After training, I once again excused myself and headed back to my room. I told my knights that I would get in a quick power nap. They looked at me curiously, not understanding what a “power” nap was.
“Is it some form of meditation, your highness? I have heard doing something similar can help recharge your energy pool faster.” Kira said.
“So can sex Kira, but that’s far more fun.” Mira said laughing at everyone’s dumbfounded expressions.
“Regardless, please do not disturb me. I will be done in time for us to walk over to the testing area.” I said quickly to bring the conversation back on topic.
Of course, I was more interested in entering my Greater Demiplane, but they didn’t need to know that. Sure, the time dilation will help speed up my recovery, though in reality my regeneration was high enough that I wasn’t worried about being at 100 percent by the time noon rolled around. No, the real reason I wanted to return was I discovered another way to use OPs and that was to help in providing macro-enchantments on crafted larger items like carriages and structures.
I was in the middle of a few projects and wanted to continue my progress. Truth be told, I loved crafting. Deep down, if I could do nothing but create and craft, I would spend my whole life doing so.
After spending a good amount of time on my new macro projects, I of course had time to enjoy a nice relaxing bath. Besides crafting, this was becoming my other favorite past time.
“Ahh, this is heaven. I should build some communal versions of these baths if I ever decide to bring others here. What I have been able to do to the forge I have to say even I am impressed with my work. Hopefully I can get a chance to check out a few of the dwarven forges before I finalize all the runes.”
After a good long soak, I figured it was time to check in on my CWs. The big lugs seemed happy as can be to just go on about their lives working. I could sense from them a feeling of being fulfilled, they knew their purpose and it brought them peace to be doing it. I made a point to remind myself of this fact and why purpose was so important for a person’s well-being. “Perhaps crafting is part of mine. Well regardless, time to head back and get this testing over with.”
Exiting my demiplane I felt refreshed and ready to take on these tests. I decided to change my clothes and put on a comfortable set of traveling leathers that gave me greater range of motion. I wasn’t as concerned about the magic portion of the exam as I just spent several days practicing my magic. What concerned me most was the combat and swordsmanship part of the test. ‘I really should’ve asked Reggie to spar with me for better practice. Oh well. Hopefully they don’t have someone that grades very hard when it comes to combat techniques.’
Leaving my room, I found all my personal royal knights standing awkwardly by. I could literally feel the turmoil of their emotions. I wanted to cheer them up somehow but figured it would be best to give them a glimpse of what I am capable of when the time comes, the old adage ‘actions speak louder than words.’
Rather than delay things further I said, “Let’s head over.”
“You look very well rested your highness. That ‘power’ nap seems to have done wonders. Perhaps you can show us sometime how best to achieve such refreshing results?” Kira asked.
Chuckling in my head I just remembered my brother’s words ‘Power naps are awesome!’ To Kira I said, “Perhaps, power naps are pretty awesome.” I couldn’t help but laugh a bit at my inside joke.
I missed my family, but as long as I share their funny sayings and wisdom in this new world it is like they are still with me. In a way, perhaps they are. Some of the best words of wisdom I received after losing someone I loved was the simple fact that person is always with you. They have forever influenced who you are. As such a part of them will be forever with you, we just have to accept the good in what they gave you. Such thoughts helped me realize that no matter what I was never alone.
As we arrived at the magical training area, the first thing I noticed was how many people were here. Several people in various forms of dress littered the large, converted ballroom. Some men and women wore robes, some in full sets of armor, and others in leathers. I was not expecting this many people just for my entrance exam.
After I got over the shock of how many people were here, I noticed multiple areas set up clearly for conducting various tests, along with an elevated area for observation. I saw several chairs in the observation area and found two more regal chairs that stood out among the rest, my guess was those seats were reserved for my parents.
It wasn’t even a minute before we were approached by a gray haired, tall man in shiny, light armor. It was clear the armor was a good combination of unrestricted movement and defense. I realized that I knew that fact from the blacksmithing and combat knowledge I had obtained. This gray-haired man was followed by Lady Rollara and a few other robed individuals.
“Let’s get this over with boy. Time to take your measure.” The gray-haired man said bluntly.
“Duke Spears, you know we cannot begin until the King and Queen arrive. You also know that you can only initiate the testing if the headmaster is not present. Seeing how ‘I am’ present, I will decide when we begin.” Lady Rollara emphasized the last few words to show she would not backdown to the blunt man.
‘Duke Spears huh? Oh yea, I can see the resemblance with Reggie.’ I thought as I watched the byplay between Lady Rollara and Duke Spears.
