At the very same juncture, within the opulent confines of Alcantraz Imperial Palace, a princess of ethereal beauty, with silver tresses cascading and eyes of ruby concealed behind a pair of spectacles, sat gracefully upon the edge of her bed, lost in reverie. With a graceful stride, she approached the window, gazing out upon the enchanting palace gardens before her, arms crossed over her chest as her eyes drifted to the azure sky, stretching infinitely into the distance.
"Hoping she'll enroll in the academy next month," she murmured inwardly, attempting to muster a smile.
With gentle steps, a serving maid entered the chamber, closing the door softly behind her before approaching the princess standing by the window.
"Cathrina, it's time to prepare for your departure to the academy city," the maid spoke softly.
Cathrina turned to regard the maid with respect. She glided past the servant gracefully and resumed her seat on the edge of her bed.
"Very well, please make the necessary arrangements. We leave tomorrow," Cathrina replied in a subdued tone.
"Understood, Cathrina. Excuse me," the maid said, offering a deep bow before departing.
Once the maid had left, Cathrina reclined on her bed, clutching tightly to a book which turned out to be her personal diary. With closed eyes, she smiled in the silence.
"I await your arrival. Return to me," she whispered in her heart, letting the words flow gently through her mind.
A month had swiftly passed in the bustling city of the magic academy, filled with an aura of wonder. Before the grand gates of the sorcerer knights' academy, a horse-drawn carriage came to a halt, its gleaming frame illuminated by the twilight rays. Stepping out from within the carriage was Rainard Von Olaf, a captivating figure with his leaf-like slender face, unruly short black hair, and a tall, graceful stature.
"Helena-san, please take me straight to the mansion. I'll be staying at the dorms, but if I need your assistance, I'll come to the mansion," Rainard said with a soft yet assured voice.
"Of course, Rainard-dono," Helena replied warmly.
Swiftly, Helena closed the carriage door, and with light steps, the carriage slowly departed, leaving Rainard standing in front of the entrance to the grand academy building. Helena's reason for accompanying Rainard was to replace Gerard, who was now appointed as the commander of Count Olaf's knights, a position previously held by Helena. However, behind this official reason, Helena harbored a strong curiosity about Rainard, determined to uncover Ark's true identity. That's why Ark asked Helena to hurry to the mansion and stay with Doria, who was reluctant to stay in the dorms due to being cursed while residing there.
After the carriage vanished from his sight, Rainard turned away. His gaze drifted towards the towering academy building before him. With a heavy breath, Rainard grasped the hilt of the large sword hanging at his back, and with steady steps, he entered the building, a thin smile playing on his lips.
"Finally, I'm here... I never imagined I'd end up in the academy I rejected so many times before," Rainard pondered silently as he walked confidently through the corridors.
Just a few steps from the gate towards the academy building, "Watch out!" a soft voice exclaimed. Rainard turned, and their eyes met with a girl rushing towards him in haste. Without time to react, "Bam!" The girl collided with Rainard with such force that both of them fell.
"Sorry... Are you okay?" Rainard asked warmly.
As he looked at the girl's beautiful face with her flowing pink hair, Rainard was taken aback. The reason being none other than the girl before him was Alisia Einhard, his betrothed since childhood whom he had always ignored while at the palace.
"I lost my balance... Sorry... Huh? You... why do you look so... Familiar... Like I've seen you somewhere..." Alisia said, holding her head in pain as she sat beside Rainard.
"Um... You're too close... Do I resemble someone?" Rainard asked, his face awkward.
"She's my fiancé, the Second Prince Holton. Although many call him the forgotten prince, my heart still admires him. You resemble him, but he has blond hair and a more robust physique than you. Besides, it's impossible for him to be here because he's so averse to the academy world," Alisia answered with a small smile.
"Thank you, alchemy. I can change your hair color thanks to you, but honestly, I'm confused whether to feel happy or sad to meet him here," Rainard muttered to himself as he rubbed his head, even though it didn't itch.
"I'm sorry, I have to go now. See you another time."
Alisia stood up, and with light steps, she left Rainard still seated, only able to watch her retreating figure. Rainard then rose, dusting off his clothes, and he sensed someone behind him.
