After five days in the infirmary, Dom and Dae were finally discharged, leaving behind a now-conscious--but still heavily bandaged--Sam.
A week later, the Formal Induction Ceremony officially welcomed the twenty-two graduates into the ranks of the Magic Knights.
As part of Academy clearance, each recruit was required to submit a formal request to join a Knight Division of their choice, along with at least two secondary options.
The reason for this lies within the Knight's current structure.
The Southland's first official Magic Knights had consisted of only eight mages--self-proclaimed warriors of justice whose power eclipsed all others across the Great Land. Feared, respected, and worshiped as legends, they became known as the Monarchs.
Following the Peace Treaty, the Royal Council expanded the Magic Knights into eight major divisions, each led by a Monarch.
Their vice-captains were either trusted right-hand men or direct descendants of the Monarchs, titles that later evolved into what the modern era now called Monarch Successors.
Over time, each division continued to grow, eventually branching into multiple subdivisions with their own captain and vice-captains.
Back in their dorm room…
Midday sunlight spilled across Dae's desk, illuminating the request form laid before him.
He tapped his pen thoughtfully against the table before glancing over his shoulder.
"What division are you applying for?" He asked.
Dom sat cross-legged on his messy bed, casually filling out his own form while reaching for one of the three pastries before him.
"Third Division, obviously,"
"Let me guess… because of Tony?" Dae asked, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
Dom glared through a mouthful of food, then pointed the half-eaten pastry accusingly. "Hey, I believed you when you said you were related to a Monarch… so why can't you believe me?"
"Because at least my claim has some foundation," Dae replied dryly. "Other than your words, can you prove you actually met him?"
Dom scoffed at Dae's painfully obvious point. "You'll see when we meet again," He said, checking his completed form.
Dae sighed, picking up his pen as he turned back to his form. "Fine… I guess I'll apply for the third division too."
Dom blinked, visibly surprised. "What happened to us never being in the same division?" He asked.
"As much as it pains me to admit," Dae muttered, signing the papers with a serious stare. "I've decided to follow you."
Dom lowered his pastry, even more confused. "Why?"
Dae paused, then looked out the window, his memories surfacing again as he watched birds chirp on the tree branch outside.
"Years ago, I asked my grandfather how he became the strongest swordsman." He turned to Dom, his gaze still serious. "He said the biggest reason was that he followed Ethan Maximus, the Mage Emperor—someone with a savior complex."
"A what?" Dom asked, confused.
"Someone stupid enough to risk their own life to save others," Dae clarified, shooting him a judgmental look.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Dom said with a grin.
Dae rolled his eyes, neatly placing the form in the envelope as he explained, "…He believed that the heavens constantly test the genuineness of that nature--sending difficult situations to challenge Ethan and inevitably helped his team grow into the legends we know now."
Dom raised a brow. "Why are you making it sound like I'm destined to suffer?" He asked.
Dae smirked. "Don't tell me you're scared, future greatest hero?"
"Not a chance," Dom replied.
Dae nodded, placing the sealed envelope and turning to face Dom completely. "Though the only problem now is we'll likely be in separate subdivisions to spread out forces."
"Not if I make my own," Dom said, standing as he placed his form into his own envelope.
Dae laughed instantly-- only for the amusement to fade once he realized Dom was completely serious. "You've got to be joking." He said.
"The Emperor created the first knight squad, right? If I want to surpass him, I need to make my own badass team from scratch, too," Dom said, walking to his table.
"Dom," Dae said, shaking his head. "The third division already has sixteen subdivisions. To make a new one, you need clearance from the Head Captain, Magic Knight Commander, and the Royal Council."
He gestured toward him.
"Plus, the captain must be an A-class mage with at least five years' field experience. You're… severely under-qualified."
"Not if you're friends with a Monarch," Dom said confidently.
Dae pinched his nose. "Not this again."
Dom patted Dae's shoulder. "You said you'd follow me, right? So when I get my own team, you're going to be my vice-captain."
For several seconds, Dae simply stared at him.
Even after everything they had been through, Dom's confidence still managed to feel unreal.
Eventually, Dae sighed in surrender.
"Fine," He said, amused despite himself. "If you somehow create your own division before the year ends, I'll not only be your vice-captain… but I'll do your laundry for a month."
Dom's grin widened instantly. "Deal," He said.
