“We aren’t really going just to say hi, are we?” Karim asked, skeptically staring at Kufu.

“Yes, we are. We can congratulate her on passing as well.” Kufu, matter of factly, replied.

Karim, however, was not sold. “Why?”

“Because she’s just made me rich and I’m happy, that’s why. Now let’s go.” Kufu said, unbothered by Karim’s mistrust.

“Follow me, my lords.” Jrim announced, leading the way down.

“What is the Academy like?” Karim asked, his mind occupied by the thought of so many trying their hardest to get in.

“It’s school.” Kufu responded, shrugging.

Seeing this, Jrim cut in and said, “For my lords it may be just school but for others, especially commoners, it is a chance to change their fate. One can master various disciplines at the Academy, effectively transforming themselves into respected professionals. Professionals whose skills are essential to society, which means they can ascend to great heights in a relatively short time.”

“For someone who’s never been, you sure can make it sound great.” Kufu remarked.

Jrim smiled in response, “I may have not attended the Academy my lord, but they still need healers, and I happened to have served the students and faculty there for a time.”

“Why didn’t you attend the Academy?” Karim probed.

“There was no need. The church is the best place for those with the light element to learn healing, it is also where I can best serve the House.” Jrim said.

“So, you’re not learning healing Kufu?” Karim inquired.

“A little, but my focus is on using the light element for combat.” Responded Kufu.

As light was one of the few elements that could support dual disciplines, there would come a time when one would have to choose a path to specialize in as mastering both, unless extremely talented, was highly unlikely.

The exception to this was of course the water element as it could be used to attack, defend, and heal, the only issue being it was not as great at either of them as the other elements. At most it could be called good at each, but this is understandable as its strength lay in its versatility.

“We’re here. Follow my lead.” Kufu mouthed, walking ahead.

Inwardly shaking his head, Karim followed behind Kufu who with each step seemed to turn more and more into a different person.

His posture suddenly turned straight, a light smile hanging at the edge of his lips, and his gaze which was usually carefree and mischievous morphed into a steadfast yet penetrating look.

He actually looked like a prince now however, to the bishop that witnessed his arrival as well as the judges of the Academy who knew of him and his escapades, they were trying their hardest not to roll their eyes. But despite that, he was still a prince and they needed to give him his due respect.

The bishop was the first to come forward, “Alan greets the lord.” He announced, bowing.

The judges from the Academy however, merely nodded, acknowledging his arrival.

“What brings you to the church today, my lord?” inquired Alan.

“Why else? I heard the church had produced an exceptional genius, so I came to bear witness to her test.” Kufu replied.

“You’re too kind, your Highness. Maua is still young and learning, hopefully you were not disappointed with her display.” Said the old priestess, proudly nudging Maua to step forward.

“There is such a thing as being too modest, priestess. How could I be disappointed? In fact, I am sure father will be happy to reward someone like lady Maua. She can serve as an example for all, that hard work and persistence truly pay dividends.” Kufu asserted, his voice deepening.

As this was happening, Karim was staring in shock. Kufu to him was either the ultimate noble or a con artist that had yet to awaken to his true calling. The Academy judges appeared to agree with the latter description as they could not help but chime in saying,

“You seem to be enjoying your summer break Prince Kufu.” Said the oldest of the judges, an elderly man with smoky grey hair, watery eyes, and a short spade shaped grey beard.

“I am, Mr. Joust.” Kufu replied, avoiding eye contact.

“You came with a friend, I see.” Joust added, giving Karim a once over. “And who might you be, friend from House Night?” He continued.

“Karim.” He stated, unsure if he should give a more detailed introduction.

“Nazil’s son? Now that is a surprise. Allow me to introduce myself, I am called Joust, dean of the first years. I did not think we would meet before the new semester.” Joust said, a relaxed grin on his face.

“Pleasure to meet you.” Karim stated.

“Are you also here to observe the girl?” Joust asked.

“I…suppose.” Karim remarked, not understanding where Joust was going with his remarks.

“Oh, would you look at that? Only twelve and you already have nobles chasing after you.” Joust teased, giving Maua a thumbs up.

She blushed at the remark keeping her head low, sneaking only the occasional glimpse of Karim and Kufu.

Karim was left confused by the old man’s conclusion while Kufu simply smiled, keeping his perfect gentleman act going.

“Since we’re here, why not give it a try little Karim?” Joust suddenly invited, pointing to the target. “It’s no fun just watching, is it? Besides, do well and you just might impress the pretty girl?” Joust said jokingly, yet his harmless smile and kind elderly smile, could not hide the curiosity in his eyes.

“Is it alright?” Karim asked Joust. However, the reply came from his own shadow instead.

“Go ahead.” Said Holow, appearing like a foggy ghost from Karim’s shadow. “I’d also like to see you try it.”

Holow then nodded towards Joust and the other judges who reciprocated in kind.

“Alright.” Agreed Karim, strangely excited about the whole thing.

He then moved up to the target which had by this point already reset the score from Maua’s attempt.

Taking in a deep breath similar to Maua, Karim focused his mind on the task. Since he had not practiced any martial art, he did not bother trying to mimic a form or a stance, instead he simply raised his hand up high, and as if wielding a hammer, struck down on the target as quickly and with as much strength as he could.

There was no impact sound this time as well but there was a small yet clearly visible imprint of a fist on the target, that was slowly filling in. Despite this, those who saw the mark were left with dropped jaws. Even if it was disappearing, the mere fact that one was there proved that Karim’s strength had reached a certain threshold.

But those watching did not have time to be caught up in their thoughts as soon, numbers began shooting up on the target’s surface. Instantly passing the tens, the score went into the hundreds eventually surpassing the five hundred mark and speeding towards the thousand threshold.

“500..

600..

700..

800..

900..

950..

1000..

1010..

1100..

1200..

1300…”

The score eventually stopped at 1,350, at which point the entire room was in silence, staring in unconcealed astonishment and wonder at an equally shocked Karim.

Although he knew he could surpass Maua’s score, he didn’t know it would be by that much.

“Thirteen hundred…another two hundred and he’ll be able to digest level three spirit food.” Joust uttered, still reeling.

“Little Karim, it looks I might not have the chance to be your dean. With these results, you are more than qualified to join the second year. And here I was worried you were following in the prince’s footsteps. Holow, it looks you have a genius on your hands. I’m envious.” Joust exclaimed.

Holow, on the other hand, completely ignored Joust’s words his eyes fixed on Karim.

‘No wonder the boss had me protect him.’ He thought. Although he had heard rumors of how diligently the young master worked, in the end they were still only rumors. Seeing was believing, and for a thirteen-year-old to be able to feed and digest third level spirit food, that was rarely heard of. At this pace, Karim might be able to awaken before attending the Academy.

“I look forward to seeing you at the Academy.” Said Joust, smiling as he led the other judges to leave. He needed to report what had happened. Not just to the Academy but also to his House. House Night was rearing a monster.

Maua on the other hand, followed behind them, guided by the priestess. Her mind and heart, however, were in turmoil. She was called a genius and yet that Noble boy, seemingly without trying made nothing of her efforts. Was the gap really that large? Why was she so proud of herself a minute ago? Were questions she asked herself.