Way of the Knights

Chapter 6: Class

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"Hahahahaha!"

Three guys landed on the ground while laughing and catching air. The stacked up on one another, Paul being one the lowest layer, Mark on the second layer and Raven on top of the two of them.

"The Triplets have gathered." Paul raised and held out his fist towards them, Mark grinned bumped his fist with him and Raven felt emotional. He shook his head and met theirs.

"The Triples have gathered." Mark and Raven repeated. They stood up and walked towards the stone house while discussing random things under the sun.

It didn't took long before the time for class will start. They hurriedly took a bath, ate and walked towards their designated class room. Upon entering the classroom they found out that there are already other students in there, they found some spots at the back and sat together.

"Man…" Paul pursed his lips and said, "I'm so not looking forward to this."

"Well, I just can't give up after all. Same goes for both of you right?" Mark sighed, his chest felt heavy but he held on.

Raven's memories flashed before his eyes, he thought to himself: 'I remember how this conversation went, it's ends up in a depressing mood. Well not if I could prevent it.'

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"It's very simple really." Raven's words startled the both of them. "If normal effort doesn't work, then we'll double it, if that still doesn't work then we triple it. Stubbornness is key, also knowledge."

Paul and Mark smiled, they nodded their heads in agreement and chatted about random things. They were rudely interrupted when the class door swung open and an old man walked in.

He was supporting his curved back with a cane, he wore a thin and clear looking glasses while wearing some white robe that only teachers of the institute could wear. He radiated a strict aura but it also carried a wizened air. He eyed each student inside the classroom and cleared his throat.

"Welcome to Heavenly Cloud Institute's Fighter Class-3. I will be your instructor, Magnum Lee, feel free to call me Instructor Lee, Teacher Lee or even Old Lee, you can even call me by my first name, this old man does not care." His voice sounded gritty and deep, but he delivered his words mellowly.

"Well, that's about it for me. Now it's your turn to introduce yourselves, starting in front, stand up and tell us about yourselves." Old Lee said as he pointed at a student using his cane.

The student seemed unnerved at first but he stood up and began introducing himself: "M-my name is Silva Ford, 13 years old, from Water Salamander Family." After this, he sat down and placed a hand on his chest.

Old Lee nodded and pointed at the student next to him. The class introduction went on until one girl stood which caused almost all of the guys eye's to lit up in expectation.

A beautiful maiden, that would be the most accurate way to address her. Her hair was long and almost reached her buttocks, it fall naturally like it was a black waterfall. She had a pearl white skin, perfectly curved brows, vermillion lips and deep onyx colored eyes. She had a figure to die for and most men would inevitably develop a deep admiration for her.

"Hi everyone, my name is Luna Moonsong. 13 years old as well, and I came from Moon Worshipping Clan."

Her name might be really redundant, specially when she mentioned her clan as well, nevertheless no one would ever be tired of hearing her sweet and charming voice, they would even shower her with praises because of the way she confidently introduced herself.

Seeing her, Raven's heart shook. Countless of pictures emerged from his memories, he smiled wryly and shook his head. Suddenly, he felt an elbow beside him. He turned his head and saw Paul wearing a teasing smile in his face. He laughed and ignored him, he focused on what's happening in front of him.

"My name is Ellen Redcrest, 13 from Vermillion Sky Clan."

"My name is Anne Fiore, 13 from Western Star Clan."

As the introductions went on, two more beauties introduced themselves and became the sole focus of everyone in here. Many boys thought that if they could at least hold their hand then they could die in peace. As more and more students introduced themselves, it was now the Triplets' turn.

"My name is Paul Gregory. 13 from Eternal Defense Clan."

"I'm Mark Anderson. 13 from Marching Warlords Clan."

And finally, it was Raven's turn, everyone's gaze fell on him but he didn't feel any nervousness.

"I'm Vendrick Valorheart, Raven's fine. 13 years old and I don't belong to any clans." He calmly stated as he sat down.

Raven could see some people leaned towards each other and whispered something. Even though he can't hear them, he had a faint guess as to what they were talking about.

"Hey, it's them right?"

"Mn! No doubt about it."

"To think that they still have the audacity to be here."

"How embarrassing."

"Yeah! Specially that last guy, it seems that the rumors are true!"

"Shh, tone it down. He might hear you."

"Such a disgrace. Such a disappointment."

Raven watched all of this with a bored expression in his face, but the same can't be said for his brothers beside him. He glanced at them and saw that their expressions became frosty and their hands are clenched beneath their desks.

"Ahem." Old Lee interrupted everyone and continued: "Thank you everyone. Now we will begin with the lessons."

"All of you are in this Fighter Class, so your goal is became official Fighters as fast as you can. Remember that this institute does not care about anyone's background, we don't discriminate, not even for a royalty."

As Old Lee said this, his gaze became stern and met the students' eyes. Some lowered their heads in shame.

"Anyways. To become an official Fighter, you have to strengthen yourselves and break through to several realms. When you reach Bone Tempering Realm or even the fabled Marrow Cleansing Realm, then you can file for a promotion and be sent to the Inner Division of the Institute."

"The Final Haven Empire is vast and it's citizens are many, but that does not mean that we are at peace. Our kingdom is always expecting an attack from a beast horde. Many soldiers die each year and we are in constant need for some people to replace them and keep our kingdom's safety."

"Some of you went on this school in hopes to be a Knight. This old man can't blame you, being a Knight is the noblest occupation in our kingdom after all. But for you to become one, you guys need to be an official Fighter first."

"I'm telling you now, if any of you became an official Fighter before the school year ends, then the school will let you participate on the 'Righteous Bestowal Ritual'."

Gasps could be heard from the crowd of students, it was then followed by myriad of reactions. Paul and Mark were shocked, same could be said for everyone else, except for Raven, who was clearly bored.

"Our kingdom has a very rich history…"

Old Lee started babbling away about multiple things like history, demonic beasts, famous people and many more things.

Raven's attention were divided between Old Lee and his daydream. His mind was occupied by many things. For an instance, what could he do to help his brothers out of their predicaments.

He knew that the path of Knighthood is extremely thorny for them. It wasn't their fault, it was because of the ignorance of the people of the kingdom and the way how they set their metrics for talent.

At the age of 12, all kids will have their talents measured by their elders or parents. They use Talent Measuring Crystals and have the kids inject their blood in it, the crystal will show beams of colorful light, after which the talent will be shown.

Their talent will be measured according to how many beams of light showed up and what color it represented. The colors are Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Blue. But this is the most stupid way to measure someone's talent, it even goes to say that it will destroy their future.

In reality, one shouldn't look at how many beams of light, and instead focus on what the lights formed into the Talent Measuring Crystals.

Raven shook his head in disappointment, this is the main reason why the kingdom is in decline. Many youths had their futures destroyed because of this simple ignorance. If it weren't for the fact that he was trying to cover up his rebirth, he would totally charge up to the royal palace and give an earful of sermon to the King and Royal Tutors because of this stupidity. Alas, he could only wait until he could do that.

For now, he should focus on raising his strength.. When he reached a certain spectrum of strength, then he would be able to do so, it won't take long anyway.