The Beginning Adventure of the New Monarch

The Ednia Amiria Academy, undoubtedly the jewel and pride of the kingdom, stood majestically on its vast grounds spanning 600,000 square meters.

Built 20 years ago under the initiative of King Henri Ednia, it embodied the vision of equal and excellent education.

Only the best could hope to enter, thanks to a notoriously rigorous entrance exam with a success rate of merely 10%.

Those who passed the grueling admission tests were guaranteed a brilliant future, boasting a 100% employment rate upon graduation.

This flagship institution taught the diverse disciplines of Ednia: magic, military strategy, scientific creation, and horse training. Its advanced and intelligent teaching methods aimed to train the future ruling elite of Ednia, preparing them to face the challenges ahead.

Among its alumni were notable figures like Knight Gilbert and Princess Raelia, a renowned former student herself.

Kaylen, a 19-year-old son of humble farmers, epitomized the best that the Academy could produce. Tall with immaculately white hair and light blue eyes that seemed to reflect an innate wisdom, he always donned his magnificent long white robe, symbolizing wisdom and devotion to learning. He was distinguished by his impeccable discipline.

Since childhood, Kaylen had excelled in all subjects—whether in magic or written exams, he always ranked first in his class. Never absent, never late, he embodied the perfect image of a model and integral student. His reputation garnered as much admiration as envy among his peers—and admiration from women—but he paid no mind to it.

One of the most striking manifestations of his talent was the monthly chess tournament at Ednia Amiria Academy.

Held in a massive outdoor stadium painted red, capable of hosting thousands of spectators, this event pitted the institution's best strategists against each other. For the past two years Kaylen had dominated the competition, undefeated and unchallenged, winning every match with astonishing ease.

His peculiarity? He always brought a book with him, reading it calmly as he moved his chess pieces, never bothering to look at the board or his opponent.

His strategic mastery and legendary composure made him a nearly mythical figure within the Academy.

An Unexpected Opponent

That day, the Academy's stadium was packed to the brim. Today's final pitted two young men against each other.Kaylen faced an unknown opponent, a young man no one had seen before. Unlike the other participants, who often displayed signs of nervousness when facing Kaylen this individual appeared oddly calm and even wore a smile.

He was dressed in a well-fitted black shirt and simple gray trousers.

His round glasses added to his studious appearance and his relaxed demeanor starkly contrasted with the intensity of the tournament.

The match began, and as usual, Kaylen opened a book while making his first move. Minutes passed in tense silence before Kaylen broke the ice.

— "You know, some noble factions considered the former king to be a ruler who cared about nothing. But it was him who had the vision to establish Ednia Amiria Academy and the wisdom to cede the throne to that young Hero. Thanks to these lucid decisions, we can say the kingdom is progressing by leaps and bounds."

The stranger adjusted his glasses with his hand and replied calmly, undisturbed in the slightest:

— "You seem to hold a very high opinion of the royal family."

Kaylen smirked, moving a rook without even glancing up.

— "I know how to recognize good decisions and acknowledge positive changes when I see them. But tell me by the way—I make it a point to know almost everyone at Ednia Amiria Academy. Yet I'm sure this is the first time I've seen you here. Who are you?"

The stranger tilted his head slightly to the left, an amused smile on his lips.

— "Ah, that's true. Now that you mention it I haven't introduced myself yet" he said in a casual, natural tone. "Pardon me—I'm Jonady Kaya."

Kaylen froze. The name resonated strangely in his mind. Closing his book, he scrutinized the stranger's eyes to examine him more closely. A hint of suspicion mingled with his curiosity.

— "Jonady Kaya," he murmured, repeating the name. It echoed in Kaylen's mind, as though he had heard it somewhere before. Then suddenly, it hit him. His eyes lit up with a sudden realization.

He stood abruptly, his expression incredulous and still reeling from the shock.

— "W-Wait a second…"

The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath. Seconds stretched, the silence growing almost tangible. Kaylen finally broke the stillness his voice betraying a mix of shock and wonder:

— "You're the king!!"