CRASH!
That was the sound that shattered my thoughts—and my door and window.
Glass splintered. Wood exploded. But I was fast enough to catch a glimpse of the intruder: clad in black cloth, with only one arm and one leg. And yet, he ran as swiftly as any trained knight.
What in the world…? I didn't stop to question. I chased him.
Through the crowded afternoon market, I ran.
Through chaotic intersections and tangled streets, I ran.
Suddenly, from his shoulder—the one without an arm—a beam of mana erupted like a cannon.
"What?! Was that… even magecraft?" I whispered in disbelief.
The figure dashed on, but fate caught up to him. Knights, likely summoned by Peter, intercepted and tackled him. I watched as they removed his hood.
A non-godblood.
---
Earlier that day in class, we had learned something unsettling:
Although non-godbloods cannot manipulate mana like us, they still possess mana pools. For mana is but a fragment of the soul—and every human has a soul.
But they had found a horrifying method to unleash it.
By dismembering parts of their body, they could convert the mass of the removed limb into raw mana energy—shooting beams, increasing speed, or even casting hypnosis by removing their own eyes.
"Wait… his leg!"
I shouted to the guards as realization dawned on me.
Just in time—I ducked behind cover.
But not soon enough for two unfortunate knights. A blast from the severed leg consumed them. Civilians nearby were injured. Panic erupted.
The attack confirmed our worst fears: non-godbloods had breached the wall and infiltrated Ostina.
And perhaps… one of them had assassinated the king.
---
In the library, I buried myself in tomes—not just about Ostina, but about the very world itself. I needed answers.
Why do godbloods and non-godbloods fight?
Why was this division necessary?
And most of all—why did that intruder come for me?
The sacred scriptures offered both comfort and confusion:
> "Men fight with swords, but dine with love. So does God."
> "Even to monsters, God gave water, food, and love. So why do humans fight among themselves, when God loves all—beast and non-beast?"
Sleep pulled at my eyes like a gentle wind. My body succumbed to slumber.
---
Days passed.
A funeral was held for the two fallen knights.
The non-godblood intruder was executed shortly after his capture.
The atmosphere at the academy grew heavier. Whispers of war grew louder.
---
Today.
A new chapter begins.
It's the Manament Selection Ceremony.
KNOCK KNOCK.
That familiar knock—it's my new door, and Peter behind it.
"You ready?" he called.
"Almost done," I replied, adjusting my uniform.
---
We sprinted through the academy's sparkling marble floors, late as usual.
"You're late," Instructor Bale said with his usual glare.
Wait—Instructor Bale is handling this session? That surprised me.
"You all know why you're here," he began. "This is a vital step in your journey as Mage Knights. Today, you will receive your Grimoires and determine your Manament—your weapon path."
He paused, then added grimly, "As you know, this session was delayed due to the tragic passing of His Majesty, the King. But we move forward."
"Step forward," he commanded. "This device here is the Manament measuring device—it measures your mana pool."
"One at a time. Place your hand on the crystal," he instructed.
Students lined up. One by one, they pressed their palms against the glowing device.
The results displayed in kunts, the standard unit of soul-bound mana.
We had been taught:
- Grade 5: >100,000 kunts
- Grade 4:>80,000
- Grade 3: >60,000
- Grade 2: >40,000
- Grade 1: >10,000
The higher your grade, the stronger your soul—and your potential as a knight.
I recalled stories of my father—Sir Mathias Freiburg—whose mana pool was a staggering 150,000 kunts. A legend.
Peter stepped up. His result: 45,000 kunts. Grade 2. He nodded in disappointment.
Then it was my turn.
My hands trembled.
What if I'm not enough?
I placed my palm on the crystal.
A surge of light. Then numbers.
88,750 kunts.
Grade 4.
Gasps echoed in the hall. I stepped back, stunned.
I surpassed Peter… but I still have a long road ahead.