After feeling like he was on the verge of death, Ilarion suddenly felt as if he were melting, collapsing into nothingness.
The annoying voice faded away. He opened his eyes and began to feel his real body again.
It was a strange sensation—experiences like this didn’t happen every day.
He let out a sigh and said,
"Now I can finally get some real rest... It’s strange how your whole body can feel utterly exhausted one moment, and then completely relaxed the next."
Even though he knew it had all been an illusion, he couldn’t resist testing the lightness of his body.
He lifted his head from the bed and saw his swords beside him.
Opening his eyes fully, he was slightly taken aback—not in the hall where the trial had begun, but in his own private room.
He wandered around the room, trying to feel his movements, then stepped into the hallway barefoot, not caring in the slightest. On the contrary, he wanted to feel the freedom of walking naturally.
When he decided to head downstairs, he returned briefly to put on his shoes, then made his way toward the academy’s main lounge.
There, he spotted familiar faces sitting near the lobby.
It was Stone and Thayd, deep in conversation. Stone’s weapon rested on the table beside them.
Thayd asked in a quiet voice,
"So, how did you die?"
Stone smirked as if making a twisted joke,
"Well... my body shattered completely."
Then he glanced at Thayd and asked,
"What about you?"
Thayd replied,
"Hmm... I think I was burned alive."
Ilarion approached them and said,
"Really? Are you two bragging about the way you died? Is this supposed to be a story you’ll tell your kids someday?"
Thayd grinned,
"Maybe... We didn’t face anything ordinary. We’re among the few who passed a trial most never even experience.
Besides, it’s rare to find a young commoner in the academy. Most non-nobles enroll late—either sons of merchants or those hoping to use the academy’s resources to climb the ladder.
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And you... you never mentioned a family name, only your father's name. That’s something commoners usually do."
He snapped his fingers with a playful smile,
"Did I guess right?"
Ilarion remained silent, then replied coolly,
"No. That’s not it... I had my own reasons."
Quickly changing the subject, he asked,
"So... anyone up for food?"
They all agreed enthusiastically. During the trial, they had felt hunger and fullness, but those sensations vanished the moment they woke up.
Thayd smiled,
"I know a restaurant near the academy—fancy, with a great reputation... and ridiculously expensive."
No one commented; hunger had taken over their thoughts.
Stone sighed,
"I feel like I forgot something... My weapon! I left it on the table. I’ll go grab it."
Thayd said,
"No—take it to your room, then meet us."
Ilarion looked at Thayd,
"Can’t we get something light while he’s gone?"
Thayd chuckled,
"Patience… It’s on me."
In an instant, Ilarion’s face turned unusually calm.
Thayd laughed,
"Just because I said it’s on me?!"
Ilarion smiled,
"Believe me—after what I’ve been through, I’ll treasure every coin I earn."
Thayd thought to himself,
He must’ve had a really tough childhood.
Soon, Stone returned, and both Ilarion and Thayd greeted him with genuine smiles.
For a moment, they all felt like true friends.
They walked slowly until the restaurant Thayd mentioned came into view.
Its name gleamed in golden letters:
The Star Restaurant
It had a soft stone facade with wide glass windows framed in shining gold.
Above the polished wooden entrance hung an elegant sign bearing the Imperial Lion crest.
On either side of the door were neatly trimmed plants, giving the place a dignified, luxurious look—without going overboard.
---
As they stood at the doorstep, Thayd smiled and opened the door.
The delicious aroma rushed out to greet them, and the interior was surprisingly clean and elegant.
The sound of soft conversations and warm laughter filled the space.
A polite waiter welcomed them with a friendly smile,
"What would you like to order?"
Ilarion was surprised by the waiter’s demeanor—it was nothing like the rowdy taverns he was used to.
Thayd answered with a grin,
"Surprise us."
The waiter bowed slightly,
"I’ll bring you our finest dishes. Thank you for gracing our refined establishment."
He left to inform the kitchen.
Thayd headed to the restroom, while Stone sat down and grumbled,
"Even the chairs here are weirdly luxurious and comfortable... How much do you think this’ll cost? A fortune?"
Ilarion frowned,
"Probably... a lot."
Stone asked,
"Are we actually paying for this?"
Ilarion smirked,
"Nope. Thayd’s covering everything."
They both smiled in relief. Nothing beats eating fine food for free.
As they waited, it was clear both Ilarion and Stone understood that while food could be cheap and simple, outward appearance and presentation... were non-negotiable in this society.
Thayd returned and took his seat at the red-clothed table.
Moments later, the waiter arrived carrying a large golden tray.
What Ilarion and Stone saw was far beyond their expectations.
Stone scowled inwardly,
"Wasteful fools."
And although Ilarion didn’t know what Stone was thinking, by coincidence, they shared the exact same thought.
Thayd, meanwhile, wore a cold smile. No one could tell what was going on in that mysterious boy’s mind.
The waiter placed a bowl of red soup in front of them, generously filled with chicken and strange vegetables Ilarion couldn’t recognize.
Next came a plate of pasta garnished with rare red fruit and premium meat cuts.
The dish had a prominent engraving of the Imperial Lion crest.
The table quickly filled with food, and Ilarion and Stone eagerly dug in, impressed by the flavors.
Some dishes were perfectly seasoned, especially the pasta that practically melted in their mouths.
After eating their fill, they went to wash their hands.
Thayd asked with a smile,
"So, what’s the price?"
The waiter replied,
"Six silver coins."
In unison, Ilarion and Stone burst into laughter,
"That’s outright robbery!"
They couldn’t deny the taste was amazing—but six silver coins? Definitely too much.
Thayd, however, replied calmly,
"Only six? Very well. This one’s for you too."
He handed the waiter a seventh coin as a tip.
The waiter bowed,
"If you find it appropriate, sir."
Thayd smiled, clearly enjoying the moment to flaunt his wealth.
On the way back, exhaustion was finally catching up with them. They walked in silence.
When they arrived at the student dorms, the guard informed them their rooms were on the second floor.
They climbed the stairs quietly and entered a simple room with two bunk beds.
Thayd took the top
, Ilarion the bottom, and Stone chose the other bed.
Soon enough, they all drifted into deep sleep.
---
