Lancer's Past – Fifteen Years Ago
The sky over the eastern region of the Aezrith Empire was overcast, a somber gray, mirroring the feelings of a young mother sitting alone in front of her small house. Inside the simple home, a baby boy had just been born—with pale blonde hair like the morning light and eyes as blue as the ocean, as if bringing hope… or a curse.
The name given to him: Lancer.
But his father—General Caldros Odtry—never knew.
When Lancer was born, Caldros was leading troops on the front lines. He didn't even receive the letter announcing his son's birth until years later. And when he finally read it… he only skimmed it, without truly understanding its meaning.
Lancer's 5th Year of Life
The small village was as quiet as ever. Lancer, a five-year-old boy quieter than most children his age, was drawing a magic circle on the ground with a wooden branch.
That day, a military carriage stopped in front of their house. From it descended a strapping man in battle uniform—Caldros Odtry, his father.
His mother rushed out. Suppressed sobs and bitter laughter mixed as she ran to greet him.
Lancer stood frozen in front of the house, staring at the stranger.
"Who is he?" Lancer asked innocently.
His mother gripped his hand.
"That's your father."
But all his father did was stare at the child—coldly, doubtfully, and almost suspiciously.
"He... my son?"
His mother looked down.
"Five years, Cal. This is the first time you've seen him."
Caldros slowly stepped closer. His gaze traced Lancer's face, then stopped at the child's bluish eyes—eyes that resembled no one in the Odtry family.
"He doesn't look like me," he said flatly. "Are you sure he's my son?"
Those words made Lancer look down. His hands clenched, his lips tightened.
That day, without an embrace… without recognition… a child learned to expect nothing.
And from there, the man named Lancer Odtry was born—quiet, distant, yet carrying a wound that never truly healed. A wound that would later carve him into the Aezrith Empire's hope.
Back to the Present – Academy East Courtyard Cafe
The afternoon sky was turning golden. In one corner of the Academy's open-air cafe, five 1-A students sat around a large wooden table adorned with a simulation area map and instructor notes.
Kael sat in the middle, arms folded. Beside him, Irelith, as usual—legs crossed, intently studying the map.
Leinhardt was engrossed in chewing a meat sandwich, Rose was busy scribbling on the map, and Perona Airst poured tea into their glasses.
"Alright," Kael finally said. "The exam is in three days. We know the location is a dense forest with five main magic points. Our goal is to survive for three days, but… I'm sure there's more to it than just that."
Rose nodded slowly.
"Right. There are traps, simulated beasts, and magic energy limits. We need a strategy—shifts for watch, logistics division, and reserve magic."
Leinhardt grinned casually.
"I'll handle the fighting, you guys handle the thinking. Easy."
"And who's going to guard your food when you collapse from mana exhaustion?" Perona quipped, mocking him.
Everyone laughed.
Irelith, in a more serious tone, chimed in.
"The problem isn't just surviving. It's also becoming the top team. Our final exam scores can affect our position next semester."
Leinhardt shrugged with a feigned casual air.
"Why bother being serious when our team is full of monsters anyway?"
"Monsters?!" Rose glared at him. "Are you saying this beautiful face is a monster?"
Leinhardt immediately panicked and hid behind Kael.
"Kael, today… I might not return to my room."
"Why?"
"Because I might be eaten."
Laughter erupted at the table.
Their conversation then drifted—about Leinhardt peeing his pants as a child, Kael's old crush on Irelith, and Rose's story about making her grandfather run to the bathroom repeatedly with her concocted soup.
Everything felt warm… for a moment forgetting that their world was about to change.
Kael briefly glanced out the window. There, Lancer Odtry stood alone, gazing at the twilight sky.
"This exam seems difficult… because of him. I'm sure we'll clash," Kael mused inwardly.
Leinhardt nudged him gently.
"Are you looking at Lancer again? He's too mysterious. But honestly… I'm curious too. If he's on the opposing team, it'll be exciting."
Irelith chimed in, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Hmph. He's just captivated by his good looks, that's all."
"He's a man, Irelith," Kael replied expressionlessly.
"Hmm," Irelith snorted softly.
Leinhardt, Rose, and Perona simply chuckled at their interaction.
But just moments ago, when Kael and Lancer's eyes met, Kael felt something stir in his chest. Not fear… but a drive to win. Not just in the exam—but as a man who no longer wanted to live in anyone's shadow.
📌 [DING!]
[Countdown to Survival Trial – T-3 Days Remaining]
What is Lancer truly hiding behind his gaze? Will Kael and his team be ready to face their first toughest trial?
📖 Continue to Chapter 16 and prepare to enter the survival trial that will change everything!