This morning I woke up from a nightmare, I saw the faces of members I killed in the forest. They tore my libs, it felt so real. I really had no reason to kill them, I'm quite confident in my ability to sneak past them. So why did I do it? Now I am also a member of The Shadows of Rockbourne, does that mean I deserve to die?

Today marks the start of my second week in the academy. We don't have class today, so me and Eden are supposed to train.

“You're too slow, yuri, also work on your stamina, start running every morning.” Eden said. His scars aren't just for show, this guy had some serious stamina. “Akira is simple, be unpredictable and swing with precision.”

“Eden…”I tried to catch my breath. We have been sparring for 2 hours now. “Do I have to kill him or… do you think he will surrender.”

“It's hard to say, but most likely he will try to kill you.” Ah I don't have much of a choice there huh. “Well whatever happens you still have to give it your all.”

“Hey, i've been meaning to ask but while making my way to the academy me, Ryuu and his sister were ambushed by some of your men.” Eden put his sword away finally taking a break.

“I don't remember giving specific orders to abduct them, it was probably nothing more than a chance encounter.” With that, the training session ended.

After that I decided to head to the Academy gym to get so lifting in for the day.

The day before, Yuki invited me over for dinner.

The time had arrived for me to meet Yuki's family. Little did I know that Yuki and Ryuu, were members of the esteemed 3rd family among the Rockbourne Nobles. That made them 3rd cousins with the princess. I should ask Ryuu to introduce me sometime.

Dressed in my best attire, I made my way to Yuki's family estate, an impressive mansion surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens.

Stepping into the lavish dining room, I was greeted by Yuki's warm smile and the presence of her parents, Lord and Lady Graystone. Ryuu was with The Scelta. Yuki’s father welcomed me with a warm smile, but Yuki’s mother didn't even bother looking at me.

The room exuded opulence with its elegant chandeliers, and a long, polished table adorned with exquisite china and crystal glasses.

"Yuri, I'm so happy that you could join us," Yuki said, introducing me to her parents.

I offered a polite bow, my heart filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "It's an honor to meet you both."

As we took our seats, Yuki began to regale her family with tales of the adventurous journey we had undertaken to reach the prestigious academy. "Father, Mother, you wouldn't believe the challenges we faced—forests fraught with danger, rickety bridges, and even a duel with the principal."

Lord Graystone leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Please, go on."

I listened intently as Yuki recounted our escapades, captivated by her animated gestures and vivid descriptions. Her storytelling skills were truly impressive, even with her words not making much sense because her mouth was full of food.

"Then," Yuki continued, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Yuri bravely dueled the principal and was defeated in the most shameful way in front of the whole school."

I blushed at the mention, feeling a bit self-conscious about my skill. "It was an honor to face the principal," I said, trying to regain my composure.

As the dinner unfolded, I found myself navigating the intricate etiquette and customs of dining with nobility with some trepidation. I observed Yuki and her family's graceful manners closely, attempting to mirror their movements. Yuki, perceptive as ever, noticed my unease and decided to offer some discreet assistance.

"Yuri, let me show you the proper way to use these utensils," Yuki whispered, guiding me through the meal with subtlety.

I followed her lead, grateful for her support. As the evening progressed, I grew more comfortable, engaging in lively conversations with Yuki's parents about our shared experiences and dreams for the future.

As I bid my farewells, Lord Graystone offered me a hearty pat on the back.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Yuri. You're an exceptional young man, and we look forward to seeing you again."

I returned to my dorm. The next day after school I had to practice with Eden.

Eden's intense emerald eyes, well one eye, locked onto mine, his voice carrying the weight of experience as he spoke, "Yuri, your progress has been exceptional."

I nodded, grateful for his guidance. "Thank you, Eden."

Eden continued, "Akira is formidable, Yuri. If you fight alongside my men, I believe you can overcome him."

With determination welling up in me, I replied, "Right!"

Life in the academy was good, i mean i skipped all the regular classes and just took advantage of the training facilities. But still It was nice hanging out with Yuki and flirting with some girls here and there. Many of the students seemed to hold a grudge against me after finding out I rejected the Scelta.

I went to the spot where me and Yuki meet up but today she wasn't there. Confused, I chose to head to the library to further my studies. As I passed through the corridors of the school I bumped into a girl, she had short black hair and red eyes, it was Yuki.

“You weren't at the spot, I thought you might be sick.” I told her to offer my hand. But she tried to run away, so I quickly grabbed her arm. Yuki wasn't the type to wear jewelry so it shocked me that I felt a small jewel hitting my arm.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Turning her hand I saw it, a promise ring. My heart sank and I could say a word. “Just forget about me.” Those words made my world crumble. I couldn't believe her, all this time she was seeing someone else. Tears fell down my face, I didn't understand this pain. I've been rejected many times but this? Were we even really dating?

Akira

“Hey akira, mind sparring with me?” Ryuu asked me.

It's starting to become an everyday thing at this point. Joining the Scelta in his first year, he truly is a rare case. I had hoped putting him and Erwin’s son together might have pushed them into a sort of rivalry. But that plan fell through, so now I hope I can take that spot.

“Sure.” We took our stances and I immediately defended his initial strikes. He might be young but strength wise he's the second in the whole school, behind me of course. “Say Ryuu, you're sister and Yuri have been getting pretty close lately.”

“Yeah so what, you're spying on my sister now.” I was barely able to dodge his strike, this left me at arms length. I headbutted him to the ground making me victorious. “That's not fair.”

“You have to always be prepared for anything.” I told him, offering my hand.

