"It's so the horse-drawn carriages can easily move through the road," Fiona said. "Imagine them treading through the mud path we're on before reaching Bilen!"

The surroundings also had more life. Clay could see many other towns and villages scattered across the plains, some even peeking through the trees and mountains. 

"So, you don't know the concept of aura?" Clay asked. "I thought it was one of the most essential abilities for swordsmen."

"No. I always thought I was special, that I have monstrous strength. But apparently that is basic for people like you."

"Well, Sir Reed from my village said we need to at least have some knowledge about aura and swordsmanship to comfortably pass the entrance test."

"So am I going to fail?" Fiona said with a sniffle. "I don't want to go home! Not yet!"

"...I can teach you how to sense aura... and some sword techniques if you like." Clay said, feeling sorry for her.

"Thanks!" she grinned, skipping forward.

What just happened? ...Have I just been taken advantage of? Clay thought, hit with a sudden realisation.

As they walked, the vibrant greens of the grass and rolling hills contrasted with the blue of the sky, the gentle rustle of the wind accompanied their conversation. 

"Just a heads up," Clay said. "I might not be a great teacher. I mean, I'm still figuring things out myself."

"That's alright! I can be a fast learner!" Fiona chirped, bouncing around. Clay chuckled.

Suddenly, the sound of creaking wood and frustrated shouting reached their ears. They ran forward and saw the Bilen carriage come to a jolting stop several yards ahead, the horses whinnying nervously. A moment later, the carriage tilted dangerously to one side.

"What's going on?" Clay exclaimed, quickening his pace as Fiona followed closely behind.

They reached the carriage, and the head of the young master of Bilen poked out, panic all over his face. "It's stuck! Someone help!" he called.

"Let me handle this, young master. I got this!" a voice boomed from the other side of the carriage.

Clay felt an unexplainable, almost suffocating pressure in the air as they saw the horseman stepping forward. Clay's eyes widened; he had never seen such intense aura before. A strong green aura emanating from his imposing figure, even in the daylight.

The young master shifted nervously, his hands fidgeting in front of him. "Len! Save me!"

With a firm grip on the carriage, Len bent his knees and, with a Herculean effort, lifted the back of the vehicle, freeing the trapped wheel. Dust clouded the air as he set it down gently onto the flat ground.

"Whoa," Clay murmured, glancing at Fiona, who also shared his astonishment. "That's some serious power."

She nodded, "He's incredible!"

The young master, now visibly relieved, stepped out of the carriage, brushing off his finely embroidered clothing. "Thank you, I–uh, I appreciate it." he stammered.

Clay approached him. "Are you alright?" Len stepped forward, blocking his path.

"I-it's alright, Len. Yes, I'm fine. May I–uh, may I know your name?"

"I'm Clay..." "And I'm Fiona!" "...and we are going to Edenva."

"T-thank you, Clay and F-Fiona. I'm... I'm Finn... Finn Bilen, this is my b-butler, Len. W-we are also going to E-Edenva..."

Oh? Clay glanced at Fiona, who quickly turned her head pretending not to notice.

Len went over and inspected the wheel of the carriage. "Looks like we have to travel the rest of the way on horseback, young master. The wheel is broken."

"Uh, Finn, if you're going to Edenva, would it be alright ig we travel with you?" Clay asked. "We could help, and it'd be safer in numbers."

Finn glanced nervously at Len. "Um... is that okay?" he asked his butler.

Len was busy packing their baggage onto a horseback. "I will let you decide on that, young master."

Finn looked uncertain. "Um, um... alright, you can come."

"You are also going to enroll into the academy?" Clay asked. "Are you also going to The Barracks?"

"No." Len replied. "Young master is going to The Paragon."

Clay raised an eyebrow. "The Paragon?" he asked as he sensed Finn's aura. It's the same as his–red with a hint of orange.

Len stepped in. "The Paragon is an excellent institution for swordsmen from esteemed families, and it offers opportunities befitting the son of the Bilen family. It will be a good experience for the young master."

Finn nodded, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his cheeks. "Y-yeah... my family has t-the resources for it... a-and my older brothers went there..." his voice trailed off.

"Is it any different from The Barracks?" Fiona asked curiously.

Len nodded as he adjusted his posture. "Yes, very much so. The Paragon is tailored for the affluent, offering not only advanced training but also access to esteemed mentors. Young master will benefit greatly from the connections and resources available there."

"Wow, that sounds impressive!" Fiona exclaimed. "But is it really better than The Barracks? I thought both academies trained the best swordsmen out there."

Finn cut in. "W-well, The Barracks has its s-strengths too. It's just that... The Paragon has a c-certain reputation."

"What kind of reputation?" Clay asked.

Len replied. "There's an indigo aura swordsman who teaches there–Professor Nodens. Not only is he one of the top ten strongest swordsmen currently, but he's also the only direct disciple of Petar the Drunk. It is said that Nodens' current skills rival Petar's in his prime. It is no wonder that many aspiring warriors dream of training under him."

For once, Finn's eyes sparkled with admiration. "I-I've heard stories about, him! T-they say he can knock over an en-entire tower barehanded if he's a-angry!"

"Exactly," Len continued. "The Paragon also has a reputation for producing the better bunch of the strongest swordsmen. For the past five years, the contests between The Paragon and The Barracks have seen The Paragon emerge victorious every time. That alone speaks volumes about the quality of training they provide."

"Were you from The Paragon?" Clay turned towards Len. "You are quite powerful yourself."

"No," Len replied. "I didn't go to either academies."

"Where did you go then?"

"That... I cannot disclose."

Clay's curiosity was piqued. "Why not?"

Len turned his head slightly, the hint of a smirk on his lips. "Some things are better left as mysteries, young Clay. Besides, I prefer to keep my past private. What matters is how I can serve the young master now."

Fiona piped up. "Ooh, I love a good mystery! But I bet you have some incredible stories, right? You must have trained somewhere intense!"

Len chuckled softly with a faint smile on his face. "Every experience shapes us, but not every story is mine to tell."