The next morning, I woke up early—a task that books never quite prepare you for when there’s no such thing as alarm clocks or phones in your world. Rising at the right time without those modern conveniences was a challenge I hadn’t appreciated until now. I made a mental note to never take the jarring buzz of a smartphone alarm for granted again. To wake up consistently, I had to train my body to follow a routine: waking with the first light of dawn, relying on the rhythmic chirping of birds outside my window, and reminding myself that breakfast in the cafeteria wouldn’t wait forever.
Over time, this routine had become second nature, though it was far from effortless. The absence of a sudden, intrusive sound to yank me from sleep made the process oddly serene yet undeniably harder. Once up, I stretched, got ready, and headed out to the cafeteria, ready to tackle the day with at least a little food in my system.
The meeting at the auditorium wasn’t until ten bells, so I had plenty of time to grab food and maybe squeeze in a workout. This morning, instead of grabbing food to go, I decided to sit down and let my Panoptic Sense fully take in the environment. As I activated the ability, the cafeteria transformed before me. Every flicker of energy, every movement, came alive, weaving together a vivid tapestry of activity.
I could see the rhythmic flow of students entering and leaving, their movements creating ripples of motion that filled the room. The subtle shifts in weight as they leaned over tables or carried trays became part of the intricate dance, while the faint trails of heat from steaming plates lingered in the air like ghostly imprints. It was as though I had stepped into a different dimension, one where every detail was amplified, sharper, and more vibrant.
This unique perspective allowed me to track even the smallest interactions, picking up patterns and dynamics I might have otherwise missed. It felt like having a second set of eyes, ones that captured not just sights but the subtle pulses of energy that painted a comprehensive picture of my surroundings. In a place brimming with unfamiliar faces and unseen connections, this ability was invaluable, giving me an edge in navigating the hidden currents of life at Ascension.
I kept my eyes down, focused on my food, though I couldn’t help but scan the doors occasionally. It wasn’t long before I spotted her, using Panoptic Sense to keep an eye on her movements, I noticed they were deliberate and focused as her gaze swept across the room. The moment her eyes locked onto me, her posture shifted, a slight stiffening of her shoulders, and her lips pressed into a determined line. Without hesitation, she headed straight for the line, her urgency unmistakable as she weaved through the crowd, clearly intent on reaching my table as quickly as possible.
Her focus, paired with the subtle tension in her stride, made me wonder what exactly she wanted to say. Despite my mounting curiosity, I decided to finish my meal quickly and slip out before she could reach me. I needed a moment to clear my head, to reflect on everything that had happened recently, and perhaps to let her stew on whatever had brought her to me in such a hurry.
“Are you Jace?” I heard as I walked out of the cafeteria. Looking around I saw none other than Prince Robert. As soon as I looked at him, he continued, “Apologies for coming to you out of the blue. Instructor Remy said that you might be able to keep up with me and I was hoping to speak to you about possibly sparring occasionally?” he asked very politely. Before I was able to respond, Evelyn came out of the cafeteria.
Standing at a solid 5 foot 10, Prince Robert carried himself with an effortless blend of regal poise and approachable charm. His athletic build, a testament to years of rigorous combat training, was emphasized by broad shoulders and a confident stance that radiated quiet strength. Wavy chestnut hair, often falling into his eyes, gave him a slightly boyish look that softened his otherwise noble demeanor. His sharp, emerald-green eyes gleamed with a competitive edge, betraying a thirst for challenges and a mind always calculating the next move. The combination made him simultaneously intimidating and disarming, a figure who could inspire both respect and camaraderie.
“Robert, what are you doing here?” She asked, her eyes showing how nervous she was.
Robert looked at his sister, confused as to why she was speaking to him. “I was asking Jace here if he was willing to spar with me. Instructor Remy mentioned that Jace here was strong enough to actually put up a challenge with me. What about you? Why are you here, looking for Jace I assume?” he asked.
“I, uh, met, uh, Jace last night due to my talent. I thought that he might be a good frontliner for me. We talked for a bit, and we came to an understanding.” She stated, saying my name with a questioning tone. Probably realizing at that moment that I had never given my name the night before.
If they were trying to pretend they didn’t know each other, they were doing a spectacularly bad job. Their lack of subtlety made me wonder if they underestimated my ability to notice or if their sibling bond simply overpowered their attempts at secrecy. Either way, it was fascinating to watch. Their awkward attempts at hiding their connection revealed more than they probably intended, offering a glimpse into how they might behave under scrutiny or manage complex relationships. It wasn’t just the failure to deceive that caught my attention; it was the way their dynamic hinted at a deep familial bond that, for better or worse, they couldn’t completely mask. It was a telling moment, one that made me curious about how they would handle more serious challenges down the line.
