The Runic Alchemist

"When the hell did you learn aura materialization?" Einar asked Sam, who was still soaking in his triumph over the prince.

Even after hours had passed, Sam basked in the glory of his recent victory. Students continued to call out to him with congratulations, and he was still receiving nods and cheers of acknowledgement. Needless to say, Sam was floating on cloud nine by now.

Damian had opted for a change of scenery after the match. Together with the group, he came along to spend the evening outside in the sprawling garden. The garden space extended toward the edge of the bastion, offering a breathtaking view of the sea kissed by the hues of the setting sun.

Seated atop his own conjured wooden chairs and tables, Damian half-mindedly listened to their chatter while his thoughts remained focused on refining his creations with his notebook in hand. Even the lost prince of Dawnstar had joined them.

"You're one to talk," Evrin said, flicking Einar's forehead. "You know it too, don't you?" Then she broke into a smile, joined shortly by Einar.

"Precisely," Einar replied. "Which is why I know how hard it is to learn."

"Heaven aids those brave souls who face mountainous challenges head-on. Such is the truth of the world, child," Sam said dramatically, causing Elias to clap in apparent admiration.

The rest of the group, however, collectively ignored him.

"Relish your brief moment of glory, Samuel, but don't think you'll outrank us in the exams," the prince quipped with a playful grin. Damian had to give it to him; the prince was a better loser than expected. Not what he had imagined him to be at all. Of course, he would admit as much to his face.

Lucian glanced at both of them, seemingly at a loss for words. Deciding silence was the best response, she said nothing. The prince just took it as her silent agreement in his claim with a nod.

"The practical exams are combined. You two don't stand a chance against us," Einar declared, grabbing Evrin's hand as if her agreement was a given. Evrin merely squinted at her, also opting to stay silent.

"Master is impressive, but Lady Einar is frightening too," Elias murmured worriedly, glancing at Sam.

"Fear not, my worthy squire," Sam proclaimed, striking the most knightly pose he could muster. "T'was but a mere fraction of my unmatched prowess. Fair Lady Einar may be a skilled warrior, but none can rival the glory of this Glorious one!"

'Did he just call Elias his squire..?' Damian spared a glance at him.

Grace giggled behind him. "Funny, I recall this 'Glorious one' being afraid to challenge someone I know."

Sam hesitated, while Elias stood anxiously by his side. Both of them exchanged uneasy glances, their troubled expressions fixating on Damian as though he was some insurmountable obstacle in their pursuit of greatness.

Sam had already made waves by challenging and defeating nearly everyone in the top ranks across the three sections. He had bested Evrin, Grace, and others and was already plotting to challenge Lucian and Einar. Yet, curiously, he had never shown the same enthusiasm or resolve when it came to Damian himself.

Once again, Damian was surprised to see Grace indulging in Sam's antics. He had, of course, heard Einar and Evrin's remarks about the duo's growing camaraderie when they talked with Lucian and himself once. And he himself had personally seen Grace and Sam together many times, chatting and laughing just the two of them, whether sitting on the hallway steps or in the open common square areas where students gathered during their free time.

At first, Damian had his doubts. But even after understanding what Sam was soing, Grace didn't seem bothered by him at all. On the contrary, she appeared to genuinely enjoy his company. Damian sighed inwardly. It seemed he was still a long way from unraveling the mysteries of womankind.

"The only reason you two ranked higher during admissions was your second ranker aura's strength, allowing you to resist Bloodedge's aura and gain extra points," Lucian made an uncharacteristic declaration, typically she was one to avoid petty boasting. It seemed the duel had stirred her competitive spirit as well. "The midterm exams will prove who the true superior is," she stated firmly.

"Oh, living in illusions now, are we?" Sam retorted. Then he addressed the whole group with exaggerated bravado. "Try as you might, none of you will best me in the duels or practical exams. I alone will win and have exclusive access to the Highsword dungeon next term. Worry not though; this 'Glorious one' is also a gracious one who will allow you to join him, so you might become half as great as him." He struck another pose, grinning widely as Elias clapped in admiration once more. Lumi groaned, and simply facepalmed at the sight of Elias. Stay connected via empire

"You think the duels showcased our limits, Sam? You're in for a huge disappointment," Evrin said confidently. Her expression—calm yet menacing—now that was a warning and a half. "If anyone wants to win, they'll have to endure a world of pain."

'Woah, those expressions were unsettling. Luckily, that one was usually a calm one. Yet, something felt off here...'

'Cough.'

Everyone turned to look at him.

"And why do you all assume it's just between you all?" he asked, looking up from his book.

The atmosphere shifted among them noticeably.

"Well.. You are a Knowledge Keeper," Einar ventured. "We forget you're in the combat class."

"Aren't you more interested in your trinkets than in exams and all this fighting stuff?" Sam scoffed.

"There's always a personal approach in the practical exam, but there are still sectional limitations," Maelor said. "No matter how powerful you are, even with your whole section - most of which won't be in the practical exam, it can't truly compete with the combined might of ours."

Sam and Einar exchanged an awkward glance, neither agreeing nor dismissing his words, though their hesitation was unmistakable. The others, however, appeared more certain and in agreement with the prince's statement.

"Oh, is that so?" Damian replied with a casual smile. "Just so you all know, with the new rules in place and the real chance to pass and achieve the dungeon passage right, I'll be giving it my all too."

However, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Someone among them visibly gulped down.

"I suppose next week will be interesting, then," the prince added with a polite smile. "It'll all be clear after next week—who will rise to the top and who will remain mediocre."