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 seemed calm, but deep inside, he felt rage.
Skymender had not been seen for two weeks, but somehow, he had 70 points after the last test.
"Skymender, 1st place, 80 points."
Charles did not speak. There was only one thing left to say.
Next time, I will win, Skymender.
"I will now invite Skymender 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.
Skymender 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.
Skymender 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 Skymender had expected, though as a direct result, his lifespan was lowered to an unknown degree.
These benefits included increased reaction time, increased strength, increased speed, and the strengthening of instinct, though his instinct had not been strengthened by much.
Skymender 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."
Skymender backed away, and the Imperial Scholar spoke again.
"This marks the end of the Imperial Scholar Camp. Skymender 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 time, there will be someone worthy of inheriting my position."
Though Skymender had won overall, he was not qualified to become the next Imperial Scholar simply because his knowledge was not perfect. He was also not qualified to begin training to become 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 requirement that was necessary to become 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 become the first with a proper heir.
"That is all from me. Try not to wind up dying before the next Imperial Scholar Camp. I'll do the same." The Imperial Scholar said, mostly looking at Skymender.
Throughout the history of the Imperial Scholar Camp, these two were the only ones with the true potential to become an heir. Charles had the unparalleled talent of a photographic memory, while Skymender… He wasn't actually 100% sure what made Skymender special, but perhaps it was his willpower and personality. Regardless, he was special.
Skymender left first, going to his room to collect his things. However, Charles remained behind, looking at the Imperial Scholar.
"Do you have something to ask, Charles?" The Imperial Scholar asked.
"I made sure to check, but during his test time, Skymender 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 come and question me, but alas, you simply seem like a fool. I'll explain very clearly why Skymender got ten points for not only this last week, but the one before it, without even showing up."
Charles nodded, satisfied.
"Skymender…"
The Imperial Scholar began to tell Charles what he knew about the situation. At first, Charles was calm, but as time 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 Skymender 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 formed some sort of instinct to keep pumping his own heart even while sleeping.
The Imperial Scholar shook his head. "How would I know? Let me 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 time. But next time, he would not lose.
Charles' confidence in himself was higher than any would believe so.
Skymender 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 Skymender's current state. His body, hair, and the bandages stood out.
However, to Li Youcai, there was something else that stood out.
"Lord Skymender, what happened to your mask?"