Messages traveled faster than men. This was a fact well known throughout the kingdom, a testament to the efficiency of the courier system that connected the far reaches of noble territories. While an ordinary traveler making the journey between Ravennest and Frosthold would take three days at best often more, due to the need for rest and caution letters moved at a relentless pace, carried from one rider to another with little interruption.
The kingdom's vast network of messenger bases ensured the swift exchange of letters, each station strategically placed at intervals that allowed couriers to pass their message without delay. Unlike common travelers who needed to stop for food, shelter, or safety, couriers only rode as far as their designated leg before handing the letter off to a fresh rider and mount. This relay system ensured that critical communications never ceased, moving day and night across the kingdom.
The key to this speed was the carefully structured chain of messengers. Each courier traveled at full speed to the next station, never straying from their direct path. Upon arrival, the message was immediately handed off, and the next rider departed in mere moments. This system, perfected over generations, allowed letters to arrive in half the time it took a single rider making the journey alone.
Despite their value, the messenger bases themselves were rarely threatened by criminals. Bandits, who preyed upon the weak and the wealthy alike, had little interest in raiding them. There was simply nothing to gain. The bases were modest just sturdy buildings with fresh horses, a few bunks, and storage for supplies. They held no riches, no valuables worth stealing. The only cargo of importance was the letters themselves, and what use were they to a bandit? Paper and ink could not fill an empty stomach or pay a ransom.
Even if some foolhardy brigand considered attacking a messenger base, the consequences were dire. The kingdom itself appointed the guards for these stations, ensuring that their defense was not left to the discretion of any single noble house. To strike against them was to challenge the crown directly, and any such transgression would bring swift and merciless retribution. A single attack on a messenger base could lead to an entire bandit group being wiped out in retaliation. This unspoken rule had been tested in the past, and those foolish enough to challenge it had paid with their lives.
As a result, messenger bases were considered some of the safest places in the kingdom. Even those on the run from the law sometimes found refuge in their proximity, knowing that no bandit would dare raid them and that even corrupt nobles hesitated before interfering with royal messengers.
Among the people, a saying had grown around this unshakable system: A kingdom's strength is measured by the speed of its letters. To a lord, a swift message could mean the difference between war and peace, success and failure. It was said that the wisest rulers were not those with the largest armies, but those with the fastest couriers.
In this way, letters became weapons of their own silent, weightless, yet capable of changing the fate of a nation. As the message from Vincent made its way toward Frosthold, it traveled with this same undeniable force, unseen yet more powerful than any blade or army.
Zach sat comfortably in his room, the dim glow of the candle flickering against the pages of the book he was reading. The weight of the tome in his hands was heavy, its pages filled with detailed descriptions of the world's communication methods. The previous chapter had explained the messenger system, a network of relay stations ensuring that messages traveled faster than any single traveler could. But now, as he turned the page, the text introduced another form of long-distance communication alchemy stones.
He read with growing interest.
Alchemy stones were a rare resource, mined deep within the kingdom's mountains. When a stone was extracted, it was split into two halves, forming a linked pair. A message sent through one half would instantly appear on the other, no matter how far apart they were. However, the range was severely limited, with effective communication possible only within a few kilometers. While incredibly useful for localized exchanges, it was far from the fantastical instant communication he had initially imagined.
Zach sighed, running his fingers along the edge of the page. "So, no long-range magic telepathy or instant worldwide messaging," he muttered to himself. "Just a glorified short-distance radio."
As he continued reading, the next chapter introduced the concept of magic or rather, what this world defined as magic.
Unlike the stories of grand wizards wielding fire, water, and lightning with the flick of a hand, magic here wasn't an innate ability but a science of sorts, heavily tied to alchemy stones. These stones could be refined and altered to perform various functions. For instance, a properly treated alchemy stone could create cooling effects, functioning similarly to a fan. Others could store light and release it on command, eliminating the need for fire-based torches. More advanced applications included the use of alchemy stones in construction, helping reinforce buildings or powering simple mechanical devices.
"So this is their version of magic?" Zach mused, leaning back in his chair. It was fascinating in its own way more like an early form of technology rather than supernatural power. The book described how alchemists had spent generations refining different uses for these stones, and though they were rare, they were instrumental in making life more efficient in noble households and select merchant districts.
Still, despite the practicality, Zach couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
He had hoped for grand spellcasters, towering infernos summoned at a whim, or warriors who could channel lightning through their blades. Instead, magic was just another form of controlled alchemy, more about utility than destruction.
Zach closed the book with a sigh. "So much for becoming an all-powerful wizard who could take down an army with a single spell."