A week later…
Now recognized as the top two students in the Academy's entire history, Dom and Dae received acceptance letters from every division they had applied to.
Their decision, however, had already been made.
After packing their belongings and saying their goodbyes to the Academy, trainers, and friends, the two recruits departed for the Third Division Headquarters…
The Division of the last living Monarch… and the same man who saved Dom's life almost ten years ago.
Located west of the Capital, the journey took nearly a full day.
The base itself resembled a colossal fortress--three massive stories of reinforced stone and steel. Though less extravagant than the Capital's architecture, it radiated undeniable strength, mainly because it housed some of the most powerful mages in the entire nation.
Knights moved constantly across the walls and courtyards. Some departed for missions while others returned exhausted and bloodied. Workers hauled supplies across the compound while maintenance crews repaired damaged equipment.
After arriving, Dom and Dae were given time to rest before being scheduled for a guided tour of the facility.
As they waited for their guide, both recruits changed into their official uniforms.
Dae stood before the tall mirror, adjusting the fitted black jacket, pants, and boots, all lined with elegant blue patterns. The bow-and-arrow insignia of the Magic Knights rested proudly on the chest, with the number three stitched beneath it.
Dom, meanwhile, had already modified his.
Instead of the official jacket, he wore a unique dark-blue hoodie with the official Knight insignia and a familiar dragon design spread boldly across the back.
"You're supposed to wear the actual uniform," Dae warned while brushing his hair back.
"Relax," Dom replied while tying his black sneakers. "Miss Sandra said most knights barely wear the standard uniform anyway. It's mostly ceremonial."
Dae stared at him. "Then why have a uniform at all?"
"You should really loosen up." Dom scoffed.
Dae's eye twitched, but before he could respond, the door suddenly opened.
"Good. You're ready,"
A deep voice filled the room.
Once they turned, Dom immediately grinned while Dae visibly stiffened.
The man standing at the doorway was impossible to ignore.
At roughly six-foot-four, the man possessed a heavily muscular frame. His official jacket hung open, exposing a scarred, hairy chest covered partially by an enormous dragon tattoo stretching across his torso.
Instead of regulation trousers, he wore loose grey shorts and black sandals.
Red hair slicked backward into a rough undercut framed his sharp features, while piercings along his eyebrow and nose added to his rebellious appearance.
"Let's go," He said, dark sunglasses concealing most of his pine-green eyes as he turned and walked away.
Dom smirked before patting Dae's shoulder. "Told you so." He whispered before brushing past.
Dae clicked his tongue and followed.
During the tour, they explored enormous training halls, dormitories, cafeteria, medical facilities, and other essential areas. All designed to support and enhance the quality of life of the country's strongest mages.
Yet despite the impressive infrastructure, the man leading them left the greatest impression.
Jasper Garfield.
An S-Class Beast Mage and the Captain of the First Subdivision. One of the founding members of the Third Division and the closest mage to the power of its Monarch and successor.
Some time later…
The tour finally ended inside the division's central parlor--a massive hall where knights gathered to drink, eat, gamble, and momentarily escape the brutality of their work.
Jasper sat casually on a barstool while lighting the cigar between his lips. Smoke curled lazily above the recruitment papers in his hand.
"Now that you know your way around, I'll tell you about your subdivisions," He said, looking between the two recruits. "Let's see. Dae, you're—"
"Actually," Dom interrupted confidently. "I actually want to make my own subdivision."
The room went silent.
Nearby knights slowly turned toward them, overhearing the conversation, and Dae immediately slapped a hand across his own forehead.
Jasper's eyes narrowed as he lowered the papers onto the counter.
"Listen, kid," Jasper said firmly. "I don't know what those guys taught you at the academy, but you're still a rookie. Things may seem casual here…"
He gestured toward a drunken knight slumped at the far end of the room.
"…but there's still a system to respect here. You can't just jump ahead like that."
Dom held Jasper's gaze with equal seriousness. "I know." He said, gesturing calmly. "I only said that because Tony promised to help me years ago."
Jasper raised a brow. "Tony?" He asked.
The surrounding knights immediately burst into laughter.
"Did this kid seriously just call the Head Captain, Tony?" One of them snickered.
"Who does he think he is?" Another added, chuckling.
Dae grabbed Dom's arm, a mix of shame and frustration on his face as they laughed at Dom. "That's enough. You're embarrassing yourself." He whispered.
