Postknight Chronicles

As the time for the candidates to assemble was 9 o'clock and it was still 6:30 am, Solis resumed his exercises. He was drenched in sweat, pushing himself to his limits.

Tedric, who had come to practice his own skills, stopped to observe Solis. His stern expression softened as he watched the young trainee.

"This kid sure has determination," Tedric thought, crossing his arms. "Only a few trainees have worked this hard, and among them, only a handful ever reached rank-A Postknight status. I hope this kid achieves his goals one day."

"Hey, Solis!" Tedric suddenly called out, his deep voice echoing in the quiet morning.

Solis immediately paused and looked up, panting. "What is it, Instructor?"

"Your push-ups are flawed," Tedric said, stepping closer. "If your back isn't straight, you're going to hurt yourself."

"Oh, sorry," Solis replied sheepishly. "I think I'm just too exhausted."

"Then why are you still doing it? If you push your body too hard, it'll backfire. The routine I gave you isn't set in stone. For the first few days, you should do it lightly. Once your body adjusts, increase the rep count gradually until you reach the full plan I gave you. That'll take about three or four weeks. Stick with it for a year, and then I'll give you more advanced training. Got it? For now, take a break and let me practice."

Solis nodded reluctantly, collapsing against the wall. His breathing steadied as he watched Tedric draw his sword and assume a balanced fighting stance.

Tedric moved with precision, his sword slicing through the air in controlled, fluid motions. His movements were both powerful and graceful, leaving Solis mesmerized. Even from a distance, the force behind his swings was palpable.

"Hey, Solis!" Tedric called out again, glancing over his shoulder.

"Yes, sir?" Solis asked, standing up.

"How about you join me?"

"Huh? But you just told me to rest."

Tedric smirked. "Don't overthink it. Just help me out a little. I'll show you the will power projection technique—just a glimpse. It won't hurt."

"Really? Count me in!" Solis replied, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

He stood in front of Tedric, who straightened up and locked eyes with him.

"Watch closely, Solis," Tedric said, his tone firm. "First, make direct eye contact with your opponent."

Solis followed his instructions, staring into Tedric's unwavering gaze.

"Now, concentrate all your focus on them. Show a fierce determination in your eyes," Tedric continued, his voice commanding. "Finally, release your aura. Channel your anger and resolve into it."

As Tedric demonstrated, a suffocating energy emanated from him. Solis felt his chest tighten, his instincts screaming at him to flee. His legs moved on their own as he stumbled backward.

Tedric laughed, his aura dissipating. "Hahaha! Got scared, huh?"

"Yeah, that was... intense," Solis admitted, trying to steady his breathing. "But I do have a question."

Tedric raised an eyebrow. "Another one? What now?"

"Umm... what exactly is aura release?" Solis asked hesitantly.

Tedric scratched his head. "Oh, right. I haven't taught you guys about that yet. Well, how about I explain it in tomorrow's class?"

"Wait, but don't you have a class today?" Solis asked.

"Nope, that's tomorrow," Tedric replied, sheathing his sword. "Anyway, I'll leave you to it. See you around."

Before Solis could respond, Tedric was already walking away, his strides purposeful. Solis stood there, feeling a bit dumbfounded.

A while later, other candidates began arriving. Among them was Pearl. The sight of her made Solis snap out of his thoughts, and he jogged toward her.

"Pearl! Are you okay?" Solis asked, stopping in front of her.

"Yes, I am," Pearl said softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Thank you for saving me back there. And... I'm sorry for being such a burden."

"Uh, don't be sorry," Solis said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "It was my fault, really. I should've been more attentive. But why are you here? I thought your theory course ended a while ago."

"Well," Pearl said, avoiding his gaze, "isn't it obvious? I came to see you. We haven't talked since... that incident."

"Oh, is that so?" Solis said, his face lighting up. "Yeah, that makes sense."

They chatted for a moment before heading to their respective classes. Solis joined the others in Instructor Yug's theory class. Today's lesson was on herbal plants and their uses.

Instructor Yug, known for his engaging teaching style, not only explained the properties of various herbs but also demonstrated their applications. His enthusiasm made the class lively and memorable.

"Hey, Solis," Yug called out as the session ended.

"Yes, sir?" Solis stopped at the doorway, turning to face him.

"Do you have a moment?"

"Of course."

Once the other students had left, Yug leaned forward, his tone serious.

"Solis, is it true that you encountered over-aggressive roblins and dire wolves on the same day?"