Shaking his head, he placed the book on his bedside table and blew out the candle. "Guess I'll just have to settle for being a politician instead."
With that final thought, he turned over and let sleep take him, his mind still lingering on the possibilities of what could have been.
Zach closed the book with a thoughtful expression, his fingers lightly tapping against the wooden table. The information he had just read was both fascinating and concerning. The advancements in alchemy stone applications were impressive, but what stood out most to him was where these breakthroughs were coming from the Royal Academy.
The Royal Academy was an institution of prestige, a place where the brightest minds and the most capable warriors were trained. it was the very place where Vincent had studied during his youth. Unlike most schools that catered solely to the nobility, the academy prided itself on meritocracy. Any citizen of the kingdom, regardless of background, could enroll provided they passed the rigorous entrance exams and interviews. Talent was the only qualification that mattered, at least in theory.
However, Zach had also come across troubling reports from various sources. Over the years, the academy had begun to shift under the influence of noble families. Bribery, favoritism, and abuse of power had taken root, twisting the original ideals of the institution. The once-proud academy, which was meant to foster the best minds and warriors for the kingdom, was slowly becoming a playground for the privileged elite. Corruption seeped into its foundation, with noble heirs using their status to bypass the entrance trials while commoners faced immense hurdles just to be considered.
The decline had not gone unnoticed by the king. In a rare and decisive move, he had ordered the temporary closure of the academy. The reason was clear: to cleanse it of corruption and restore its former glory. The king understood that the academy played a crucial role in shaping the future leaders, warriors, and scholars of the kingdom. If it remained in the hands of the corrupt, the entire nation would eventually suffer the consequences.
Zach turned his gaze toward the window, watching the sky darken as evening approached. He imagined what the academy must have been like in its golden age brimming with eager students striving for excellence, untainted by the power struggles of nobles. It was a place designed to cultivate the best of the best, preparing them for roles of leadership, innovation, and warfare.
The academy offered three primary courses:
The Warrior Course – This was designed for those aspiring to become knights, commanders, or strategists. Students underwent rigorous physical training, learning various forms of combat, battlefield tactics, and leadership skills. They were taught how to wield different weapons, develop endurance, and command troops effectively. The best among them often went on to serve in the royal army, some even rising to the ranks of generals.The Magic Course – While the kingdom did not have traditional elemental magic like in fantasy tales, it had developed an advanced understanding of alchemy stones. This course focused on the study of these stones, their applications, and their potential in everyday life and warfare. Students learned how to refine, manipulate, and enhance alchemy stones for various purposes, such as creating artificial lighting, cooling devices, or even communication tools. Some were trained in research and development, pushing the boundaries of what alchemy stones could do. The academy's best scholars were often recruited into the kingdom's research divisions, working on innovations that would improve the lives of its citizens.The Leadership Course – This was the course most noble heirs took. It covered governance, economic management, diplomacy, and law. Aspiring lords and future rulers were trained in negotiation, military strategy, and crisis management. While it was intended to create capable and just rulers, the recent corruption in the academy had tainted this course the most. Many noble students relied more on their family's influence than their own abilities to pass, making a mockery of what was meant to be a rigorous program.
Zach sighed. The academy had the potential to be an invaluable institution, but if it remained in the hands of those who saw it as nothing more than a tool for their own power, then its original purpose would be lost.
He leaned back in his chair, recalling the last lines he had read. The book mentioned that the king's decision to shut down the academy was not permanent. Reforms were in the works, and a new set of regulations would be put in place before its doors reopened. There was even talk of stricter qualifications for noble heirs, ensuring that they, too, had to prove their worth rather than relying on their family names.
Zach found himself strangely invested in this issue. Perhaps it was because of his own background the memories of his past life still lingered within him. Back in his previous world, he had seen similar issues in different forms. Corruption in education, favoritism in workplaces, the powerful bending the rules to serve themselves it was all too familiar.
He let out a small chuckle at his own childish thoughts. In a way, it was funny how much his expectations had been shaped by fantasy stories. The reality of this world was far more grounded. Strength came not from arcane powers, but from knowledge, innovation, and strategy. While it wasn't as flashy as the tales of mighty wizards wielding forbidden magic, it was still fascinating in its own way.
Zach stretched his arms and closed the book, placing it aside. His mind was now filled with questions. If the academy reopened, would it truly be free of corruption? And if not, what could be done to stop it from falling back into the same cycle?
He shook his head. That wasn't his concern for now. He had his own path to walk, and there were more immediate matters to deal with. But still, he couldn't shake the feeling that this academy its fate, its reform, and its future would somehow be important down the line.