4 Karta Academy
Within the labyrinth of Ornare city, an ample open space spanning miles could be found, with the centrepiece being Karta Academy. Like an unreachable jewel nestled into this space, not a single soul could enter without permission.
From Merchants to Dukes, men who flaunted their positions would all return with their heads hanging low. However, for every rule, there is an exception, and Karta Academy was no different.
Once every four years, an admissions test was held to gather and raise the next wave of heroes and rulers of society.
Yet despite being a day of great opportunity, the predominant emotion amongst the applicants was fear.
Sonny was a man who could be called average in every way. Born as the third son of a Baron and with his ace card being bland, his life would take a predictable course.
Nervously glancing around at others whose emotions were a reflection of his own, he began thinking.
'It's not too late. A 50% mortality rate for an admissions test is huge. I should leave.'
At that moment, Sonny's eyes were drawn to a figure that exuded confidence.
'A royal'
Was the collective thoughts of the eyes that were drawn to Regulus.
Striding towards the academy, each of Regulus' steps resonated throughout the clearing.
His features catching the sun enhancing his natural grace, with his striking clothing bringing his image to a point.
As if infected by the young man's confidence, people began to trail behind him to the academy.
'What do these people look scared so scared for? It's not like people die in admissions.'
If only the people trailing him could read Regulus' thoughts, they would understand that Regulus was in a state of ignorance instead of confidence.
In Regulus' war-torn past, the concept of academics or schooling didn't exist. Instead, young people were pushed through a barracks onto the battlefield.
They would either grow stronger on the field or spend the rest of their days buried there.
Despite Regulus's scant understanding of the concept, his intuition felt it was the perfect opportunity to integrate into this new world.
Regulus caught his breath as the academy's main building came into view. Distracting from its grandeur was Regulus' primary concern.
'This body is in no way powerful enough.'
Each step Regulus took felt weighted, as if he was carrying his boulders on his back.
Although, in reality, his current body would be seen as healthy by any ordinary person. The difference was insufferable compared to the power each step held prior to his death.
Resolving to regain a portion of his celestial energy, Regulus continued towards the main building.
Despite its goliath size, the main building of Karta Academy still managed to maintain a sense of elegance.
Grey blocks of limestone topped with spires of white and gold pierced the heavens as Regulus glanced up at the building's gothic arcs.
Meanwhile, in front of a grand oak door was Lance, a man with rusted red hair and a minor subject teacher at Karta Academy.
From the moment candidates stepped onto the grounds of Karta Academy, the examination unknowingly began.
Lance watched as student after student walked through the doors that would spell the beginning or the end of their journey at the academy.
His role was to beat down the egos of royalty and high nobility from the myriad of races that applied to Karta Academy.
His higher-ups saw this as a crucial step in bringing every applicant to the same level, no matter their background.
Lance's hawk-like eyes picked out his next target. An obviously highborn applicant whose very fibres seemed to hold a regal weight.
'I haven't heard of any other human royalty still left to enter.'
Lance frowned as he couldn't place Regulus on the list of VIPs he was provided prior.
'Even the applicants for the ducal houses have already arrived. Just who are you'
"You there show me your medallion."
Lance decided to confirm his suspicions as he called out to Regulus. Flashing a brilliant smile, Regulus approached the man who was lost in thought.
"I believe this is the medallion you are speaking of."
Pulling out the engraved golden token he had found on his new body as he said so.
'It really is a golden medallion, yet I still couldn't place him on the list.'
Lance's face morphed into a frown as he imbued his card energy into the medallion and received the information contained within.
"Regulus Cosmos, son of Baron Cosmos. A Baron was able to receive a golden medallion?"
Whilst Lance was partaking in a mental battle trying to figure out how such an occurrence was possible. Regulus was happier than ever that he had finally learned his last name.
'Cosmos... Not bad at all; it reminds me of my former world.'
'Although being the son of a Baron is far worse than what I expected. My support is practically zero within the capital.'
Although Lance's role in the academy was teaching beast-taming and was far removed from the academic sphere, he had inadvertently siphoned off some knowledge from his co-workers.
'I'm sure I've heard the surname Cosmos somewhere before.'
As if struck by lighting, Lance remembered the former Ducal house of Cosmos that was demoted to the rank of Baron due to crimes in the past.
Not able to live with such disgrace, the former Duke Cosmos committed suicide along with the other prominent members of the household.
With no talent left in the house, despite its wealth, House Cosmos truly fell to the level of a barony.
"So you are from the former Ducal house Cosmos then."
Lance sneered as he realised that the man standing before him was the descendant of a traitor.
Assuming that this was correct and understanding that his good looks came from his Ducal bloodline, Regulus could only nod.
Unhappy with the nonchalant response from the handsome man in front of him, Lance continued.
"Using this medallion that your family owned before its fall from grace. Do you not feel any shame?"
Regulus' brows began to crease, annoyed that his new family was seemingly held responsible for its mistakes in the past.
'Just you wait until I get my power back torch head.'
Ignoring his bubbling anger at how this man spoke to him, Regulus decided to use this opportunity to gather information.
"What makes this golden medallion so special anyway?"
Shocked by Regulus' ignorance yet aware that it was still his job to answer, he haughtily began explaining.
"There are three types of allocated medallions to applicants. Bronze medallions are for lower nobility, Silver is for middle and upper, and finally, the one you possess is the Golden medallion."
"This token is only granted to houses of Royal origin across all races. These include the Royal descendants and the Ducal houses, which are branches of the royals."
Thinking of the benefits he was about to explain, a greedy smile spread across Lance's face.
"The benefits are nothing to scoff at either. What if I told you that certain entry requirements are lowered to ensure those with a golden medallion can enter."
"Furthermore, if you are the sole possessor of the golden medallion in your class, you become the de facto leader."
Finally, he saw that the true value of the trinket was far greater than his first estimate. Thanking his former self for keeping it safe and his family for providing it to him, Regulus promised to pay them back.
Seeing a grin on Lance's face, however, caused Regulus to pause as he couldn't think of any reason this snake-like man would be happy.
Trying to hold back his laughter as he met Regulus' eyes, Lance chuckled.
"Although I guess it doesn't matter, as even if we gave you a platinum medallion, you couldn't pass the first test."
"HAHA, to think that at the age of 16, you still haven't manifested your Ace card. Even most people with dim cards have them by this point."
Realising his lack of potential shook Regulus as he felt his unwavering pride be bruised.
And yet he could not deny it. Regulus couldn't feel even a trace of card energy inside him. Currently, Regulus was in a talentless body.
-Author's Note-
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