I believe I handled that quite well. I never lied to her; after all, I had never heard of a way to give someone else the same talent as another person. Adding someone to the system didn’t grant them my talent. While they gained access to its framework, such as leveling systems, stat tracking, and class assignments, they would never possess the unique privileges I did. They couldn’t transport the system to another universe or freely choose any class they wanted; their options were strictly limited by the system's inherent rules and restrictions.

Common classes provided basic, generalized abilities, whereas advanced or unique classes demanded exceptional skill, rigorous trials, or the fulfillment of specific criteria set by the system to unlock their full potential. It was a stark contrast, one that reinforced just how different my situation truly was.

With all that said I was also honest about being willing to share the talent with her. If in the future I could trust her completely, I was more than willing to add her to the system. Helping the future king and probably his closest advisor would only be good for me.

Happy with how everything turned out, I took a moment to reflect on the unexpected events of the day before deciding to head over and meet up with Robert. I found him sitting in the cafeteria with several other students, each one looking as though they were hanging on his every word. I stood there out of sight for a solid 10 minutes just watching the interaction. Every single time Robert laughed all of them would laugh as well.

Seeing him surrounded by eager faces, yet still so isolated, made me feel a pang of sympathy I couldn’t quite place. Despite having everyone’s attention, it was clear that genuine connection eluded him. I wondered if anyone had ever truly seen him, not as a prince, but as a person beyond the expectations and obligations that came with his title.

The thought lingered, and I realized how lonely it must be to constantly wear a mask of perfection, always surrounded by people who revered him but never truly knew him. He had all the admiration he could ever want, yet not a single person to have an honest conversation with. The realization hit me hard, he wasn’t just alone; he was trapped by the very status that elevated him.

At that moment, I made a decision. I would treat him as I would anyone else, with honesty and companionship. Coming from a world where equality was second nature, the concept of such isolation felt alien to me. In my world, respect was earned through actions and character, not birthright, and relationships were built on mutual understanding rather than blind deference. That stark contrast only strengthened my resolve to show him what true friendship could be like.

I mean sure some had more money and could just pay for whatever they wanted, but if I walked up to one of them and punched them in the face for being rude, they would bleed the same blood that I did.

Walking up to the table, I interrupted one of his companions and looked directly at Robert. “Hey, are we going to spar, or do you need your toes cleaned a little more before you're ready?” I asked with a smirk. Robert paused mid-conversation, a grin slowly spreading across his face. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the reaction my words elicited from his companions. "You never fail to make an entrance, do you?" he replied, his tone a mix of humor and exasperation.

Despite my boldness, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hesitation as I disrupted the easy rhythm of their group. Yet, there was a thrill in asserting myself, knowing I was challenging the unspoken rules of deference that governed interactions here. I knew then and there that I would not be liked by most people, but I didn’t care in the least. I was who I was, take it or leave it.

Everyone at the table, except for Robert, stared at me in shock. Appalled by the idea that I would speak to anyone that way, let alone with the prince right there. “Do you know to whom you are speaking peasant? Get on your knees and beg forgiveness at once!”

I tilted my head, studying the person who spoke, and replied sincerely, “No, I have no idea who I’m talking to. He introduced himself as Robert, we sparred for a bit, which, by the way, I still insist I won that race, and then decided to meet up with some others for another spar this afternoon. But, judging by your question, I’m guessing he’s someone important?”

I paused for a moment, my expression completely neutral, before adding, “Wait, is he the crown prince? Is that why you’re chastising me for talking to someone above my rank? I suppose it would seem rude if he were the crown prince and didn’t correct me himself, but instead left it to someone of a lower station.”

At this Robert burst out laughing, “He’s got a point Devin. Why are you trying to stand up for me when I am not saying anything?”

As Robert was speaking, my eyes wandered over everyone and specifically, everything. I generally made sure not to use Identify on other people. As Evelyn displayed, some people might have a talent that can help them detect when I use Identify on them. However, I constantly Identify things like food or plates.

As I scanned everything on the table, Robert’s food popped up to my Identify.

Poisoned Chicken – chicken that has a strong poison on it.

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“Oh, Robert I almost forget Evelyn said we needed to see her. Apparently, it’s something super important so we better go right now. Devin, I apologize for being rude. I tend to react poorly in stressful situations.” As I spoke Robert’s eyes narrowed slightly. I looked at him and very slightly shook my head, trying to make sure that only he saw me.

“Did she? Well, I guess we should get going then. I’ll see everyone later. Jace if you will come with me.” Robert said with a smile and calm demeanor.

Devin seemed ready to continue berating me, his jaw tightening and his hands clenching into fists, even as Robert asked me to come along. His sense of propriety, however, won out. This allowed Robert and I to walk out of the cafeteria. We walked at a steady pace, not running but also not slowly. As soon as we got out of the cafeteria Robert started to turn toward me.

