When I finally walked out of my realm, several days of demiplane time had passed, yet only the evening had passed in this world. The time differential was a bit disorienting and if I didn’t have my Absolute Timing ability, I would not be able to track time duration between the two places without losing my mind trying to keep it all straight in my head. It was barely about to be morning in this world. Here I just spent time to rest, train, practice my magic, try my hand at smelting some metals, and even minor crafting. Man, I loved having my own realm!

‘Time to see what my knights are up to.’ I thought as I exited my bedroom.

Mira immediately bolted upright and stood at attention.

“At ease Mira. Seriously, you do not need to be so stiff. Where is everyone else?”

Mira seemed to relax slightly and replied, “Simmons is getting some shuteye. Kira and Rita are just outside the suite on guard. We figured one of us should rest, two should guard the suite, and one should guard your door should you require anything.”

“And you drew the short straw?”

She looked at me perplexed. Seeing her face, “Sorry, bad joke. I am concerned about all of you running ragged. Perhaps I’ll need to select some additional knights to help sooner than originally planned.”

“Do not worry about us my prince. This is our duty. We are proud to be your personal royal knights.” Mira replied.

Seeing how earnest Mira seemed, I replied. “I’ll drop it for now. Let’s get some breakfast and head to the royal knight training arena. The military officers should be arriving early, and I’d like to assess the royal knights first.”

Mira had a bit more fun than I would’ve thought waking up LT Simmons by sneaking into one of the guest bedrooms and yelling in his face to wake up.

“WAKE UP LIEUTENANT! OUR PRINCE NEEDS YOU!!”

“OH, Dear Go… Who? WHAT?” LT. Simmons quickly replied as he bolted upright from a dead snore.

I could tell she really gave it her all as LT Simmons was still shaking his head periodically to help clear the ringing out of his ear.

Rita and Kira both entered the suite when they heard the commotion from Mira’s little prank as just chuckled at LT Simmons putting his finger in his ear and shaking it while trying to get his ears to pop.

----------

Breakfast was quick as I wanted to get to the training arena early. When we arrived, there were already several royal knights and more flowing in as the time passed. I covered the basics with my team first, so they knew what to expect. ‘Time to get this party started.’ I thought.

“LT Simmons, if you would please rally the troops and get them into formation.” I ordered.

LT Simmons smiled wide and approached his orders with gusto. Getting yelled at to wake up this morning I think gave him more incentive to yell at others. I almost felt bad for the other royal knights as he got them organized in what I assume was record time. A few of his comments towards the slower nights could be heard clearly across the training arena.

“GET YOUR REAR MOVING!”

“WHAT ARE YOU SMILING AT?!”

“Thank you, LT Simmons.” I nodded before turning my attention to the knights in front of me. “As you may all have been informed, the king and queen have abdicated their authority over the assigning and training of the royal knights to me. In addition, I have worked with my Uncle Marcus, to invite several military officers to participate in this new program.”

Paying close attention to their expressions before I moved forward. Noticing only looks of determination I continued. “Now that everyone is in formation, we will start with some light stretching to make sure you’re limbered up before getting into the training routine. Any questions? No? Good, let’s get started.”

We spent a good 20 minutes on stretching. As we were wrapping up the stretching, the military officers showed up. Seeing the tired looks in some of their eyes and that a few seemed to be dragging their feet, I decided to get their attention.

“If you’re going to come here to learn, make sure to come early. General Marcus made it very clear you are to learn and to not go easy on you. LT Simmons, get this new group into formation.”

If I thought LT Simmons was happy before, he almost had a manic smile on his face now. He immediately started yelling and getting up into the officers’ faces.

“What do you think you are doing solider?!”

“What are you snickering at? Do you want me to make you run laps?”

“Do not waste our prince’s valuable time!”

SMACK

I could hear the hit as he knocked an officer to the ground by hitting him once upside the head.

“That is what you get for laughing at your friend’s misfortune! Now give me twenty reps while you are down there! NOW!”

‘Man, he really does love to yell at people. He missed his calling as a drill sergeant.’

Seeing everyone in proper formation, and sufficiently cowed by LT Simmons, it was time to begin. “All let us begin. First, I’m going to show you some endurance moves. They may seem pointless but in fact they will strengthen your attacks and streamline your movement in combat. Watch me closely.”

So, it went on for a few hours. My team followed along, acting as drill instructors, getting after anyone who started to fall behind. It seemed almost like a game between the girls and LT. Simmons to see who could get to the person and yell at them before anyone else. LT. Simmons and Mira seemed to clearly be the most zealous. Sadly, for the royal knights and military officers that meant no one was spared or had a moment’s rest during training.

