The crickets chirped, the moon shed its light for those in the dark, and footsteps echoed through the town of Teqa. The remaining children who had left alongside Ray from the Korax estate had finally arrived. Sun Oh Tian watched as he perched above the town walls. A young girl, no older than the children who had just entered Teqa, stood beside him. Her black hair fluttered in the night breeze, and her brown eyes scanned the children walking through the town.

  She sighed. “Ye want me to follow them? Why?”

  Sun Oh Tian scratched his chin. “Someone will come looking for yer. I cannot protect ye.”

  “I can protect myself.” The girl muttered as she looked away. Sun Oh Tian shook his head. “Ye will be safe inside Acacia, the academy.” He stood, stretching his arms, and added, “I’ll distract them from finding ye.” Glancing at her, he added. “Ye have five more years; after that we’ll return.”

  The girl stomped her feet, frowning, and said, “I want to return now. I want to help Father.”

  Sun Oh Tian smiled, “Ye will, but not now. Think about everyone who is waiting for ye, who know ye’ll return one day and save them. Get stronger, Mei Zhi.”

  He turned and jumped down from the wall, rushing into the nearby forest.

  Mei Zhi watched his figure disappear into the woods and sighed, then jumped down and snuck into the children’s group as they children wandered around Teqa until the guard pointed them towards the guesthouse.

  The gates opened, and silence followed. Maximus, just like with Ray and his group, shot an arrow. The cloaked figures positioned themselves to move the kids if they couldn’t do anything. But contrary to their expectations, Mei Zhi caught the arrow and looked in Maximus’ direction. She swung her arm and returned the arrow. It missed by an inch from Maximus’ neck.

  The vice headmaster clapped his hands and walked out. “That was wonderful. You pass.”

  Mei Zhi turned to the vice headmaster and flipped her hair. The vice headmaster asked, “What is your name?”

  Mei Zhi stood silent for a moment before answering, “Vivian. My name is Vivian.”

  The vice headmaster nodded and walked back inside. Maximus jumped out of the tree and glanced at Vivian with a smile. “Good job, kid,” and followed the vice headmaster.

  Vivian and the children entered the guesthouse. The cloaked figures handed the children their room cards. Mei Zhi looked at hers, “51. Okay.”

  The cloak figures added, “The vice headmaster has called for you,” and disappeared.

  Mei Zhi looked around. “How did she disappear like that?” She muttered as she made her way to the vice headmaster’s office.

  She walked through the darkness with ease before reaching the door. She knocked as she entered.

  “Good job,” said the vice headmaster. “I find it hard to believe someone so young has already mastered all of her internal senses.” He clapped lightly. “Complete internal harmony at just fifteen is impressive.”

  Mei Zhi looked around the room. “May I know why you’ve called for me?”

  The vice headmaster chuckled. “What makes you think I called for you?” Mei Zhi tilted her head. “Are you not the vice headmaster?”

  He continued chuckling, “Who knows?”

  Mei Zhi frowned. “So you are.”

  He blinked. “What makes you say that?”

  “If you weren’t, you would’ve denied it, but you didn’t.” Mei Zhi replied bluntly.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  He sighed, “What if I was lying?”

  Mei Zhi stared at him for a moment. “But you aren’t.”

  He chuckled again. “How do you know that?”

  “Your heartbeat is as calm as it was when I entered this room, unlike someone who lies. It is a minor change, but noticeable.”

  He laughed, his voice echoing through the room. He took a deep breath, his face becoming serious in the blink of an eye. “You’ve achieved complete internal harmony. And your body can also keep up with your senses. You’re almost as strong as a new squire.” He put his hands on the desk. “So, why do you want to enter Acacia?”

  Mei Zhi stared blankly at him, the silence taking over the room. She flipped her hair. “I… want to experience all the steps… the others take.”

  His weight shifted slightly on his seat as he leaned back. “I see.” He smiled and said, “Well, that is fine. You can leave.”

  Mei Zhi nodded and left the room.

  The two cloaked figures emerged from behind him again.

  “Keep an eye on her as well.” He ordered.

  Mei Zhi made her way through the empty hallway, lost in thought. Complete internal harmony… What does that mean? She arrived at the hallway with rooms. Do children on Aestoriah not master their basic senses till fifteen? She sighed and looked around for her room. This means the only threats to JinSong are the Knights of Aestoriah.