I just kept watching them with a small smirk on my face, amused by their casual banter. It struck me how their ease with each other contrasted with the formalities they were expected to uphold in public, and I wondered if this informality was a sign of trust or simply a lapse in decorum. Either way, it revealed a dynamic that made me curious about how they balanced their roles as siblings and members of royalty.
“I know that everyone back home would think less of you if we were to work together, but dad, mom, and I all believe that those choices are stupid. Honestly, your talent mixed with mine just makes the most sense. However, I personally also think that they should look down on me instead of you, even if I am the crown prince. Wouldn’t I be the one to look like a poor leader if I not only can’t lead without my sister, but if I don’t put the best person for the job in place?”
The prince continued to rant for a few more minutes, and with each passing second, my unease grew. He was casually discussing Dukes and Viscounts—matters far above my station as the son of a Knight. “Forgive me for interrupting, my Lord,” I said, bowing respectfully, “but I feel I must take my leave. I am not of a rank suitable to engage in discussions of such importance.”
I straightened slightly, offering a small smile. “That said, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that sparring with you sounds like an excellent idea.” Turning to Evelyn, I added with a slight bow, “Princess.” Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and made to leave, hoping to escape the awkwardness of the moment before it could grow any worse.
“Jace, wait! I wanted to discuss with you some more about teaming up.” Evelyn said.
“And seriously man you don’t need to be so formal. Everyone is equal at Ascension, and I personally hate all the formality. Just be yourself, and we will get along just fine. Besides, if we are going to be sparring with each other, I don’t want you to take it easy on me just because I’m the prince.” The prince said.
“Oh, thank gods. My dad is a guard captain and Knight, but we don’t usually associate with most nobles. Thanks for being ok with me being less formal. As for you Evelyn, what more did you want to talk about?” I asked.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“Well, you never really said whether you were willing to join my team. I also wanted to see if you wanted to sit with me at the assembly. I don’t really know anyone here besides –”
“Great idea Eve, we have a couple hours before the assembly starts, why don’t we go get in a quick match. Eve you can watch to get an idea of how he fights, and I can hopefully have a challenge.” Robert interrupted. He seemed like a kid in a candy store at the idea of sparring with me. He also seemed to really like his sister, although I am not sure why people would think that the sister of the crown prince, working with the crown prince would make her less able.
I am just really glad my dad was only a lowly Knight, and I did not have to deal with all the political bull.
As soon as he finished speaking, Robert grabbed my arm and Evelyns and took off toward the arena. Although, as soon as he grabbed my wrist, I could tell I would easily be able to break away or not allow him to pull me, I was looking forward to sparring with him.
Evelyn on the other hand was very loud about her objections of being pulled so forcefully. Telling Robert to let her go or she would tell mom he was bullying her. Not that it had an effect on the boy.
As soon as we got to the arena the prince let us go and made his way to the field. “Come on Jace, let’s have a good spar!” He shouted, running toward the feeling with the excitement only a young child can display. I laughed following along, but at a walking speed.
Evelyn seemed to be concentrating on my every move, probably wondering if I thought she had informed her brother. “I swear I didn’t tell him. Though if you did it would not matter. My brother is a very kind person. He could care less about social status and only defines a person’s worth based on their abilities. With your ability to read people and fight he will probably try to make you his best friend.” She whispered as soon as her brother was out of earshot.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head.” I whispered back, not able to see the blush that crept up her cheeks at my words. “I didn’t think you had told him. He seemed to set on my ability to fight than what I told you for me to think otherwise.”
She nodded and visibly relaxed, which made me realize something crucial: her talent had a significant flaw. It didn’t provide definitive answers—only possibilities. Her earlier nervousness suddenly made sense; her talent had likely been warning her that if I believed she had told Robert, I would never trust her again. But it didn’t tell her whether or not I actually believed it. This limitation meant that either she had to carefully word her questions to her talent, or its power had clear boundaries that restricted its precision.
Armed with that tidbit of knowledge, I made my way into the arena where Robert was waiting, his eagerness practically radiating from him. Knowing Evelyn had a talent for instincts and that Robert’s talent revolved around his apparent invulnerability, I decided it was time to take a closer look. Without hesitation, I activated Identify, curious to see what insights it would reveal about him.
Robert Magnalon – Level 16 – Talent: Unyielding Stasis
The name made me think his talent might immobilize him while active. It struck me that his ability was likely something he had to toggle on and off, or perhaps it activated automatically whenever he was still and deactivated the moment he moved. This realization gave me a tactical edge, I could beat him as long as I kept him moving. Still, I decided I wouldn’t use this knowledge unless absolutely necessary. It was the kind of insight that was better kept as an ace up my sleeve.
“Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.” By General James Mattis, was a philosophy that I stood by. In a world where alliances could shift and trust was scarce, this mindset kept me vigilant. It reminded me to stay prepared for both cooperation and confrontation, ensuring I could navigate the complexities of life at Ascension with resilience and adaptability.
