1. An Unusual Visit
A surprise awaited us the next day.
Instead of the instructor, three people entered the lecture hall, each wearing a uniform that immediately drew the eye.
The first wore a green cloak. Beneath it was a light black uniform, crisscrossed with belts. A golden griffin with spread wings was embroidered on his shoulders. He moved silently, like a beast.
The second was clad in pitch-black combat gear. The fabric was coarse, heavy, and thick. On his chest rested the silver emblem of a White Rose. It was a paradoxical sight: the color white on the most somber and militant equipment in the room. A combat sword—not a training blade—hung at his belt.
The third was a mage. He was middle-aged, with graying temples, wearing a gray cloak and a blue robe. On his chest was a simple emblem: a circle, like an unfinished ring. But a calm, steady mana radiated from him.
We stood up. The instructor motioned for us to sit.
2. The Introduction of the Three Orders
The instructor spoke solemnly:
"Today you will see the three greatest branches of service to the crown. In the old days, they were called Orders. Now... these are the three paths a mage or swordsman can take in service to the kingdom."
He pointed to each of them in turn.
The Order of the Griffin — The Scouts
The man in the green cloak stepped forward. His voice was calm, but steel could be felt within it:
"We are the eyes and ears of the kingdom. Reconnaissance, hidden passages, forests, mountains, borders. We are the first to see the enemy. And the first to stand in their way."
Miella listened to him as if she were already one of them. I could tell—she dreamed of joining their ranks.
The Dark Order — The Elite Swordsmen of the Crown
The warrior in the black uniform stepped forward.
"We are the blade of the kingdom. We fight where others would break. We go where the price of failure is the fall of the country."
He slowly drew his sword halfway. The steel was dark gray, matte, and reflectionless.
"We are called many things. But our official name is the Dark Order. And when people say, 'Dark times are coming,' they often mean us."
All the swordsmen in the room instantly straightened their postures. Their eyes lit up as if they were being recruited tomorrow. Even Tara and Finn looked inspired.
The Circle of Knowledge — The Researchers
The mage spoke last. He spoke calmly and measuredly:
"We are not an army. We are those who seek causes, origins, and ancient magic. Artifacts. History. The laws of the world."
He traced the circle symbol on his chest with a finger.
"The circle represents the infinity of the search. And the incompleteness of knowledge. Those who come to us rarely return home as the same people they once were."
Most of the mages in the class exchanged glances—and didn't even dare to dream about it. Too dangerous. Too costly. Too few living legends about this Order.
3. The Class's Reaction
Everything was far too predictable.
The entire group of swordsmen immediately saw themselves in the Dark Order. As if no other path existed.
Miella literally lit up at the thought of joining the scouts.
Several mages from noble families pretended they "didn't need" any of the Orders—they had their own affairs, their own lands, their own plans.
The rest of the mages kept quietly to themselves. Serving as an organ of the crown was always a risk.
As for me... I didn't care.
I sat there and thought:
When did this system appear? Why wasn't it here before? Why did the kingdom reorganize its forces?
Three new Orders isn't just a matter of prestige. It means the kingdom is preparing for something.
And I couldn't help but notice the tone used to describe the Dark Order: "And when people say, 'Dark times are coming,' they often mean us."
I felt a chill.
4. Zane's Internal Decision
I had no intention of joining the scouts, the Dark Order, or the Circle.
I saw something else entirely. If the kingdom is creating new Orders, it means:
It is expecting wars.
It is looking for ways to control the mages.
It wants to increase pressure and control—perhaps even on the guilds