“Keep walking, I think someone is following us.” I whispered, continuing to walk at our current pace. Robert continued walking without missing a beat.

I was using Panoptic Sense as best as I could trying to sense anyone or anything. Right as the door to the cafeteria was about to get out of my range the door opened, and someone slipped outside. I wasn’t sure they were the ones though as they were walking at a relaxed pace and just went in a different direction from us.

“I guess they decided not to follow us but let’s wait until we meet your sister before talking. I want her talent around in this situation.” I whispered to Robert.

He nodded his head before telling me to follow him. I was happy that he had a good idea of where to find his sister, as I honestly had no idea.

In only a few minutes he led us to the library where we found Evelyn, her head in a book that looked to be larger than she was. “What could you possibly be reading about in a book that big?” I asked. At my words her head snapped up to me, where she saw myself and Robert standing.

“She has always been the bookworm in our family. Any chance she got she was in the Library back home.” Robert said with an amused voice.

“What happened?” She asked already knowing that something had happened.

“Let’s go somewhere more private.” I responded.

Evelyn nodded and led the way to the same spot we went to before. By the time we got there, Evelyn kept glancing between Robert and me, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her sleeve. “Alright, this is good enough, what happened?” She demanded of us.

“Honestly, I am not really sure myself. I was sitting down with the normal group of suck ups when Jace showed up. He called all of them out for sucking up to me when he suddenly said you had something important to talk about. Jace what’s going on?” Robert asked looking at me.

“Well, I guess I should ask before I start making any accusations, do you normally eat food with strong poisons on them?” I asked Robert. I mean he is a Royal it could be something that’s a poison, but it stops other poisons and has no effect on people.

At my question both Robert and Evelyn became extremely serious. Robert looked at me with skepticism, while Evelyn looked at me with worry. “And how would you know that my food was poisoned?” Robert asked.

“Same way that I knew Evey here was the princess before she even introduced herself to me. I have a skill that lets me just sort of know things.”

Roberts eyes narrowed, probably because his royal truth telling thing was telling him that I was telling the truth, but not understanding how when he had seen me use Arcane Armor. Evelyn on the other hand just nodded and started to pace.

“That’s why you came to me, hoping my talent might tell me something? Unfortunately, it does not work like that. The poisoned food had nothing to do with me, so my talent doesn’t care.”

“Wait, I don’t understand how he could have known these things. What exactly is your talent Jace?” Robert almost demanded.

“I’ll tell you the same thing that I told Eve, my talent is different than most people’s talent. I will not tell you what my talent is, but it affords me a few skills. That is exactly what they are though, skills, they are not the talent. I do promise that I have nothing against either of you or your family and my father asked me to keep an eye out due to there being many prominent people attending school this year.” I said making sure to look both siblings in the eye as I said it.

Robert nodded his head then held his hand out, “Then there are only two things. First thanks man, poison would have sucked. Next, I am sorry to ask this of you, but will you check out mine and my sister’s food and drinks from now on? I know it is a lot to ask, but I will make sure that you and your family are compensated for this fully.”

“What the hell man?” I exclaimed looking at him aghast, “Why are you so formal all of a sudden? We are friends and it’s not like it’s even that hard for me. I am more interested in finding out who poisoned you. I mean obviously one of the workers did the actual poisoning, but who wanted you poisoned?”

I’ll admit, I probably wasn’t as empathetic as I should have been. In hindsight, my curiosity about solving the mystery overshadowed the gravity of the situation. It wasn’t just about the intrigue of solving a puzzle; it was the first real challenge I’d faced in years, and I got caught up in it. However, as the weight of the situation settled in, my priorities began to shift. The stakes were high, and the realization that lives might be at risk grounded me. Beneath my excitement, a deeper sense of responsibility emerged, a drive to uncover the truth, not just for the thrill, but to protect those who mattered.

“What can you tell me about Devin? He seems like an overbearing stuck up noble, so he is a good choice for a bad guy in my opinion.”

Robert laughed at that, “Devin is third in line for the throne. He’s my cousin and certainly stands to gain a lot from my death. Most would choose him over my sister for the throne, depending on who she chooses as her husband.

However, while he is a stickler for propriety, he does not even want to be the one in charge of his duchy. He is dead set on becoming the headmaster at Ascension and has even legally given up his right as heir to his family’s duchy. While I am sure there if there were no options, he could become the new king, a lot of people would have to pass for him to gain the throne. On top of that his family currently does not have another heir. This means that his family cannot gain the throne if I die.” Robert explained.

“Why can’t finding the assassin just be simple? The snobby guy seems like an obvious villain, but no, it’s probably going to be the super awesome person no one suspects, and everyone loves. Evelyn, Evey, you didn’t try to kill your brother, did you?” I asked with a sweet and innocent smile.

“I think I am beginning to not like you. I wonder how bad I could make things for you here if I set my talent to it?”

“I’m sorry, you are the best and I will never question your loyalty again.” I said while giving a very formal bow to her.