The Beltrum Royal Academy stood as a beacon of prestige and promise. An institution built to raise the next generation of nobles, it had cultivated a reputation over the years as the finest educational academy in the kingdom. Its graduates held positions of power, wealth, and influence—officers, governors, ministers, and royal advisors. Every student who passed through its gates was practically guaranteed a future of prominence. The academy offered both day classes and a boarding system. For students like Saji, now known to the world as Jon Snow, the latter was more suitable.
In one such bedroom nestled within the academy's grand stone walls, Saji lay sprawled on a luxurious bed, snoring softly, unaware of the golden rays of sunlight beginning to filter through the ornate windows. For the first time in over a year, he had allowed himself a moment of true rest—an entire day off from his harsh training regimen. And despite the unfamiliar comfort, his body groaned in protest as the sun's warmth touched his face.
Grumbling, he stirred, cracked open his eyes, and sat up. His hair was a tousled mess, and he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Just one more hour…" he mumbled, but he knew that was wishful thinking.
With a reluctant sigh, he began his morning routine. Bathing, grooming, and eventually dressing in the academy-issued uniform—a crisp, noble attire that suited his build and gave him the air of someone born of prestige, even if his origins were far from it. Before stepping out, he checked his inventory—two glowing scrolls marked with crimson seals pulsed gently in his dimensional storage.
Two S-Rank Ninjutsu Scrolls.
He smirked. "You'll come in handy soon enough."
As he slung his satchel of books over his shoulder, memories of his meeting with the king came rushing back.
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Flashback – The Royal Audience
The throne room of Beltrum Castle was grand and imposing. Tall, arched ceilings supported by white marble pillars, stained glass windows casting colorful light upon the floor. At the far end sat the King upon his throne, regal and composed, his queen and daughters—Princess Flora and Princess Christina—seated at his side. The chamber buzzed with tension as nobles from the great houses watched closely.
Then, the grand doors opened.
"Announcing Rio and Jon Snow!" the herald declared.
Rio entered first, his posture calm and composed, exuding grace and humility. Saji followed, his stride confident, shoulders squared, his aura more that of a warrior prince than a humble student. The nobles whispered, their eyes fixed on the boys who had saved the princess.
They stopped before the dais and bowed respectfully.
The King's voice boomed across the hall. "You there, boy. I heard from one of my guards that you captured the assassin. Is this true?"
Saji met the King's gaze unflinchingly. "Yes, Your Grace. I was the one who captured the assassin."
"Impressive, for someone your age." The King leaned forward slightly. "And your name?"
"My name is Jon Snow, Your Grace."
"Snow… That is not a name I recognize from any noble house within our realm. Where do you hail from?"
"I come from a region far to the north, beyond these lands. In my homeland, it is tradition for the acknowledged bastards of nobility to bear the surname 'Snow.' I am the bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark."
Murmurs rippled through the noble assembly, but the King remained composed.
"I see… Though unfortunate, your valor is undeniable. As a token of my gratitude for saving my daughter, I shall grant you and your companion immediate enrollment into the Royal Academy."
Saji bowed again. "Your Grace, I humbly accept your offer."
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Back to Present – Beltrum Royal Academy
Now walking through the wide corridors of the Academy, Saji joined Rio and Celia, who waited just outside his room.
"Morning," he said casually.
Celia greeted him with a soft smile. "Good morning, Jon. Rio."
Rio gave him a nod in return.
Celia folded her arms lightly. "I wanted to ask—have either of you received any formal education in reading or writing?"
Rio shook his head. "No, I've never studied either."
Saji rubbed the back of his head. "Same here. Can fight a beast blindfolded, but ask me to write an essay and I'll break a sweat."
Celia chuckled. "I see. Then, I'll personally tutor both of you. Come to my research lab after school. It's in the basement of the library tower."
The boys nodded.
"Thank you," they said in unison.
"Oh, one more thing," Celia added with a small, knowing smile. "Many of the students here come from noble or royal families. They may… look down on you at first."
Rio smiled calmly. "I'm aware of my status. But thank you for your concern."
Saji cracked his knuckles, his eyes narrowing slightly. "As long as none of those spoiled brats get in my way, I won't have to put them in their place."
Celia stifled a laugh. "Well, if either of you have any problems, don't hesitate to come to me. All right?"
"Sure."
"Got it."
With the sun shining overhead, bells chiming across the courtyard, and the echo of footsteps from countless students rushing to class, the first day at Beltrum Royal Academy began. And with it, the start of a new chapter in the lives of Jon Snow and Rio.
Welcome to the Beltrum Royal Academy.