*** A Month Later ***

Ace stood gasping for air while leaning on Silas. To their right was Bell. To their left was Stellis. All around them in the training field were craters in the ground and cracks in the earth. A few dirt clouds were still drifting in the air.

Together they looked down at their opponent who held a kneeling position in a crater. It was Larcet.

While he bore no wounds, his armor was heavily damaged, falling off in multiple places. His shield was also dented and his war-hammer was cracked in multiple places. For the first time in the last month, he was smiling.

Unable to suppress his excitement, he raised his hands up in the air in a surrender.

"It's my loss everyone! Good work! With this, there should be only one team that can stand against you next week. I'm sure you know who I speak of."

He then pointed to Ace.

"From now on, he's team leader. Everyone else has tried but it was only because of his plan that you all were able to best me. His analytical abilities will serve you well during the tournament."

Bell spoke up next.

"What about the 1 on 1 fights?"

Uncharacteristically, Larcet laughed.

"You guys have grown much stronger individually through our daily battles. Since the 2nd phase is a gauntlet style team fight, all you have to do is stall the Son of Lightning. Tire him out. Make him use his ability. Stellis and Silas... you two are perfectly suited for such a task, given your Notches. Once you defeat him, victory is guaranteed."

Turning away from the group he walked towards Mount Steel while waving a hand over his shoulder.

"Ace, Silas, and Bell... It was the expectation... but congratulations on finishing the 1st part of Knight Indoctrination. Tomorrow, you will receive your badges as well as armor request forms. The next part of your training will come after the Selection Tournament. In any case, enjoy the rest of your evening. I was told your classmates are celebrating in the dining hall."

After he finished talking, Ace and his companions watched as Larcet ascended the mountain. The only difference from previous days was that he relied solely on his base physique, climbing up the mountain with small jumps from outcropping to outcropping. His reserves of sever energy had been completely extinguished by the group's efforts.

Suddenly, Ace felt a punch on his shoulder.

It was Bell

"That was insane Ace! How did you know that last attack would work against him?!"

He shrugged his shoulders.

"It was only possible because of Silas and Stellis really. Their abilities are strong on their own, but together... they're perfect against opponents like Larcet who have a broad range on their attacks. Especially Stellis. If she uses her ability properly, she can beat opponents that she has no business beating normally."

Bell scratched her head while listening to his explanation.

"Still! How could you even think to combine their Notches like that? I'm jealous I didn't think of something similar..."

Ace patted her on the shoulder.

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"Don't worry about it! Lets head to the dining hall! I'm practically drooling already!"

Silas nodded his head vigorously in agreement, grabbing them both by the hand and dragging them towards to the large building peeking out over the trees.

In the rush, Ace failed to notice Stellis reach out to them as they dashed off. She usually left with her brother so the trio couldn't be blamed for leaving without her.

*** Next Morning ***

Ace stood in the courtyard with the other trainees. Their numbers had dwindled slightly below 50 but Instructor Gawain still seemed satisfied.

He stood on a raised stone platform.

Much like the first day of training, his bald head was shining brightly. This time however, he was wearing his complete armor set, save for the helmet.

The supervisors followed suit, wearing their gear as well. As knights of House steel, each suit of armor shared unity in its appearance. However, each one also had its own personal touch, whether it be a slight change in color or an accent of some kind.

Peeking out of the corner of his eye, Ace could see a small crowd of people on the edge of the courtyard. He hadn't seen them before and took note of how they lacked the gruffness possessed by the knights and trainees.

'They must be the families of the recruits coming to celebrate...must be nice.' He thought.

For many, this event would change the course of their lives, bringing access to a more secure part of the city as well as better resources.

After giving the families a moment to get settled, Gawain voice echoed out over the courtyard.

His speech was short but highlighted the difficulties of the training and how each family should could take pride in the performance of their child. He then continued on about what it would mean to be welcomed into the House of Steel and how it was a covenant... for life.

That last part concerned Ace, but he hardly had time to focus on it before Gawain summoned the 10 supervisors and had them issue out badges to the trainees.

Despite his own personal gripes with city dwellers, he had to admit to himself that things weren't all bad. Even people fresh from the slums could join a House. They would just have to prove their strength. After all, that was what truly mattered inside of GQC-1. Not one's background.

In light of that realization, Ace couldn't help but be proud of himself. He had earned this. Even if his family was no longer around, he knew they would be proud of him.

Soon enough, the supervisor in charge of Ace's swordsmanship training approached him and pinned on his knight badge.

With him being the last trainee numerically, the ceremony was coming to a close.

Gawain's loud voice boomed once more.

"Esteemed guests and families, that concludes the graduation of our trainees! However, there is still one more thing left to do! Knights Ace, Bell, and Silas step forward!"

Surprised, it took Ace receiving a nudge from the person next to him to move towards the podium.

He stood in between Silas and Bell while Gawain stood in front of the them.

"As I'm sure you are all aware, this year the format of the Selection tournament has been changed! These three trainees will hold the honor of fighting for House Steel's premier team! Despite two of them being from the slums, they are the best of the best! Please give them a round of applause! "

Hearing these words, Ace expected to see some nasty expressions from the crowd along with stone cold silence. However, much to his surprise, the families and other trainees exploded into a fit of cheers and applause.

It continued for a little under a minute before Gawain concluded the ceremony. He then handed Ace, Bell, and Silas their armor request tickets.

"Normally, novice knights get the basic set. But since you guys are competing in the tournament in the premier team, you will be receiving custom armor. Just tap the holographic display of the armor and you can change each individual part. Now, go enjoy your leave! I will see you in two weeks!"

With those words, Ace and Silas watched as Bell leapt off the platform and ran into the crowd, eventually jumping into the embrace of an elderly woman.

Ace's heart panged with jealousy but he quickly stifled the feeling and remained silent as the families and their trainees left the courtyard.

After a few minutes, it was just him, Silas, and Gawain out in the courtyard.

Standing next to Silas, Ace stared off into the distance at The Wall. Gawain walked up behind them.

"Are you two still waiting on your families? I know you're from the slums, so it may have been hard for them to get here, but now that you're knights, you can easily affor-"

Ace sighed.

"We're orphans sir."

"Oh." Gawain said, his voice now unusually quite. "You're file didn't say anything abo-"

"It's fine sir."

Awkward silence settled over the trio.

Eventually, Gawain broke the silence again. This time his voice had regained its usual confidence.

"Well then! Would you two like to spend the next two weeks with me and my family? We have plenty of room!"

Ace and Silas looked at each other before nodding their heads simultaneously.

"That would be great sir!"