Duke Spears turned to Lady Rollara with a frown and practically growled out, “Do not play games with me headmaster. Will you wait until the end of the exam for me to test his sword skills? Afraid he won’t be able to continue after going up against a sword saint? Think he might fail the rest of his tests?”
A bit shocked to find out this guy was the sword saint I read about. His book was among John and Susan’s belongings and made me realize this man was the same person who wrote the Art of Combat.
‘I was just thinking earlier how I needed to practice my swordsmanship. Fighting this guy would be a good gauge of my skills.’
The fact Lady Rollara is the headmaster of the Royal Academy, was a bit of a surprise too but I recovered quickly. Deciding it best for me to chimed in, “Lady Rollara, if I may? I too would prefer to be tested by Duke Spears first. Even in defeat I can learn much from a fight with a sword saint.”
Everyone looked at me with surprise and shock.
Of course, the Duke spoke up first, “Hmph, at least the kid has some courage, or it could just be ignorance, we shall see which. If it is flattery, you will find that means nothing to me.”
Before anyone else could say anything else a grand chamberlain announced the arrival of my parents by slamming his staff on the ground making the room fall silent and all eyes turning to the man. “Attention everyone! Bow your heads! Our majesties King Gerald and Queen Sophia have arrived!”
My parents took their seats and my mother spoke up first, “Headmaster Lady Rollara, are we ready to begin?”
One thing I noticed was how differently my mother acted. She was poised and reserved, clearly, she was demonstrating the importance of proper decorum. I was used to seeing her as the overprotective mother who would smother me in bear hugs and be all emotional about her son, but this showed me a different side to her. It made me respect her even further and helped me understand how regal she truly was. ‘Now if I can just get her to keep working on the vice-grip bear hugs, I’ll be great.’ I laughed internally at my own random sense of humor.
Lady Rollara bowed and replied, “Yes, your majesty! We will begin with testing Prince James’ sword skills.”
Turning to me Lady Rollara said, “Prince James, let me explain what is about to happen for your Royal Academy entrance exam. As you and the duke have already agreed, you will undergo a series of practical testing of both your physical and combat capabilities. After this part of the exam, we shall test your mental and arithmetic skills, and various crafting and magic related professions such as alchemy. Once all these tests are completed, we will read your magical affinities, capacity, and intensity. Do you have any questions before we begin?”
“No Headmaster. Thank you for the explanation. I am ready to begin.” I politely replied.
“Very well. Please enter the sword arena. Duke Spears will explain the rules for this test.” Lady Rollara said in an almost resigned way.
After both Duke Spears and I entered the arena area he started his explanation, “Alright brat, normally a timer is set, and you must survive until the timer runs out. However,” the duke paused for effect, “as is my right, I’m changing the success criteria. In order to succeed in this test, you must defeat me! If you last long enough, I may give you a pass out of pity, but I wouldn’t count on it. Oh and no using magic! I’ll allow body enhancement magic but that’s it! Got it brat?!”
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
I could hear several gasps and see out of the corner of my eye my father and Uncle Marcus both grasped their armrests hard, anger clear on their faces. I also saw Captain Spears grip his sword tight.
Lady Rollara shook her head and “Tsk, tsk. This will not prevent him from entering the academy, Reginald.”
Duke Spears ignored it all and just smiled. “Any questions? No? Good! Alright, let’s begin.” He immediately rushed me. Having encountered this with his son I was expecting it and parried the initial set of blows.
“You survived my first round of attacks. Not many can. Let us increase the intensity a bit.” Duke Spears smiled as I felt, and saw with my True Sight ability, magic begins to infuse his body and sword.
We danced around the arena, with me only deflecting the duke’s attacks. It was clear where Reggie learned his fighting style and how it earned him his place as Captain of the Royal Knights. The duke was super quick and would use the energy from a counterattack to turn that energy against his opponent. If I attacked too heavily or didn’t mind my balance, the duke would use that momentum to throw me off and then strike with a counterattack. Luckily, I didn’t overcommit as I was mostly on the defensive at the moment.
As I studied the duke, it was clear even though he said he would increase the intensity, the man was not giving me his all. I was beneath him in his eyes and he was having fun humiliating an unworthy prince, or at least that is what I surmised. I may be quick to act but that did not mean I did not leverage my extremely high Intelligence stat.
Lady Rollara had ordered a series of timers to track the duration even though the duke had said time would not be a factor. It was clear she wanted everyone to see how long I could last against a sword saint. I could see why such a thing mattered as only a minute had passed and it was clear the duke was strong too, he hit like a truck.
