Chương 658: I Never Wanted to Defy the Heavens - 658
Time seemed to pass by quickly in the Imperial Scholar Camp. Skymender spent almost all of his time within the library, and what he didn't spend inside of it was either spent sleeping or learning from the Imperial Scholar. Even his meals would be eaten within the library.
Naturally, Skymender's progress was astonishing. As more time passed, he felt as if he was finally able to realize his full potential. What he had seen as fast growth before seemed like nothing now.
His memory and comprehension seemed to have improved, though he understood it was because of his focused and dedicated state of mind.
He began to use the poison room for his own creations as well, adding another location to the few places he ventured.
He had created a few poisons, though all of them were relatively useless and weak. It would take a lot of luck to create a poison as good as his first ones.
These poisons were not necessarily intended to ever be used, but to help further his understanding. He met with the Imperial Scholar a few times, and eventually, another test came around. In total, there would be four tests. The first had already happened, and the second was tomorrow.
Skymender naturally studied as hard as he could, but he had been doing so every single day. No matter how much harder he wanted to study, it was impossible.
Skymender made sure to get plenty of rest and arrived at the Imperial Scholar's office door at 11:45.
He waited until exactly 12, when the last person came out. He had a frown on his face.
The Imperial Scholar walked out behind him and gestured for Skymender to come inside.
"There is no need to waste time. Let's begin." The Imperial Scholar said. Skymender nodded and began to fill out the paper.
It was the same format of test, but the questions were even more difficult to answer than last time. He would have struggled much more a week ago, but after having studied for the past week, and at speeds he himself found hard to believe, he was doing well.
Skymender took around 25 minutes to do the paper test. After which, the Imperial Scholar began to ask him questions. Most of the questions were opinion based, or more open questions, and Skymender had to think harder than before.
However, as the hour finished, Skymender left the office with confidence. If he didn't do the best, he couldn't imagine who would be able to.
The Imperial Scholar let out a smile as he did so. "He is finally releasing his true potential. If he continues like this, Charles won't have a chance of victory. If you can't win with such an incredible ability, then you don't deserve to win at all."
Skymender entered the library, not very concerned about the results. He studied as usual, moving at an incredible speed.
The next day, he continued on. Occasionally, he would get a few hours of sleep. At the end of the day, around 10 PM, he made his way to the teaching room of the Education building. He looked at the leaderboard and read the rankings.
"Fourth place. Miria, 44 points. Third place. Luke, 46 points. First place… a tie between me and Charles." Skymender mumbled.
He had completely caught up. Both of them were sitting at exactly 60 points.
Skymender nodded, satisfied. He imagined that 10 points was the maximum. Although he absolutely didn't get everything correct, the judgement was made by the Imperial Scholar. In addition, it was not based on correctness but by learning ability.
Skymender returned to his room, which had been upgraded ever since he reached 50 points, and slept soundly. The next day, he returned to the library as always.
However, as he studied, an unhappy visitor made an appearance. Charles walked up to him, his hair disheveled and his eyes tired. He had clearly been staying up as much as possible. He looked at Skymender with hatred.
"What is it?" Charles said simply. It was a simple question, but it was filled with failed efforts and unwillingness.
"Are you related to the Imperial Scholar? Are you cheating? What is happening? I have a photographic memory, a memory in which I remember anything and everything. How can I possibly be losing out to you? I can't understand it."
Skymender shook his head. "It's actually pretty simple."
Charles looked surprised. "You actually have an answer? Fine, help me understand."
Skymender spoke simply. "You have failed to consider the fact that I am simply better than you."
Charles snorted. He hadn't expected an honest answer.
"Do you know the side effects of a photographic memory?" Charles asked.
Skymender nodded.
Charles explained regardless. "Of those who have had photographic memories, the oldest in history reached 40 years of age and died of natural causes. This alone proves the existence of something akin to a soul or limited memory. Because the common trend is early death. There is no other explanation. Our minds, or whatever, keep all the information without releasing it, forming an unnatural cycle that resists the very essence of the Universe."
Skymender nodded. All things exist in a cycle. Memories were eventually lost, only keeping a portion of important ones. Remembering every speck of dust ever seen was unnatural, as all things return to the Universe. The Universe, not receiving enough throughout the life of someone with a photographic memory, ensures that they pay the price early.
"This can be considered defying the Heavens and facing the consequences." Charles said, his voice repressing emotions.
For the first time in his life, he spoke his truest feelings, releasing everything inside. All of the unwillingness and indignance was released in a simple sentence that accurately pinpointed the deepest thoughts of countless throughout time and space.
"I never wanted to defy the Heavens."
He felt released. There was no knowledge on this world about Heaven's existence, but the word Heaven simply referred to that which was above, an almighty existence. That which was untouchable and unimaginable.
Defying this Heaven was simply asking for the end of existence.
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