The Light of a Knight

Episode 3

The next morning, one of the training grounds at Nicholas Knight Academy was buzzing with activity. Over two hundred students in their standard-issue armor, brimming with youthful energy and a touch of arrogance, gathered in small groups. They were Carson’s classmates.

"Didn't think you'd show up with that head injury," a tall, lanky boy blocked Carson's path as soon as he stepped onto the training ground. The boy had brown hair and freckles dotting his face. When he saw Carson’s bandaged head, a mocking smile spread across his lips.

"Move," Carson said coldly, his eyes flashing with anger.

The person blocking his way was none other than Benson Adams, the one responsible for the injuries Carson’s body had suffered. The mere sight of him filled Carson with an intense hatred, a lingering emotion from the body's previous owner.

"Why bother? In half a month, you'll be expelled anyway. Why not start planning for that now?" Benson’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he emphasized the word "expelled," leaving no doubt about his intentions.

"Benson, that’s too much. We’re all classmates, and you and Carson are from the same town," came a voice from behind. It was Moore Leonard, the same boy who had visited Carson the previous day.

"Moore, you’d better stay out of this," Benson snapped, his expression darkening.

Standing beside Carson, Moore sighed inwardly, but he stood firm. "Carson is my friend. Are you telling me I should just ignore this?"

Moore wasn’t one to back down easily, especially after he had already invested in their friendship. Even if this “investment” seemed like it was going to be a loss, he wasn’t one to abandon it halfway. Besides, Benson wasn’t likely to befriend him even if he did back off, given Benson’s petty nature. It was only a matter of time before Benson’s grudge against Carson spilled over onto Moore.

"So you’ve decided to stand against me?" Benson’s voice grew cold.

"And if I am?" Moore took a few steps forward, refusing to yield. He might not be able to beat Benson alone, but together with Carson, there was a chance. The last thing they could afford was to lose their nerve.

"You really think it’s worth it to go against me for this loser?" Benson's voice was icy, his eyes fixed on Moore.

"Whether it's worth it or not is my business, Benson. Don’t forget, we have a guest attending today’s class. If anything happens, not even your connections will save you," Moore retorted sharply.

"You… Fine, Moore. I’ll remember this!" Benson’s face flushed with anger, but Moore's words had hit a nerve. After throwing out his parting threat, he turned and stormed off.

"Who are those three?" a student asked, watching the confrontation with interest.

Some students were clueless—there were over two hundred of them in their year, and it was impossible for everyone to know each other. But one student chuckled and filled in the details. "The one with the brown hair is Benson. Heard he's Wallace’s new lackey. As for the one with the bandaged head… Well, you don’t need to know. You won’t be seeing him around for long."

The other student quickly caught on. The strict standards of Nicholas Knight Academy meant that anyone who failed three consecutive assessments would be expelled, a fate that even noble students weren’t exempt from.

"Thanks," Carson said to Moore as they headed toward their class.

"Don't mention it," Moore replied with a smile, patting Carson on the shoulder.

As time passed, six instructors dressed in red leather armor with sturdy boots arrived at the front of the training ground. They were the teachers for Carson's year, all of whom were full-fledged knights, battle-hardened and respected for their experience.

Nicholas Academy spared no expense, employing only the best for their students. Each class had a teacher who was a full knight—a level of prestige unmatched by other academies. After all, any full knight was granted the title of baron by the kingdom, even if it was the lowest rank of nobility.

The six teachers stood solemnly at attention, their gaze focused on a figure approaching from the distance—a woman in red armor.

She had flaming red hair that seemed to burn like fire, a slender yet strong build, and her armor highlighted her graceful figure. Her red boots struck the ground with firm, decisive steps, and her aura radiated an imposing presence, one that exceeded even the combined might of the six instructors.

"Is that the Crimson Lady, Serah?!"

"She’s the guest speaker today?"

The students’ murmurs grew as the woman approached. Her reputation had clearly preceded her, with many of the noble students staring at her in awe. Those unfamiliar with her were quickly brought up to speed by their peers, their expressions shifting to excitement and admiration.

"That’s her!" Carson thought to himself, recognizing her name from the excited chatter around him.

Serah, the Crimson Lady, was a formidable knight who had achieved her rank at a young age. Her daring exploits were the stuff of legend. She had repeatedly ventured into dangerous territories to defeat undead horrors and had even slain a powerful sorcerer from an enemy race. Her stories were well-known throughout the kingdom, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.

"Quiet down. We’re honored to have Lady Serah as our guest today. Let’s hear what she has to say," said the oldest and most stern of the six instructors, Hadrian Ives. He was the head of Carson’s year and commanded respect from all the students.

At his command, the students fell silent, their attention fully on Serah as she took her place at the front.

"Hello, everyone. I’m Serah," she began, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. Wherever her eyes landed, the students instinctively bowed their heads, even the proudest among them.

"I’m glad to be here with you all today," she continued. "Ten years ago, I stood where you stand now."

"I was once a student here, just like you," she said, her words resonating deeply with the students. "So, keep pushing forward. I hope that in ten years, some of you will be standing where I am now."

Her words were met with thunderous applause. Carson, along with his peers, was captivated by her charisma. Even though she had only spoken briefly, her words had ignited a fire within them.

Who wouldn’t want to follow in her footsteps? Who wouldn’t want to reach the heights she had achieved?

Serah's message had struck a chord with everyone present.