Dom shook him off and stepped closer to Jasper, his expression unwavering. "I know it sounds crazy… but just tell Tony I'm here and show him this." He reached into his pocket and held out a familiar army hat.
Jasper's eyes widened in recognition of that old design and faded insignia on its side.
The serious tone in his voice only made the knights laugh harder, some even clutching their sides and struggling to remain in their seats.
Meanwhile, something about Dom's confidence and this promise felt familiar to Jasper. His attention then drifted to a detail he'd almost forgotten. The white hair, the tilt of his head, the same hopeful fire in his blue eyes…
Jasper's hand twitched toward his shades as recognition slowly crept in. "Dominic…" He said, lifting his shades fully, his green eyes narrowing in disbelief.
Dom tilted his head, curious.
"You're that kid… the one that psycho serial killer tried to kill ten years ago," Jasper muttered, his voice low.
Dom frowned, then flinched once he remembered that day as well. Aside from Anthony, there were two other knights-- one of them with a certain rebel look and blazing red hair.
"I remember you, too," Dom said, a grin spreading across his face.
Jasper laughed fondly, smacking his thigh in amusement. "When Tony said you'd be coming here one day, I thought he was full of shit." He suddenly frowned. "Damn… that means I owe him half a million bucks now." He glared at Dom. "Great job, kid."
Dom rubbed the back of his neck, laughing. "Sorry."
Meanwhile, Dae and the other knights remained silent, shocked at the sudden shift in Jasper's demeanor.
"Well, kid," Jasper continued, picking up the papers again, "… knowing that guy, I'm sure he'll keep his promise. But there are still other requirements for your proposal to go through. And unfortunately, Tony's out on a job, so for now, you'll have to join your allocated subdivisions."
Dom's smile faltered. "Oh. Okay,"
Jasper nodded, then glanced at the papers. "Dae, you'll be in my sub-division. Dominic, you go to subdivision four. You know where they are, right?" He asked.
Both Dom and Dae nodded, though Dae's reaction was stiff, almost robotic, still in shock.
"Then… that's all for now. I'll get back to you about your proposal as soon as I can," Jasper added, standing with a grunt.
"Thanks, Jasper," Dom said.
Jasper smiled, putting his shades back on. "Don't mention it, kid. Hey, for the record…" He paused, stopping beside Dom. "Even though I didn't believe you, what you said back then was pretty damn cool. Welcome to the knights, Dominic."
He held up his fist, and Dom grinned as they bumped fists.
As Jasper walked away, the other knights stared at Dom in stunned silence.
"...What the hell just happened?" One of the knights muttered, and Dom turned to them with a cocky grin.
A few hours later, evening descended on the base.
In the Head Vice-Captain's office, a man with a familiar scarred face sighed, closing the door behind him.
He removed his hat, revealing short black hair streaked with grey. Despite signs of age on his pale skin, he still exuded a fresh, sharp presence. His fancy white jacket came off, exposing a buttoned-up black corporate shirt beneath.
A few loud knocks interrupted the quiet.
The door swung open to reveal Jasper, smirking as always. "Roy… wondered when you'd be back," He said, closing the door.
Roy Micheal, the Division's Head Vice-Captain, exhaled, settling at his meticulously organized desk cluttered with documents. "I've barely even sat down," He grumbled. "What do you want?"
Jasper approached casually. "Come on. We've worked together for years. Can't I just stop by to say hi?" He asked.
"No," Roy snapped, reaching for a half-bottle of wine on the side table. As he poured, a chilly mist escaped the once-lukewarm liquid, fogging the glass.
Jasper sat across from him, smoke curling from his cigar and filling the air.
Roy coughed. "How many times have I told you to stop smoking that in here?" He grumbled.
"Relax. I'll be quick." Jasper scoffed and dropped two familiar papers on the desk.
Roy sipped on his cool drink as he picked them up, eyes scanning the recruits. "These are our new knights, right?" He asked.
"Yeah. Doesn't one of them look familiar?" Jasper asked.
Roy narrowed his eyes, first at Dae, then froze as his gaze landed on Dom. First the white hair… then the face. The recognition hit him like a bolt.
"It's that boy," Roy muttered, recalling the ambitious child all those years ago. "I personally approved his request, and I didn't even recognize him. White hair and all."
Jasper exhaled another plume of smoke. "Looks like he's not that little weak kid anymore." He said with a smirk.
