Threshold of the Exam
Warnings and Promises at Leon's House
That evening, after returning from the Aurumblade Academy, Leon's house felt quieter than usual. Satya sat in the living room, still holding a small cloth that had belonged to his mother, his mind full of thoughts about the upcoming exam. Leon stood near the fireplace, his eyes sharply fixed on Satya, as if weighing every inch of the boy's resolve.
"Satya," Leon said, his voice deep and full of authority, "this exam is no game. If you fail the first test, you won't just have to wait until next year to apply again—you'll also disgrace my name as the Fang of Asran. Do you understand what that means?"
Satya swallowed, feeling the weight of Leon's words press against his chest. He looked at the mentor who had taken him in and trained him, at the stern face that had now become a part of his life.
"I know, Master," he said, his voice firm though slightly trembling. "You don't have to worry. I won't fail."
Leon nodded slowly, but his expression remained serious.
"If you get accepted into the academy, you'll stay in the dormitory for three years. You won't need to worry about food or shelter—the kingdom will provide everything. But that's no excuse to slack off. You have to prove you deserve to be there."
Satya felt warmth rise in his chest at Leon's words. All this time, Leon had given him more than just a roof and training—he had given him hope. Satya rose from his seat and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master Leon," he said, his voice filled with respect. "You've done so much for me. One day, I'll repay all of it, I swear."
Leon snorted, but a small smile crept to the corner of his lips.
"Repay? Pass the exam first, boy, then talk about repaying debts. Don't make me regret betting on you."
Satya smiled, his spirit reignited. He nodded, then walked out to the backyard, training sword in hand. The exam was only a week away, and he wouldn't waste a single second.
---
Final Training and Preparation
The next week flew by like the wind. Satya trained harder than ever, his sword swinging with a rhythm that was now steadier, though still far from perfect. He sparred with Leon every day, and though he often lost, he had started to block some of the Fang of Asran's attacks. Between training, he stole time to study reading and writing, scribbling letters on parchment with tired hands. Words like "knight" and "magic" were no longer foreign, though he still often misspelled them.
Each night, he sat in his room, gazing at his mother's cloth and whispering to himself.
"I won't fail," he murmured, clutching the cloth tightly. "For you. For Alicia. For Master Leon."
Fear still lurked in the corners of his mind—what if he wasn't good enough?—but he pushed it away, replacing it with burning determination.
---
The Exam Day and the Presence of Family
The morning of the exam arrived, and Asran's sky was clear with light clouds drifting above. Satya stood in Leon's courtyard, wearing a clean, simple tunic, his training sword hanging at his side. His heart pounded, a mix of excitement and tension coursing through his veins.
Suddenly, the sound of a horse-drawn carriage broke the quiet, and Satya turned. From the carriage leapt Alicia, her red dress fluttering, followed by Lady Adelea and her husband, who walked with elegance and authority. Leon, standing beside Satya, smiled broadly at the sight of his granddaughter, his face shifting from strict mentor to doting grandfather.
"Alicia!" Leon exclaimed, hugging the girl tightly. "You came at just the right time."
Alicia giggled, then broke the hug and turned to Satya. Her eyes scanned the boy, noting the small muscles forming on his arms and the straighter posture he now carried.
"Hmph," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like muscle-brain is actually serious. You're not just full of hot air, huh?"
Satya grinned broadly, his chest puffing out.
"Of course!" he said, voice full of confidence. "I'm going to pass this exam, Alicia. You'll see."
Alicia snorted, but her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"If you fail, I'll kill you myself," she said, hands on her hips, though her tone was more playful than threatening. "So don't embarrass me, okay?"
Satya chuckled, feeling light despite the looming exam.
"Don't worry, I won't fail."
Adelea stepped forward, smiling warmly at Satya.
"We're all rooting for you, Satya," she said, her voice gentle. "Become a warrior that would make Father proud."
Satya felt his chest warm again. He bowed deeply to Adelea, her husband, and Leon.
"Thank you, Lady Adelea. Thank you, Master Leon, and Alicia. You're… you're like family to me now."
His voice trembled slightly, but he quickly lifted his head, not wanting his tears to show.
Leon placed a hand on Satya's shoulder, his eyes full of pride.
"Don't get too sentimental, boy. Go, and show them what you've got."
Alicia playfully punched Satya's arm, smiling.
"Don't forget reading and writing, muscle-brain. You'll need that at the academy!"
With a small laugh, Satya stepped toward the carriage that would take him to the Aurumblade Academy. Leon, Alicia, Adelea, and her husband accompanied him to the city gates, their faces filled with hope. Satya waved, his chest brimming with determination. He thought of his family long gone, his promise to Alicia, and Leon's trust.
As the carriage rolled toward the academy, Satya stared at the grand Aurumblade gates in the distance. The exam awaited, and though fear still lingered, he felt more prepared than ever.
"I will pass," he whispered to himself, clenching his fist. "I will become a Holy Knight."
With steady steps, he stepped out of the carriage, ready to face whatever the first exam of the Aurumblade Academy would bring.