Conflicting Conquest

8; THE GRADUATION EXAM

Dom knew how hard the Academy was going to be from Pop's stories, but it still somehow paled in comparison with the real thing. The lectures were overwhelming, and the combat sessions were brutal.

But while most of the recruits were struggling under the pressure, Dom continues to go strong due to his high endurance as a result of Pops' training sessions.

2 weeks later...

In a familiar room, a certain serious looking mage steps out of the steaming bathroom in his underwear, revealing his fit physique. He rubs his wet hair with a towel before noticing that Dom was doing vertical push-ups on the ground.

"571... 572... 573." Dom grumbled with gritted teeth as he continues to push his already tired body. A pool of sweat laid on the ground beneath him and his training outfit was damp.

The boy sighs heavily as he slings the towel over his shoulder. "We were told to rest, Dominic. If you keep doing this, you'll break down one day."

Dom pauses with a tired smirk on his face as he looks at his roommate from an upside-down view. "Just because I'm training... doesn't mean that I should... slack off... on my normal routine."

"Besides, should you really... lecture me when you... sneak out to do your own extra... training?" Dom grumbled before resuming.

The boy flinches before glaring at him. "I thought you were sleeping." He grumbled and Dom stops with a laugh.

"You're not the first person I've tricked like that. I used to sneak out to do some extra training too." Dom grumbled as he does a couple more push-ups before looking at the mage again. "Don't worry... I won't snitch as long as you don't."

The boy rubs his hair with a groan. "Fine." He grumbled and Dom smirks as he resumes his workout while the boy prepares for the night.

"578... 579..." As he continues to work, his mind slowly drifts back to his memory over 4 months ago when he got the letter of acceptance from the academy.

< Pops sits on the porch with a lit cigarette stick in one hand and Dom's letter of acceptance in the other which he stares at intensely.

"Pops?" Pops looks up to find Dom walking up to him shirtless and sweaty. "You sure you're gonna be okay?"

Pops quietly takes a smoke before letting it out with a sigh. "To be honest, I don't know." Dom frowns which makes Pops laugh.

"There's no need to look so glum, kid. How I feel doesn't matter. You have a goal and you're determined to reach it. Besides, we've come too far already, right?" Pops chuckled and Dom stares for a moment before smiling.

"Dom." Pops said with a sudden serious face which makes Dom confused. "I'm sure I've told you how hard the Academy training is over a hundred times, but I've never really told you about the Capital itself."

"The Capital?" Dom asked.

Pops nods, taking another smoke. "You've never left this town so you don't know about it. The Capital... or more specifically, its Royal Council are selfish." Dom furrows his brows. "They try to maintain a high public appeal but those close enough know that under those smiles are a bunch of liars who follow their own wishes."

A beat of silence hangs in the air as Pops smokes again. "Why are you telling me, Pops?"

Pops lets out a smoke and lowers the letter. "Because the Royal Knights are usually the ones they send to do their dirty work." Dom clenches his fists with a dark look on his face.