The classroom buzzed with nervous energy as Christine strode to the front. Her usual aura of authority was turned up a notch, her expression sharp enough to cut through steel. She scanned the room with the intensity of someone about to deliver a sermon—or a death sentence.
"Listen up," she began, her voice slicing through the chatter like a whip. "The final evaluation is upon us."
The room fell silent. Even the class clown, Greg, who always had some snide comment ready, stayed quiet.
"This evaluation isn't just about passing school anymore," Christine continued, pacing slowly. "It's about your future. Your careers. Your entire lives. This is the evaluation where you choose your academy, and let me remind you, you're not just competing with the people in this room. No. This is a continent-wide evaluation. Schools from every corner will be fighting to secure spots in the top academies."
"The evaluation is divided into three stages," Christine explained. "Qualify for the first stage, and you're eligible for some academy. Qualify for the second, and your options improve dramatically. Qualify for the third..."
She paused for dramatic effect.
"...and you'll find yourself at the doorstep of greatness."
The class collectively held its breath.
"And the third stage," Christine said with a sly grin, "is a grand 1v1 tournament. The winner becomes the ultimate champion. Glory, recognition, and opportunities beyond imagination await the victor."
Greg couldn't hold back anymore. "So, what you're saying is... it's a glorified wrestling match?"
Christine's icy glare made Greg shrink in his seat.
"The tournament is a tradition," she snapped. "The Nexus Kingdom has produced multiple champions in the past, myself included, several years ago." Her voice softened slightly, tinged with nostalgia.
"But..." Her tone darkened. "It's been eight years since our last win. Nexus has been in a downward spiral. We've become a laughingstock. That ends now. It is your responsibility to restore our kingdom's honor."
"The tournament will take place in four days," Christine announced. "This year, the venue is the Water City, Wenstin, the capital of the Kingdom of Frieda. It's far from here, so we'll be leaving tomorrow morning to prepare."
Later that day, Ned and Reena walked home together, discussing the upcoming challenge.
"Three stages, huh?" Reena said, chewing on a piece of candied fruit. "Wonder what the first two will be this year."
"Probably something ridiculous," Ned replied, kicking a pebble down the street. "Like, 'fight a dragon while solving advanced calculus.'"
Reena snorted. "Well, you'd be doomed if it's the calculus part."
"Hey! I'll have you know I can count to ten very confidently," Ned shot back, grinning.
When he got home, Ned went straight to his workshop—a cluttered corner of the house filled with half-finished contraptions and tools scattered haphazardly. His hoverboard lay on the table, its frame gleaming under the dim light.
"Time for a little TLC," he muttered, picking up a wrench.
He tightened every screw, checked every wire, and made sure the hoverboard was in top condition. The last thing he needed was another incident like before, where a loose part had lodged itself uncomfortably into his stomach during a crash.
As he worked, his thoughts drifted to the green-haired kid from his past adventures. He'd asked around about him several times but had found no trace. Maybe it was for the best. Some mysteries were better left unsolved.
---
The next morning, the house was filled with a bittersweet energy. Ned's little sister clung to him like a limpet, refusing to let go.
"You better come back as the champion," she said, her voice muffled against his shirt.
"Champion, huh?" Ned said, patting her head. "That's a tall order, but I'll try my best."
His mother hugged him tightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Stay safe, Ned. And eat properly. None of that junk food you love so much."
"Got it, Mom. No fried tarantula skewers," Ned replied with a grin, earning a groan from his sister.
His father, ever the stoic figure, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Make us proud."
"I'll do my best, Dad," Ned said, his voice steadier than he felt.
---
Ned met up with Reena and the rest of his classmates at the academy. Everyone was dressed in their best attire, their faces a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Reena gave him an appraising look. "Not bad," she said. "You clean up nicely."
"Thanks," Ned replied. "You're not too shabby yourself."
As they were getting ready to board the airship, a loud blast of trumpets echoed through the courtyard.
Ned sighed. "I have a pretty good idea who that is."
Sure enough, the king of Nexus, Marcus Forester, arrived in all his regal glory. Dressed in a flowing cloak of deep crimson and gold, he exuded authority and power. The crowd immediately fell to their knees, including Ned.
Right, Ned thought bitterly. Not a prince anymore.
The king walked with measured steps, his face a mask of stoic calm. But when his eyes briefly met Ned's, there was a flicker of something—regret, perhaps, or love buried beneath layers of duty.
Ned's thoughts drifted to the past. His father—former father—had always been a loving yet strict figure. Even after the truth about Ned's parentage had been revealed, the king had never shown him hatred. If anything, he'd seemed heartbroken, forced to let Ned go because of the unrelenting pressure from the nobles. All he could do was allow Ned to keep his name.
Following the king were the two princes. The crown prince, Allen Forester, strode in with a smug air, his lackeys trailing behind him like obedient puppies.
"Well, well," Allen drawled, his eyes landing on Ned. "Look who's still pretending to belong here."
Ned clenched his fists but kept his head bowed. No use picking a fight here.
The second prince, Parth Forester, offered Ned an awkward smile. "Hi, Ned," he said softly.
Parth had always been different—kind, even after the reveal. He'd treated Ned like a brother long after society had decided they weren't.
"Hey, Parth," Ned replied, his voice equally soft.
The king took his seat and delivered a speech that could have inspired a rock to sprout legs and start marching. He spoke of the first king, the glory of Nexus, and the importance of bringing home victory.
When he finished, the airship engines roared to life, signaling their departure.
Allen and Parth boarded alongside the students, Allen throwing one last sneer at Ned.
As the airship lifted off, carrying them toward their destinies, Ned leaned against the railing, staring at the horizon.
"Well," he muttered to himself, "this is going to be... interesting."