I woke up with the warming rays of the sun shining in my face.

I softly stretched and yawned, wanting to stay in bed for a little longer. It was the best morning I had in a whole year, well, until I realized that I was woken by the sun.

No bucket of water, no screaming, just the sun.

Fuck. I am so fucking fucked.

I shot out of my bed like an arrow, immediately pinching myself to see whether or not this was a dream. Unfortunately, a pang of pain shattered my hopes.

Nononononono, this can’t be happening, right?

I hurriedly looked around, but I didn’t discover anything unusual about our room. Frank and Owen were sleeping soundly, most likely still enjoying their sleep.

I rushed to the window, but the sight of hundreds of children training confirmed my doubts.

I felt all of my strength leave me, causing me to nearly fall out of the window. Fortunately, I only slid down the wall right next to it, but I didn’t really register that.

Worry and fear, which, at this point, were pretty much the same, took over my mind. I don’t know how long I just sat there, thinking about what this situation could mean.

But no matter how much I thought, an answer that seemed correct just wouldn’t come. Every theory I came up with seemed ridiculous and unlikely.

In the end, I gave up. I just sat there for a while, not thinking about anything. An indeterminable amount of time passed this way, and the only things that ripped me out of it were the sounds of Owen waking up.

My head turned at an incredible speed, wanting to watch how he would react.

At first he slowly opened their eyes, only groggily turning away from the sun. Then his eyes suddenly ripped open at lightning speed. He sat up and looked around in the same manner I did.

When he spotted me he sent me a questioning look, but I only shook my head.

A few seconds passed in a strange silence as he thought about my action. “What do you mean?” He finally said.

“I have no clue what is going on. If you want to understand just look outside the window” I pointed to the window on my right.

He slowly stood up and walked towards it. When he saw the others training his face went terribly pale.

A trembling hand pointed at them. “Please tell me I am just seeing things.” He pleaded.

I didn’t say anything, but the silence was everything he needed to understand what I meant.

With slow steps he walked around me and sat down.

It was oddly comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one who was terrified. The feeling of not being alone in this matter made this whole ordeal a lot easier for both of us.

Neither he nor I did say anything. It wasn’t an awkward silence, no, rather than that it was more of a fear of saying something that would terrify the other.

The light that illuminated the whole room only served to remind me of the oath we made. To be honest it wasn’t our fault, not at all. If we had known the consequences I am sure that we would never have acted the way we did, but unfortunately we didn’t.

As such we were in this predicament.

It is really strange. I died in my last life because of a stupid decision and this life will likely end due to the same reason.

Is it my destiny to always die like this?

I almost laughed at myself for being so ridiculous. Have I stooped so low to even believe in something ridiculous like fate?

Even if fate, destiny, gods or whatever else that people out there believe in exist I am firm in my belief that I decide my own life and until I get solid proof that isn’t the case I won’t waver in that point.

My choices brought me to this point, and if I have to suffer for them so be it. I won’t regret them; I already did so enough in my past life.

With renewed determination I stood up. I ignored Owens questions and strolled up to Franks bed, where I promptly ripped his blanked away.

He woke up with a start, but didn’t have much of a reaction otherwise. After all, waking up abruptly has more or less become a part of his morning routine in the last year.

When he saw me looking at him with a solemn look however that quickly changed.

To avoid unnecessary confusion, I quickly explained the situation to him, which, according to his expression, was as shocking to him as it was to us.

Pushing me out of the way he rushed to the window in the fastest speed he could muster.

“The founders be damned.” He whispered.

“Don’t curse the person that will judge you, boy.” A deep voice suddenly said.

We turned to look at the owner of it, and to our shock we saw Teacher.

His normally pristine look was ruined by the uncharacteristic frown on his face and the robe he wore was slightly ruffled, as if he had just run around in them.

He looked at our lack of clothing. “If I were you I would wear the best clothes you possess. Frumentum himself will announce your punishment, so do your best to look somewhat presentable.”

His words were like giant hammers that slammed into our bodies.

I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. Frumentum, the founder of this city and one of the most powerful humans to ever exist is involved?

“I-is it that Frumentum? The same one who killed an uncountable number of hordes in order to build his palace? The one that –“ I stammered unbelievingly before I was interrupted by Teacher.

“Yes, that one. Now hurry up, it isn’t wise to let someone of his status wait.” He impatiently said.

After we had clothed ourselves in record time we walked out of the dormitory, where we saw Greta waiting for us at the entrance of the Academy.

Judging by her orderly hair and colorful dress I guess that she had been notified quite a lot earlier than us.

To my surprise there was a beautiful golden carriage a few meters away from her.

The horse like beings that stood in front of it were massive beasts, being at least three meters tall and the driver was a handsome young man in a completely golden outfit that, if I had to be honest, looked horrible.

The carriage however was another story. A beautiful scenery composed of expansive fields of ripe wheat coupled with the occasional tree and a cloudless azure sky was painted on it, only to be interrupted by a small window in the middle.