Roy flipped through Dom's paper thoroughly. "Seems so…" He sighed, then placed the papers on the table. "Looks like I owe Tony a lot of money now."
Jasper gave him a sympathetic nod, recalling the playful yet serious bet they made that day.
"Anyway, that's why I came," Jasper said, pointing at the papers with his cigar. "The kid wants his own subdivision."
"Doesn't he know what it takes to make one?" Roy groaned, frustrated.
Jasper shrugged. "He does… but because a certain someone made a promise all those years ago…"
Roy tightened his grip on his glass, frost forming around it as memories of Anthony's promise surfaced. "That guy…" He mutters.
Jasper leaned back, eyes on the ceiling, exhaling smoke. "So… what do you say?" He asked.
Roy sighed, setting the frozen glass down. "Unfortunately, it's not up to me," He said, opening a desk drawer. "But knowing that old man, I already know what he'll say."
Jasper laughed as Roy searched the drawer, eventually pulling out a familiar communication device. He activated it, infusing his arctic-blue mana into the mirror, causing it to ripple like water.
Almost a minute later, a blurry figure formed on the screen.
"Yo, Roy. Didn't expect a call,"
The voice was familiar and powerful. The voice of the man who saved millions of lives, including Dom's, back then.
"And I wasn't planning to," Roy said, using his magic to defrost his drink. "How was the mission?" He asked, trying to discern the shadowy figure.
"Not bad," Anthony replied.
The image shifted to a distant building engulfed in flames.
"Finished a while ago. Just enjoying the view."
Roy set the device down. "Good work, but can you at least report back like a proper leader? You're setting a bad example." He complained before taking a sip.
"No need to be so stuck-up. So what's the problem? Did Jasper screw up again?" Anthony scoffed.
"Nobody's perfect, boss. Not even you," Jasper said with a grin.
Anthony laughed.
"It's about our two recruits," Roy said, his voice cutting through Anthony's laughter.
"Oh yeah… You said they were the best in Academy history. Looks like we've got some real geniuses," Anthony remarked, obviously proud of the new additions to his already powerful division.
"Well," Roy said, his pale eyes narrowed. "… one of them is that boy from the Cannibal Job ten years ago," Roy added.
Silence…
The next couple of seconds went as quietly as a graveyard, almost as if the call had ended. Jasper and Roy exchanged puzzled looks—until Anthony's loud laugh shattered the quiet.
"Tony?" Roy asked, curious.
"He's finally here, huh?" Anthony said, his tone clearly amused.
"And not only that… he's requesting his own sub-division," Jasper added.
"Is that right?" Anthony asked, then laughed again.
Roy rubbed his forehead. "Seriously, he's barely joined and is already giving us more paperwork." He grumbled.
Jasper chuckled. "We always attract troublemakers. Must be because of you, Boss."
"I'm beginning to think that too," Antony replied, barely able to hold himself from laughing again.
Then, Jasper picked up the comm to lean closer to the screen. "So? You gonna approve?" He asked.
Through the shadowy image, Jasper caught Anthony's red-glowing eyes staring directly at him.
"I did promise him, didn't I?" Anthony said.
Jasper glanced at Roy, who sighed heavily.
"Of course you did," Roy muttered.
Anthony laughed fondly while Roy got up. "But even with your approval," Roy said as he opened a cabinet, searching among the neatly arranged folders. "… he still needs the Acting Commander and Council's approval,"
Jasper rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, knowing the Commander, he'll go along with anything Tony says. The problem will be the Council." He said.
"Especially for a mage like him," Roy said, pulling out a folder, his words darkening Jasper's expression.
"Just send the request for the Commander on my orders," Anthony said, drawing their attention. "Leave the Council to me,"
Jasper smirked. "You're threatening them again, aren't you?"
Anthony chuckled boldly."Anyway, I'm done here. So I'll pass through the Capital and appeal to myself. We'll handle the paperwork later," He added.
Roy groaned as he sat down. "You mean I'll do the paperwork while you drink yourself into a stupor." He grumbled.
Anthony chuckled as Roy ended the call.
"Now go. You're making the room stuffy," Roy said, putting the comm away while glaring at Jasper.
Jasper exhaled, smirking. "You know what you need? To get laid, man. Relieve all that stress." He said, then noticed Roy's chilling glare. "Okay, okay. I'm going." He chuckled as he left, while Roy began making arrangements.