“Good. You may all rest now.” I ordered.

Several people collapsed on the ground panting, several more had their hands on their knees trying to catch their breath.

“UGH!”

“He is a demon!”

“I… have… never… trained… so hard… in my life.”

“Remember, a big part of this training is building up your endurance.” I commented.

LT Simmons spoke up. “My prince, if they have energy to complain, then perhaps they should be worked harder next time?”

“Good point Lieutenant. Perhaps we should.” I smiled back at him evilly.

All the complaints stopped immediately. LT Simmons said into the silence. “That is much better.”

One of the lower ranking military officers who was panting on the ground spoke up. “How are you not winded your highness? I know the King and General Marcus are warriors, but I thought you were on Death’s door.”

“I was. I’m better now.” ‘That was one of my favorite lines from an older tv show I loved back in my old life.’ I continued, “I have spent time strengthening my body, mind, and spirit. What you are learning are the exercises I’ve found to be most useful. We will grow stronger together so all of us may be better prepared to protect this kingdom and our family and friends!”

One thing I always respected about soldiers was their commitment to something bigger than themselves. It is important to acknowledge their sacrifices and efforts for the ones they care about. Looking around at their tired faces, they all seemed to appreciate my interest in helping to make them stronger. “That is all for today. I will see you all back tomorrow morning so we can continue to show you other training techniques.”

I could tell several of the military officers wanted to introduce themselves to me, but I wasn’t ready for that yet. I wanted to get a better feel for each of them before I decided who I was interested in talking to. One thing I will give my personal knights, they paid attention to me and seemed to tell I was not ready to mingle with our men yet. My knights surrounded me and escorted me from the training arena. It was time to join my sister’s magical tutoring session with Lady Rollara.

‘Time to learn more about magic!’ I thought gleefully as we walked to the special facility.

---------------

Lady Rollara had one of the larger ballrooms converted into an area for Magic tutoring. When we arrived, it was clear for me to see that Lady Rollara thought of everything when setting this place up. The walls were clearly re-enforced, some looked to be enchanted to withstand magical attacks. Various training dummies and targets made from different materials were placed in different sections, these dummies clearly also enchanted to resist magical attacks. As I continued to survey the room, I noticed different materials such as dirt, stone, water barrels, lit torches, and other random sections set up for use. However, the coolest thing seemed to be an obstacle course setup to change and shift as you moved through it.

‘Ooo, that looks fun.’ I thought as I watched the obstacle course constantly shift.

My sister was practicing a spell. When she noticed me, her concentration was broken and causing the spell to fizzle out. Lady Rollara chided my sister for losing concentration. It was evident Lady Rollara wasn’t overly harsh with my sister. The way Lady Rollara looked at Aurora it was clear she was soft on her. “Now you know better my dear. No matter what, you must always maintain your concentration.”

Aurora ignored the reprimand and called out to me. “Big brother! Over here! Did you come to train with your sister?!”

“Of course, sister. I said I would come and how could I let down someone so adorable.”

Aurora blushed but her smile grew even bigger. “Awe, big brother is so sweet.”

Lady Rollara spoke up. “Good timing Prince James. I was just reminding Princess Aurora of the importance of repeatedly practicing the basics so much you do not lose your concentration mid-cast.”

“Starting with the basics is probably best for me, my lady.” I said.

Mira and Kira both smirked at my comment which garnered a raised eyebrow from Lady Rollara, but she said nothing.

Aurora was the first to speak up, not picking up on the underlying message and taking my words literally. “I can show you the basics, big brother! I’ve gotten pretty good. This is the first time I’ve lost concentration in a long while.”

“I would not consider two weeks a long time Princess.” Lady Aurora commented.

My sister scowled at her but just kept on going. Nothing was going to bring her down or stop her from helping her big brother. “First Big Brother, you think about the spell as you tap into your energy and will it to respond, then speak the words while you do the hand motions. That is the hardest part, doing all of those together. It took me awhile to be able to keep all those things straight in my head.”

Aurora went through the process of casting a spell and the result was a small fire bolt that shot out and hit the target. She seemed so proud. “Oh, yea and don’t forget to aim too.” Aurora said.

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I ruffled her hair as I acknowledged her success. “Great job, little sister.”

“Well done, Princess. Let us see if the prince can copy your results after only hearing it one time.” Lady Rollara said.

“It’s ok Big Brother if you don’t get it. That’s really hard to do. I think Lady Rollara is being a bit mean to ask something like that of you.” My sister said as she scowled at Lady Rollara again.

