Chapter 4 — Second Place

  Twenty seconds.

  The students’ eyes turned to Ryan as he walked out of the examination hall with a light smile, as if none of this concerned him.

  As usual, he thought. I’m in first place.

  Then, as if remembering something, he turned back. Quickly scanning the list, he found what he was looking for — in second place.

  Kael. Twenty-three seconds.

  — You are incredible! Cloud appeared out of nowhere with a wide smile. — You really rubbed it in those arrogant northerners’ faces!

  — I agree, — Becky joined him. — Just look at their sour expressions! Crude swordsmen will never be equals to the elite!

  The students standing around Ryan laughed. Ryan merely smiled, maintaining his dignity, though he was burning with impatience to see Kael’s reaction.

  Turning around, he saw Kael sitting with the usual cold expression on his face. Not the slightest hint of disappointment, he thought.

  Michael boldly approached Kael.

  — Young duke, — he said cautiously. Even a notorious gossip like him could feel the tension.

  Kael slowly shifted his gaze to him.

  — What?

  — Aren’t you disappointed? — he asked. — You lost after all.

  The entire corridor seemed to freeze. No one expected someone to dare approach the heir of the North with such a question.

  — Lost?

  — I mean, you finished later, — Michael stammered. — And Ryan Crowen is in first place…

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  He realized too late that everyone had gone silent and his words had carried through the entire corridor.

  — I don’t understand what you’re talking about, — Kael’s voice did not waver in the slightest.

  — The results, you’re in second pla—

  He didn’t manage to finish as his partner covered his mouth.

  — Forgive us! — he bowed, forcing Michael to bow as well. — I’m very sorry! Please do not be angry! Michael never meant to insult you!

  — He didn’t.

  Kael stood up.

  — What is so important about those three seconds? There is no point in fixating on time, since it does not affect the outcome of the tournament at all.

  There was only calmness in his eyes.

  — For a ruler, it is more logical to focus on the goal, Michael.

  Michael nodded. He could not say anything, as his partner was still covering his mouth, frozen with shock.

  The teacher walked out.

  — The exam is over, — he announced. — As agreed, the first fifty students are admitted to the tournament.

  Kael turned and walked toward the training grounds. His silver hair flowed as he moved. Everyone remained silent until he left the corridor.

  — Did you see that?

  — Wow… Our heir is impressive!

  — I agree! There’s no need to fall for the South’s provocations! The North will win anyway!

  — What nonsense! — one of the southerners shouted. — Do you really think your barbarian ruler has any chance against the rising star of the South?

  The moment he shouted, the corridor instantly turned into chaos. Northerners and southerners yelled at each other all at once, while students from the imperial faction watched everything with interest.

  In this chaos, no one noticed Ryan quietly step away.

  This isn’t like me, he thought as he walked away quickly. I have never run from a fight. Right now I should be putting those northerners in their place with a few sharp remarks.

  Without realizing it, he walked into the garden and stopped, breathing heavily.

  He doesn’t even see me as a rival. Turbulent thoughts filled his mind. So he thinks he’s better than me? I’ll show him. I’ll show him that I’m far better!

  Usually thoughts like that would calm him down, and he would form the perfect plan to eliminate whatever angered him. But this time…

  What is wrong with me? He clenched his fists. I am Ryan Crowen. I am the strongest, smartest, most handsome and most charming person in the world. I am the one who rightfully stands above everyone, I—

  The tree beside him suddenly burst into golden flames.

  He jerked back.

  I lost control. I haven’t lost control since I was four years old! What is wrong with me?! Everything has been going wrong ever since I entered this stupid academy!

  — Kael.

  He whispered the name with venom.

  — This is all because of you!

  He struck the burning tree with his fist and watched with satisfaction as it crumbled into ash.

  — I will crush you. Without fail.

  He smiled.

  — After all, you yourself said that a ruler must strive toward his goal.

  He laughed, bathed in the light of the setting sun. The sunset reflected in his golden eyes, making them shine brighter than usual.

  He did not notice the quiet shadow of a classmate watching him from afar.