Cayden's fierce features contorted. He couldn't believe the reality of what he was seeing. The worst part was that Ryu didn't bother to gloat, he didn't even say a word. After confirming that he took first place, he simply removed his hand out from under his third brother's and walked back to his personal platform. With a calm expression, he sat down in meditation as though these Coronation Games had nothing to do with him.
Even at its peak, the Tor bloodline was a half-step from the Earth Grade. It was because of their hereditary bone structure that they managed to dominate this Highest Mortal Plane, not their blood. As for the Viri and Lantes bloodlines, they were even worse off and could only be considered of the Peak Black Grade. How could any of these bloodlines pressure Ryu's four Ancestral Grade bloodlines? In fact, Ryu spent most of his effort restraining himself so that the three Totems wouldn't crumble to dust.
King Tor's expression was particularly unsightly, even more so than his Third Son's. To have had a dynasty like this in his hands only to toss it away, who wouldn't be green with regret? It was at this moment that he steeled himself. No matter what, after these events ended, Ryu could not be allowed to leave under any circumstances. Unless his corpse lay before him, he wouldn't feel at ease.
The pale faced Princesses had only just managed to awaken, only for them to see this result. Was it worth it? To betray their little brother and cause the death of an innocent woman just for the illusion of a Kingdom?
The first trial continued, but the crowd seemed deflated. Maybe only those who had bet on the Tor Kingdom as a whole felt any sort of gratification, but seeing such an overwhelming victory left them feeling uncomfortable. Just why was it that it seemed the Tor Clan was withstanding great internal strife?
"This is the way of the world." A particularly old individual said after sighing. "The Tor Clan is blessed to have so many heirs, but how could it be possible for them all to flourish? For one to stand above, the other three must either willingly bow out, or suffer a great loss."
Even as these words fell, the results became clear. First Prince Amory took third place, his calm expression never changing even as his two brothers surpassed him. Finally, Second Prince Jedrek placed fourth. In grand fashion, the Tor Clan swept the first trial, firmly grasping the Fate of this Plane.
Headmaster Leopold gave Ryu a deep look. Had he misjudged this boy? If he truly swept everything in his path and placed first, according to the Tor Clan Texts, King Tor had no choice but to name him Crown Prince. Disobeying this would scatter the accumulated Faith of the Tor Clan, causing their current first place among the Kingdoms to sink to last. In fact, they might not even be considered a true Kingdom anymore if they did such a thing.
An inexplicable tension loomed over the Coronation Game grounds. This was meant to be a happy occasion they had all been looking forward to for years, so why did it feel as though they were watching the Fate of their lives play out before them?
'Unfortunately, this first trial was only an appetizer. Although this old man dislikes violence, my hand was forced…' Leopold thought to himself solemnly.
"The display of your Princes has truly made this old heart of mine thump." The Headmaster's voice projected over the arena once more. "As promised, I will now announce the results. Please keep in mind the criteria I laid out beforehand."
'Maybe this Headmaster has more backbone than I gave him credit for.' Ryu thought to himself as he heard those last words.
"First place, Prince Ryu Tor. He displayed a calm and unhurried approach, even in the face of the doubts of those around him. In the end, he left a shadow over the hearts of his opponents they won't soon forget by striking at the perfect moment. This old man awards him a perfect score of ten."
Hearing these words, a slight murderous intent emitted from the eyes of the two elders who stood beside Amell, but they didn't dare to do anything so openly, not now. If their guesses were correct, things were about to change in a manner they hadn't expected.
"There is a tie for second place. I award both Prince Amory Tor and Prince Kalmin Opes this place!"
An uproar sounded through the crowd. Weren't both Opes Princes last? Neither took even a single step! Plus, wasn't Prince Cayden second?!
"You! Old man!" Cayden's roar tore through the arena. With his temper, how could he sit idly. "Are you trying to cheat me?!"
"Please allow me to finish." Leopold said unhurriedly. "I purposely introduced this trial as I did so that those with enough intelligence could benefit. When did I ever say that the order of those who reached the platform would be the order I placed you in?
"Prince Amory displayed patience even surpassing that of Prince Ryu. While Ryu is simply an outstanding talent that hardly felt the pressure of the Totems, Prince Amory was different. His talent is lacking, but his perseverance was clear. He used the perfect approach, slowly refining the aura and allowing his weaker body to grow accustomed. In the end, he surpassed those who began ahead of himself and reached the central platform third. I award him eight points!
"Prince Kalmin, even in the face of the jeers and ridicule of the crowd, and even knowing his younger brother couldn't be relied upon, he still made the brave choice of directly giving up. A King is not just a powerful man! He is an individual who knows when to advance and when to retreat!"
Headmaster Leopold's words rained down, his imposing aura no less than that of the Sect Masters of the ruling Three Sects. One would never think that he was a mere mortal. Cayden was unable to reply.
"In third place, I award Prince Cayden Tor five points. He displayed perseverance and tenacity. And, although he lost in the end, he didn't lash out but instead sharpened his battle intent." Only after hearing these words did Cayden feel a bit better, however the bitterness didn't fade.
"In fourth place, I award Prince Jedrek Tor four points. His actions are difficult to read, but he understands his strengths and weaknesses. He will shine in the later trials if this old man is correct. In fifth place, there is once again a tie. Prince Atticus and Silas are both awarded two points. In last place, Prince Kwan of the Opes Kingdom is awarded with zero."
Headmaster Leopold took a deep breath. He knew the actions he took would bring him trouble, but his resolve was firm. "Take care, young Princes. This second trial will not be as forgiving as the first, but do remember the words I've said. Prepare the beasts!"