In the teaching room of the education building, the Imperial Scholar stood on the stage. He looked down on the crowd of students below and spoke.
"As you all know, the final test happened yesterday. Today, the final rankings of the Imperial Scholar Camp will be shown."
He began to write on the board, starting at the number 15.
Eventually, he made his way up to fourth place.
Miria, 4th place.
Luke, 3rd place.
The Imperial Scholar paused before speaking one more.
"Charles, 2nd place, 77 points."
Charles, in the crowd, closed his eyes. He seed calm, but deep inside, he felt rage.
Skynder had not been seen for two weeks, but sohow, he had 70 points after the last test.
"Skynder, 1st place, 80 points."
Charles did not speak. There was only one thing left to say.
Next ti, I will win, Skynder.
"I will now invite Skynder to say a few words."
Charles opened his eyes and looked up.
The door off to the side opened, and a deafening silence covered the room.
Skynder walked through, bandages visible under his clothes. His skin was pale white, as though it had no blood left in it. His hair was completely white, as if all of the sustenance within it had been drained away.
Skynder walked on stage. He was essentially fully healed, but he would forever bear the scars of the past two weeks' events. Although it was covered by bandages and could not be seen, his chest had a visible fist sized scar that covered more than half of his chest. It was on both the front and the back, and was clearly visible.
Other than that, his body may never recover its past looks, though it was too early to be certain.
In addition to all of this, there were also benefits far exceeding what Skynder had expected, though as a direct result, his lifespan was lowered to an unknown degree.
These benefits included increased reaction ti, increased strength, increased speed, and the strengthening of instinct, though his instinct had not been strengthened by much.
Skynder looked over everyone and spoke.
"I look forward to working with you in the future. Everyone here has high talents, and though surrounded by those with similar or higher talents, it is important to never forget that each and every one of you will be an important piece of the Empire's future. That is all I have to say."
Skynder backed away, and the Imperial Scholar spoke again.
"This marks the end of the Imperial Scholar Camp. Skynder and Charles, please stay behind. The rest of you are dismissed and can leave the Imperial Scholar Camp."
Thirteen people stood up and left, leaving only two behind.
The Imperial Scholar spoke to both. "The next Imperial Scholar Camp will be held in ten years. Most likely, it will be the last. I hope that both of you can attend once again, and this ti, there will be soone worthy of inheriting my position."
Though Skynder had won overall, he was not qualified to beco the next Imperial Scholar simply because his knowledge was not perfect. He was also not qualified to begin training to beco the next Imperial Scholar simply because he had not demonstrated perfection. If he had, then he would have been anointed on the spot.
Perfection was the secret requirent that was necessary to beco the Imperial Scholar. Only perfection could be accepted. Otherwise, the Imperial Scholar would rather die without an heir, allowing the Empire's council to find the next Imperial Scholar.
The past Imperial Scholars that could compare to the current one had died in such a way, though there were no more than three, including the current Imperial Scholar.
This Imperial Scholar hoped to beco the first with a proper heir.
"That is all from . Try not to wind up dying before the next Imperial Scholar Camp. I'll do the sa." The Imperial Scholar said, mostly looking at Skynder.
Throughout the history of the Imperial Scholar Camp, these two were the only ones with the true potential to beco an heir. Charles had the unparalleled talent of a photographic mory, while Skynder... He wasn't actually 100% sure what made Skynder special, but perhaps it was his willpower and personality. Regardless, he was special.
Skynder left first, going to his room to collect his things. However, Charles remained behind, looking at the Imperial Scholar.
"Do you have sothing to ask, Charles?" The Imperial Scholar asked.
"I made sure to check, but during his test ti, Skynder never appeared. How could he get ten points if he didn't even show up?" Charles asked.
He was indignant at the result and refused to admit defeat so simply.
"I almost admire your gall to co and question , but alas, you simply seem like a fool. I'll explain very clearly why Skynder got ten points for not only this last week, but the one before it, without even showing up."
Charles nodded, satisfied.
"Skynder..."
The Imperial Scholar began to tell Charles what he knew about the situation. At first, Charles was calm, but as ti passed, his face slowly changed to disbelief. What he was hearing was inhuman. In fact, as the Imperial Scholar finished, he asked such a question.
"Are you sure that Skynder is even human?" Charles asked.
Pumping one's own heart to stay alive was simply unbelievable. Among other things, he must have either not slept, or ford so sort of instinct to keep pumping his own heart even while sleeping.
The Imperial Scholar shook his head. "How would I know? Let ask, why are you so confident that you are a human?"
Charles shook his head. The Imperial Scholar was getting philosophical.
He left, accepting his defeat this ti. But next ti, he would not lose.
Charles' confidence in himself was higher than any would believe so.
Skynder quickly packed everything and returned to his carriage, which was waiting outside. Li Youcai was waiting for him outside the carriage.
Li Youcai began to speak, but stopped as he saw Skynder's current state. His body, hair, and the bandages stood out.
However, to Li Youcai, there was sothing else that stood out.
"Lord Skynder, what happened to your mask?"
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