Chapter 617: Intelligence Test- 617
The group following Skymender was reluctant to part, wanting to stay by his side, but Skymender shooed them away.
He experienced the first moment of peace and quiet since before the first event.
He sat with his aunt's family, who looked at him sympathetically. They no longer viewed him as some country bumpkin with no manners, but as a respectable noble.
As the time for the second event came, the room fell into silence. A hundred servants came and disassembled most of the arena, creating a new platform.
Loud footsteps sounded out, breaking the silence. The doors opened and a man wielding a greatsword strapped on his back came through.
He stood at least eight feet tall, and weighed at least 400 pounds. He was a monster in every way.
Although he weighed 400 pounds, it was 400 pounds of pure muscle. This was one of the largest men in the Empire's history, a Sword Master, and a disciple of Sword Master Shang, simply referred to as Sword Master Gargantuan.
Veins bulged all over his body, and it seemed as if every step he took could cause an earthquake.
He eventually reached the now platform and spoke, his words ringing out greatly.
"I know none of you nobles truly workout to achieve the pinnacle of human strength, but we'll see who among you are the best."
Sword Master Gargantuan's words sounded rude, but they were completely true. Nobles needed to uphold a dignified image, and it would be impossible to do so looking like Sword Master Gargantuan. Therefore, he spent most of his time among physically talented commoners.
A few people, larger than others, all walked over to the platform. This competition was actually for all ages. Skymender did not participate. He had never physically trained. He may be stronger than other nine year olds, but even an average 17 year old would be far stronger than him.
The competition did go on for about thirty minutes. Unlike in the last event, there were a few winners, one for each age group.
Finally, the second event ended, and Sword Master Gargantuan left the noble gathering.
Skymender's peace was once again taken away as children surrounded him. He was quite popular, and he made good use of this opportunity to make himself seem better in their heads. In the future, perhaps he could use such a thing.
However, he was also honing his mind. The third event was one of intelligence, one where he would shine.
There was a reward for the winner of the third competition every year. It was greater than the rewards of the winners of the second event.
After all, it was rare that there was a truly exceptional individual worthy of a great reward in the second event.
It was like comparing a chicken to a dog when there were plenty of lions among the commoners.
Soon, the third event rolled around. The platform was extended and desks were brought in. The Imperial Scholar walked out, with multiple servants carrying large amounts of paper and writing utensils.
"The third event is one of intelligence. Anyone who wishes to participate, below the age of 18, come now."
The third event, like the first, was restricted to those under 18. The second event was the only exception to the rule.
Skymender stood up, as well as most of those under 18 in the room.
The girls attending, few of whom had participated in the first event and none in the second event, finally got their time to shine.
They stood up and moved to the extended platform. It would not hurt to participate in this test, even if one didn't want to lose face. Only the top 10 would be revealed in the end, though only first place got a reward.
As everyone got seated, tests were handed out.
The rules were quite simple. No speaking, no hidden gestures, and absolutely no cheating. it would not go uncaught, and the person who cheated would be completely humiliated.
Skymender looked over the test questions. Some were basic knowledge about language or science. Skymender had always felt that he had great talent for science, but he wasn't sure why.
Talent was unexplainable, he couldn't understand even if he wanted to.
He flew through the first few sections of the test.
Naturally, he was at quite the disadvantage. There were plenty of people participating that attended the Imperial School.
However, the points on the test were adjusted for age. Scoring would be completely different for Skymender and someone 17 years old.
In addition to this, the standard test questions were not the only ones on the test. There were also logical questions, and some that Skymender had to think about, but did not necessarily require prerequisite knowledge.
Some simple questions were worded difficultly and Skymender had to unravel them.
He had an itching feeling that something unknown was among the test, but he still tried his hardest.
After an hour, a sound rang out.
"Writing utensils down. Close your papers." The Imperial Scholar said.
Everyone did so immediately.
Servants came in and collected them, before leaving the room. The Imperial Scholar left as well.
"At the end of the noble gathering, the results will be released."
Naturally, it was harder for these tests to be scored compared to the other two competitions.
The noble gathering continued on.
People went around talking and showing things. The next time Skymender looked at the clock, it was 6 pm. The noble gathering would end at 10 pm.
He found a seat and sat down. His group had mostly dispersed. He was tired after so much.
As he sat alone and rested, a surprising visitor sat next to him.
Skymender opened his eyes and looked over.
His green eyes met with a pair of normally colored, yet unspeakably arrogant eyes.
"Hello, Skymender."
Skymender moved to get up, but the person spoke. "No need for all of that. Let's talk."
Skymender stopped moving and moved back to his previous position.
However, he did not lose his seriousness at all. That was because the person sitting next to him was the Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom.
Chapter 618: Results - 618
The Crown Prince continued to look at him for a moment before speaking. "You are very impressive. I've heard a lot about you, but meeting you in person feels very different."
Skymender did not interrupt. The Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom was 15 years old. He was naturally arrogant, as was his right given by birth. If nothing went wrong, he would become a king. It was far more than anyone else could say. Besides the Imperial Crown Prince, of course.
