with a quiet intensity that belied a deeper passion within. They inquired about his dreams, and with a small smile, he shook his head. "I wished to be something else."

As the group left the peaceful sanctuary of the backyard, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone path, Alric and Theron exchanged a knowing look. It was an unspoken challenge that hung between them, a silent agreement to test each other's strength and skill. Without a word, they made their way to the training grounds, the girls following closely behind, their curiosity piqued.

Under the watchful gaze of his friends, Alric drew his gleaming katana with effortless grace, the blade shimmering in the fading light of the setting sun. Theron readied his own sword, determination etched on his face as he prepared to face his friend in combat.

The clash of steel rang out through the training grounds as the two warriors engaged in a fierce battle. Alric's movements were fluid and precise, his strikes swift and deadly. Theron matched him blow for blow, his strength and speed a formidable match for the katana-wielding swordsman.

The girls watched in awe as the two friends sparred, their eyes locked on Alric. His expression was unreadable, his features calm and composed even in the heat of battle. It was as if nothing could faze him, as if his mind and body were one with the blade he wielded.

As the spar continued, Alric's skill began to shine brighter, his movements becoming a mesmerizing dance of steel and shadow. Theron fought valiantly, but the overwhelming power and precision of Alric's attacks proved too much for him to handle. With a final, decisive strike, Alric disarmed Theron, the clash of steel coming to an abrupt halt.

Breathing heavily, Theron looked up at Alric with a mix of respect and admiration. Despite being bested in combat, he knew that his friend's skill was unmatched, his dedication to the art of swordsmanship unparalleled.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the training grounds, the group gathered together, the thrill of battle still lingering in the air. Alric sheathed his katana, his expression finally softening into a small smile as he turned to his friends.

"Well fought, my friend," he said to Theron, clasping him on the shoulder. "You are a worthy opponent."

Theron nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "And you, Alric, are truly a master of the blade. I can only hope to one day reach your level of skill."

Seraphina and Callista approached them, their eyes sparkling with excitement. "That was amazing!" Seraphina exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. "I have never seen such skill and grace in combat before."

Callista nodded in agreement. "You truly are a marvel, Alric. Your swordsmanship is unlike anything I have ever witnessed."

Alric inclined his head graciously, a hint of pride shining in his eyes. "Thank you, my friends. I am honored by your praise. But remember, we are all here to learn and grow together. Each of us has our own strengths and talents to bring to the table."

And with those words, the group stood together in the fading light of dusk, bound by friendship and the shared pursuit of greatness. After that, they left the training grounds to call of the day.