Saying nothing, I looked at the target, raised my hand and then turned to look directly at Lady Rollara. I cast my spell, with no words or hand jesters, just did what I have always done since I learned magic, tapped into my energy, and willed it to happen. It was fast but the fireball I launched was far bigger than the tiny fire bolt my sister cast. My result was far more devastating as I ended up blowing the target to smithereens.

BOOM!!!

My sister just stared at the nonexistent target, then looked back at me slack jawed.

“Woops. Sorry about that, I was trying to hold back.”

Out of nowhere Lady Rollara started to laugh, and I mean a deep belly laugh.

“Hahaha.”

Wiping a tear from her eye she collected herself enough to clap her hands together and say, “Well done Prince James, well done indeed! From the information I collected about your battle with the undead army I suspected you had chantless magic, but it appears to be even more intuitive for you. It appears my sister was correct.”

“Your sister?” I replied confused.

“Yes, my sister. She passed away several years back but before she died, she took me into her confidence. Most did not know she was a Seer, a very powerful one. My sister is the one who had the prophecy regarding the young prince. Didn’t know that did you?” Lady Rollara said, still smiling.

—— LADY ROLLARA FLASHBACK ——

“I remember it like it was yesterday. She was on her deathbed. The sickness she had was fatal and uncurable, no matter what was tried. It was just her and I and she pulled me in close.

“Sister, before I go, I must tell you of the strongest vision I had in my life. Only the king, queen, and their two most loyal servants know of this prophecy. You will know when you can share this with others.” Lady Lara told me.

“Is this why the sickly prince with those eyes was sent away?” I asked.

“Yes. He was born with one purple left eye and one green right eye. His father has green eyes, and his mother has purple, a mix of the two is possible but this goes beyond that. Each color represents powerful symbols. Purple for strength and fortitude of the mind and green for depth of soul and connection to our people.” Lady Lara stated.

“The Mind and Soul of the people. Just like our mother told us growing up. ‘One would come to heal the soul and mind of the people.” I said in reverence.

“Yes sister, just as mother said. If he can reach the age of maturity, then his gifts can blossom in all our hearts and minds. This kingdom will prosper and bring about a new age for us all.” My sister explained.

“Then why send him away sister? Should he not be protected? Should we not guard him and hold him close to ensure no harm comes to him?!” I inquired.

My sister further explained. “No! I have seen it. Should the prince be surrounded and nurtured here then the sickness will grow and consume that which would blossom. But if he is isolated and cut off from everyone, save for the two that will teach him, then the man that comes from the hidden valley shall grow and the sickness will die on the vine.”

Lara broke out in a bout of coughing. I helped her drink some water.

“Careful sister. Do not rush. I am here.” I comforted.

After she recovered from her coughing fit, Lara continued, “In isolation he with read and study all manner of things, as such he will have time to understand the world in ways others cannot. Magic will speak to him; he will understand it like no other and do things with it no one has ever dreamed of. His energy pool will be massive and make yours look like a drop in the ocean.”

“That seems highly unlikely sister. My energy pool is greater than any in our family’s history. Such a person would be very dangerous if not taught control.” I said incredulously.

Grabbing my hand, my sister spoke even more seriously. “You will meet him, teach him control… Lara squeezed my hand tighter. “This is most important, do not attempt to control him or force him to learn how we were taught. He will understand Magic and our world in ways that should not be stifled. The Dark shall surely claim him if any attempt to do so! Promise me, sister you will help him!”

“I promise!” I earnestly replied.

She died in my arms with a smile on her face after that. I will never forget the look of peace on her face or my promise to the person I cared about most in this world.

Hearing Lady Rollara’s story had everyone present stunned. Kira knew the bare bones of the prophecy from the high priest.

‘I will need to share this additional information with the High Priest. Any additional context from the person who gave the prophecy would help the Church of Light navigate properly.’ Kira thought.

Lady Rollara could see everyone lost in thought. She remembered locking herself away after her sister passed to both mourn for her sister and to consider what she was told. ‘They will require some additional guidance it seems to help them fully understand.’ She thought.

Clapping her hands together to bring everyone out of their thoughts, Lady Rollara waited until she saw all eyes on her before speaking up. “Now all of you know the truth as I do.”

Turning to Prince James, Lady Rollara continued. “When I checked you for any necrotic damage, I took the time to check your core for any damage. In my many years at court, I have had plenty of practice concealing my thoughts and feelings. All of that was put to the test to hide my shock at what I learned when barely touching your energy core.”

