Kane stumbled out of the cave, the scent of blood clinging to him like an unwanted memory. The cool air outside felt sharp, biting at his torn clothes and blood-smeared skin. The wounds he'd sustained were now mysteriously healed, a reminder of the power he'd absorbed from the orc and the goblins. His pulse was steady, but an unfamiliar energy coursed through him, wild and unpredictable. He followed the dark trail of goblin blood that led him back through the dense thickets of the forest. Each step echoed in his mind, a drumbeat marking his survival.
The forest canopy thinned as he pressed on, the sun's pale rays slicing through the branches and illuminating the path ahead. Suddenly, a rustle among the leaves caught his attention. The goblins who had fled earlier stood before him, their eyes narrowing with recognition. They grinned, a cruel twist of their green lips, and charged.
This time, Kane's fear had vanished. He stood rooted, waiting for the first goblin to close the distance. The moment it lunged, he sidestepped with a grace he never knew he possessed and slashed its head clean off with one decisive swing. The body crumpled to the ground before the others even realized what had happened. Panic spread through the remaining goblins, their bravado replaced by terror. They spun on their heels and bolted into the depths of the forest.
Kane didn't let them escape. He surged after them, his legs moving faster than he thought possible, driven by a newfound thirst. One by one, he hunted them down, feeling that same rush of power with each strike. It wasn't just the thrill of victory; it was a transformation. The weak prince who had been shamed and ridiculed was being rewritten, moment by moment, in blood and steel.
When the forest finally fell silent, Kane emerged at the edge, his chest heaving. Ahead, the shimmering expanse of the lake glistened under the midday sun. The same lake where, in his past, he had found Julia's lifeless body. A chill rippled through him, momentarily halting the adrenaline that coursed through his veins.
At the water's edge, he knelt and splashed his face, scrubbing the blood and grime from his skin until it stung. He caught sight of a group of commoners, boys his age, approaching the lake. They stopped short, eyes wide as they took in the sight of him: the blood-streaked, disheveled young man who looked more beast than prince. They didn't recognize him; Kane wasn't a household name, not yet. But after the imperial school entrance exam, he knew infamy awaited him—the prince who failed, the laughingstock of noble blood.
"Do any of you have spare clothes?" Kane's voice was hoarse, cutting through the uncomfortable silence. The boys didn't move, staring as though he were a specter risen from the depths. He sighed, pulling out a handful of gold coins from the torn remains of his clothes and tossing them at their feet. The clatter of metal broke their trance, boys dropped to their knees, scooping up the coins with trembling hands.That was more than they see in their entire life.
"I-I can get you something, but it will take a while…" the boy stuttered, his eyes darting to Kane's face.
"Don't bother," Kane said, shaking his head. "Just give me what you're wearing." The boy hesitated only for a moment before stripping off his tunic and handing it over. Kane put it on, the rough fabric chafing against his skin, but he didn't care. He had more pressing matters.
When he arrived back at the palace, the guards intercepted him immediately. "The king has summoned you," one of guard said.Kane nodded, pushing down the irritation that flared inside him. He made his way to the grand hall, feeling the eyes of the court on him as he entered.
The king stood with the duke and his son—a boy of Kane's age who was already celebrated as a prodigy. The duke's son held out his palm, a flicker of flame dancing atop it, and the king's eyes shone with approval.
"Prince rowan is truly remarkable " the duke said. The king nodded, pleased, but his expression soured when he noticed Kane, disheveled and wearing commoner's clothes. The prince looked nothing like royalty.
The duke's son smirked, barely suppressing a laugh. Kane could feel the judgment pressing down on him like a heavy stone.
"Try not to disgrace me at the entrance exam," the king said. "You'll be in the low division, of course. The only place where you might manage to avoid complete humiliation."
Laughter bubbled up from the duke's son. Kane's fists clenched, but he stayed silent, absorbing every mockery .
"Now go" king said
Kane walked out , but inside, a storm raged.
"Good luck, Kane," voice come from behind,Kane turn and see duke's son still smirking. "I hope you can handle the commoners."
"I am not sure about them, but I can definitely handle you " Kane said.
" you are pretty good at telling jokes " dukes son laughing. "Oh god! That was one hilarious joke,I think king don't have to worry about your future,you can be a great clown "
"We will see about,who will become clown on exam day"Kane smirked .
Only a few days remained before the exam, and Kane was ready to carve a new fate—one that wouldn't be mocked, but feared.