NTR School: S Rank Student

After returning to his chambers, Raphael wasted no time in getting some well-needed rest. His day was busy, and the times ahead would only get busier.

---

The next morning, the frozen tribe members visited the palace as he had ordered them to.

The Dragon King stood outside of the palace with Queen Eva by his side. In front of him stood fifty frozen tribe members, and Yeltuna the Lioness standing at their head.

Behind the group of tribespeople was King Helix's old army, who Eva had called into the palace front yard as well.

These forces numbered five hundred, and all wore armour and swords on their waists.

Most of them were birthright users, but not incredibly strong ones. If they were students of the five schools, they would rank lower than B.

The large army stood to attention before Raphael, and he scanned his eyes across them, proud of the forces that he had managed to amass.

But still, a thought plagued his mind.

Is this enough? Are they enough?

Raphael knew that King Diotames would be strong, and would be able to build an army of equal or greater force. There was only one area that filled Raphael with great confidence.

Himself.

King Diotames was no Dragon King, no matter what he brought to the field, Raphael would be greater.

But still, he needed to ensure that his army was up to standard. So, for the day, he ordered his men to train alongside the tribe members.

Not only would it be good to bond and understand each other, but it would also give Raphael a chance to see what he was working with.

And so, the army began training in the field.

Some participated in simple offence and defence drills, whilst others spared lightly with blunt weapons.

The entire time, Raphael walked around, watching over things with a keen eye.

He was impressed with what he saw, and many of the combatants stood out to him. But there was one man in particular that he was caught his eye the most.

The man used a spear, as he practised his striking forms in the air. With every swing or thrust, he imbued his weapon with some sort of essence that seemed to speed up his strike and increase their power.

Raphael walked over to the man, which made him stop his training and remove his helmet.

Once he did, Raphael was caught by surprise. The man's eyes seemed to be pink, and his skin incredibly pale. Not only that, but his long hair, eyebrows and eyelashes were all white as well.

The man was young, perhaps in his early twenties and he bowed his head in deep respect towards the dragon king.

"You're strong, soldier. And fast." Raphael pointed out. "What is your Birthright?"

The man bowed his head again to show his great thanks and flashed a smile on his face. Raphael realised that the man must be popular with the women, due to his handsome features.

"I appreciate your words, King." He said in a proud voice which carried through the air. "My birthright grants me the power to increase my efficiency with any item that I carry."

He lifted his spear upwards, and it began to glow with a faint blue outline.

"Even though I have only used a spear for a year, my birthright makes it seem as though I've wielded it for ten years."

Raphael was taken aback by the man's incredible birthright.

"So in other words, you are a master of all weapons?" He asked as he scratched his chin.

But the man flashed him a cheeky grin as he shook his head slowly. "Not just weapons, your majesty. All things."

Really? This is much stronger than I thought. Not only can he wield all weapons, but he should also be able to complete other tasks, such as smithing, building, and tactics, at a great level.

Raphael couldn't believe it.

Why was this man not made one of the angels?

"What is your name, soldier?"

"Napolo, my King." The white-featured man answered confidently.

Raphael nodded his head once again. "A good name. I'd like you to be one of my Great Generals. The army needs men like you."

---

Napolo was happy to have been given such a powerful role by the King, and he swiftly stepped into it afterwards. Raphael ordered the man to make rounds around the training ground, pointing out ten men or women that stood out most to him.

Afterwards, Raphael checked through each one, proud of the decision that Napolo had made.

After the day was done, Raphael's army already looked much greater.

Directly beneath him was Napolo his Great General.

Beneath Napolo were Raphael's ten lieutenants. They were all equipped with Birthrights and expertise that would be of great use in war. Yeltuna was one of them.

And then, underneath the lieutenants, were the hundreds of troops that were based in Snowdon.

Once Maiden Lillian was finished forming her army in the five schools, Raphael's overall forces would grow to even greater heights.

Events were going swimmingly, and Raphael was now ready to start out on his first journey to the West.

Not to battle, but to test whether Diotames would let him travel through his land untroubled, in order to reach the Volcanic Island, where Valkatus would be.

But, of course, Raphael had to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

He had to be prepared to start a new war.

---

In the lands to the west, Diotames stood atop his castle, looking down at the city of Lutanis. The capital of his region.

The moon was high, from which he gained strength.

"Brother King." A soft voice came from somewhere beside him. He turned his head to see a young lady, barely of age, yet letting off such a powerful energy.

She, too, was powered by the moon.

"Yes, my sister?" He spoke in a calm yet bass-filled voice.

The woman paused for a few moments, as her grey eyes looked out into the distance of the land.

Then, after a few moments, she spoke again.

"They're coming."