Somewhere in the land of the shadow plague. Was a large fortress which had been built between two mountains. It laid across the mountains meaning there were only two routes of attack, unless people were brave enough to climb the mountains on either side which were filled with deadly high tier beasts.

The land of the shadow plague didn't look like the rest of the continent. Once the shadow plague had taken over there was no longer green life, the solid ground was changed black in colour and the rivers and water springs would change into lava.

Inside the fortress, on the tallest tower building, a meeting was taking place. At a large square table, 3 beings were sat on each side and at the end of the table was a technological device with a crystal embedded into it.

On one side of the table, Gary, Morfran and a man who wore a black-furred coat with a scar across his face were sat down. On the other side, was a female with long black hair and red eyes. She would have looked like a beautiful human if it wasn't for the wings that were on her back.

Next to the female were two males, one who looked thin and weak to the point where his bones could be seen on his body and the other, an old man who wore a cloak that covered his face.

The six of them had gathered at the fortress today for a special meeting. That's when the crystal in the centre started to light up. The image of an eye with wings was shown and a deep dark voice was heard.

"Welcome everyone, there is a new face with us today, I hope you all will welcome him into the shadow's guard with open arms.

"

A few of the others looked at Gary for a few moments before looking away in disgust.

"Have we grown so weak that we now have to accept a human into our ranks.

" The female said.

"Oh, do I have to remind you that I am human too?

" Morfran replied,

"I hope that you don't have a problem with me.

"

The winged female folded her arms and looked away ignoring Morfran's words.

��Now is the time when we need all the strength we can get.

" The hooded man said,

"It seems like the divine being has started to make its move.

"

"Yes, it is true.

" The voice from the crystal said.

"Before we had been paying too much attention in the empire and the threat from the other kingdoms. But now that little witch has decided to get involved and intervene. I'm afraid that Alure kingdom will become a thorn in our backside.

"

"Worry not master.

" The cloaked man said,

"I have already sent news to our people at Roland, they will take care of the matter for us.

"

*****

Unlike at Avrion where knights were required to train for three years. Mage's at Roland had to study for a total of five years. It took a lot longer to learn how to harness and control the power of magic compared to that of Ki.

However, classes were slightly different at Roland. They weren't separated into year groups like a normal Academy. Instead, they were separated based on your skill level with magic. There were three classes in total, Lower class, Middle Class and Upper Class.

For the first two years at the academy, all students were to study in the Lower class. Then if they remained weak, they would stay in the Lower class or depending on their ability they could move up to the classes above.

The second-year students were able to take the termly assessment and get promoted into the class above.

Inside one of the classes at Roland academy. The teacher Del who had shown Ray around the school was introducing him into the class. The class was large in size with around fifty students each sat at their own desk.

"Alright, as you can see, we have a new student today who has joined us late, this was all because of a sickness the student had, please welcome, Nes Talen.

" Del said.

"Please make sure to treat him with care into the academy.

"

Del then looked at Ray who stood by his side.

"Please go ahead and introduce yourself.

"

Ray was always horrible at these types of things but knew he would have to keep up the act if he didn't want to seem suspicious.

"Hello everyone, I hope we get along well,

" Ray said.

The students around the room started to whisper to themselves.

"Do you think he's a noble?

"

"He's kinda handsome don't you think?

"

"Yeah, but his introduction was lame, he didn't even say anything about himself.

"

While the students were busy talking amongst themselves, Ray started to scan the room. That's when he had spotted his target. At the back of the class was the Queen's son. Prince Van.

Prince Van sat there uninterested in what was happening and continued to look down at his desk, while it seemed like everyone else was ignoring him treating him as if he was invisible. Even the two seats next to Van where empty.

"I wonder why he's on his own?

" Ray thought.

For some reason seeing Van be treated like an outcast brought up memories of Ray's past as a child in the village. It felt the same.

"Why don't you go and sit in that empty seat over there,

" Del said.

As Ray walked over to his seat, he couldn't help but think about how did Van get this way. Van didn't look ugly, in fact, he was quite handsome, he also didn't have any strange features.

Ray needed to find out why did the Divine being needed the prince involved in all this but before that, he needed to figure out what type of person Van was and why everyone was treating him so strangely. After all, he had promised the Queen and Ray was a Dragon of his word.

As Ray sat down in his seat 3 rows from the back. He felt someone tap him on his back.

"Hi,

" Max said.

"Nice to meet you I'm Max, if you need anything around here then feel free to ask me,

" Max said.

"Please Max, even if you do become friends with him it won't do anything to improve your score.

" The teacher said.

All the students around started to laugh.

Ray had actually already met Max once before at the arena a long time ago. Although Max didn't recognise him because Ray currently was transformed and looked different but Ray remembered him and he remembered an important detail. When Ray asked Max about Amy his reaction suddenly seemed to change.

Now that they were together at Roland there was nowhere for Max to run off and hide.

****

Special thanks to Fenrir2040, IcyShadow2323, Username1, prakashgedam, For the gifts they really help me continue my author Journey.