Hikaru Age 13.
After a year of training, both Hikaru and Masaki applied to Bailey University at the same time.
As the practical examination commenced, Hikaru's heart raced with nervous anticipation. Standing across from him was the stern examiner, a seasoned warrior with an air of authority that seemed to fill the training grounds.
With a deep breath, Hikaru stepped forward, determined to prove his worth despite lacking any fighting ability. The examiner's critical gaze bore down on him, a silent challenge that Hikaru was determined to meet.
As the first move was called, Hikaru's instincts kicked in. He dodged and weaved, relying on agility and quick thinking rather than brute strength. With each evasive maneuver, the examiner grew faster and faster until eventually, Hikaru couldn’t keep up with the pace and was ragdolled.
Unfortunately, Hikaru faced disappointment yet again as he failed the practical examination. His casting speed was too slow, and his close combat abilities proved insufficient, despite landing several blows on the examiner this time. In contrast, Masaki's long-distance tactics proved effective, resulting in a stalemate where the examiner couldn't touch her. This success led to Masaki's acceptance into the university, while Hikaru experienced another setback.
On their way back, Masaki cheered Hikaru up as they walked home.
At night in the Hideo household, a celebratory feast was taking place. Hideo, Kaede, Hikaru, and Masaki sat across from each other, engaging in conversation while enjoying dinner.
Hideo beamed with pride as he congratulated his daughter, saying: “As expected of my remarkable daughter!”
Kaede also congratulated her daughter, all the while remarking on Hikaru's setback: “My daughter truly a genius, unlike her disappointing older brother. I told you to pursue a merchant's path for your own well-being, and now, you've spent over three years in vain! A mother never wishes harm upon her child. It's time to give up!” Kaede stated, casting a disappointed glance at Hikaru.
Kaede often played the [Hikaru is my son] card when it served her convenience, yet deep down, she never truly regarded Hikaru as her own. In reality, her desire for Hikaru to become a merchant stemmed from the prospect of longer working hours and higher income, which would significantly contribute to her household. Her ultimate goal was to accumulate more resources for the well-being and safety of her own children.
Misaki, wearing a pained expression at Kaede's words, responded softly: “Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother.”
Hideo then declared: “In a week, all Kaya Clan members will gather, the patriarch is summoning all of us – Masaru is returning too! Misaki, you can go to the university right after this gathering!”
Masaki then asked: “Why's the patriarch calling everyone, Dad?”
Kaede responded: “Perhaps he is planning to announce his retirement; after all, he's nearing eighty years old.”
Hideo responded back: “Let's refrain from speculating and wait for the official announcement.”
Throughout the entire conversation, Hikaru could only suffer in silence, feeling downcast and dejected about his university rejection ordeal.
Today, the Kaya Clan held a gathering, with 138 out of 153 Kaya Clan members in attendance. The patriarch, Kaya Shigeo announced about mandatory military draft for the clan. Each Kaya Clan household with more than two members was required to either pay 50 gold coins or conscript a family member aged between 10 and 40 into the military. After the announcement, every Kaya household engaged in discussions about their next steps. Hideo also had a private conversation with his wife, Kaede.
Hideo turned to Kaede, asking: “Kaede, what do you think we should do?”
Kaede replied: “Isn't it obvious? We should enlist Hikaru. Clearly, we can't enlist either Masaru or Masaki. Spending money just for Hikaru doesn't seem worth it!”
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Hideo: “Kaede, you know that if Hikaru enlists, he will likely die right? Most likely, the king implemented this draft due to the shortage of personnel in Bailey Volunteer Brigade for the Aran War, which occurs every ten years. The new trainees will likely be deployed as cannon fodder, similar to what happened in the past!”
Kaede: “We have no choice! We can't use our emergency savings for someone else's child! This year is Masaru's fifth year at Bailey University, and he's likely to graduate in the next year or two. When he does, we'll need funds to provide him with high-quality equipment and funds set aside in case he is injured!”
Hideo: “But until now, Hikaru has always given his entire salary to us. If we pay the 50 gold now, he can gradually pay us back. After his second rejection, he may decide to become a merchant, which will allow him to contribute more.”
Kaede: “We can't afford to risk our emergency funds on probabilities. Besides, even if Hikaru becomes a merchant, it will still take too long for him to repay us.”
Hideo expressed his inner turmoil, stating: “You know that I have always been good to Hikaru because his late parents once saved my life. Sending the child of my own savior to their potential demise feels wrong… Nevertheless, I will respect and follow your decision.”
Kaede then replied: “Yes, you should! Besides, we have already repaid the lifesaving debt by taking care of Hikaru until now, so all debts are already settled!”
At the dinner table, after Hideo and Kaede finished their discussion, they joined their children, Masaru, Masaki, and Hikaru, to have dinner together.