"Y-yeah," Solis stammered. "It was... an experience, to say the least."

"I see," Yug said, nodding. "I have a request for you. Would you retrieve some Puffworts from the forest?"

"What? Me? Go back into those woods? No way! Even if I wanted to, Instructor Tedric wouldn't let me."

"Don't worry," Yug said with a reassuring smile. "I'll talk to him."

"But... why not ask him to go instead? He's strong enough to handle the creatures there."

"True, but Tedric is swamped with responsibilities after the recent attacks on nearby villages. And we urgently need those Puffworts. Everyone's energy is depleting quickly from all the hard work. There's no other option."

Solis sighed. "I guess that makes sense. But Puffworts are mostly used for textiles, right? Why are they so important now?"

Yug's eyes lit up. "Good question! Recent studies have shown that Puffworts contain 'Kineticite,' a chemical that boosts energy. If we can harness it, it could help everyone here stay energized."

"So, you want me to retrieve them for your experiments?"

"Exactly," Yug said, his tone hopeful.

Solis hesitated. "Alright, I get it. But wouldn't it be dangerous for me to go alone?"

"You won't be alone," Yug said, a knowing smile crossing his face as he gestured behind Solis. "Look."

Turning around, Solis saw a boy standing a few feet away, a leather-bound book in his hands. The boy's green eyes gleamed with an intensity that seemed out of place for someone his age. His delicate features and slight build gave him a fragile appearance, but the sharpness in his gaze spoke of an inner strength.

"Vaidya," Solis muttered. The name came naturally to his lips—everyone at the academy knew him. At only 14, Vaidya had become a legend in his own right as the youngest ever admitted to the Postknight Academy.

The boy tilted his head, studying Solis like he was analyzing a puzzle. "You look surprised, Solis," Vaidya said, his voice soft but deliberate, with a calm precision that hinted at his intellect.

"Well, yeah," Solis admitted, scratching his head. "I didn't expect you to be my partner for this mission. No offense, but... you don't look like the outdoor type."

Vaidya chuckled softly, closing his book with a faint snap. "You're not wrong. I prefer a library over a forest, but that doesn't mean I can't handle myself out there. After all, strategy and wit are just as important as brute strength."

Solis frowned, crossing his arms. "Yeah, but what if we run into a pack of dire wolves again? You can't talk your way out of that."

Vaidya's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "You'd be surprised what a little preparation and quick thinking can achieve. Besides," he added, his voice lowering slightly, "I know my limits. That's why I asked Instructor Yug to pair me with someone who can swing a sword."

Solis blinked, caught off guard by the candidness. "Wait, you asked for me?"

"Of course," Vaidya said, raising an eyebrow. "I've heard about your miraculous survival from wild roblins and dire wolves. You're resourceful, adaptable, and you've got a knack for staying alive in dangerous situations. That's exactly the kind of partner I need."

Despite himself, Solis felt a flicker of pride. "Well, thanks, I guess." He paused, then added, "But you're still going to need to keep up with me out there."

Vaidya smirked, his sharp wit flashing through. "And you'll need to keep up with my brain. Don't worry, though—I'll explain everything slowly if you fall behind."

Solis let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. Let's see how this goes."

Yug clapped his hands, cutting through the exchange. "Good, it seems like you two are already getting along. Now, both of you prepare for the mission. You'll leave at first light tomorrow."

Vaidya turned back to Yug, his expression growing serious. "Understood, sir. I've already compiled a list of essentials we'll need for the journey, including tools for harvesting Puffworts and some defensive contingencies in case we encounter hostile creatures."

Solis glanced at him, startled. "Wait, you've already planned this out?"

"Of course," Vaidya said matter-of-factly. "I prefer not to leave things to chance. But don't worry, I'll leave room for your improvisation. You seem to thrive on it."

"Uh... thanks, I think?" Solis replied, feeling both impressed and slightly overwhelmed by Vaidya's meticulousness.

As the two walked out of the classroom, Solis couldn't help but glance at Vaidya again. There was something about him—his calm confidence, his sharp mind—that was both inspiring and intimidating. For all his intellect, Vaidya seemed to carry himself with a quiet humility, as if his brilliance was simply a tool rather than a badge of pride.

"So," Solis said after a moment, "do you ever take a break from all the thinking?"

Vaidya looked up from his book, his lips twitching into a rare, genuine smile. "Not often. But who knows? Maybe you'll teach me how."

For the first time, Solis felt like this partnership might actually work.