If he wanted Skymender dead, then there was hardly anything Skymender could do. Perhaps if his sister got involved, things would change, but unless she became an actual Sword Master, she could not truly stop the intent of a Crown Prince.
"I am very curious. Would you mind satisfying my curiosity?"
Skymender shook his head. "Of course not."
The Crown Prince spoke. "So, your Eldest Sister, as well as your Eldest brother, are extremely exceptional. Even in the entire Empire, they can be considered more or less unmatched in their fields. You seem to be on the path of becoming the third such person. Is there something special about your bloodline?"
Skymender shook his head. He did not understand why the Crown Prince was asking such a thing.
"Not any more special than any other noble family. Perhaps we are indeed a bit older."
The Crown Prince nodded. "Indeed. But if it is not the specialness of your bloodline, then it must simply be luck, right?"
Skymender shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose."
"Then is that luck simply natural and random, or is it favoring your family?"
Skymender did not respond, but looked at the Crown Prince confused.
The Crown Prince's face suddenly changed, and he looked at Skymender with pure seriousness, all of his arrogance vanished.
"The sky doesn't move, but the world still rotates."
Skymender didn't even know how to react. Why was the Crown Prince spouting nonsense?
The Crown Prince looked deeply at Skymender's face before smiling. "Nevermind. Forget about our conversation."
He stood up and left. Skymender saw something in his eyes, but wasn't sure if it was disappointment or relief.
He shook his head, doing as the Crown Prince had said and forgetting.
Few people seemed to notice their brief conversation. The Crown Prince had been quite hidden after all.
Skymender continued to rest and wait. Occasionally, he would greet people or speak to them.
Time passed in this manor until the clock hit 9:30 pm.
At this moment, the Imperial Scholar came out.
SIlence fell and everyone found a seat.
"It is now time to report the results of the intelligence exam."
The Imperial Scholar cleared his throat before speaking.
"As you know, the results are adjusted into points and scored based on age. I will begin from number 10. Duke Vult's daughter, Vultries, number 9…"
The Imperial Scholar began to read names out, many of which were familiar. Each and every single name was of a person at least 15 years old or older. Skymender did not hear his name for the first eight, and the top two came out.
"Number two, Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom."
Surprise filled the room. He had taken the test, and had been expected to win, but had not. He was the only one among all of the royal and Imperial families to participate, but had failed to secure first place.
Even some of the kings faces flickered.
"First place… Skymender, of the Sky Barony."
This announcement was far more surprising than any other. Even Skymender had not expected it.
The Imperial Scholar looked at him deeply before continuing to speak.
"All top ten, report to the throne room immediately."
Skymender did not hesitate, moving out under shocked gazes of disbelief.
Before long, everyone had gathered. Coming in with them was the Emperor, as well as the King of the Ergen Kingdom.
The Emperor sat on his throne, while the King stood off to the side and listened.
The Emperor spoke the person in tenth place's name, spoke a score, and gave a prize.
It was said that the exam was based on 100 points. The person in tenth place scored a 50.
This was already extremely high, proving how difficult the test was. In addition, this person had already taken the test before, as had everyone else in the room besides Skymender.
Though the test changed every time, this undoubtedly gave an advantage.
Skymender watched as he moved through the rankings. 3rd place got a 63, rather high.
Finally, two test takers were in the throne room.
"Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom. 75 points. It is indeed surprising that you did not win."
The Crown Prince nodded. "I am no less surprised. I had underestimated my opponent."
The Emperor nodded.
"To you, I will let your father reward you."
The Crown Prince nodded, having expected this.
The Crown Prince bowed and left the throne room. This left only Skymender, the Imperial Scholar, the King of the Ergen Kingdom, and Sword Master Shang.
Silence reigned over the room for a while, before laughter burst out from the side.
The Imperial Scholar was laughing so loud that the sound nearly exited the thick walls of the throne room.
The King of the Ergen Kingdom rolled his eyes and turned.
The laughter was directed at him.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I tried to hold it in. Haha."
The Imperial Scholar was grabbing his stomach.
The Emperor's face twitched. It was unknown if he was feeling displeased, or holding back laughter.
Skymender found the situation oddly warm. It was as if he was seeing the top of the Empire acting human.
Only Sword Master Shang had no reaction, closing his eyes.
"That's enough." The Emperor said after a while.
The Imperial Scholar stifled his laughter, though his face was still twisted.
"You just won me a lot of money kid." He said before the Emperor spoke.
"First place, Skymender. To you… hmmm…"
The Emperor fell deep into thought.
"I'll let Fei Luzi reward you."
Skymender was surprised. He turned to the Imperial Scholar, who stopped laughing.
"Here." As if prepared, the Imperial Scholar tossed Skymender a card.
"That will be useful in the future. Don't worry about it for now."
Skymender nodded, bowed, and left.
As the doors closed, the amused looks, smirks, twitched faces, and reminiscence of laughter immediately ceased.
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
121 Power
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