Amidst the gentle drizzle that caressed the footpath, a girl with light steps greeted the silence enveloping Rainard Von Olaf. Her voice wrapped around the quietness, awakening the hidden admiration within Rainard.
"May I pass?" she called out softly, her voice like a melody flowing from her lips.
Rainard waved back with an open heart, but his eyes widened as the girl's face appeared before him.
"Huuh, Sarah?" he murmured, astonished by her sudden presence.
"Have we met before?" she asked kindly, while her smile danced on her lips.
"Oh, sorry... we haven't been properly introduced," Rainard replied, his heart fluttering as memories stirred in his subconscious.
"May I pass through?" she asked again politely, yet the gleam in her eyes held a myriad of stories painted in the past.
With bold steps, Sarah walked beside Rainard, allowing their shadows to merge momentarily in the embracing drizzle. However, for Rainard, the rain brought back memories of happier times in the Kingdom of Holton, where Sarah was the beacon of light in his darkness.
"Back then, she still shone in her grandeur, not a commoner like now. At the age of 20, I witnessed her becoming a hero in her family's tragic tale. I never imagined we would meet here. Although my feelings have changed over time, her presence still stirs my heart," Rainard whispered in silence, his eyes still fixed on the figure of Sarah as she walked away.
In the midst of silence, a faded hand lay nearby. Rainard Von Olaf's heart pounded a tumultuous rhythm as he faced the clear liquid dripping down his forehead, while his gaze cut through space toward the shapeless hand reaching out."Are you alright?" the girl's voice, like a night melody dancing in the background.Slowly, Rainard hesitated, reluctant to respond to the girl's gentle touch. Instead, he withdrew, sitting hesitantly, for the girl behind him was the figure he wanted to avoid, the one who had taken his life multiple times in the span of past lives. The memory of her silver hair flowing long and her gaze emanating silence at the threshold of eternity remained etched in his mind. The girl was Cathrina Ignisia Alcantraz, the prima donna of the Alcantraz Empire."S... sorry..." Rainard whispered, pale and drifting.As Rainard slid backward, Cathrina gracefully stepped forward, extending her hand with boundless kindness."Why are you hesitating? But, if you're okay, then it's a
Rainard Von Olaf strode into the room with confident steps, as if dancing to the rhythm of a meaningful life. He stood beside Cathrina, side by side with the beauty reflected in the crystal ball before them. His gaze roamed over Cathrina's face, piercing the depths of her soul before he humbled himself with captivating tenderness. His voice, gentle as a breeze, slipped from his lips with finesse as he spoke,"Allow me, oh Cathrina, never did I imagine standing before a princess of the empire."Cathrina smiled in return, radiating warmth from the corner of her heart, "No burden at all, Rainard. Rise, in the light of our shared goodness."Rainard straightened up, gazing in awe at the crystal ball emitting magical charm before them. Alcantraz's firm steps approached, marking the beginning of the trial that would determine the fate of the two students."Now, let the first step measure their skills. One boy, one girl. Every student, new or old, must prove their worth. It is our duty to pro
Under the gentle glide of the moon in the sky, legends danced with their shimmering brilliance. Tales of yore intertwined threads of time into a flowing fabric within the stream of memory. Five heroes, summoned from different realms of the universe, united their destinies in a dance led by karma."First, there was the hero known as Doumoto Kazuya, his name symbolizing courage amidst the storm. Second, the wise one dubbed Tetsuka Mirai, brought the light of knowledge in every step. Third, a killer reborn as a merchant named Reese, slithered among the shadows. Fourth, the berserker known as Hijiri Shigeo, transformed into an adventurer named Serge, challenging fate with overflowing bravery. And lastly, the paladin and guardian woman, Yasumoto Fumiko, who sacrificed herself in battle against the demon lord, now lies peacefully in the realm she founded, Fredonia, alongside her faithful weapons.But now, only the shadow of the hero, Kazuya-kun, remains a mystery within the flow of time," M