“Is there something wrong with my core?” I asked in concern. ‘Man, I really should’ve paid more attention to my guide when they were talking.’

Lady Rollara laughed heartily. “Is there something wrong with your core? HA, HA, HA! That is rich my boy. I needed that laugh.” After collecting herself she continued. “No, your core, or what some call our pool of mana, is greater than any being I know of in our history and that includes dragons. Not even Demon Lords possess such a core.”

“Dragons! My brother has an energy pool greater than dragons?! How is that possible?!” My sister exclaimed, looking at me with even more wonder.

‘Maybe that has something to do with me being a dragon? Not going to tell my adorable sister that fact though. Why is she looking at me that way?’ I thought as I heard my sister’s comment.

“Lady Rollara, our captain said Prince James was special in ways he was not at liberty to discuss. Did he know about this prophecy?” Mira asked.

“Of course, my dear. The king and queen made a point to tell the captain, so he knew the risks and importance of bringing the prince home.” Lady Rollara replied.

“That would explain why Captain Spears was so nervous and quiet on the trip there.” LT Simmons commented.

“General Marcus had come to talk to the soldiers. He was adamant we do everything we can to bring Prince James home. I just thought he wanted his nephew brought back safe.” Rita stated.

“His eyes were a dead giveaway.” Mira spoke up.

Lady Rollara looked at Mira and asked. “What do you know of his eyes? Most would think it was just a fluke of him getting one eye from each of his parents. The fact that it is a part of the prophecy is even less known.”

“No offense intended Lady Rollara, but I come from the Nightshade family. My mother was close to your sister Lady Lara before she passed. Our family specializes in learning things others try to keep hidden.” Mira stated.

“I am very familiar with your family line my dear, but my sister was very careful who she told.” Lady Rollara commented.

“My mother told me that she visited Lady Lara a few days before she passed beyond the veil.” Mira replied.

“I never knew. Of course, I knew Minerva was close to my sister, but I did not realize she visited her or that my sister would reveal such things.” Lady Rollara said almost more to herself than anyone else.

“Mother said Lady Lara was partially delirious with fever and my mother had to use some ice magic to help bring the fever down. It was a temporary reprieve according to mother, but Lady Lara told her out of appreciation of her kindness.” Mira explained.

“Please convey my thanks to your mother for her help in easing my sister’s suffering towards the end.” Lady Rollara said in appreciation.

Mira bowed before continuing. “Mother had found another prophecy that referenced a man with special eyes, one purple and one green. She drew the connection between the two.”

“Other prophecy, about the prince? I have never heard of a different prophecy. Would you tell me about it?” Lady Rollara inquired.

Mira’s face blushed for some reason, and she bowed. “You will have to discuss that with my mother. I should not have mentioned it just now, it slipped out when I thought of Prince James’ unique eyes.”

“Can we please not talk about me like I’m not here?” I said, getting a bit uncomfortable with all this talk. ‘Sure, I thought it was cool having purple and green eyes, now I know the significance, well part of it anyway. Would’ve been nice to have been told that. Wait, maybe I was told that? Geez, I really should’ve paid attention when my guide was talking.’

Lady Rollara spoke up. “My apologies, Prince James. It just brings joy to my heart to have my sister proven true. Many in court thought the king and queen’s decision to send their only son away was odd and foolish, including many of the high nobles. Bits and pieces of the prophecy got out; other seers had fractured visions but none as clear as my sister’s vision. There is more but that shall be saved for another day. It is clear I will need to speak with Lady Nightshade too.”

As if she was distracted and then came back to her senses, Lady Rollara waved her had at the spot where the training dummy used to exist. “Seeing this little display of yours, it is very clear I must teach you control and to hide your strength. Sadly, you will not be able to hide your innate talent in magic, as silent casting is exceptionally rare, but they need not know your full capacity.”

“How do you envision we do that Lady Rollara? My understanding is everyone is tested as part of joining the Royal Academy. One of those tests is magical capacity and magical intensity.” I asked, with genuine concern on my face. ‘The one thing I did pay attention to was to be cautious on revealing everything I was capable of. Being tested in front of the whole school seemed like a bad idea.’

“Do not worry my Prince, there are perks to being a royal and for knowing one of the teachers at the academy. In the past, members of the royal family have taken their testing here in the palace.” Lady Rollara said as she waved to the training area. “That is why I set this training area up. Yes, this helps your sister in her learning, but it can also be used for testing.”

“You mean I can take my entrance exam here in the royal palace? When?” I asked in hopeful relief.

