Chapter 47: Ch47 – Truth

Silence followed Myna’s declaration.

The six men studied Ryan and Eleanor. Their eyes scanned them top to bottom.

Then one of them rose from his chair.

He was tall even for tall people, shoulders broad beneath his tailored uniform. Medals clinked softly as he stepped forward, boots striking the stone floor with deliberate weight.

His eyes, which were a steady amber, shifted.

The colour drained away.

In its place bloomed a pale, crystalline blue.

Ryan felt his stomach tighten.

That again…

His mind went back to the hideout in the forest. He recalled the moment the guard’s eyes changed to blue before he began questioning him. It must be a way to tell if someone is lying.

The man stopped a few steps away. “State your names,” he said calmly. Not rudely, but without room for argument.

Ryan swallowed. “Ryan.”

“And you?” He asked.

“Eleanor,” she said, her voice steady.

The man’s gaze lingered on them, the blue of his eyes unwavering. Ryan resisted the urge to fidget. He forced himself to breathe evenly.

“Are you heroes?” the man asked.

“Yes. We are,” Ryan said without hesitation.

The room seemed to hold its breath.

For a heartbeat, the man’s expression remained unreadable. Then the blue faded, amber returning like a sunset reversing itself. His lips curved into a slow, genuine smile.

“They are speaking the truth,” he said, turning back to the others. “These two are heroes.”

The reaction was immediate.

Laughter broke out, sharp and relieved, echoing off the stone walls. One man clapped another on the shoulder. Another leaned back in his chair, grinning like a gambler who had just won on roulette for the tenth time in a row.

“Two heroes,” one muttered, shaking his head. “After all this time… So that rumour from across the mountains was true.”

“Sit,” the first man said, gesturing to the table. “All three of you.”

Ryan and Eleanor exchanged a glance before taking their seats, Myna joining them moments later.

“What elements do you wield?” one of the men asked, eyes gleaming with interest.

“Light,” Ryan answered.

“Fire and psychic,” Eleanor added.

That earned another round of laughter, louder this time.

“Very interesting elements,” one of them said cheerfully.

When the noise finally died down, Myna cleared her throat. “There is a piece of advice that General Aldric gave and would want me to tell you,” she said. “General Aldric advised that their identities remain hidden, at least for now while they are weak.”

The room sobered quickly.

The men began discussing the best course of action.

Ryan and Eleanor weren’t invited into the conversation.

After several minutes of quiet debate, nods were exchanged.

“He’s right,” the first man said. “No one apart from us and a couple other people will know these two’s true identities. Not until they are strong enough to defend themselves.”

One of the six men, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

“What if they attended Lithara Academy?”

The room paused.

Several of the others turned toward him, expressions shifting from mild surprise to consideration.

“The academy?” one asked. “You would place them among students?”

“It is a safe environment,” the man replied calmly. “Guards are nearly as strong as the ones here, and there are those veteran instructors over there. And most importantly, it’s an ideal place for their growth.”

Murmurs spread across the table.

Ryan listened carefully, hands folded in his lap. He felt like a child overhearing the plans of adults.

“And although they are late for the new term by a week, their presence could be explained,” another added. “Late arrivals are not unheard of, especially with military sponsorship.”

One man shook his head. “But what identities would we create for them? A commoner? A noble? Creating new minor nobles out of nothing would be impossible.”

“Then don’t,” the silent man said. “Make them commoners. Exceptional ones. Sponsored under special circumstances by the Kingdom.”

The discussion continued, voices overlapping briefly before settling again.

“They’ll attend under assumed identities,” the tall one concluded. “Commoners with military sponsorship.”

“And they’ll need a reason for arriving late,” another said.

“A delayed escort,” someone suggested. “Due to border instability.”

The men nodded, agreement forming.

“Very well,” the first man said at last. “It is decided.”

He turned his attention back to Ryan and Eleanor. “For now, you will not exist as heroes. You will be students.”

Ryan felt a strange sense of dread… or excitement settle in his chest. He couldn’t tell.

Back to school, hmm. Aren’t I a bit old for an academy? Are new students usually in their twenties?

The meeting concluded swiftly after that.

They were escorted from the chamber and led elsewhere in the building, through corridors and past guards, until they reached a spacious room furnished with a long table, cushioned chairs, and maps lining the walls.

“This will serve as your waiting room,” one of the guards said. “Field Marshal Gregory will be with you soon.”

Two armed guards took positions inside the room, standing near the walls at ease.

“If you require food, drink, or rest,” the guard continued, “inform us.”

The doors closed softly behind them.

Ryan slumped down on one of the chairs, and Eleanor did the same.

After a moment of silence, Ryan asked Eleanor a question. “What are academys like in this world? I am guessing your world might have academys similar to this one?”

“Probably not too different from a non-mana world’s academy.” She sighed, “You’ll see when you get there.” She said, before closing her eyes in an attempt to get some rest.

After around 30 minutes of patiently waiting, a knock came at the door, and in came the very tall, medal-adorned man from earlier. He was carrying two folders.

“Hello, Ryan and Eleanor, I believe I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am Field Marshal Gregory Talon, the leader of the Rupes Military.”

“My name is Ryan Ray of Earth.” Ryan formally introduced himself.

Eleanor followed suit, “And I am Eleanor Gray, of the world Aquaneth.”

“Very nice to meet you both.” He nodded to them and then approached the table, placing the two folders on top of it. “In these folders are your new identities. Your names will remain the same, but you are now certified citizens of the Rupes Kingdom. Please read them so that you are prepared when you arrive at the Academy later tonight. The principal of the Academy knows who you both really are, you will visit her first.”

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