“Akira, your sister is here!” Ash yelled, I turned, giving her a small smile. I told Ryuu that we could spar again tomorrow. Walking into the scelta’s house I saw my sister, she was sitting at the kitchen table. Her short blue hair and a scar going across her left eye made her hard to miss.

“What's up Erey, I thought you had left already?” I asked, sitting in front of her.

“I did but I wanted to give you this before I left.” It was a finely crafted katana, the hilt had a dark cyan color to it and the blade had a dark tint. As I picked it up I couldn't believe how light it was. “I found it in a cave near the Dwarven mountains.”

“Sick, I will treasure it.”A gave her a big hug, it was a nice sword probably worth 800 gold coins.

“So how's Ryuu coming along, is he as great as everyone says?”she asked, i told her all about his skill and our numerous duels. But I couldn't help but to also tell her about Yuri, my sister and I really looked up to Erwin. The books he left behind at the house taught us so much, she shared the disappointment hearing how he rejected my invitation.

As we talked the door cracked open, Eden walked in. Tired and drenched in sweat it was rare to see him like this. “You sure have been training a lot recently,”I told him.

He quickly responded “Go to hell!” He might be training more but he's still the same Eden. After he walked up to his room Erey began to tell me all about her adventures and plans for the future.

“I can't wait to graduate!”

***

There's been something bothering me lately, I occasionally see groups of people wander into the forest. Sometimes I follow them but I always end up losing them. About a month ago I finally figured out the secret that was eating away at me, the academy had a crime organization known as The Shadows of Rockbourne. I tried to uncover the leader's identity but to no avail, he is alway wearing a white mask.

I had a talk with Ryuu the other day, he told me how he and his sister were kidnaped by them as they camped out on their way to the academy. Supposably Yuri was able to free them, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on them. Even though Yuri rejected my invitation he's still my underclassmen.

Yuri

I decided to have a talk with Ryuu.

Walking up to the castle-like house, a girl with short blue hair walked out. She tried to tell me something but I refused to listen to her. The door was locked, so I quickly kicked it down. Inside was Akira. He looked a bit surprised but he stayed as cool as ever, that pissed me off.

“Where the hell is Ryuu?”I demanded.

"He left a while ago, and I'd be happy to tell him you stopped by," he said, rising and approaching me. "Why are you crying, Yuri?" I was still crying, i felt like a loser.

There was a pause, and I collapsed to the floor. "I'll wait here," I mumbled. He just smiled, not saying anything.

Hours later, Ryuu returned with Ash. He didn't need to ask; he explained that his mother had arranged a marriage with someone from the 4th Greystone family. I couldn't accept it, but I felt powerless. As I got up, Ryuu took his stance.

"I can't let you interfere, Yuri," he said. I tried to punch him, but he dodged easily. What followed was me taking a beating. In a desperate move, I even bit his foot, making him scream in pain. Others watched in shock as I summoned my last bit of strength and headbutted him, knocking him out.

I left the house with a broken hand and a black eye. Outside, Eden was sipping wine and asked, "What the hell are you up to?"

"It's none of your business," I replied, and he left with an evil laugh.

I wondered why I cared so much when we weren't even dating. My emotions had probably ruined my only friendships. "I need a drink," I thought. I rode my horse to Elmatpass to get away from the academy, where everything reminded me of her.

In Elmatpass, I ordered a drink and nursed it slowly, lost in thought. The events of the day had left me battered, not physically but emotionally.

As I sat there, a familiar face took the seat next to me. His weathered face bore the marks of experience.. "Had a rough day?," he asked with a sympathetic smile.

"You have no idea, Hanzo" He listened intently, nodding at the appropriate moments and offering a reassuring presence. I told him everything about me and Yuki at the academy. For some reason I expected him to talk about me joining the academy but he just listened.

“You should have a talk with her.”He said as he took a sip of his empty cup.

“She told me to forget about her…”

“But did she look like she meant it,” It's true I never paid attention to her face. “Sometimes girls say one thing but mean another, it wouldn't hurt to ask her.” Yeah I guess he's right.

For some reason I woke up in an alleyway, my head felt like it was about to explode. Next to me was a tall skinny man with purple hair. What happened last night. I moved him around and he woke up.

“Hey my friend, thanks for the talk last night, i'll be sure to meet that guy you were talking about.” Who is this guy? My head felt like it was about to pop, so I laid back down on the concrete floor.

When I woke it was evening, the guy was gone and so was my headache. I looked everywhere for my horse but I couldn't remember where I put him, so I decided to buy a carriage back to the Academy with the little money I had left. I wasn't the only one in the carriage.

“Hmh you look familiar?”I tried to figure out who this was. “You look pretty rich, you're a nobel?” A nobel from Elmatpass, blonde hair and green eyes. “Ah you're, Lace!”

“It's Lance, you idiot!” Ah yeah Lance he's that guy.

“So where are you headed?” I asked him. He told me about how he was planning to take the entrance exam for the academy. He asked me what I was doing back in Elmatpass so I told him what happened, so yeah he basically just laughed at me the whole ride to the academy. I laughed about how I defeated him, and opened a bottle of alcohol. I offered him some but he refused. He was taking this academy pretty seriously.

At the academy me and Lance split up. “Good luck man!”I told him, he might have a bad temper but he's a pretty chill guy.

“Hey yuri.”I turned to see a girl with long silver hair.

“What's up Ash.” she probably wants to talk about my whole incident with Ryuu. I had just started to get over it too.

“Here take this.” She handed me a small crushed up note with an address. “This is where Yuki is, you should go talk to her.” I memorized the address and put it in my pocket. “And can you find it in your heart to forgive Ryuu, he's a bit stressed out about the whole thing.”

“Yeah sure, I wasn't myself either.” With that I left.