Academy of Sandy
That name had long spread across the world. Built by the Second King, the academy had stood tall for over a century.
Everyone saw it as the pinnacle of education—the dream destination for every youth before turning seventeen.
But I didn't understand.
Why was everyone so excited to go there?
Some said the place held a 'treasure' left behind by the First and Second Kings. Others believed the academy was grander and more luxurious than any palace.
But the strangest thing…
It was the only academy in the world.
Why?
I clenched my jaw.
Something wasn't right.
I turned toward the old merchant sitting at the front of the carriage. He was a burly man, his white beard swaying with the wind. From the beginning of this journey, he had been the one helping me, letting me ride in his wagon.
Taking a deep breath, I asked,
"Why is it mandatory to go there?"
The merchant glanced at me, a knowing smile forming on his lips.
"It was the Second King's decree. Every young person who reaches seventeen is required to study at the academy. If they refuse, the government will issue a punishment."
I stiffened.
"So… if we don't go, we get punished?"
"That's right." The merchant nodded slowly. "No exceptions. You're required to go, too, kid."
I gripped my worn cloak tightly. A strange pressure weighed on my chest.
Why was this academy so important?
What was really waiting for us there?
The carriage continued its journey in silence. Only the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the creaking of wooden wheels filled the air.
"How much longer until we arrive?" I asked, trying to break the growing boredom.
"Tomorrow, we'll reach the port." The merchant replied without turning. "I'll be leaving you there. You're not seasick, are you?"
I paused.
Seasick?
I had never been on a ship before, so… who knew?
"Probably not," I muttered.
The merchant let out a small chuckle before returning his focus to the road. Meanwhile, I slowly sank into drowsiness.
The night air grew colder, biting at my skin. I pulled my cloak tighter, trying to ward off the creeping chill.
My eyelids grew heavier.
Eventually, the sound of hooves, the chirping of birds, and the whisper of the wind all blended into a soothing lullaby…
Until, finally, I fell asleep.
---
I woke up.
Outside the carriage window, the sky had turned reddish. The sun was setting on the horizon.
Suddenly, the wagon came to a halt.
"We'll rest here," the merchant said as he stepped down.
I followed him with slow steps. A worn-out wooden sign read Norman Village.
I let out a deep breath.
This village… why did it look so lifeless?
The dirt roads were muddy and unpaved. Wooden houses stood in disrepair, their walls cracked and roofs riddled with holes. Small children sat by the roadside, their eyes empty, their faces pale. There was no laughter. No signs of vibrant life.
"Nao, come on."
I snapped out of my daze and quickly followed the merchant. We entered a small building with an old sign that read HOTEL. The wood was aged, its paint peeling, and a single flickering lamp hung above the entrance.
Inside, the atmosphere wasn't any better. The floors were dusty, the furniture worn out, and the air carried a musty stench.
The merchant walked to the counter.
"One room, two beds?" he asked.
"Two silver," the man behind the counter replied lazily, not even looking up.
The merchant dug into his pocket, handed over a few coins, and received a key with the number 30 etched onto it.
We climbed the wooden stairs, which groaned under every step. When we reached our room, I hesitated before stepping inside.
"Are we seriously staying here?" I asked in disbelief.
The merchant only shrugged before flopping onto the bed.
"Kid, this place is far better than most places I've been to."
I fell silent. If this was considered good, then what were the other places like?
Sitting on the bed, I stared at the ceiling, which was covered in black stains. My mind was restless.
Did the kingdom really allow places like this to exist? What had they been doing all this time?
But then, I remembered my uncle's words:
"Not everything we see is bad, and not everything we hear is true."
I took a deep breath.
Outside, the murmur of conversations filled the air. Voices of exhaustion. Talks about failed crops, rising prices, and children who had to be sent to the academy.
I sat still.
This world… something was definitely wrong.
I didn't know what awaited me ahead.
But one thing was certain—
I wouldn't just sit back and do nothing.