Amidst the prize distribution, Julius took center stage once again and addressed the gathered crowd, his voice ringing out with excitement.
"Congratulations not only to these exceptional individuals but also to each and every one of you for successfully passing the magic potential test!" His words elicited a collective cheer from the audience.
"I know you're all eagerly anticipating the preliminary rounds tomorrow, but before we dive into the entrance exam, I want to grant you a day of well-deserved rest. Use this time to fully recover and fine-tune your skills one last time. It's your chance to recharge and showcase your best when the competition begins. And, of course, good luck to each and every one of you!" Julius concluded, his words filled with genuine enthusiasm.
The announcement set off a wave of anticipation and relief among the students, who eagerly embraced the opportunity to rejuvenate themselves before the upcoming challenges.
As the crowd of over 800 kids dispersed, they were led by guards to the half-circle camps made of white marble that were located to the left of the dome's campus.
After arriving, each person was assigned to a single camp with one other roommate, and the guards stayed behind to protect the area. As it was already 10 pm, Lyrian decided to clean himself off in the shower before going to sleep.
Since he wasn't going to be able to cultivate at night:the entrance exam preliminaries starting the very next day:he decided to use it efficiently and actually get a good night's sleep for once.
Lyrian stepped into his camp and was pleasantly taken aback by what awaited him inside. Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior held a surprising charm.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe space was adorned with a collection of homely items and furnishings that instantly lifted his mood. The walls were adorned with woven tapestries, their intricate patterns adding a touch of color and warmth to the camp.
Soft lighting emanated from flickering candles, casting a gentle glow that created a cozy atmosphere. The air carried a subtle scent of lavender and herbs, creating a soothing ambiance.
Comfortable cushions and inviting chairs were scattered throughout, inviting him to relax and unwind. The crackling fireplace served as the focal point, radiating warmth and emitting a comforting flicker of light across the room.
With haste, he quickly got in the shower and cleaned himself off. Unlike his home, where everything was slightly broken and damaged, all things inside the camp were spotless and unflawed.
The luxury of the camps displayed the magnitude of the academy's wealth, and Lyrian assumed it was on purpose at least somewhat.
After finishing, his stomach grumbled with hunger, but taking a look around, there was nothing to eat. Being the hungry beast that he was, eating more than three times anyone else his age, he even went into the room of his roommate who he had yet to see.
When he entered, however, no one could be seen inside. 'Huh... that's odd,' Lyrian thought before scrounging through the entire camp. Still, he found nothing.
Frustrated, and with hunger gnawing at his stomach, Lyrian decided to go ask one of the guards that stood outside, but just as he left his camp, a potent smell of delicious food entered his nostrils and alerted his brain at once.
Like a hungry predator, his head turned towards that direction in a split second, as he began walking.
Soon, he came across a giant fireplace that was located in the middle of the camps. 'I guess I left too early to be informed of this...' Lyrian thought to himself, seeing the hundreds of kids that were there.
A massive fireplace dominated the campsite, spanning an impressive 10 by 10 feet and towering over 20 feet in height. Around it, kids gathered, sitting on logs, enjoying meals while engaging in lively conversations.
Nearby, several food stalls were set up, providing a continuous supply of delectable dishes for everyone's delight. The stall area was brimming with an abundance of appetizing food.
From freshly baked loaves of bread and steaming hot soups to tantalizing meats, juicy fruits, and vibrant vegetables, there was a feast to satisfy every craving. It was a haven for food enthusiasts, where the enticing aromas and vibrant displays tempted even the most restrained appetites.
Lyrian was undoubtedly one of these food lovers, as he quickly picked up over 10 plates and filled them all up with every type of food there before returning to the logs near the fireplace and beginning to feast.
His eating even brought the attention of onlookers, as they mused at how fast he devoured all of the food, but he only cared about how delicious the food was.
At that moment the atmosphere was bright and lively, with everyone laughing with each other as they enjoyed themselves. Lyrian didn't mind such an environment either, as it only created less trouble for him.
However, all of that changed as a certain figure made his way into the scene, walking toward the stalls.
It was none other than Silvus, the prince of the kingdom. As he nonchalantly looked at the food items placed in the stalls, his personal guard walked behind him--a man in his forties who wore a butler's outfit, with a monocle on his left eye and a dignified posture with a stern expression.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEveryone immediately quieted down, eventually completely ceasing to create all noise in his presence. Many kids had their self-worth and ego, but trying to showcase it in front of the supreme royal family was not a good move, and even they knew so.
No amount of self-satisfaction could be more rewarding than punishment from the kingdom.
As he walked through the stalls, everyone he neared quickly tilted their heads down in fear, their bodies frozen still.
Silvus didn't care about this reaction, as he was used to it by now and knew that it didn't affect him in any way.
"Hey... that kid!" A few voices on the other side of the fireplace began to whisper.
"Why is he feasting so loudly and not stopping when the young master is too close to him!?"
"He looks like a peasant from a middle-class family... does he have a death wish?"
These comments were extremely quiet, in order to not be heard by Silvus or his guard, but Lyrian still noticed them.
That's when he paused his feast and looked around to notice that the bustling environment from before had disappeared.
With a stick of meat in his mouth and his hands full of food, he looked at everyone and Silvus with an eyebrow raised.
"Why did everyone quiet down all of a sudden?"