The next day came quickly, and both Azrael and Regulus left their manor, heading to the location of the final test.
Even Regulus wasn't entirely sure whether a single night of cramming would be enough for Azrael to pass the test, but he could do nothing about it now.
'If I was teaching him the Leo martial art, it would be easy; why did it have to be Scorpio?'
The most challenging part to teach last night was the martial art of Scorpio, the cultivation of celestial energy was pretty similar across all constellations.
Whereas the martial arts all varied massively, this caused constant challenges for Regulus as he tried to explain to Azrael.
Moving towards a familiar grand hall, Regulus and Azrael found themselves surrounded by others heading to the same place.
'Everyone here deserves to hold a place at the academy, and yet there is still another test?'
Comparing the people around him to the ones he saw on the first day would be an insult. Unlike the nervous applicants of that day who seemed prepared to quit, a look of resolve and dedication was on the face of all.
Walking through the grand wood doors of the hall once more, Regulus took a deep breath, not out of nervousness but to gain his focus on whatever lay ahead.
He had heavily underestimated the first test, and his lack of card energy had almost gotten him thrown out, this time around Regulus refused to wake up after the test in a hospital bed.
The beanpole-like figure of Headmaster Croft could be seen by all as a mechanical voice came out of the stone-like face.
"Welcome applicants to the final test. No matter what, reaching this point in the examination has proven your worth."
Despite the lack of emotions in his voice, the speech still warmed the hearts of the listening students.
Croft continued speaking as he scanned the potential students of Karta Academy from up high.
"The first test allowed you to display your mastery over card energy manipulation. The second test your knowledge."
A slight pause in Croft's speech caused a choking silence to descend as the students waited with bated breath.
"The third and final examination will test your combat prowess."
'How easy to predict, and how fortunate.'
Regulus thought with a smile as his hand rested on the 'Prince' rank sword he bought with him.
'I don't see myself losing to a mere applicant in a test of combat prowess.'
Confident in his ability and experience to compensate for his lack of card energy, Regulus returned his focus to the headmaster.
"I wish good luck to all of you and will see those who pass inside of Karta Academy."
Waving a hand, the card energy in the air vibrated at Croft's action; before Regulus could react, the floor below him that was previously solid vanished.
Regulus knew this was only part of the test, unlike others who were flailing as they fell through the air. Regulus crossed his arms and wore a look of dissatisfaction as he fell through the air.
---
At that moment, Azrael fell through the air, screaming in confusion. Unlike most others, Azrael had wings, yet flight seemed to be suppressed no matter how hard he tried.
Although it only allowed him to stall for a second, the resistance Azrael created with his wings allowed him to see an indescribable scene.
According to the Headmaster's will, hundreds of tunnels rushed up to meet the students, separating them as they pointed in many directions.
Before he could react, a tunnel engulfed Azrael, too, as he slid down its side, which seemed endless.
Although it only lasted about ten seconds for Azrael, who was robbed of his flight, it felt like a lifetime. Finally, light could be seen at the end of a tunnel as he emerged into a room.
Unlike the primitive tunnel he arrived through, the room was exceptionally well built and obviously a different part of the Academy complex.
Powered by magic lights and containing a magic circle on the silver floor, It was an advanced training facility.
Azrael wasn't alone in the room; other applicants with similar expressions looked around in confusion.
In the centre of the room stood a well-dressed man with blue hair and an aura of authority around him who spoke in a chipper tone.
"Welcome to your final examination, everyone."
---
In a similar room, a tall young man with gold hair was analysing the people he shared the room with.
Regulus's eyes rested on one figure he surprisingly recognised, even with the Soul Doctor's ignorance of politics. An exquisite beauty with gold hair as eye-catching as Regulus's paired with the red eyes that were characteristic of the royal family.
'The first princess of the Jack Kingdom, Ria Soleras. It's easy to see why they named her the cold beauty.'
Standing amongst the crowd of people, she remained with an impassive look on her face. Her eyes locked with Regulus, holding an odd sense of familiarity as she gazed at him.
Seeing a look he didn't expect to find in this place, Regulus couldn't help but wonder why Ria looked at him like that.
'Did she know the old Regulus somehow? It's unlikely, seeing as he had been hiding in a remote barony.'
The look of Ria held not just recognition but also expectation, as if she already knew what would happen in the test ahead of them.
Finished basking in the confusion and looks of pleas from those around him, the teacher in the middle of the magic circle finally spoke.
"Welcome to the final test, which will be presided over by me, Saul Felt."
Saul was an incredibly pompous man in his forties who looked like the type to say 'courting death.' He had the appearance of an immaculately groomed dog, showing the importance to which he held his image.
Yet when his pig-like eyes saw Regulus amongst the crowd of applicants he was testing; he couldn't help but let some killing intent slip towards the boy.
More importantly than anything else, Saul Felt was the talentless brother of Duke Felt, the Ducal family that had replaced the fallen Cosmos family.
-Author's Note-
We recently hit 20k views on the novel. This is a massive milestone, and I appreciate everyone's continued support.