All eyes were on our fight. I could hear random comments.
“The prince has lasted a minute against a sword saint!”
“Such a thing should not be possible!”
“I am glad the duke tested his combat and sword techniques as I would not want to be the one to do it.”
“I agree, I do not think I would last a minute, the duke is terrifying!”
“What an accomplishment!”
The duke kept ratcheting up his speed and strength behind his attacks “I’m surprised you’ve lasted over a minute brat.” He said after we broke apart after his last charge at me.
“Underestimating your opponent is never wise. You put that in your book. I read it while in exile.” I commented.
“You read my book? How interesting. I do hope you are not trying to flatter me; it will not work.” Duke Spears replied.
“You are a sword saint, I will not underestimate you Duke, nor will I attempt to flatter you.” I retorted.
The duke rushed me again, adding a burst of speed with body enhancement magic. I saw the move coming and quickly side-stepped as I used my hand to push the flat of his blade off course before I used the momentum to gain some distance once again.
“Your son is Captain of the Royal Knights, and more importantly, in the short time I have gotten to know him, it is clear he is an honorable man. I’m guessing he learned that from his family.” I said.
“Do not speak of my son or my family if you know what is good for you boy. I have no problem cutting a bad vine from the root!” Duke Spears snarled.
I must’ve hit a nerve. I saw both my father and Uncle rise from their seats; fury written on their faces at the outright threat. The only thing holding them both back was the knowledge that if they interfered it would invalidate my entire exam, which might have been the duke’s plan all along.
“Cleaver duke. I like that you think on your feet, but so do I.” I said as I beckoned the man to attack.
After another minute and intense clashing, I continued, “Let’s make a wager Duke. If I last 10 minutes you begrudgingly acknowledge my skill with a blade. If I happen to beat you, then you join my faction, as such an act should be sufficient proof of strength. How about it?”
A few gasps came from some of the spectators at my boldness.
“Did he just dare to ask that?”
“The duke is going to wipe the floor with him.”
“Lasting a few minutes is nowhere near lasting ten minutes.”
“What nerve!”
Duke Spears laughed. “Hahaha! You’ve got some serious stones kid. It has barely been a few minutes. What do I get if I beat you before the 10-minute mark?” The duke asked with some genuine intrigue, it was clear he was enjoying himself.
In truth, I was enjoying myself too. Reggie was an awesome opponent and fighting him helped me become more comfortable with my new body and stats. Yet fighting the duke was on a whole other level of challenge.
“If I don’t make the 10 minutes, I’ll deny my right to be heir, and return to exile. If I fail to beat you after the 10 minutes, I’ll join your faction.” I said confidently.
My father spoke up, “No! I cannot allow this! I will go to war over this!”
My mother was even more frantic, “I will not lose my son again! I’ll destroy you myself Duke!”
My Uncle Marcus roared, “No one is taking my nephew from us! I will kill you myself!”
‘Awe. I internally made a heart symbol for these people. My family is pretty darn special. Thank you, God, for these people.’ I thought as I made a point to appreciate this moment and those in my life.
My family’s words seemed to catch the duke off guard, he wasn’t expecting such vehemence. I heard him mutter to himself, “Perhaps they do have a spine after all.”
I smiled back at the duke. “Well? Don’t tell me the man who wrote Art of Combat is having second thoughts? What was it you said in your book? Oh yes, once you commit yourself do not waste precious time and energy on second guessing. Such acts lead to failure and reduce one’s resolve. Retreating from an overwhelming force is acceptable but retreating because of doubt is foolish and without honor!”
“Deal!” Was all he said before he re-engaged, and the intensity of his attacks increased.
The duke kept going all out yet I kept him at bay. I did a few counter attacks, instead focusing more on defense and looking for opportunities to strike, which when you fight a sword saint are pretty much nonexistent. My goal was to run out the clock. I knew the man had to have high Stamina and his body enhancement magic would be top notch.
Despite all of the constant barrage of attacks I kept going, careful in how I engaged the sword saint. There were several moments of intense back and forth clashes before we would distance ourselves and reassess. For me I was achieving my goal and time passed.
After the 9-minute mark the duke was almost gleeful as he found new strength to lay into me. “You have surprised me, perhaps you bring out the best in the royal family.”
Breathing heavily, I replied, “Just the royal family? When...was...the last time...you got this kind of workout?”