Hideo initiated the conversation by saying: “As we all heard the words of the patriarch, our kingdom is now called upon us to contribute to the strength of our kingdom by conscripting one of our own into the military. In facing the challenges and the weight of this decision, let us remember our pride as citizens of Bailey. Our duty to the kingdom extends beyond ourselves—it's for our family, our friends, and the bright future of our beloved land. This is not merely a duty; it is a chance for us to forge a legacy of resilience, unity, and honor. Hikaru, as the sole available member in our family, we look to you with trust and hope, entrusting you with the noble duty of serving our kingdom. Let this be a testament to our commitment and unity as proud Bailey citizens?”
Hikaru, moved by Hideo's speech, responded weakly: “But, Uncle, can't you just cover the 50 gold coins for me? I'm ditching the whole university plan and jumping straight into adventuring. I love the freedom it offers! I heard D-rank quests pay around five gold coins on average. If I manage to tackle 10 of those, I can pay back the 50 gold coins in about a year.”
Hearing Hikaru's response, Kaede sneered inwardly, thinking: ‘What a foolish child. You can't even get into Bailey University, and now you want to tackle D-rank quests on your own.’
Hideo responded: "I wish I could, Hikaru, but our family isn't wealthy. We simply don't have enough funds..."
Masaki interrupted, suggesting: “Dad, why not use the 50 gold coins for my university tuition? We can delay my enrolment for a while, okay?”
Kaede interjected angrily: "Absolutely not, Misaki! Do you want to infuriate your mother to no end?"
Masaki then hurriedly replied: “But, mom…”
Masaru then interrupted Masaki's reply while addressing Hikaru: “How 'bout we spice things up with a bet? I'm an E-rank adventurer who's tackled a D-rank quest with a squad of three. Let's have a no-limit battle! Win, and I've got your enlistment fees covered using my uni tuition for the year. Lose, and you're signing up for military duty?!”
Masaki then added: “If Brother Hikaru signs up, count me in for military duty too! Gotta serve the country, you know?"
Hideo glanced at Masaki and responded: "Nonsense! If you're considering the military, do it after you graduate! You'll be more valued and earn a higher military rank than if you enlist right away!”
In the world of Erudite, universities serve as institutions where individuals can develop their special skills. The professors at these universities typically exhibit high mastery in a specific branch of skill. These students are eligible to graduate once they have mastered at least a single Level 2 special skill of any kind. After they graduate from the university, if they wish to join the military, they are guaranteed a relatively high position without the need to earn merit and risk their life in the battlefield.
Hikaru locked eyes with Masaru and declared: “Game on.”
Hikaru knew he would likely lose, yet the intense gaze from Masaru provoked him nonetheless.
Masaru responded to Hikaru's declaration: “To keep it fair, I won't even show off my Fire Sovereign innate skill, 'cause, you know, it will be too easy for me. Hehehehe…"
After this whole conversation, Masaki persuaded Hikaru not to fight Masaru. However, as Hikaru had already made up his mind, he still chose to go through with the fight.
The light from the light crystals cast long shadows across the Kaya Clan training grounds as Hikaru and Masaru squared off in the ring. The tension was palpable, and the rest of the family watched silently from the sidelines. Hideo, standing as the referee, raised his hand to signal the start of the match.
“Remember, fight fair,” Hideo said, his voice stern but fair. “Begin!”
Hikaru took a deep breath, steeling himself for the fight. He knew Masaru was tough, but he was determined to prove himself. With a quick dash, he closed the distance between them, aiming a swift kick at Masaru’s side.
Masaru blocked with his steel armguard, the sound of metal against flesh echoing through the ring. He smirked, his confidence evident. “You’re going to have to do better than that, Hikaru.”
Hikaru grit his teeth, launching a flurry of kicks, each one faster than the last. But Masaru was ready, using his steel armguards and chi technique to absorb the blows. Hikaru could feel the frustration building; his attacks weren't making the impact he needed.
Masaru seized an opening, countering with a powerful punch to Hikaru’s midsection, forcing him back. Hikaru stumbled, but quickly regained his footing. He knew he couldn’t match Masaru’s chi technique, but he couldn’t give up now.
Hikaru tried to vary his approach, aiming for Masaru’s legs and head, but each strike was met with the same impenetrable defense. Masaru’s arm chi glowed faintly, a visible reminder of his superior technique.
The fight dragged on, with Hikaru's attacks growing more desperate and Masaru maintaining his calm composure. Finally, Masaru saw his chance. With a swift move, he disarmed Hikaru’s defense and delivered a decisive blow that knocked Hikaru unconscious, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Despite having similar levels of fighting proficiency, Masaru had the advantage, as he used steel armguards along with a special technique that utilized chi to defend against Hikaru's attacks. In contrast, Hikaru hadn’t mastered arm chi or body fortification techniques, relying solely on his leg attacks as his primary weapon.