“I can coordinate for a few of the teachers to test you here in this tutoring area. As for your magical capacity and intensity that can be administered directly by me. Two are usually required to test magical intensity for safety and awareness purposes, but I can bypass that safety guideline. The main reason to understand magical intensity is if we get a student with high intensity, more classes regarding control are required to ensure they don’t accidentally hurt someone.” Lady Rollara stated while pointing to the destroyed target.

I shrugged as stated. “That’s fair, and point taken.”

“This has been done in the past to protect the royal family and not give upstart nobles or foreign nations an idea of the true strength of the royal family. Remember we sometimes allow foreign dignitaries stationed in the capital the approval to send their children to the royal academy as it is one of the best schools on the continent.” Kira stated as she nodded her head following along with where Lady Rollara was going with her plan.

‘I keep forgetting that Kira comes from a high noble family. I need to poke her for information.’ After that thought a random thought popped in my head about ‘poking’ Kira. ‘Damn this young body. Ugh, focus.’

“I meant no embarrassment or insult my prince. I merely think Lady Rollara’s suggestion is prudent.” Kira said misunderstanding the nature of the redness in my checks.

“It’s fine Kira. Lady Rollara, when can we get this test administered? I’m anxious to know if I will be accepted into the Royal Academy.” I said quickly, trying to change the subject from the redness of my cheeks.

Lady Rollara’s laugh was pure and full of mirth. “Ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh, you were serious my prince?” Noticing my confused look. “You have nothing to worry about Prince James. That little display alone would have several instructors competing to have you in their class. No, this process is mere formality for you and to test your other aptitudes and affinities.”

“Other aptitudes and Affinities?” Aurora asked confused.

Lady Rollara looked at Aurora, “Yes, my dear. You see your mother, Queen Sophia, has made a point for you to focus on your magic and healing skills. As you have been told, your affinities to water and healing are much stronger than your fire affinity and you have zero dark magic affinity. We test all the range of magic types to see what you’re strong in.”

“Oh. Is that why my fire spells are harder for me to cast?” Aurora asked.

“Yes, my dear. However, with your brother’s little display, it is clear he has a very strong affinity for fire magic which is perfect for a battle mage. We also know he did some healing which shows an affinity to life or light magic, but we must test the other magic types.”

“Could he have other affinities? I thought more than one affinity was rare.” Aurora asked.

“Yes and no. Affinities are a spectrum. Having high affinities in multiple magic types is what is rare, but that does not mean you cannot use a particular magic, your fire bolt spell is an example my dear.” Lady Rollara explained.

She continued to explain the testing. “Now we test more than just magic types. We want to understand a person’s aptitudes and training or interests. Of course, I am referring to various combat methods like swords, knives, or bows, but we can also check for crafting and other aptitudes. Those are usually done through demonstration and are graded by experts in those fields.”

‘Man, she has a great way of explaining things. No wonder my parents have her teaching my sister.’ I thought as I listened.

Lady Rollara continued her explanation. “Now to answer the prince’s question on when. I would say tomorrow or the day after at the latest. All the instructors live within the city and are already here getting prepared for the general testing. It will not be difficult to get them here.”

Aurora looked at me, “Wow big brother you’re going to be very busy soon. Are you going to have any time for me?”

My heart melted again looking at her puppy dog eyes looking up at me. “Of course, sister. In fact, would you like to go for a ride on big brother’s back?”

Her eyes widened, “Really? Yes, yes, yes!” She said jumping up and down all excited.

I bent down on one knee and let my sister jump on my back. As I stood up my sister commented. “Wow big brother, you are tall! I can see so much more from up here.”

‘Heart melting further, resistance not yet futile. Adorableness increasing.’ I joked with myself.

Once I had my sister in a piggyback carry, I turned my attention to the rest of the room. “Lady Rollara, I hope you don’t mind if we adjourn for the day. I can show you one other bit of magic as I leave with Aurora.”

Curious, Lady Rollara replied. “Of course, Prince James, we have already been practicing for some time now. What other display of magic did you have in mind? I would be cautious with Princess Aurora on your back.”

“Yes, please be careful with Princess Aurora. I am sworn to protect her Prince James.” Aurora’s personal royal knight stated.

I leaned my head closer and whispered to my sister. “Tell big brother, have you ever wanted to fly?”

Aurora’s eyes turned into giant saucers as we lifted off the ground and took off down the hall. I could only make out a comment by the royal knights and Lady Rollara. “He knows flight magic?!” As the knights bolted after us, doing their best and failing to keep up.

As we sped through the halls weaving in and out, avoiding staff and guards, I could hear my sister giggling and screaming “WEEEE!!!!”