She woke up to hear the buzzing announcement, “All students and staff should meet at the courtyard for an important meeting in two hours. Prepare accordingly.” It gave a brief bit of static before it was completely silent again.

Virse made sure to prepare quickly, getting everything she knew she’d needed. She had a vague idea of what it was about; anyone who looked at a newspaper at this time of year would know. She had mixed feelings when she thought about it, though. Students were still coming to her asking her about what happened the night before—she didn’t really want to draw more attention to herself.

She didn’t need the distractions.

A large group of the student base had just entered the courtyard when she got there. She tried to see a pattern in where they sat, but she couldn’t see anything. Slowly, she sat down where it seemed like the least amount of people were.

The director of the Knight’s Academy stepped onto the stage. He tapped on the microphone a few times before he seemed satisfied that it was, in fact, working. “Now, I know this is a topic that many of you have heard before—whether it be here in this courtyard, or from a radio at home. So I’ll keep things short and simple for you.

“As we settle into the new year, we welcome new students into our halls; talented individuals who’ve proven themselves worthy of training here. And as the new year comes with many new opportunities, over the centuries, the Knight’s Academy has found our own way of showing this. Every year, after initiating our newest, we invite all of our students to an offer they cannot refuse: a grand event, meant to test each individual’s strength… with a chance of prizes beyond imagination for those who stand above the crowd.”

As he said that, even the older students began to whisper; they were undoubtedly wondering what it was. Fame? Fortune? Perhaps it was the chance to see the Relics rumored to be kept within the Academy’s walls, or even stranger things of rumors?

Virse didn’t care about any of them. She knew she wouldn’t be the one to see it; she’d only get the praise, anything else was unnecessary. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t interested in what the director actually had to say.

“This isn’t just for fun,” the director continued. “This is the ability to show what it means to be a part of the Knight’s Academy—to show that we only allow the most talented of people here. Hundreds of high-ranking generals, influential nobles, and rich merchants will be gathering to watch the events. They’re looking for soldiers to protect our nation, our people, and our goods. To those who do well in this event, they might just find themselves with a benefactor—an investor of sorts. This person, should their attention be caught, will pay for the training of the lucky student, usually in return for work after graduation. I’ve heard that even the king and queen will be in attendance during this event…”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Now, that got a stir out of everyone. It seemed to be more mixed, though.

“Really?” a student to her left whispered to one of their companions. “That’s something they do? Don’t they have super important ruling things to do or whatever?”

“I mean, we are still in Aecara,” their companion whispered back. “The castle literally, like, thirty minutes away from here. It’s not too much of a surprise to me.”

But from the other side of her, Virse heard the mutterings of the teachers.

“Great, ten times the guard for a no-show,” one of them grumbled.

“How do you know that?” a younger one asked.

“They do this every couple of years—claim they’re going to come, work everyone up, then go on holiday while the journalists are waiting for them here. If anything, it’s just going to be an advisor. Maybe Prince Rayluin. But King Tibrel isn’t going to show. Besides, they don’t have a reason to sponsor anyone—they’ve already got an army.”

“What about Prince Emeron, though? Prince Rayluin and Princess Arrika can reportedly defend themselves, no one cares about Prince Erryll, but Prince Emeron has to need somebody, right?”

The teacher laughed. “Are you from across the sea? The kid’s never going to leave his mother’s sight. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s dead in the next couple of years, anyway. Who knows what chronic temptation will do to him.”

The director cleared his throat and spoke louder, so he would still be heard over all of the others. “Students, if you’re interested in learning more, you can talk to some of the teachers back there—they’ll have fliers that you can look over. For you new students, consider this your first lesson—a sign that nothing here will wait for you to catch up if you fall behind or fail. Teachers, there’s still some minor details I’d like to go over with you—if you’re exempt from this, you know who you are. With that, all those who are allowed are dismissed. I’m excited to see how you all do.”

Slowly, the students and some of the teachers started leaving. Virse was about to leave, too, before she was interrupted by Kostok and Carona.

“Hey! I was wondering if you’d want to train with us?” Carona offered. “Nikluar’s not coming, obviously—I uninvited him immediately, after yesterday. And I know all about these events—I can probably give you some special pointers!”

“Not like you’ll need them,” Kostok remarked as part of a compliment. “Someone your age and talent must already have a benefactor, right?”

“I… don’t, actually,” Virse mumbled. She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I work better when I’m on my own—there aren’t as many distractions. I’ve said it already, you don’t need to pity me. Now please just leave me alone.”

She pushed her way past them, desperately hoping they didn’t decide to convince her to stay

Honestly, with so many unfamiliar (and often unfriendly) faces, she wasn’t sure how long she’d be able to resist the temptation of company…