Sovereign

Chapter 4

After taking care of their injuries and giving their dead a proper burial, the procession moved on, now with an additional member – myself.

The carriage was destroyed in the attack, so we continued our journey on foot. The progress was slow, but we had to be careful because of those who were seriously injured.

Although the trip itself was boring, I learned some useful things along the way.

The girl was called Ling, and her brother Zeno. Their family name was Su, and their clan was one of the leading five in the place they had come from. However, their background meant nothing in bigger places such as Asan, where they were headed.

To bring honor and glory to their family, they planned to join the most famous academy in the region, which was precisely located in Asan - the Demonic Academy.

Its name alone was enough to instill fear in the bones of every normal person, but it aroused the desire for success in those who dreamed of the very top. In order to attend the Demonic Academy at all, you would first have to pass a test to prove that you are worthy of its greatness.

The test was the same every year, yet no one knew what it was exactly. That was because anyone who even thought of talking about its contents would face a punishment worse than death.

The only thing that was certain was that the test was dangerous and that many would lose their lives trying to pass it. However, that did not stop the young people, who were showing up in incredibly large numbers every four years when the test was performed.

This year, even the heirs of the royal family were expected to attend and take the test in order to determine who will be the next ruler.

While there is no denying that the test is very difficult, it would only be a start for those who pass it. The academy lasts four years, and after those four years, only a few come out as winners. One third of the students die in its duration, and the rest drop out or are expelled if they fail to show the expected progress.

That is why it was named the Demonic Academy. It can be said that those who finish it are true demons whose power rivals that of gods.

At least that's what Ling and Zeno told me. I doubt that mortals, no matter how strong, could be compared to the gods.

Despite that, I decided to join them. I mean, if you pass the test you get free accommodation, food and education. Hello? Of course I would agree.

Though once I said my thoughts out loud, I only got blank stares in return. Ling forced out a laugh, which only made the situation more awkward.

"Then I guess we'll be enemies in a week," Zeno said and turned his head to the other side.

"There is no need for that, brother. Seeing your strength up close, I believe that you will pass without any problems!" Ling encouraged me.

I just smiled in return, and we quickly changed the subject.

Although I learned a lot about my companions, I kept the information about myself hidden. Not because I wanted to portray myself as some mysterious, unfathomable and untouchable person, but simply because I didn't know what lie to tell. So in the end they knew nothing about me - not who I was, where I had come from, nor why I helped them. They didn't even know my name. I planned for it to stay that way in the future as well. At least until I get into a situation where I am forced to give away certain information.

Realizing during our trip that I wasn't carrying any luggage with me, nor did I have any money, Ling promised me that she would take care of me, at least until the day of the test.