Twist of Fate

Chapter 12: To Kurona Academy

"Excuse me?"

"If you desire to grow stronger, you should attend Kurona Academy," Nahuel said easily with a smile.

I was speechless. Attend Kurona Academy? The academy Zulén went to, the academy for the elite. Nahuel wanted me to go there?

"What," Zulén said, incredulous. "How could you even think of that option?"

Nahuel regarded Zulén with an unconcerned grin. "Well, Kurona Academy is the most advanced academy within Zestiol at the moment. It accepts almost everyone, disregarding status, and teaches them to be the best. So there's a good chance she'll get in."

Zulén shook his head. "You know that's not what I meant. Before she can learn anything, what if she is found out?"

Nahuel waved his hand dismissively. "You'll be there. Since you're such a high rank, you should be able to do something."

High rank? What did he mean? I glanced at Zulén, a scowl had worked its way onto his face, apparently, he was annoyed. Did he not want me attend the Academy?

"But she may not be accepted," Zulén protested. "There is only a select number of students accepted each year. And its already too late."

Nahuel raised his eyebrows. "Ah, that's right. The new school year begins when? Next week?"

"No. Tomorrow."

"Then I suggest you make your decision quickly," Nahuel said, shrugging nonchalantly. "Lareria, do you want to attend Kurona Academy?"

I swallowed. Could I really attend the same academy as Zulén and grow stronger than I am now? Or would I flunk out because I'm too weak?

"Kouríeó," Zulén said, catching my gaze. "You really shouldn't. What if that were to happen?" My eyes narrowed. "I don't know what caused it, but it happened after you were exhausted. Kurona Academy is a harsh place to those who aren't prepared."

I frowned. "That won't happen again as long I'm careful. What you saw was only a relapse of sorts. It didn't come out in full..."

"Then what would've happened if it did," Zulén inquired, staring intently.

I sighed. "I wouldn't be here right now."

Zulén blinked. "What do you—"

Nahuel lifted a hand to stop him. "You can speak of her condition some other time, I need you to tell him your answer."

My gaze snapped to the man with green eyes tinged with orange. How did he know about my condition? "If I go to Kurona Academy, will I really get stronger?"

Nahuel nodded. "Definitely. I used to go there myself when I was young many, many years ago. It is a guarantee you will grow stronger in some way."

My eyebrows knitted at the way he said many, many years ago. "I know this isn't the time," I said, "but how old are you? Zulén called you 'old man' earlier..."

Nahuel laughed. "Older than you think. Just a little fact, but the people of Zestiol live rather long lives. Especially those with strength."

"I see," I muttered. What a strange fact, but he didn't answer my question, did he?

"Your answer, Kouríeó," Zulén said.

"My answer is obvious, no?" I sighed. "I want to get stronger and prevent the passing of the legend. So, yes, I will attend Kurona Academy."

Nahuel smiled brightly. "I never doubted you would." I wanted to ask what he meant by that but he kept talking. "And I have no doubt you will be accepted."