“I use a sword, if you’re ok with that?” Robert said, slowly swing his sword.
I nodded and made my way over to the shield rack, scanning the options carefully before selecting two that seemed like they might suit my style. While I knew shields wouldn’t be the most effective against someone with Robert’s talent, I still preferred to train in the same way I intended to fight. After all, it wasn’t just about winning this match, it was about honing my skills for battles yet to come.
As I made my way to my spot, I glanced at Robert, curious if he’d have anything to say about my unusual style. Evelyn was no longer my focus; she wasn’t the one I was about to face in the arena. “No comment on the dual shields? Most people at least have something to say about it,” I remarked casually, tightening the straps on both shields as I spoke, my tone light but slightly teasing.
“I will admit it is different, but everyone has their own style. I just want to see how good it will be.” He said, and as soon as he finished, he dashed for me.
He was fast, faster than I gave him credit for. In moments he was on me swinging for all he was worth with his sword. Unfortunately for him, I was used to sparring with my father. As soon as he moved, I cast Arcane Armor covering me in my ornate armor. Then I moved with the grace that was beat into me by a level 72 martial artist.
I dodged his strike easily and flowed to the side swinging toward his arm. Trying to evaluate his invulnerability. The moment before I was about to land the strike his whole-body sort of froze for an instant and I knew if I pressed him, he would lose. Because the instant he froze was just long enough to block the attack, but he was not able to control his body perfectly, so he broke his own invulnerability.
I would not have been able to see so much without my Panoptic Sense. Usually, whenever someone moves, they generate these white lines coming from their body. His stopped for the briefest of moments. That was all the information I needed.
I jumped back and looked at him, trying to figure out how I could win without giving up what I knew. In that moment I realized I was being dumb. Overthinking everything and trying to play politics by keeping so many things secret.
I jumped back in, this time sparring with the sole intent of having fun. That simple change in mindset transformed the match entirely—it became more relaxed, exhilarating even. Without the weight of overthinking strategy or keeping my insights hidden, every move felt fluid, natural, and spontaneous. We pushed each other to the edge of our abilities, the focus shifting from winning to the sheer joy of testing ourselves against one another.
Back and forth we went, my shields deflecting his strikes while his sword failed to penetrate my Arcane Armor. The longer we fought, the more we let go of any pretense, throwing ourselves into the match with everything we had. There was something liberating about fighting at full capacity without the fear of hurting each other—each exchange became a celebration of our skills. The arena echoed with the rhythmic clang of our weapons, and the intensity of our duel felt almost like a dance, one neither of us wanted to end.
After about thirty of minutes of constant fighting, we were both on the ground completely soaked with sweat and laughing. “Jesus Jace, I don’t think I have had that much fun sparring with someone before. Instructor Remy said you would be a good match for me, but I thought he just meant skill wise. Your talent is almost the exact same as mine in making you invulnerable.”
“Yes, that is an interesting talent you have Jace, it makes me wonder if you have any other skills?” Evelyn asked.
At her comment I looked at her sharply only to see her eyes widen slightly, apparently her talent kicked in letting her know that I had more than one skill at my disposal. I knew then and there that her and I would have to have a real talk. If we didn’t, she might accidentally use her talent and give away something really important.
“Of course he does Evey, did you see the way he fought! I am not sure, but I think he is making his own style with those two shields based off a fist fighting style. I think uncle would love to collaborate with him on it. If only so that he might be able to learn more about fighting.” Robert chuckled.
“How about you and I meet up later and we can discuss in detail what being on your team means, and what I can bring to the table Evey.” I spoke in a very deliberate way. Trying to convey that I wanted to speak to her alone about this.
“We can meet for lunch, sorry Robert but you cannot be apart if we’re going to be on separate teams.” Evelyn told her brother. Funnily enough he seemed to actually pout at the idea of being left out.
“Fine, I guess I can deal with a few people trying to suck up to me for one lunch. However, don’t make this a habit you hear me not only do I enjoy hanging out with you Jace here is going to be my new best friend. We may not be able to beat each other, but we are sure to increase our stamina fighting each other for so long. Now let’s go get washed up and get to this assembly. Evey if you don’t mind heading to the auditorium and grabbing us some seats we will be there shortly.” Robert suggested.
Robert and I ran toward our dorms and surprisingly we were in the same one. While I was on the fourth floor he was on the third. We split up and each got washed and ready as quickly as we could. I slightly quicker than he. If I had to guess it was due to him being a prince and when I was in the military, we had to be able to do the three s’ if we didn’t want to get in trouble in just a couple minutes. For those who don’t know the three s’ its shit, shower, and shave.
I waited for him to finish and when we started walking toward the auditorium, I asked him a question that had been bothering me since we met. “By the by Robert, whose Instructor Remy?”