The next day, Rose entered the grand hall of Castle Cashmere, her footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor. The grandeur of the hall, with its towering columns and intricate tapestries, did little to ease the tension that gripped her. At the far end of the hall stood her father, Thorne Cash, his presence as imposing as the castle itself.

“Rose,” Thorne’s voice was a cold, commanding presence. “Who were those people you were associating with?”

Rose met his gaze, her own eyes filled with a mix of defiance and determination. “Father, these people with me are my friends, and they have proven their loyalty.”

Thorne’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity. “And what of your duties here? Your engagement to Maris?”

Rose took a deep breath, her voice steady. “I will marry Sang.”

A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. Maris, standing to the side, clenched his fists, his face a mask of barely concealed anger. Dandy, Rose’s brother, looked between his sister and their father, his expression a mix of concern and disbelief.

Thorne studied her for a long moment before nodding slowly. “Very well, Rose. You may marry Sang.”

Maris’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, his jaw set in a hard line. Dandy stepped forward, his voice low but urgent. “Father, are you sure about this? What about our alliances?”

Thorne raised a hand to silence him. “This is Rose’s decision. We will respect it.”

Back on the Dread Knot, Sang stood on the deck, the wind ruffling his hair. He turned to his father, Captain Galewae, who watched him with a mixture of pride and concern.

“Father,” Sang began, his voice hesitant. “I don’t want to attend a traditional school. It doesn’t suit my abilities.”

Captain Galewae nodded, understanding in his eyes. “I know, Sang. That’s why I suggest the Academy of Aegis. It’s a place where your unique skills will be honed and appreciated.”

Sang considered this, intrigued yet cautious. “The Academy of Aegis… I’ve heard it’s a challenging place.”

“It is,” Galewae confirmed. “But it’s also where you can truly grow and find your path.”

Sang nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him. “I’ll consider it, Father. It sounds like the right place for me.”

Joyce and Dante, who had been listening nearby, exchanged glances. Joyce stepped forward, her kitsune form shimmering slightly. “Sang, if you go to the Academy of Aegis, I’ll support you. We’re a team.”

Dante nodded in agreement, his battle suit gleaming.

Rose, who had been quietly listening, approached Sang, her expression thoughtful. “If you’re going, I’m going too,” she declared. “I need to prove myself, to everyone.”

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With their decision made, the Dread Knot set course for the Academy of Aegis.

The academy, located on the outskirts of Lumina, loomed ahead, known for its brutal training methods and unorthodox approach to education. As the group disembarked, they were immediately struck by the academy’s harsh environment. The air was thick with the sounds of clashing weapons and the shouts of students engaged in fierce battles with their teachers. The academy was a sprawling complex with towering buildings and advanced training facilities.

Sang, Rose, Joyce, and Dante took in their surroundings, the scale and intensity of the academy hitting them all at once. Students of various ages and backgrounds moved through the grounds with purpose, some bearing the scars of recent skirmishes.

Their first encounter was with a group of seasoned adventurers who eyed them critically. One of the adventurers, a tall woman with a scar running down her face, stepped forward. “Newcomers, huh? You’ll need to prove yourselves here. This place isn’t for the weak.”

Joyce, her eyes narrowing, stepped forward. “We’re ready for whatever comes our way.”

The adventurer smirked. “We’ll see about that.”

The group was then led to their dormitory, a large, imposing building that housed students in Spartan conditions. Each room was equipped with only the bare essentials, emphasizing the academy’s focus on strength and resilience over comfort.

Rose, however, would not settle for such accommodations. Using her family’s influence, she quickly arranged for a suite of rooms that were luxurious by academy standards. Her new quarters boasted plush furnishings, a private study, and even a small garden terrace. This display of wealth and power did not go unnoticed by the other students, and whispers of her influence spread through the academy.

Their first day was grueling. They were assigned to various classes and training sessions, each more challenging and dangerous than the last.

Sang found himself in a hand-to-hand combat class, his skills as a Tamer both a strength and a target for his peers. During one session, he effortlessly subdued an opponent twice his size, his movements precise and controlled. His peers watched in awe and envy, recognizing his superior abilities. He also showcased his ability to summon and command his Inunu, Joy, during a particularly intense sparring match, leaving the instructors impressed and the students wary.

Rose, determined to prove herself, threw herself into every challenge with fierce determination. Despite her initial reluctance, she quickly became a school idol, her charisma and prowess drawing admirers and followers. She formed her own faction, leveraging her influence to navigate the academy’s complex social dynamics. During a leadership exercise, she led her team to victory by outsmarting the rival factions, solidifying her reputation.

Joyce used her magic abilities to outmaneuver her opponents, her illusions and agility making her a formidable competitor. In one exercise, she created a series of illusions that confused and disoriented her opponents, allowing her to secure a decisive victory. Her mastery of magic and her ability to blend her kitsune heritage with her combat skills made her a standout student.

As the hours flew by, the group encountered a variety of characters—rogue teachers with hidden agendas, ambitious students vying for dominance, and mysterious figures whose true intentions were unclear.

One day, Sang overheard two teachers whispering about a hidden chamber beneath the academy, rumored to contain ancient relics of immense power. This discovery sparked his curiosity, and he began to investigate further, forming a secret alliance with a group of students interested in uncovering the academy’s mysteries.

Rose used her wealth to buy the loyalty of several factions within the academy. She formed her own faction, a powerful alliance of students who were fiercely loyal to her. This newfound power made her a target, and she quickly learned that trust was a rare commodity. She navigated the treacherous political landscape, using her influence to protect her friends and expand her power.

Joyce discovered that one of her instructors was a former dark mage, now teaching at the academy under a false identity. She kept this information to herself, unsure of how to use it to her advantage. She continued to hone her magical skills, using the knowledge she gained to outmaneuver her opponents and protect her friends.