Once past the gates, Ferir joined the other candidates who had also passed the third round. There were twenty seven of them in total.

  More than four thousand had begun this journey. Only twenty seven remained.

  As the realization settled in, Ferir allowed himself a small, private swell of pride.

  They were escorted to the main hall of the Palace of Light for the opening ceremony of the training course.

  The carriages wound their way past many magnificent castles. Just as Ferir had imagined, the Palace of Light was a miniature city exclusively for the nobility, a world entirely different from the one beyond the city walls.

  At last, the carriage came to a halt before what was likely the most colossal structure in the entire Palace of Light. Its width stretched wider than a dozen Great Roads laid side by side with hundreds of exquisitely carved columns.

  A red carpet stretched from the carriage's base all the way inside, flanked by rows of gleaming armored soldiers standing motionless like statues.

  Many of the trainees were accustomed to this magnificent sight, while others gasped in amazement.

  They were invited to follow the red carpet into a space even more magnificent than the exterior had promised. Light poured down from vaulted ceilings adorned with murals and crystal chandeliers, scattering across marble floors polished to mirror sheen.

  At the far end, atop the highest tier of steps, stood the Monarch Sanguel alongside representatives from the Grand Palace.

  Prince Kevin, who had been standing near them, immediately descended the steps and joined the trainees, became one of them.

  The Monarch spoke something about honor and pride, but her gaze didn't linger on anyone in particular, not even her only son. She read out each person's name and personally presented them with a gleaming gold badge.

  "Ferir Hakken."

  Ferir stepped out from the line as his name was called.

  The Monarch smiled, she fastened the badge to the left side of his chest.

  “How fitting, Hakken. I remember you, the one who was received letter of reccomendation. I’m certain we shall meet again.”

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  Then she moved on, repeating the same ritual for every trainee with flawless composure.

  Afterward, Grand Palace Envoy Flinch stepped forward. As the representative overseeing the Preliminary Selection, he expressed gratitude for the sovereign nation’s cooperation and confidence that both sides would continue to work closely throughout the coming year of training.

  The speeches seemed endless.

  At last, applause erupted. Music swelled, followed by a long, ear-splitting trumpet blast.

  From that moment, the Ruler Training Program at the Realm of Light officially began.

  Ferir climbed into the carriage alongside the other newly admitted trainees. From what he had managed to gather, they were heading toward the Ruler Training Base of the Realm of Light, the place where candidates would be molded over the next year.

  The Ruler Training system had been established by the Grand Palace shortly after the Great War ended. Each realm possessed its own sealed compound, a place where future representatives were taught the fundamental knowledge required for the official Selection and, ultimately, the position of a Ruler.

  The Training Base was formally opened only once every ten years. The rest of the time, its gates remained shut, disturbed by no one except maintenance workers tasked with repairs and cleaning. Even nobles knew little of what lay inside.

  That alone was enough to turn the carriage into a box of restless energy. Boots tapped against the wooden floorboards. Fingers drummed on knees.

  Ferir allowed his imagination to stretch its wings.

  In his mind, he imagined a smaller version of the Palace of Light. Not as vast, perhaps, but equally resplendent.

  Manicured rows of trees trimmed into elegant shapes. Majestic buildings carved from pale stone. Broad roads paved with smooth slabs that gleamed beneath the sun.

  If he was lucky, he would have his own room for the first time in his life. Perhaps each morning someone would bring light refreshments and high-grade tea to his door. Maybe, it would be a beautiful maidens.

  The carriages carrying the Ruler trainees rolled past the southern gate of the Palace of Light.

  When Ferir had entered the Palace this morning, he had passed through the northern gate, the grand and bustling main entrance. That meant they had just traveled clear across the entire Light Palace.

  Everyone was a little surprised. Most had assumed the Training Base would be nestled within the inner the palace or somewhere north of Russher.

  Unlike the lively northern districts, southern Russher was sparse and subdued. The streets felt wider because fewer people walked them. It was quieter here. Plainer.

  The carriages came to a halt. Trainees began unloading their belongings.

  Ferir’s luggage was only in a single bundle, so he finished quickly and took the opportunity to observe his surroundings before anyone else.

  The Ruler Training Base stood at the end of a road, pressed almost awkwardly against a residential area. The nearby houses were small and weathered, their roofs uneven, their walls tired.

  The entire compound was enclosed by a stone wall barely two meters high. No moat. No towering battlements. No ornate carvings proclaiming authority.

  How could a wall like that possibly keep out thieves, or even curious thug?

  He found out the answer the moment the gates of the Training Grounds slowly creaked open.