Dark blue hair with a middle part and dark circles around silver eyes.

I stared into the mirror and splashed water towards my face. The person in front of me sported a white military jacket with black stripes, golden buttons and a black belt wrapped around the waist. It was hard to believe that the person in the mirror was me, an Enforcer Academy student.

This was supposed to be an exciting day, but my body moved sluggishly as I walked towards the exit of the house. Alessia was waiting right outside the street, with a worried look on her face.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you this, but did you not get enough sleep last night?” She shook my head lightly.

“I spent too many hours sparring with Sir Alvarro yesterday, heh.” I laughed softly.

“Seriously, out of all the times, he decides to spar with you the night before the first day of class!” Alessia placed her hand on her forehead.

“He says he hasn’t crossed swords with anyone in a long time, so we got too into it and lost track of the time.”

I begin recalling the events of what happened last night.

Sir Alvarro and I clashed our swords against each other, the sounds of wood clacking together echoed throughout the basement. For every moment I saw an opening to swing, he would always find a way to counter with a parry. Conversely, I was able to fend off his attacks with the right moves. Sir Alvarro lunged forward and tried to swing towards my head. I step back and counter with an upward slash, disarming his sword and pointing my own towards his neck.

“Ah, my skills with the blade have gotten too rusty over the years,” Sir Alvarro sighed.

“You’re still pretty good with it, sir,” I wiped the sweat off my brow. “It took me a long time to find an opportunity to break through your defense.”

“The Hero Artorias trained you well, maybe too well. I acknowledge that you possess great talent with it.”

“I’m humbled by your words.”

“I can see why you passed the Enforcer Exam. If you were born in a different time, then you would definitely be a top Enforcer.”

Sir Alvarro tapped my shoulder and spoke into my ear.

“But now, it’s not enough. If you wish to follow your master’s footsteps in becoming a Hero, then let me tell you my honest opinion. It’s almost impossible for you. You’re way too far from it.”

I gulped down on my throat and felt goosebumps on my skin.

“Your sword wavers too much. I can sense it. If it were me in my prime, I would have crushed you completely,” he spoke in a deep tone.

“I-is that so? What can I do?” I said.

“I can’t answer that. I was unable to become a Hero, so I’m not the one who should be giving you advice.”

“I see…” I hung my head.

“On the other hand, even if you don’t become a Hero, you can still live a great life as an Enforcer. In fact, I’ll allow you to marry my daughter, if you choose to,” Sir Alvarro said as he placed his glasses back on.

“W-what?”

Back to the present moment, Alessia’s face was as red as a tomato as she listened to my story.

“I-I refuse to believe that someone as serious as my father could say something like that!”

We looked towards the entrance of our house, where Sir Alvarro stood with his hands gesturing a thumbs-up and nodding his head.

“Seriously…..”

“Ahem. A-Anyways, let’s just go to the Academy now."

………..

“To conclude the opening ceremony, I would like to share with you one final message. ”

The principal spoke on the stage in front of an auditorium housing a vast number of students, filling rows of red seats stretching out up to many different levels like a giant arc. One would think that with the high standards of the Enforcer Exam, you’d expect that there would be far less students in this academy. Alessia and I watched from the highest level, which can be rather unnerving knowing how far out you are from the ground.

“300 years ago, King Cier sought to create a powerful military force dedicated to protecting Subtramuros from the evils of the world. That is why he decided to establish the Enforcer Academy, in order to foster and spread his ideals for the future generations. To cultivate the strongest soldiers into becoming capable and faithful defenders of peace. That is, everyone in this room. He has given every Enforcer a mission, a duty, a responsibility that we must uphold with our very lives.”

The principal slammed his arms on the desk.

“Be the light that burns forever bright in the land of eternal night!”

The light….that is who we are……That’s right. That is what I must become as an Enforcer.

After the opening ceremony, we were immediately sent to our classrooms. Luckily for me, Alessia was my classmate, so I didn’t have to worry about leaving her alone as a bodyguard. We both sat next to each together, with her on the corner by the window. Looking around, students were already introducing themselves to each other, hitting it off and forming new connections faster than me saying a single word. For some reason, people seemed to steer away from our direction, like they’re avoiding something.

