Arcadia Academy rests in the distant Eastern reaches of the Empire of Rucaria. Despite residing within the Empire's borders, it operates independently, seemingly immune to the Empire's influence. Speculations abound that Arcadia exists autonomously, detached from any state authority. Although it existed for a very long time, the academy's origin remains a mystery; it mysteriously materialized three centuries ago without any explanation.

Letum Mara, or the Sea of Death, where Arcadia is situated, is a large desolate terrain, lacking any trace of life. The soil, parched and devoid of moisture, exhibits colossal cracks that stretch across vast distances, creating a pattern reminiscent of tree branches.

Across this nightmarish terrain, Dariu and Commander Kaylu were galloping on their horses, almost reaching their destination.

"What an unpleasant sight," remarked Dariu.

"You better get used to it, you will be here for long," Kaylu said.

"Four years, am I correct?"

"Yes, once Arcadia closes its gates, no one leaves for four years. That is of course if you ever do leave that hellish place."

Not a Nymph in sight, Dariu noted to himself. They were a familiar sight hovering over his village throughout his life, and even in his travel, their absence was unprecedented in every place he had passed. Yet, this place was utterly devoid of their presence.

In the Eastern horizon, a colossal castle gradually emerged. The castle unveiled an eerie aura with its numerous towers that pierced the sky, a palette of black-gray tones, a massive wall that enclosed it, and the gloomy clouds above it.

"That's our destination," declared Kaylu.

Dariu could not move his eyes away from the eerie castle. A blend of unease and fear gripped him, despite his earlier resolve to stay composed. Tales of Arcadia's horrors, from gruesome tortures to countless man-eating beasts, had already reached his ears. He believed he was prepared, but in the presence of the ominous castle, fear resurfaced.

Near the academy's iron gates, hundreds of young people awaited for them to swing open. There was no exact starting date, all that was certain is that the gates would unlock sometime during that period.

People who joined Arcadia were not so different from Dariu. The majority consisted of peasents who could not afford the tuition to become a Lojius, and who did not wish to join the military as a Bellius either. For them, Arcadia was a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain wealth and power. Although they were fully aware of the dangers beyond those gates, it's a risk they were willing to take.

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Once they arrived at the gates, Dariu dismounted and Kaylu tied the horse to his own in order to lead it back.

"This is where we part ways," stated Kaylu,"I believe there is no need to remind you of what would happen if you attempt to escape."

"That's not going to happen."

"Good, farewell then, and good luck in there," he said before departing, leaving Dariu behind.

Dariu looked around and observed the numerous other people that were present there. The sheer number surprised him; he did not anticipate so many would willingly venture into hell that day. Judging by their worn attire, he could tell those people were peasants much like him. Another thing he noticed is that despite their massive number, not much noise was produced, almost everyone kept quiet. They are probably too busy being scared, he thought to himself.

Feeling too awkward standing still, Dariu decided to merge into the crowd and occupy himself with further observation.

Suddenly, a cry echoed, "That's mine! Give it back!" Dariu swiftly turned towards the commotion to witness two boys of his age fighting over a piece of bread.

The fight drew much attention, and a gathering started to form. In an attempt to distance himself from the commotion, Dariu kept stepping back until he accidentally bumped into someone.

"Hey there," the person said.

As he turned around, Dariu had to lift his gaze to meet the person's eyes. Before him stood a towering figure, a man of immense height with broad shoulders and a well-built physique. In comparison to the average peasant, this man appeared to be a giant. His tall, sleek, black hair was neatly brushed back

"I-I apologize," Dariu stammered, amazed of the man's physique.

"It's nothing, you just got here, didn't you?"

"How did you know?"

"Well, most of us are used to these brawls. You seemed a little surprised."

"It did startle me."

"I'm Luca."

"Dariu."

As the crowd grew denser, Dariu's view of the fight became blocked. Yet, the sounds of relentless blows reached him, this made him assume that the situation escalated rapidly. Someone likely lied flat on the ground, being subjected to an ongoing onslaught, and no one intervened to stop it.

"We have to do something," Dariu asserted, ready to advance and put an end to the confrontation, only to be held back by Luca.

"There's no use, fights like this broke all the time these last few days. You can't stop them all."

"Have you been waiting here for days?!"

"Some of us weeks, even. The bastards behind these walls don't announce the opening day."

"I don't understand, why would you wait for weeks to venture into... This nightmare?"

"A nightmare, you say!" Luca exclaimed, breaking into laughter.

"You shouldn't believe rumors, Dariu. This place is definitely nothing like the stories you heard."

"How so?"

"Think about it, there's no other place across the whole Empire where you can learn Lojia for free. So naturally, the poor with Lojia affinity would be swarming this academy."

"And the Empire would not like that to happen, is what you want to say."

"Exactly, and that's what started the rumors and the horrifying stories about this place, they want to keep the people weak and in submission. That way they can still fill the military with desperate Bellius."

"So what's the secret behind this academy, then? Whoever founded this place and why does the Empire turn a blind eye to it?"

"It's simple, Arcadia was founded by the great Mariadaishu!"

Ah, so he is one of them, Dariu thought to himself, refering to the followers of Mariadaishu, the first Lojius. He had heard stories from Arsel about the first and greatest Lojius that has ever lived, Mariadaishu, and about how he basically invented the core principles of Lojia and its various spells. Arsel also spoke of his followers; the people that ideolized him and revered his teachings. Arsel warned that amidst them existed a significant fraction that consisted of fanatics who, in their delusion, attributed every twist of fate to Mariadaishu's influence.

Abruptly, the air filled with the clamor of loud creaks, seizing everyone's attention. The iron gates began their gradual slide open, and in that moment, Dariu felt his heart race – an impending descent into the unknown, a journey into a realm with no return.

"Don't you worry, brother. Stick to me and you'll be alright," Luca reassured him, sensing his unease.

The crowd began moving toward the gates, and Dariu, with Luca by his side, followed behind.

On that day, five hundred people willingly stepped into the abyss, walking into hell on their own feet.