The duke laughed. “Ha, ha! I have not been challenged like this in decades. Perhaps you bring out the best in others period. End this now boy, I can see your exhaustion. I will not hold you to the bet.”
“Why not? I plan to hold you to it!” I replied.
“Very well, time to end this!” Duke Spears said as he channeled large amounts of mana into his sword, as he rushed me once again.
The man hit like a semi-truck and if I had not infused mana into my own blade, it would’ve been sliced in half, me along with it. We exchanged several blows that began to leave impact marks on the ground from the intensity of the swipes. Both of us looked at each other and smiled, we both were having fun and each of us knew it.
Just at that moment we crossed the 10-minute mark and the duke started to laugh, “Looks like you get to keep your crown, Prince James! Haha it will be good to have you part of my faction!”
I winked at the man. “Or maybe you should join my faction.”
As if on cue, I shifted stances and started to go on the offensive. It was time to test out my new strength and reflexes. I increased my speed and hitting power, showing the duke what I was truly capable of.
I started to push the duke back. Every time he thought I overextended my swing based on the power behind my attack he would find me perfectly balanced. Several times I countered and found openings in his defenses.
‘Oh yea, this is why I learned martial arts, combat mastery, and weapons mastery!’ I thought with glee.
This is exactly what I needed to test myself. I was just stalling, buying time, one to avoid causing too much of a stir and two allowing both the duke and I to take true measure of each other. A sword saint was someone you never underestimated.
Plus, I needed the get the man off-balance to see if he would agree to my bet. There was no way I was going to pass up an opportunity to take out or reduce one of the noble factions that had pitted themselves against my family.
‘And here I thought I was just going to be taking a test. Got to love these anime tropes. Time to end this!’
I finally decided to use all my strength and speed in my attacks.
The sword saint rushed me once again. I easily batted away the duke’s sword attack with the back of my hand to the flat of his blade. Catching him off guard with how fast and easily I deflected such a powerful strike, I grabbed the man. Not giving him a chance to react, I flipped him over on to his back. Putting my foot on the flat of his blade and my sword at his neck, all in one fluid motion.
“Do you yield?!” I roared, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins.
The entire magically training area fell silent. No one even dared breathe. Then the duke spoke words no one in the entire kingdom ever expected the duke to say, “I yield!”
I reached down and grasped wrists with the duke and lifted him up as the whole area erupted in cheers.
“It’s a miracle!”
“Did you see that last move?!”
“Yea it was so fast I could barely keep track. One minute they were fighting and the next, the duke was on his back with a sword to his throat!”
“The prince actually defeated a sword saint!”
“I still can’t believe my eyes!”
“You are telling me! I thought the prince was done for when the duke said he would be the one to test him!”
Then the area fell silent once again when the duke got down on one knee, lowered his head, with his sword tip in the ground in front of Prince James.
My parents and Uncle were in mid-walk over to congratulate me when they too stopped dead in their tracks watching what was happening.
Duke Spears put power into his words so all in the hall could hear them. “I Duke Reginald Spears, the first of his name, do hereby pledge my sword, family, and house in the service of his majesty Prince James! I swear complete loyalty to one who has proven a capable warrior and decisive ruler!”
As if on instinct I replied. “I receive your pledge with the same respect and gravity it was given. Rise Duke Spears! It is a pleasure to know you!”
We once again grasped wrists and I helped him to his feet.
Once standing, Duke Spears continued to speak so all in the area could hear, “Let it be known that Duke Spears has joined Prince James’ faction and will only recognize his majesty Prince James as heir to the throne! My faction is no more! There is only Prince James’ faction!”
‘Well, that should be interesting.’ I thought as my parents and uncle approached.
My parents and Uncle Marcus arrived. My mother immediately locked me in a bear hug while General Marcus gave Duke Spears a side hug.
“You had me worried! Don’t you ever talk about exile ever again! Do you hear me son?! I couldn’t bare it; you almost broke you mother’s heart!” My mother said while my father, Uncle Marcus, and even Duke Spears laughed.
Captain Spears wasn’t too far behind and when he arrived Duke Spears embraced his son. “It appears you were right junior!”
“Dad, I hate when you call me that!” Captain Spears said but it was halfhearted as he had a smile on his face bigger than I have ever seen on the man. It was rare for him to get this kind of unrestrained affection from his father, and he made a point to engrain the memory forever into his brain.
I laughed inwardly at the unintended Indiana Jones reference. ‘Man, what a life. I wonder how the rest of the entrance exam will go?’
————- - - - - - - - - - - - ————