Two months after his father's death, the mansion in Zui fell silent.The servants' footsteps grew cautious. Ri Yami's mother barely ate. The incense at the family altar never stopped burning.
But Yami didn't stop his routine. If this world had taught him anything, it was that sorrow was a luxury the weak couldn't afford.
Then the letter arrived.
A scroll sealed with the emblem of the tiger: the insignia of the Li Military Academy, one of the strictest institutions in the kingdom, located outside Kanyou.
"To the son of the late Commander Lan Ri,Conditional admission to the Military Academy is granted,To receive instruction in tactics, physical training, and martial arts.Admission authorized by recommendation of General Jie Mu.The winter term begins in 10 days."
Ri Yami held the document between his fingers and smiled—not with joy.This was the first gate. And he would walk through it.
A square-jawed man with a scar across his jaw came out to receive him. He was the head instructor, Han Bu, a veteran known for being brutal but fair.
—"You must be Ri Yami. Son of Lan Ri." He gave him a sharp look. "Was your father brave… or stupid?"
Ri Yami raised his chin.
—"He was brave. And now he's dead."
During a paired combat lesson, he was matched against a thirteen-year-old boy: Li Shen, son of a high-ranking officer.
—"I'll send you crying back to Zui, little country boy."
—"Try me," Ri Yami answered.
Li Shen struck with force, using a long spear.Ri Yami, smaller, dodged quickly and spun on his heel, slamming the butt of his own spear into Li Shen's side.
During a tactical simulation, Ri Yami was appointed squad leader for the first time.His mission: to capture the simulated hill before dawn.
Instructor Han Bu watched in silence, arms crossed.
—"You've got an eye for strategy.But real war isn't clean. Remember that, boy."
Ri Yami nodded.
—"That's why I train here.So that when war comes… I won't get dirty for nothing."