--_
After a long, quiet month, the day of Sam's departure had finally arrived.
City M was its usual chaotic self that morning—streets clattered with repairs, vendors argued over prices, and the scent of fresh bread clashed with the acrid smoke of reforged walls. But today, the atmosphere buzzed with something else too—a touch of excitement, maybe a hint of sadness.
By the towering gates of the city, Ken and his group were already gathered, waiting. They wanted to give Sam the send-off he deserved.
Back in his room, Sam finished packing. His bag wasn't much—just a few clothes he'd bought from the local market, some essentials, and a small pile of books Anna had given him a few days ago. Texts on magical theory, monster behavior, and general academy etiquette.
"Hoh… it's finally done," he exhaled, slinging the backpack over his shoulders with a final tug. He stood still for a moment, taking in the room where he had recovered, studied, dreamed—and changed.
Before heading to the gates, he made his way to the director's office to see Anna, hoping for a last conversation, maybe even a few words of encouragement. But when he arrived, one of the clerics informed him that she had left early that morning, without leaving a note.
Disappointment flickered across Sam's face, but he didn't linger. She was the one who had pulled him from the island, from the life of quiet days and stormy nights. She had dropped him into a world of monsters, chaos, and battle. And still, somehow, he'd grown to be thankful.
He passed through the city center, his steps slow, eyes lingering on familiar corners. The training square—where he once froze in fear, waiting for death. And Anna rescuing him. That was his first lasting memory of her. He seemed to be having weird emotions when facing her for the past few days.
People waved at him as he walked past. Some smiled, others shouted his name, a few even threw small charms for luck. He didn't expect any of it. But it made him feel something warm—like he belonged. Like he was leaving home for a while… but not forever.
By the time he reached the gates, the early sun cast long shadows across the ground.
Ken stood in front, arms crossed, trying hard not to look emotional. Alia leaned against the gate, chewing on a stick of dried fruit, grinning. Rio and the others flanked them, talking among themselves but quieting down as Sam approached.
Sam offered a small smile. "Looks like I kept you all waiting."
Ken let out a breath. "So, it's finally the day, huh?"
"Huh? Why are you being so cringy? Bleeergh." Alia mocked, sticking out her tongue.
The group burst out laughing, and so did Sam.
"Oh, shut up," Ken muttered, blushing.
But the light mood faded slightly as Sam stepped closer.
"I'm really thankful to you guys," he said, voice softer now. "When I first came here, I wasn't ready. Not for the fights. Not for the blood. Not for any of it. I thought this place would break me. But watching you all—how you fought, laughed, even after terrifying raids—it gave me courage. I accepted this life because of you."
His voice trembled near the end.
Ken, ever the emotional one, couldn't hold it anymore. "Wahhhh… I'm going to miss you, Sam!" he bawled, burying his face in his sleeve.
"We… no, I mean—we'll always remember you. So you better make a name for yourself at the academy," Rio said, eyes a bit glassy.
Sam nodded, proud and moved. "I will."
They laughed again, though it was tinged with the weight of farewell. Even Ken's hiccuped sobs couldn't break the moment's sincerity.
"Oh, by the way," Sam asked, turning, "have you seen Anna today?"
Ken blinked, a little too fast. "Anna?" he echoed.
The others exchanged glances.
"About that…" Ken started but trailed off.
Sam's eyes narrowed, his smile dimming into something more serious.
"She's fine," Ken said quickly. "You know Anna. She's strong. She'll handle whatever it is."
Sam gave a slow nod. "Yeah… I know."
He didn't push further, but something in him twisted—concern, maybe. Or something deeper.
Ken clapped his back. "Anyway, enjoy academy life. And don't forget to write or call or… I don't know, send a magic scroll or something."
"I'll try," Sam said, managing a smile. He waved at each of them one last time, committing their faces to memory. Then he turned and stepped through the gates.
Waiting just outside the city was a transport carriage—sleek, steel-reinforced, with enchanted wheels that hovered slightly off the ground.
The driver gave a quick nod as Sam climbed in.
He was told the journey would take him to a teleportation station near City O. From there, he'd be transported to City A—home of Nova Sanctum Academy.
The ride was smooth, the world outside blurring past. But Sam wasn't watching the trees or the sky. His thoughts were back in the city—and far beyond it.
Everything from his arrival in City M replayed in his mind—meeting Anna, fighting side-by-side with Ken, laughing with Alia and Rio, surviving his first near-death, and most of all… the ring.
He looked down at it now. Faint and cold, yet somehow alive.
Edward's voice echoed in his head. As he thought for himself :
"What connection does he have to the Riorians?"
"Why did the ring from his vision find its way to him?"
Sam didn't know. Not yet. But someone might.
The name Edward gave him floated back into his thoughts like a whispered secret.
Cainen.
Combat Instructor at Nova Sanctum Academy.
A Riorian.
Sam leaned back in his seat, gripping the edge of the bench tightly. His heart raced—not from fear, but anticipation.
About an hour later, the car slowed down as the station came into view. The teleportation station wasn't as flashy as Sam had imagined—just a few layered domes, flickering glyphs, and faintly humming crystal panels. Uniformed staff moved in and out of checkpoints, and a handful of students stood waiting by the departure gates.
Sam stepped out, adjusting his backpack. As he looked around, his eyes landed on a boy sitting alone on a steel bench, head slightly lowered, elbows resting on his knees.
The kid looked no older than fifteen, maybe sixteen at most. His silver-gray hair hung messily over his eyes, and his clothes were worn but patched carefully. There was a sling bag by his side, but that was it—no armor, no visible weapon, no extra luggage. Just him.
There was something quiet but sharp about him, like a blade sheathed but not dulled.
Sam, half out of boredom and half curiosity, walked a little closer and stood nearby.
"You heading to Nova Sanctum too?" he asked, casually.
The kid barely looked up. Just a glance. "Yeah," he said flatly, voice calm but devoid of any warmth.
Sam gave a slight nod. "I'm from City M. You?"
"...W," the boy replied without interest, his gaze already returning to the floor.
City W, huh? Sam had only heard things—rough living, worse survival odds. It wasn't a place where you made friends. You made it out, or you didn't.
Sam tried again. "That far, huh? You heading there alone?"
The boy didn't answer immediately. After a long second, he muttered, "Got sponsored."
That was all.
Sponsored? Sam blinked. That usually meant some big-shot hunter saw potential and took them under their wing. He definitely didn't have the tone of someone flaunting or lying. And even more since he was just disinterested in even talking with Sam.
"That's pretty wild. Someone must've seen something in you."
The boy didn't respond this time. Just slowly leaned back against the bench, expression unreadable.
"...Name's Sam," Sam offered, trying to keep the conversation afloat.
The boy's eyes flickered once to him. "Zeke."
And that was it.
No handshake. No smile. Just a cold air of indifference.
Before Sam could say anything more, the announcement echoed: "Next group, prepare for teleport."
Zeke stood first, walking to the teleport pad without waiting or looking back. Sam exhaled and followed, stepping onto the glowing platform beside him.
The two stood silently.
Sam could feel it—Zeke wasn't just a quiet kid. He carried himself with the weight of someone who'd fought to stay alive. Sam couldn't tell if they'd be rivals, allies, or something in between. But whatever Zeke had been through, it wasn't soft.
As the glyphs activated beneath their feet and the lights surged upward, Sam tightened his grip on his bag.
The path ahead wasn't going to be easy—and Nova Sanctum was already throwing out its first test.
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