“Lars, why don’t you go talk with some people?” Alessia poked at my shoulder.

“How about you?” I asked.

“I can already tell. They’re afraid of me. It can’t be helped. As the person who single-handedly dominated the exam, it’s hard to not look intimidating. No one’s going to bother being near me,” she sighed.

“If that’s the case, then I’m staying here. There’s no way I’m leaving you alone.” I crossed my arms.

“I wouldn’t want you to ruin your chance of making friends on the first day, though.”

“It’s fine. We’ll figure something out sooner or later. That’s what I believe.”

I’m surprised that even after all that apologizing weeks ago, she still had that sort of reputation. I assume it’s something that’s already been built up for a long time now, so it won’t be easy to turn it around. I need to find a way to make it work, for Alessia’s sake.

The teacher entered the room and everyone settled down on their seats.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“Hello, class 1-A. I’m Mr. Kenson and I’ll be your homeroom teacher for the school year. It is a pleasure to be working with you and I hope that everyone here will all get along. Why don’t we all start by introducing yourselves?”

Of course it’s going to start off like this. But it will be fine. Since we’re seated at the back, there’ll be plenty of time to plan out what to say-

“Let’s start from you,” the teacher pointed towards Alessia.

“M-me? Alright.”

Wait, we’re starting from the back?! This isn’t good! I need to think of something, quickly! Deep breaths. Calm down, there’s no need to overthink it. Just say whatever’s on your mind.

Alessia stood up from her seat and placed her hand on her chest.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Alessia Crosswell. Um, I-I may not look like it, but I hope to be friends with you all,” she bowed.

Everyone stared at her silently, then started to whisper amongst each other. Alessia looked dismayed at the response she received and started twiddling her fingers. Aren’t they treating her a bit too cruelly? This is definitely strange.

“I’ll gladly be your friend, Miss Ice Princess!” a boy stood up and placed his hand on his chest.

“Me too!” a girl said.

“Me three!”

More people started standing up and flocking over to the white-haired girl, all of them with eyes of admiration.

“To think that she would want to be friends with people like us, I feel honored!”

“Please step on me!”

“W-wait!” Alessia stepped back. “Don’t you all hate me? You were all avoiding me earlier!”

“Hate you? No way! It’s the opposite! We all admire you! It’s just that you seem to be way too out of our league, like someone you could only look from a distance,” a girl said. “You’re said to be the strongest person in our year, how could anyone approach you so easily?!”

“Y-You all think too highly of me!” Alessia said. “I’m just a regular student, like everyone else!”

So that was the case all along. They’re all treating her like some sort of goddess. It’s not that they didn’t want to talk to her, it was more like they couldn’t. They were definitely too intimidated at first, but now things have changed in the blink of an eye once Alessia expressed her openness to be friends with everyone. But this is getting out of hand…..

“All right, everyone, that’s enough!” Mr. Kenson clapped his hands. “Please go back to your seats, you can introduce yourself to her later.”

Alessia sat down on her seat and took a deep sigh. She was still flushing red from the sudden outbreak.

“Next person. Go ahead and introduce yourself,” he gestured at me.

I stood up from my seat and cleared my throat. You can do it, Lars!

“I’m Lars Lyons. I’d like to be friends with everyone as well. If there’s anything you’d like to ask from me, I’ll always be willing to answer.”

“Lyons? Isn’t that the Hero Artorias’ last name?! Are you his secret son?!” a boy exclaimed.

“W-Well, I’m just his adopted son….”

“What?! Really? No way!”

People jumped out of their seats once again and started flocking all around me. I was surrounded with eyes everywhere, all so curious, and all so close! My heartbeat rose through the roof as I became the center of attention. So this is what Alessia felt like…..

“Did he actually train you personally?”

“Yeah….”

“Are you Alessia’s boyfriend?!”

“No….”

“Class!” Mr. Kenson yelled. “This is the last time I’m going to say this, please stay in your seats.”

