Chapter 2: The Kingdom Club
Ekki suddenly woke, remembering the incident in the bathroom—when his classmates had left him locked inside. He glanced toward the window just in time to see a strange stone fall, narrowly missing him.
Suddenly, the warden burst into Ekki's room and shouted, "Go to class!" Ekki, always late, panicked and ran to school, muttering, "Oh no… I'm finished in the hands of Sensei Ria."
Ria was a teacher who treated Ekki kindly, even though he had no magic. Ekki rushed to the classroom door. "Ma'am, can I come in?" he asked, but he stepped inside without waiting for an answer.
"Why are you always late?" Ria exclaimed. "Every time it's a different excuse! Now, tell me the reason—and wait outside first."
As Ria stepped outside, Ekki explained, "Ma'am, I train every morning and sometimes go to sleep late. I've always lied in class because if I told the truth, everyone would mock me for being a boy without magic and say my training is pointless. I wanted to tell you every time, but I was afraid you'd send me home immediately."
Ria smiled gently. "It's okay, Ekki. Just try not to be late." She ruffled his hair affectionately.
Finally, Ekki entered the classroom. Nobody wanted to sit near him—except Sero. The other students looked down on him because he had no magic, treating him as if he were a sinner. This had made Ekki's life difficult, but Sero understood his pain.
Ria asked the class about their ambitions. Ekki stood. "I want to become a legend of the Club Kingdom," he said.
The entire class laughed—except Sero. He believed in Ekki's potential, having watched his training every day. He remembered asking Ekki once, "Why do you try so hard?"
"I want to become a legend of the Club Kingdom," Ekki had replied. "Then nobody will see me as a sinner."
Despite the ridicule, Ekki never stopped training, and Sero admired his determination.
Ria silenced the class. But some students still whispered, "This orphan… no money, no fame, no power, no magic… and he wants to be a legend?" Ekki's heart ached.
"Silence!" Ria commanded. She then asked Sero about his ambition.
"I want to become the best star in the Club Kingdom," Sero said.
Ria nodded. "You all have good ambitions." She began explaining the history of the Club Kingdom:
The Club Kingdom is the oldest kingdom on our planet. Its current legend is Renix, whom the people honor as a savior and hero. The kingdom is protected by Dravons, magical warriors ranked in levels: Star, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze. Civilians are considered None-level. All teachers are Diamonds, and the head of all Dravons is the Legend.
Ekki listened in awe.
Ria continued, "You are all None-level. To become a Dravon at Bronze level, you must participate in the Fresher Exam. Instructions will be given on the day of the exam. Those who don't participate will remain civilians."
Excited, Ekki immediately gave his name. Sero did the same.
"All the best, everyone," Ria said. "The exam will be in a week. Meet me at the Hall of Test. That's where the Legend and teachers evaluate Bronze, Silver, and Gold members."
After class, Ekki rushed to his training area and began practicing with his sword, which he always kept there. Sero trained nearby and noticed Ekki's sword.
"Where did you get this?" Sero asked.
Ekki explained everything that had happened in the bathroom. Sero frowned. "Ekki, don't tell anyone. If someone asks, just say it's your dad's."
"Why should I lie?" Ekki asked.
"If you tell the truth, the Aerzo members—those who test and study magic—will imprison you and experiment on you," Sero warned.
Ekki nodded. "Okay."
Sero left for his room, and night fell. The sword began to make strange, almost whispering sounds. A chill ran down Ekki's spine.