34 The Imperial Academy 1

The Imperial Academy was established by the current Emperor fifteen years ago, after the end of the war against Latheon Kingdom. The ruler of the empire was shocked when he saw that the decisive factor that made them defeat their mortal enemy didn't come from his forces, but a subject of his foe. His father was always telling him that the people are they who deem the emperor worthy, but before he met with Edward Thundergod, he had never realized how wise these words truly were.

******

"It was why your father decided to establish the Academy. He wanted to give a chance to the commoners to change their status. He also wanted to find some talented people from the masses. His endeavor had met with opposition from the nobles, but after so many years, his initiative is considered successful..." a man in his sixties said. He had white hair and beard as well as blue eyes. The pair of glasses he was wearing combined with his demeanor made him look like a scholar. His full name was Tudor de Logan, the man that was acting as the principal of the Imperial Academy.

"My father's policy toward commoners changed dramatically in only one day. He announced to the nobles that he wouldn't tolerate any abuse of their power. My mother would often tell me how difficult these days were. The empire, in the end, benefited greatly in the long term." Adriana commented with some admiration.

"The emperor is a wise man. By only improving the living conditions of the populace, he managed to raise our country's might. There are countless people we can make good use of their talents. Since you decided to work here as a teacher, you have to be aware of how important your responsibilities are..." Tudor said with a kind smile.

"I know... I plan to use this opportunity to recreate my Order. The loss of my men in the Forest of Lost Memories was a stain on my reputation. There will be no knight willing to serve under my name. I am the one who needs more desperately than anyone else to nurture new blood that can help me in the future to achieve my goals..." the red-haired girl replied with determination.

"I heard about your story. It was an unavoidable outcome. The dragon race is the most powerful in the world, after all.In some texts, I have read that some of them can threaten even gods. Luckily, they are the kind of existence that doesn't have many ambitions or humans would have long gone extinct."

Upon hearing this, the young woman shook her head. It was a disaster that they could avoid just by taking a detour, but they were greedy to find an item that they could extract its mana. Instead of finding treasure though, they brought a calamity upon them. Naturally, Adriana couldn't say what she was thinking to the principal since it was confidential information.

"There will be two interesting individuals taking the exams this year, by the way..." she remarked, trying to change the subject of the conversation.

"Oh? How so?" the old man asked curiously.

"The first one is a user of dark magic..." the princess said mysteriously.

"He has already unlocked an element? He must be a noble then. He can already be considered an elite among the newcomers..." Tudor said with a smile.

"No, he is a commoner and also one of the foster sons of Antony, the S-ranked adventurer."

"The Berserker had a son?"

"It's too soon for you to be surprised. The other individual is also one of the foster sons of Antony. He is a person who has unlocked three elements!"

"Impossible!" Tudor shouted. That was something that humans hadn't managed to achieve for hundreds of years. How could he believe that a boy has already done it?

"He is a troublesome person who even challenged Baron Thundergod in a duel. His combat capability is the real deal, but he is too naive. We have to guide him carefully, but also warn him to stay low-key or rumors are bound to rise..."Adriana advised seriously.

"You are right. No one should learn about this..." the principal murmured as he started thinking. He looked for a moment at the girl in front of him. A wide smile formed suddenly on his face.

"..."

*******

John was currently walking alone on the roads of the capital.Seven days had already passed since he arrived in this city, but he had already become familiar with its neighborhoods. The downpour had made him soaked, but he didn't seem to care. His steps were slow and steady. He didn't stop until he found himself standing in front of a church. The brown-haired boy was hesitant whether to enter or not, but in the end, he opened the door of the building.

A middle-aged priest was sweeping the floor when he heard the noise. He raised his head and looked curiously at the newcomer.

"Are you here to pray or to confess?"

"I am here to confess, Father."

"Follow me..."

*******

John wasn't wearing his usual clothes, but a long black cloak with pointed hood. It was an attire that many adventurers preferred when they wanted to hide their faces.

"A friend of mine told me to come here." the youth said with a hoarse voice.

"Tell me what troubles you, my child!"

"Before I arrive here, I was warned to be mindful of the capital's darkness. I couldn't help than wonder what kind of people are so dangerous to make my friend worried about my well-being." John said as he took out 5 gold coins and threw them on the floor.

The priest's eyes became wide when he saw the money, but his expression remained unchanged.

"This is only the advance fee. I want another five after you have checked the validity of my information. Don't think that my price is too expensive, not many can provide the details that I give."

"As long as it's accurate. If you dare to trick me, don't think that you can escape alive. I'll hunt you no matter where you go..." the boy said calmly.

"In this kind of job, being trustworthy is important..." the priest replied as he stood up. He left for a few minutes before arriving with a sheet of paper.

John started reading carefully what was written inside before letting a sigh to escape from this mouth.

"The situation in the Capital is messier than I thought. I am satisfied with this information. I'll come again..." he said as he gave the remaining five gold coins to the priest.

*******

'I can only speculate who the true owners of these shady organizations truly are...' the boy thought as he exited the church. Five forces were controlling the darkness of the capital according to the information he was given. Four of them belonged to the Duke Houses and the remaining one to the Imperial Family. John was confident though that things weren't so simple.

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'It doesn't matter. For now, I have to deal with something else. I have waited enough. Nobody should be suspicious of me now. It's time for hunting!"