That Arrogant Voice Again

The students were being escorted to their dorms, and as they drew closer to the enormous structure ahead, they could scarcely believe their eyes. It wasn't just a building—it was a castle. With every step, the sheer scale of it grew more apparent, towering over them like a fortress from a bygone age.

"This is the Knight Academy dorms?" Luke muttered in awe, glancing around at the other stunned faces. The castle was larger than anything he'd imagined.

Across from the dorms stood another imposing structure—a massive, circular building that exuded an aura of combat and intensity.

"I'm guessing that's the arena?" Luke asked, turning to his escort, a second-year senior.

"You got it," the senior responded with a smirk.

As they continued walking, Luke's curiosity piqued. "What's Senior Brother's name?" he inquired.

"Reyard," the senior said, his tone casual but friendly.

Reyard led Luke deeper into the academy grounds, and it didn't take long for Luke's curiosity to overwhelm him. "Will I be able to fight those seniors from the entrance exam again?" he asked, recalling the power and skill of the knights he had faced.

Reyard chuckled, shaking his head. "Those seniors? They're about to graduate. You might run into them if you're lucky, but don't count on it. Once they graduate, they'll be heading off to make a name for themselves in the world."

He paused, then added, "Most of them will receive titles or even land from their countries depending on their achievements. They're on a whole other level."

Luke nodded, digesting the information. These graduates were the elite—the future legends of the knightly world. It would be difficult to even approach them, let alone challenge them again.

As they walked, Reyard suddenly tossed something back to Luke. Reflexively, Luke caught it. "This is your academy badge," Reyard explained. "Don't lose it. It's your identity here."

Luke examined the bronze badge in his hand. His name was engraved on the back, and on the front was a single sword—a symbol of his entry rank. It was simple but carried weight.

"How do I improve my rank?" Luke asked, eager to know how to rise in the academy's hierarchy.

"There are a lots of ways," Reyard said, "but for first-years like you, the main methods are passing your courses and racking up consecutive wins in the arena. The more wins, the more chance to improve rank . Climb the ranks, and things will start to open up for you."

"Does anything change when I become a second year?" Luke pressed.

"Yeah," Reyard nodded. "Second-years start taking on missions."

"Missions?" Luke raised an eyebrow.

"Things like subjugation tasks, escorting important people, scouting or bodyguarding. The academy give us world missions"

Luke nodded thoughtfully. "So, the higher you go, the more freedom and duties you're given?."

Reyard fell silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Luke sensed there were limits to what the senior could reveal. 'Some things second years just can't say', Luke mused.

"What are the benefits of improving my rank?" Luke asked, changing the subject.

Reyard's eyes lit up slightly "For one, the required number of arena battles each month goes down. You'll also get access to restricted areas within the academy—places most students can't enter and of course, there's respect."

As they neared the dorm entrance, Reyard stopped and turned to Luke. "Oh, one last thing," he said, his tone growing serious. "If you're a noble, that doesn't mean a thing here. Inside these academy walls, the only thing that matters is strength. Nobility? Wealth? Titles? Leave those at the door. Only what you can do in battle matters."

With that final piece of advice, Reyard turned and walked off, disappearing around a corner. Luke was just about to enter his dorm when a shout echoed through the air.

"You disgusting mongrel!"

Luke froze, instantly recognizing the voice. He turned, and there, standing with a sneer, was the same boy who had his hand severed before the entrance exam. Luke had finally seen him whole.

He had Dark Brown hair with and upright statue while shouting at another student. He had His face was twisted with anger and malice.

So, he made it through, Luke thought, barely suppressing a sigh. Never expected to see him so soon.

Luke's mind wandered briefly. I wonder if that girl is here too.