With the reverberation of voices creeping along the room, Rainard Von Olaf swallowed nervously, his confusion simmering."Thus, sishou," he whispered, trembling, his voice akin to a feeble gust of wind.Mirea, the mentor, nodded slowly, rays of wisdom flowing from her deep eyes. "Correct, for that was the assumption I made. Initially, I thought Prince Lexius Gran Orthus was the reincarnation of Kazuya-kun, but it turns out his level reaches 99, with eyes ablaze in red due to his royal lineage. You, whom I've just met, are similar to us, possessing a level of 0," Mirea explained firmly."So, what should I do now?" Rainard asked, seeking guidance amidst his mentor's wise words.Mirea narrowed her eyes, contemplating the right response. "Well, to me, whether you're the reincarnation of Kazuya-kun or not is not important. I simply ask that you continue attending the academy as usual. You're only 15 years old, and if the world is in danger, I hope you will fac
"In a trembling irony," added a student with the deepest sigh."Rainard, truly lacks skill, even at the lowest level, still stiff at zero. While we, who struggle at level one, feel anxiety creeping in. Indeed, this is solid evidence that he is neglected at the bottom threshold of our ranks," uttered harshly, like venom piercing a wound, filling Rainard Von Olaf's ears, who could only muster a bitter smile in response."With that, the glittering accolades I once thought I possessed, vanished instantly, I am discarded as useless trash," Rainard whispered in profound sadness."No need to delve too deep, Rainard-kun. Let it be. Even I heard. Let's sit together," Cathrina's gentle voice invited."Ah, could she possibly read the turmoil of my mind?" Rainard asked with bewilderment.He turned to the table across, but the graceful faces of the girls his age sparkled with beauty, forcing his gaze back to reality. The tears that were hidden a moment ago now
"Call Rainard, be present here!" demanded the king with a thunderous voice, shattering the silence in the grand chamber of the palace.A servant trembled as he stepped into the throne room, his footsteps light like autumn leaves swept by the breeze. With utmost reverence, he approached the throne where the king sat in his unparalleled grandeur. Without hesitation, the letter, brimming with secrets, was handed to the ruler, whose eyes seemed to outshine both the sun and the moon as he perused its contents. Yet suddenly, the royal cheeks flushed red like the sunset, and the letter bore witness to the king's turmoil in silence."Bring him forth before me, this instant!" bellowed the king, his words shattering the tranquility that once filled the palace."Very well, Your Majesty," the servant replied, his voice trembling with uncertainty.Hastily, his steps carried the king's message to the farthest reaches of the land. Meanwhile, within the king's heart, a tempest of emotions raged, stru
At the age of 31, Rainard De Helton was haunted by an unforgettable tragedy that painted his life with shades of darkness. The devastation brought forth by the Princess of the Realm had shaken the very foundations of his existence, claiming the life of an innocent employee who dined at the restaurant where Rainard struggled to make ends meet. Ironically, the punishment for a crime he did not commit unfolded in the shadow of the princess, a swift death sentence that arrived without room for repentance or forgiveness.With each heartbeat thereafter, the wounds continued to sear with hatred, casting shadows of darkness that obscured the light of his future. Seeking solace in a remote village, filled with the scent of the sea and the soothing touch of the wind, became his final attempt to heal those wounds. Yet, fate often twists in unforeseen ways.Just as he began to find peace in his new life, the presence of forces claiming allegiance to the princess crept into his existence like a sh
Soft rain gently moistened the train window, creating irregular ripples on the glass surface. Inside, Rainard De Helton sat calmly, seemingly unaffected by the surroundings. The train moved smoothly, navigating through winding roads, heading towards a secluded village hidden behind towering trees.In front of him sat a large, intimidating man with a peculiar charm. His gaze pierced through space and time, as if reading every thought crossing Rainard's mind."For what reason do you wish to visit that remote village?" the man's voice cut sharply, full of suspicion.Rainard, with inherent wisdom, replied unhurriedly, "Simply for a visit, I have an appointment with someone there.""Hmm, visiting that area? Intriguing. But be cautious, it's filled with threats. Bandits often lurk around caravans like ours," the man responded, raising an eyebrow skeptically.As Rainard listened to Gerard's words, he recognized the man. Gerard Broman, a name familiar to him, a rebel leader who would become a