The train was impressive, boasting a total of 36 carriages. The first was for the drivers, the second for staff, the next was a VIP carriage, followed by five luxury carriages, with the remainder being normal carriages.

I located my designated carriage, number 13, and entered. The interior was aesthetically pleasing, featuring red padded seats, a wooden floor, mana lamps on the ceiling, and, of course, windows.

Since the carriage was empty, I opted for a window seat. The seating arrangement consisted of two padded benches facing two more padded benches, resulting in four seats per window.

As time passed, more passengers boarded. Some appeared to be merchants, while others were off-duty soldiers. The carriage was far from full, with passengers tending to sit alone or in groups who boarded together.

As the clock struck 11, the doors closed, and the train began to move. The journey promised to be lengthy, but with little else to do, I gazed out of the window, even though the view primarily comprised forests, which could grow boring after a while.

After some time, a man with a militar uniform approached my seat and asked, "May I sit here?"

I readily agreed, saying, "Sure, feel free to do so."

"Thank you," he replied before settling into the seat in front of mine. He initiated a conversation, observing, "You seem young. What brings you on this train alone?"

"I'm headed to the academy to take the entry test," I explained.

"The academy test? How nostalgic. I remember taking mine about 18 years ago."

"You also studied at the academy?"

"Yes, though the academy has likely changed since then. Seventy-seven years ago, when Vermillion became an Empire, the academy was founded as an institution to train warriors and experts in warfare to defend the Empire. However, with the Alabardah peace treaty eight years ago, all nations established academies or restructured existing ones, and Alabardah assumed responsibility for the academy's curriculum. In return, they offered places at Alabardah's university to the academies' top students, providing an opportunity for them to grow stronger or more proficient wich is a great asset to the nations. However the nations could still choose the academy's primary focus, and so, the Vermillion Academy still places a significant emphasis on combat. As such, I believe the entry test will likely involve combat with another candidate or a school-designated opponent."

"Is it just that? I heard you had to be at least Bronze rank."

"Well, yes, you do need to be Bronze rank, but only if you're seeking a scholarship. There are three ways to enter the academy: connections, the entry test, or a scholarship. This has remained unchanged since the academy's foundation. For the first method, you don't need to undergo any test, just pay the required fees. For the other two methods, you must take an entry test, but the scholarship test is different since you won't need to pay. You have to prove yourself."

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"What's the scholarship test like?"

"It's quite simple. They assess your rank first. Then someone appraises you to determine your potential. Finally, a teacher or older student is chosen to spar with you to evaluate your skills. This process is common in almost all academies, as far as I know. But why do you want to know about the scholarship test? Are you planning to apply?"

"Yes, I am. Your information has been quite helpful, thank you. However, I don't have a rank yet because I've never undergone the evaluation."

"Don't worry; they can evaluate you on-site. However, you will need to pay 200 Loris for a rank evaluation. If you're Platinum or higher, then the evaluation must be conducted in Alabardah, since the ranking system was created by them. But I doubt that's the case. If you're considering applying for a scholarship, then are you perhaps Bronze rank?"

"I'm Silver."

"Silver at such a young age? You are undoubtedly talented. Maybe I'll hear of you one day."

"People seem to think so, but as far as I know, there are even more remarkable individuals."

"Well, that's true, but it doesn't take away from the fact that you are anything but ordinary."

"Thank you for your kind words. By the way, what rank are you, sir..."

"Oh, apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Colonel Craig Stone, and I'm Platin rank. I'm the chief of Vermillion's anti-smuggling brigade, a special force within Vermillion's army security branch responsible for handling smuggling issues and field investigations on the area. And you are..."

"I'm Allen, just a boy with dreams. If it's not too much to ask, may I inquire why you're traveling to the capital, Sir Craig?"

"Well, I live and work in the capital, but this time I'm returning from an investigation. I can't divulge too many details, but we suspect that the Roberta port is being used for the illegal transportation of enslaved children, wich is illegal."

"That sounds like a significant problem."

"Yes, indeed. If our laws are being broken without consequence, it makes us appear weak."

He spoke as though the issue wasn't the children's suffer, but rather the infringement of laws. Were all the soldiers like this?

"But enough of this conversation," he redirected. "What are your plans upon reaching the capital?"

"Well, first I will..."

Our conversation continued until the train finally arrived at the capital. We disembarked from the train and exchanged our goodbyes.

"Well then, Allen, it was a pleasure. If you don't have a better offer, I suggest that once you graduate from the academy, you consider coming to the Security headquarters, we always welcome strong individuals."

"Sure thing. If I don't have other plans, I'll certainly consider it."

"Great, then..."

He departed, and I was left to contemplate my options. The Vermillion army comprised four branches: the security branch responsible for urban safety, the subjugation branch tasked with hunting monsters and addressing related issues, the war branch responsible for defending the nation from external threats, and the royal guard responsible for protecting the palace, government buildings and important foreign guests. While securing a position in any of these principal forces would guarantee success, the life of a military officer wasn't necessarily what I aspired to. I decided to keep it as a last resort.

It was late, so I sought out an inn. After securing a room for the night with breakfast included for 120 Loris, I was reminded once more of the contrast in prices between Roberta and the capital. Exhausted, I entered my room, lay down on the bed, and drifted off to sleep.