"Very good son, you did splendidly, I'm proud of you. Yes, this is what an Astrodial should be."
Martins was headed back to the bed after he had safely placed the chest on the shelf, where it belonged.
Sylus, on the other hand—
'Why am I still shaking?'
On the outside, he looked calm, but underneath, he knew how close he was to almost dying a second time.
If it weren't for his experiences in his former life, there was no doubt the snake of the west would have eaten him then and there.
And from what he read in the books, while the snake devours you, you are not allowed to die until it has completely eaten you up bit by bit.
Quite scary when you think about it. That was basically being eaten alive.
'Luck finally looked my way.'
Still wearing the proud smile on his face, Martins settled on the couch opposite his son.
Now resting his arms on the armrest, he began,
"While I am proud of you for passing the first trial, don't indulge in it for too long. I want you to remember, this is only one of the three trials you have faced. So I want you to always be ready to face whatever awaits you in the future."
"Yes, Father."
'Dude, I'm still shaking here, why are you bringing up another trial?'
Martins rested his jaw on his fist,
"Now, there is another reason why I called you here. I've been hearing complaints from your mother for a while now."
Sylus braced himself.
He barely leaves his room, doesn't cause mischief around the castle, and never speaks to anyone unless necessary.
So what could his mother have possibly reported him about?
"According to what she told me, you don't intend on attending the academy, is this true?"
Of course, it just had to be that.
A false smile quickly made its way onto Sylus's face.
"I have a perfectly good explanation for that, Father." He raised a finger, "My older brother Lucas is 11 years old and already at the academy. By the time I'll be 14, old enough to participate in the Adon Vale, he would have gathered enough experience nearing adulthood."
"Your point being?"
"I intend to use every opportunity I get to better myself and also prepare for all the trials. I am already at a disadvantage by age and experience; attending the academy will only hold me back."
After listening to him, Martins kept quiet for a while, in deep thought.
Most of what Sylus told him was true; he indeed wanted to use every second in the castle to grow himself.
That said, he also didn't want to deal with all the attention he would be getting from people, especially since he was the inheritor of the legendary Catalyst star.
"I do commend your thinking. My blood truly runs through your veins. Your passion to always come out on top should never waver."
'There's a but…'
"As the third prince of this family, it's imperative that you attend the royal academy and dominate the rest of the students."
Sylus kept calm, punching the air in his mind.
"Are you saying I'll have to attend the academy?"
"Truthfully, I am curious to see how it will turn out when you go all out against your brother; at the same time, your reputation as my son holds key importance. Which is why I'll give you a chance."
Sylus leaned forward, fully listening.
"If you are able to pass all the tests the school throws at you, including the exams and practicals, then I will use my power to make it so you don't have to fully participate in the school activities while still being a student."
As soon as he heard the final words, Sylus's eyes went dim.
What his father was referring to was known as the 5-star exam, normally taken by students who want to have a higher chance to graduate with a noble title.
Many people have taken the exam in the past, and only a small number of people passed.
A year ago, 35 Teric years, a five-star exam was conducted by the royal academy.
Three hundred students were said to have registered for the exam, and only five passed.
It was said the exam was so hard, even some of the professors try their very best to avoid it.
'He seriously wants me to take that? I am anything but book smart. Then again, this might be a good chance to not attend the academy if I pass. There's also the chance I'll fail also.'
Thinking back, Lucas failed the exam twice and was planning to take the exam again this year.
Sylus passing the exam and Lucas failing would definitely boost his reputation in the family and kingdom.
"Okay, Father, I'll do it."
Martins was a tad bit surprised.
"Are you not going to think it over?"
"There's no need to. This is a good chance to challenge Elder Brother Lucas."
A proud smile stretched on his son's face. Sylus had said exactly what he wanted to hear.
"Very well. If you have made up your mind, then I'll have Alfred register your name."
'Yeah, seeing Lucas cry after he loses will be worth it.'
Unexpectedly, someone knocked on the door.
Bang! Bang!
"Your Majesty, you have a message from the dealers."
For some reason, hearing that put a worrisome look on Martins.
"Come in."
As the door opened, Alfred walked in, holding a small envelope in his hands.
He walked past the young prince and bowed his head before continuing his advance.
Getting to his destination, he handed Martins the envelope.
"It was another failure," said Alfred with a sad voice.
Martins opened the envelope and began reading what was written in it.
Every word seemed to aggravate him.
"How many times has it been now?" Martins pinched the bridge of his nose.
Alfred replied,
"Sixth time, Your Majesty; perhaps it's time we found another route to take."