I was entranced. The smell unique to our home invaded my nostrils and for a moment I thought I was back on those fields. A slight breeze caused the wheat to sway and bend rhythmically and served to cool my already sweaty body.

Tears welled up in my eyes when I realized that I was still in the Academy.

I have never missed home like this before, not even when I was forced to leave. I wonder how father is doing? Judging by the rising temperature it should be summer now, almost time for the second harvest.

He must be lonely. All alone in that cozy home of ours. Having to harvest the massive amount of crops on those big fields must surely enhance that feeling.

Before I could continue with this train of thought I felt teacher push us past the opened door of the carriage, the inside being surprisingly simple with just two opposing rows of cushioned seats and wooden walls surrounding us.

He himself however didn’t enter with us. After making sure we were inside he closed the door and sat down right next to the driver.

The carriage set into motion as soon as he took his place and I was surprised by the sudden acceleration, making me fall into my comfortable seat.

Looking outside I could see my surroundings begin to move faster and faster. When we had reached a speed that would be impossible to maintain once we reached the surely crowded streets we suddenly took off.

What?

The carriage continued gaining height regardless of my shock until we were above the walls surrounding the Academy, flying right over them.

Since when are carriages capable of flying?

When I looked at the others our shocked glances met. Well, it seems that they didn’t know it was possible either.

When I looked out again I saw something I hadn’t expected to ever see: Colorful houses made of stone gave the landscape an exotic feeling and the countless tiny dots which wandered about on the sides of the spacious streets while carriages, carts and other objects occupied the middle only served to enhance that impression.

It was the first time I laid my eyes on the city itself and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. The famed golden wheat of Frumentum could faintly be seen in the distance, reminding me of home again.

But I ripped my eyes away from them and watched the city under me.

It wouldn’t be good if I were to be distracted in any way while being in Frumentum’s presence. Especially since he can essentially do whatever he wants to do with us.

When we finally came to a stop I saw an empty spot of land where we landed. Instead of the slightly yellow material which normally covers the ground of Frumentum a clean white one without any marks on it greeted me.

The door opened on both sides of the carriage suddenly opened without any of us doing anything, revealing us to the warm outside.

Ignoring that I stepped out and immediately noticed that it was far too quiet for a bustling city. While the pedestrians could faintly be heard the noises of for example the carriages were completely blocked out.

Seeing an enormous amount of people curiously staring at you whilst moving their lips with only faint whispers reaching me only intensified that eerie feeling.

It didn’t last long though as my attention was quickly captured by the enormous palace behind me.

The white tiles continued in a long set of white stairs leading up to gigantic golden gates where a small contingent of soldiers in golden armor and robes stood guard. Smooth golden walls spread out in two directions and groups soldiers standing guard or patrolling could be seen everywhere.

I am starting to get sick of all the gold I am seeing. Seriously, why couldn’t the designer of this place have chosen a more pleasant color? Gold may be impressive at first but it gets boring pretty quickly.

The carriage driver stepped out of his seat and ushered us up the stairs.

The soldiers didn’t react at our appearance, staying completely still. If they have to stay like that their job must be boring as hell.

“It’s me, open the gate!” The carriage driver shouted.

The massive gate in front of us slowly parted, the separate parts sinking into the walls right next to them.

A beautiful and expansive garden which was well maintained while still retaining a natural look was revealed to us in the process. The previous trend continued in a white road leading to an impressive needlessly golden palace in the classical European style.

We continued to hurry along the way, missing many parts of the scenery that could have been appreciated in the process.

Barely a few steps away from the heavily decorated gate of the palace a gust of wind from the inside blew it open, making me stumble.

A majestic man strolled through it, a few men and women of varying ages following not far behind.

His short hair was more golden than yellow and a pair of piercing golden eyes radiated immense pressure. A magnificent golden armor covered his whole body and some golden fur functioned as his cape.

I swear if everything else in this place is fucking golden I will go crazy!

If I had to use one word to describe him, it would be majestic. Every single of his actions made me want to submit to him, to pledge my eternal loyalty to that person.

He smiled when he saw our group, showing his pearly white teeth. “Greg, is this the group we talked about?” His voice caused the very world around him to shake as nearly visible ripples emanated out from his mouth.

“Kneel down!” Teacher quickly whispered before falling to his knees.

We hurriedly followed his order before it was too late.

“Your Majesty, this loyal servant confirms your enlightened guess.” Teacher said in the most respectful tone I have ever heard coming out of a human mouth.

“Good, We guess We should announce the judgement now.” He cleared his throat, an action that oddly didn’t fit him.

“But We think that doing so out here would be inappropriate. Follow Us.” He turned around, his cape fluttering at his sudden motion.

I nervously gulped.

Hot damn, it seems that I have underestimated both the Founder of Frumentum and the danger we pose to this city.