  She clenched her fists, her eyes filled with fiery determination. After the rebellion ends, Father’s next target will surely be Aestoriah. I will learn everything I can. She spotted her room and entered without knocking, closing the door behind her. The room was empty.

  Outside, the dark sky brightened. The sun rays filtered through the window and landed on Mei Zhi’s face. She stretched and lay on her bed for a few minutes before footsteps echoed outside, and murmurs and gossip followed. Loud shouts, playful insults, and complaints filled the hallway.

  Mei Zhi jumped out of bed, opened the door, and bumped into Sera. She introduced herself. “Good morning, fellow applicant. I’m M–Vivian.”

  Sera frowned, but then smiled. “Good morning, Vivian. I’m Sera.” They shook hands as Sera added, “I’m headed to go wake up my friends. You wanna come?.”

  Mei Zhi nodded and followed her. She glanced at every passing kid, giving them uninterested looks. They both arrived at room 101 when Elaira called out to Sera. They greeted each other. “This is Vivian. And this is Elaira,” Sera introduced. Elaira and Mei Zhi shook hands.

  Sera asked, “Do you know where Ray’s room is?” Elaira tilted her head. “It’s this one.”

  Sera blinked. “This is Jon’s…”

  Elaira sighed, “Yes, they’re roommates.”

  Mei Zhi’s eyes darted between them as Elaira opened the door. Ray greeted them, still sitting in the window. Sera looked around and saw Jon sleeping in his bed.

  Ray walked toward Mei Zhi and extended his hand. “Hello Vivian, I’m Ray.”

  Sera wondered, “Do you know her?” Ray shook his head. “I heard you talking before you entered.” Mei Zhi smirked, barely noticeable.

  Elaira kicked Jon, but he didn’t wake up. She then shouted in his ear, “GET UP, MORON!”

  Jon jolted awake and jumped out of his bed, holding his ear. “Why are you screaming? Are you crazy? I almost went de—” He choked on his words when he spotted Mei Zhi.

  He immediately knelt before her, extending his arm. “May I have the honor of knowing your name, my lady?”

  Sera face-palmed, Elaira shook her head, and Ray chuckled.

  Mei Zhi took his arm with a smile. “I’m Vivian. What about you, my lord?”

  Jon’s face flushed red. He stood up, coughing. “I’m Jon.” They both smiled at each other before Elaira sighed, “Listen here, the entrance exam is today. So stop flirting and start moving.”

  Sera made her way out, followed by Jon, Elaira, and Mei Zhi. Ray remained behind for a moment before following them.

  Maya greeted them when they exited. “Good morning, Elaira. Did you consider my offer?” Elaira perked up. “Yes. I would like you to sponsor me.”

  Maya smiled and hugged her. “Alright, all the best for the exam, but I’m sure you’ll pass, anyway.” Brandon called out to Jon from the side, “What about you?” Jon flinched, but straightened. “Yes, I accept.” Brandon smiled, “Okay. Good luck to you too.”

  Sera clenched her fists. “Let’s get going, shall we?”

  Everyone nodded and continued downstairs. Sera walked at the front, Elaira a few steps behind. Jon and Mei Zhi walked next to each other, while Ray walked at the back.

  The bright morning sun greeted them with warm enthusiasm as they made their way through the forest and up the mountain. Sera continued forward with Elaira following closely behind. Jon and Mei Zhi walked silently next to each other, while Jon stole glances at her. Ray walked slowly; he was now significantly behind the others.

  The sun soared through the sky, reaching the top when the group finally reached the giant metal gate of Acacia. Its signboard, made of everlasting wood, hung at the top of the gate. The letters carved were made of silver. Walls stretched on both sides, and a pavement led to another gate inside the walls.

  The guards opened the first gate, and the group walked inside. Training grounds filled the space between the walls that extended all around Acacia. The second gate had no signboard, but Ray did not recognize the metal it was made of.

  He touched the cold gate, wondering. Sera asked the guard, “Why are you not letting us in?”

  The guard replied, “The ceremony hasn’t started yet.” Jon scratched his chin, “Why not?”

  The guard sighed, “Because his highness hasn’t arrived yet.”

  The group nodded unilaterally and stood by the gate as more children arrived.