Tev Ryn Holt — POV
I was on my way back to my quarters after reporting to the Commander.
He was furious—about the children's deaths. Deaths that happened because I had been too lazy to intervene. My past negligence had finally come back to haunt me.
That damned nun…
If it weren't for the Duke and the Church, I would've burned that orphanage to the ground long ago.
Lost in thought, I noticed a familiar face approaching me.
"Good evening, Captain. You look tense—something troubling you?"
It was Law, one of my junior knights and a member of my squad. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood to deal with him.
"It's nothing, Law," I replied flatly.
"Haha, looks like Commander Dewn gave you an earful," he said, laughing.
I shot him a sharp look. He stopped instantly.
"Ah—sorry, Captain. I was just joking. Anyway, how was your mission? And where's the child you brought with you?"
He kept talking, eyes closed, completely unaware.
I hated this chatterbox.
Just win the tournament, Tyler…
Then I can deal with everything else.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed down the hall.
"Sir Tev! Sir Tev!"
It was the guard stationed outside the Commander's office.
"Yes? Why are you shouting?" I snapped.
Law immediately straightened and focused.
"S-sorry, sir," the guard said, catching his breath. "The Commander has summoned you immediately."
"What? I just saw him ten minutes ago," I replied.
"The child you brought caused a disturbance," the guard continued. "He used a skill to suppress the other candidates. Sir Ceaser intervened and brought the situation under control. Afterward, he reported everything to the Commander."
The guard swallowed.
"The Commander is furious and demands your presence."
Law whistled. "Wow… looks like you brought in someone interesting, Captain."
I ignored him and headed straight for the Commander's office.
That damned commoner… I warned you.
**Commander's Office**
"You called for me, Commander," I said calmly.
"What exactly have you brought into Duke mension, Tev?"
The Commander stood with his back to me, facing the window.
"This is my failure, Commander," I replied apologetically. "I neglected his discipline."
"I thought you were an honorable knight," he said coldly. "But you continue to disappoint me. Did you not teach him that candidates are forbidden from fighting each other?"
"I take full responsibility, sir. If you permit me, I'll discipline him immediately."
"No."
The word struck like a blade.
"Your role ended the moment you delivered him here. From now on, training this generation is my responsibility. I called you here so you would remember this mistake—and never repeat it. You represent not only yourself, but your family and your standing."
He turned slightly.
"Go. Rest today. Tomorrow, you'll be sent on a mission."
"Yes, Commander," I said, bowing.
**Tyler Draven — POV**
My mind was still unstable, but I forced myself to stay composed.
I slept on the very bed that boy had tried to chase me away from earlier. Now, he wouldn't even dare look at me. The same was true for the others—they all kept their distance.
Good. Fear was useful.
But.
This wasn't the time to lose control.
If I won the tournament, Tev wouldn't touch the orphanage.
Right.
But winning wouldn't be easy—not with Aelina here.
Still… third place was achievable. Even second.
But my goal wasn't that.
I had to win.
I had to enter the academy alongside the Princess.
…Sorry, Aelina.
And the reason was clear. I wanted to go back to my world.
Even after accepting this body as Tyler, a part of me still longed for my old world—for the people I loved.
And for those two bitches.
Night passed quickly.
**Training Grounds — Next Morning**
"Listen carefully."
The rough voice echoed across the grounds.
"My name is Arthur Lily Dewn, Commander of the Great Grey House. For the next month, I will be your instructor."
He stood tall—over seventy years old, yet looking no older than forty. His yellow hair had mostly turned white, matching his eyes, and a long beard framed his face.
An SS-rank swordsman. In this world, that meant a walking disaster.....one man capable of destroying a country.
He went on and on about what it meant to be a knight..their honor, their principles, their duty. His voice was steady and commanding, but most of it washed over me. Then, finally, he began speaking about something that truly caught my interest.
"There are thirty of you. Only one will earn the right to attend the academy as the Princess's attendant."
We were all dressed in plain training clothes.
Twelve girls. Eighteen boys.
I spotted Ceaser—but not Tev.
Than.
For a brief moment, Arthur's eyes met mine.
Then he continued.
"No complaints about fighting. No excuses during training. No use of mana. No artifacts.
His voice thundered.
"Anyone who breaks the rules...I'll crush like an ant."
The pressure was overwhelming.
"NOW RUN! FIFTY LAPS OF THE TRAINING GROUND, YOU COWS!"
We ran.
The ground was far larger than Tev's training field, but no one dared slow down.
Aelina was in first place.
Seeing her.
I increased my pace.
Step by step, I caught up—then passed her.
First place.
I could see the shock written all over her face.
But
For me.
I need to become stronger.
Much stronger.
And faster.