I’m saved……

After everyone finished introducing themselves, Mr. Kenson explained to us the school’s rules and regulations, class schedules, services, facilities……just about everything we needed to know. Even if all of the information was available by accessing the Enforcer Mark, I listened attentively and jotted down some notes so it would stick better in my head.

“Since none of you have any questions, it’s time to move on to the last phase.” Mr. Kenson asked. “The selection of the class monitors. Are there any volunteers?”

No one raised their hand. We all looked at each other in silence. Being a class monitor is hard work after all, since they have to shoulder the responsibilities and burdens of taking care of the classroom. It’s such a pain, so why would anyone bother doing it?

I raised my hand. “I’ll do it.”

But I’m not just anyone. I want to be of help to everyone as much as possible. If no one’s going to do it, who will? Someone has to step up. Isn’t that what being a Hero is all about?

“Wasn’t expecting anyone to raise their hand so quickly, impressive!” Mr. Kenson said.

Everyone looked up to me in wonder, as if it was so surprising for someone to become a class monitor voluntarily. I don’t think it should be that big of a deal…..

“Then for the female class monitor-”

“I volunteer,” Alessia raised her hand.

“That settles it then,” Mr. Kenson sighed in relief. “I’m so proud to have such willing candidates in my class. Thank you for stepping up to the duty.”

Alessia looked at me and smiled.

“I’m not gonna lose to you.”

“Heh.”

Me and Alessia are the class monitors, huh? Sometimes, it feels like fate has brought us two to be together. Our lives seem to intertwine with the same actions and goals, constantly being in the same place at the same time. Maybe, just maybe…..both of us can become Heroes. It’s probably impossible, but I would rather believe otherwise.

……….

Ah, classes are finally over…..

I let out a big yawn as me and Alessia walked out of the academy grounds.

“You seemed to have a wonderful first day,” Alessia giggled.

“I could say the same for you,” I said. “You were getting along with everyone just fine, Princess.”

Alessia pouted and pinched my cheek lightly.

“Ow….”

“D-Don’t call me that, idiot!”

“Hehe, sorry.”

She really is cute….

We moved along the cobblestone path, passing by people dressed in lace cravats, sleek coats, frilled skirts and top hats. To this day, I wonder why people bother wearing such troublesome clothing. Structures of brick and stone surrounded us, standing tall with their pointy roofs. Lamps of orange brought warmth to the scenery, always shining bright in the everlasting night of Subtramuros. Glowing blue screens were placed by a wall, one of them was a poster promoting the support of the Enforcers.

“I still can’t believe it,” I muttered.

“Believe what?” Alessia said.

“To think that I would be living here as an Enforcer, it was only something I could dream of in the past. All my training to get to this very moment was absolutely worth it,” I grasped my fist and smiled.

“You did a great job, Lars. You deserve it. But you aren’t going to settle for just this, right?”

“Yeah. I’m still far away from my main goal in life. To become a Hero of Subtramuros. If I keep working hard, then maybe, I’ll really be able to achieve it.”

“I believe in you. No, I believe in us,” Alessia grabbed my hand. “Let’s become Heroes together, Lars!”

“I won’t ever forget my pinky promise,” I said. “I will never give up on our dream for as long as I live!”

After walking for a few minutes, we finally made it back home. Alessia opened the door with her key and we let ourselves inside.

“We’re home,” Alessia said.

I took off my shoes and walked down the hallway. Suddenly, a strange chime played in the background, something that I’ve never heard in the house before.

That’s weird…..

Following that was a mysterious, yet aromatic smell entering my nostrils. Where is it coming from? Was it supposed to be some sort of perfume? Is it another one of Miss Felicia’s eccentric purchases?

My eyes started to close on their own, but I forced them back open.

“Huh?”

The walls began to warp around like waves, twisting into swirls and distorting the area around me. My vision started to grow blurry, the colors turning into an ominous purple hue. I could feel my senses drifting away from my body, slowly losing control and falling down to the floor.

What the hell is going on……

I could no longer move myself anymore, any feeling left in me had completely become numb.

Someone…..help……