After both Lief and Melch went to sleep, Galen stepped out of their inn to meet with Kaiser. The night air was cold and the streets were mostly silent. So,it was save from the occasional clatter of a carriage or the murmur of passersby. Outside the building where Kaiser had arranged their lodging, Galen spotted him leaning casually against a lamp post with a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Galen approached with his arms crossed and asked directly "What have you really done?"

Kaiser’s smirk widened into a grin. "Just helped the young master pass the exam. Nothing else."

Galen’s expression darkened as his suspicions were confirmed. His voice dropped into a stern tone. "Explain."

Kaiser shrugged nonchalantly. "I arranged for a concentrated mana potion with the usual mana enhancer to be slipped into the mix during the exam. I paid indirectly to the academy’s potion maker to ensure it was given specifically to the young master. Don’t worry about the cost, I covered them myself."

Galen’s jaw tightened his disapproval was evident visibly. "You intervened in the first test, itself for fuck’s sake? Do you understand the risks of such actions? The academy closely monitors the other exams. Don’t pull off the same stunt again. Writing exams, medicine making and even the physical tests are scrutinized heavily."

Kaiser waved a dismissive hand. "Relax, Galen. Being too strict won’t do you any good. Not every challenge needs to be a mountain."

The comment stung more for its implication than its tone. Galen’s gaze lingered on Kaiser for a moment before the latter gave a casual wave and wandered off likely to find a tavern and drown himself in drinks. Galen meanwhile returned to the inn, his thoughts heavy.

As he lay down for the night, his mind drifted to his youth which were wild days spent causing a lot of trouble sneaking into competitions and forging his strength in the most unorthodox ways with then family’s young master. For a brief moment, a faint smile flickered across his usually stoic face before sleep claimed him.

The next few days passed quietly. The first exam had ended but the academy’s halls remained alive with activity as others completed their tests. Melch used the time to train his medical skills delving into books and learning all he could. True to his nature, Lief tagged along to the library only to find a cozy corner to nap in.

"This place smells like old socks and failed dreams." Lief commented one day his voice muffled as he slumped over a stack of books.

Melch engrossed in a tome on mana flow and physiology didn’t even glance up. "If you’re not going to read at least stop drooling on the furniture."

Lief smirked lazily. "I’m preserving the leather. Adds character."

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Their banter continued in this way for three days punctuated only by the occasional glare from the librarian. Lief’s carefree antics were a constant source of irritation and amusement though Melch refused to admit the latter.

On the day of the written exam, a list was posted outlining the schedule. The test would span three days covering subjects like magic theory, history, conceptual explanations, mathematics and medical theory. Each session was grueling lasting two and a half hours.

Melch and Lief’s names were listed for the second day. When their turn arrived, the duo entered the large examination hall joining rows of students seated at individual desks.

Lief glanced around his gaze flitting between the stern-faced examiners and the stacks of parchment on each desk. "What’s the point of writing exams? Shouldn’t they just I don’t know, Create a spell or something for that knowledge?"

"Maybe they’re trying to weed out the ones like you" Melch muttered flipping through the blank pages of his test booklet.

Lief grinned. "If they could, I’d already be at the top."

Melch rolled his eyes and focused on the task at hand. The questions were varied and challenging, ranging from theoretical applications of magic to obscure historical events. When the time finally ended both handed in their papers and regrouped outside.

"How did it go?" Melch asked.

Lief stretched his arms overhead and smirked. "It was fine. I just wrote a bit of nonsense and threw in some poetry for good measure. They’ll appreciate the creativity."

"You’re joking."

"Am I?" Lief winked leaving Melch both exasperated and slightly worried.

When they compared notes with other students, they discovered that the academy had issued different versions of the test. Melch frowned. "How are they supposed to rank us when we’re answering different questions?"

Lief shrugged. "Magic. Or maybe they just roll some dice."

Melch sighed, deciding it wasn’t worth dwelling on. The tests were out of his hands now. Instead, he turned his focus toward the physical and Medicine making exams still to come. He knew he couldn’t afford to slip up.

The following day Melch asked Galen for help with his physical training. "I need to ensure I’m prepared for the physical test. I can’t leave anything to chance and luck like the first exam."

Galen nodded. "Very well. We’ll start with a mountain climb."

Lief’s ears perked up. "A mountain climb? Oh, this should be fun. Let’s see if the young master can keep up."

Melch shot him a glare but said nothing. The trio set off early the next morning, the towering mountain looming ahead of them. The climb was grueling, the terrain steep and unforgiving. Melch struggled to keep up, his breaths coming in ragged gasps halfway up the trail.

"Come on, young master!" Lief called from a ledge above his tone both mocking and encouraging. "If you fall behind, I’ll have to carry you and I’d rather not ruin my impeccable posture."

Melch ignored him, focusing on one step at a time. By the time they reached a plateau, he collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving. Lief plopped down beside him annoyingly full of energy.

"Not bad. Not bad at all." Lief said patting Melch on the back. "For someone who’s half-dead, you’re doing great."

"Don’t... talk to me." Melch managed between breaths.

Galen observed from a distance his expression unreadable. After a moment, he nodded approvingly. "Your stamina has improved, Young master. A month ago, you wouldn’t have made it this far."

Melch’s exhaustion faded slightly at the praise. He lay back staring up at the twin suns in the sky. Their golden light felt warm and familiar like a silent witness to his struggles.

His thoughts drifted to his past life to the first time he had gone to visit his father under a sky, which was much like this one. Back then, he had promised himself he would succeed on his own terms to achieve a greatness his father would acknowledge. That success had never come. But here, in this new world under these twin suns, he made a silent vow.

I will surpass him. Not just as a son but as a man. In this world, I will carve my own path.

As Melch lost himself in thought, Lief stretched out beside him and yawned dramatically. "You know, if you’re going to daydream at least make it entertaining. Tell me you’re plotting some grand revenge or a secret romance."

Melch gave him a sidelong glance. "I’m plotting how to survive another minute without throwing you off this mountain."

Lief grinned. "Ah, now that’s the spirit."

Galen shook his head but said nothing letting the two banter. He knew they both had a long journey ahead but for now, they could afford this moment of liveliness.

As the sun began to set casting long shadows across the landscape, the trio made their way back down the mountain. The challenges ahead loomed large but for the first time in a while, Melch felt a glimmer of hope that he haven’t felt for a while. He knew that he wasn’t facing the path alone unlike his previous life.