A warrior's beginning

Azrael arrived at the Vice Headmaster's office, his face expressionless as he listened to Aaron's words. Although honored to be considered worthy of protecting the empire, he had no intention of joining the army. He planned to continue his training at Ryzel Academy.

"I appreciate the offer, but I would like to respectfully decline," Azrael said. "I still have much to learn here, and I am committed to my studies."

Aaron's smile faded. "I'm afraid it's not a request, Azrael. It's mandatory recruitment. But if you are still unwilling, then we can get a close family member take your spot."

"Im sure Your adoptive father-"

"I understand," Azrael said cutting Aaron off, his voice taut. "I'll go."

Aaron nodded. "I'll make the necessary arrangements for your departure."

After Azrael had given his answer, the Vice Headmaster spoke up. "Azrael, I urge you to rethink your decision. You have a bright future here at the academy, and you don't have to go to war if you don't want to."

But Azrael shook his head. "I've made up my mind, Vice Headmaster." he said firmly. "It'll just be for a year and I'll come back stronger." He said with a smile

Aaron smiled. "Excellent. The army is filled with many talented individuals and instructors, and your growth will not be halted."

After a mildly long session of questions and inquiry from the Headmaster the meeting was finally concluded.

"It seems the decision has been made, Azrael. You can go," the Vice Headmaster said.

"Yes, you should get some rest. We leave tomorrow morning," Aaron said, dismissing the meeting.

As Azrael left the office and walked through the academy to the infirmary, he couldn't help but feel confused.

Upon reaching the infirmary, he recounted the events to Ryo, who was equally angered by the Silverbloods' actions.

Ryo informs Azrael that all of this was most likely a way of making sure that Zach keeps his rank.

Azrael asked Ryo about the significance of the rank and why it was so important to them, Ryo explained that the top ten students in Ryzel Academy are chosen to join one of three elite squads, each under one of the three empires.

The top three students get to choose which squad they lead, and the others top ten ranked students chose which squad they intend on joining.These squads are known to be powerful and take on dangerous missions, and their members are highly honored and often go on to serve in high-level military or secret assignments.

Ryzel Academy only opens once every fifteen years so opportunities to be selected for this squad is very rare, so it has become extremely important for the great families to have a member in one of these squads as it seems to play a big role in their power struggle.

Azrael sighed with frustration, realizing what the Silverbloods wanted. He had no intention of getting involved in any of it.

"So how long would you be gone?" Ryo asked Azrael who was deep in thought

"Just one year, but according to Ryzel rules my rank would be void by then." Azrael said a hint of disappointment in his voice

"Haha cheer up , im sure you would easily take it back when you return" Ryo said reassuringly

"Definitely" Azrael replied confidently

"Well you should probably go to sleep since you leave tomorrow morning" Ryo said

After bidding each other farewell, Azrael went back to his dorm to try and get some sleep, though he knew it was unlikely he would get any rest.

****

The ground was littered with bodies, and the earth was stained red with blood. Azrael found himself among the dead, realizing with horror that this was the same nightmare he had countless times before.

But this time, it felt all too real. The pain from his sliced organs and the fear of death were all too palpable. The man responsible for the carnage sat atop the pile of bodies, watching as the sun set.

He looked Azrael in the eye and spoke: "Embrace death, for you will find peace in its embrace," as he always said in Azrael's nightmares.

This time, Azrael, still terrified, looked back at the man and asked, "How dare you, a destroyer, speak of peace?" The man looked back at the sunset and replied calmly, "I am not a destroyer, but a balance. Life is fleeting, and death is the only certainty, the only constant in the universe. I am its master."

He stood and walked towards Azrael. "Remember, the universe must be purged of the weak and unnecessary for the needed to survive. These are the laws of the tribunal, your laws. Soon, you shall also carry the burdens I carry. It will be your purpose. But forget not that this was of your making. As you go, the fear of the abyss, power, and vengeance will drive you until you face the ultimate test. When that time comes, make sure you are prepared. Your failure will bring nothing short of unspeakable doom." The man said as he sat beside Azrael's dying body.

Then Azrael woke up.

His heart racing as he laid on his bed, he grabbed his chest with one hand as he tried to calm down.

*******

Azrael stood at the gates of Ryzel Academy, still feeling the fear and confusion from the vivid nightmare he had experienced. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was too real, and he couldn't understand why he suddenly remembered every detail on the day he was set to join the army.

The Vice Headmaster, who had always been supportive of Azrael, noticed the worry etched on his face. "Don't worry, it's just for a year. I'm sure you'll be fine," he said, offering reassurance.

Azrael's gratitude was evident as he replied, "Thank you, sir," with a small smile.

As he turned to leave, Azrael felt a sudden tingling sensation in the air. It was as though an invisible presence was making itself known. Even onlooking students felt it, and they were stunned by the intense energy that seemed to radiate from it. It was a presence unlike anything they had ever felt before.