Atherwyn Royal Academy — 8:05 AM
"Ashenwald."
"Yes, Uncle Rhydion?"
"Your father is here."
"My father?" Ashenwald blinked. "Why is he here?"
"He insisted on coming with me," Rhydion replied. "He wanted to see your skills firsthand — what you've gained by living and studying in Japan for ten years. After all, you're his son — the son of Duke Atherion Gravemire."
"I see…" Ashenwald nodded internally. So he's here to witness my entrance exam? This could be interesting.
As they walked toward the examination hall, Duke Atherion smirked, "Today is the day, Ashenwald. I want to see not only your brilliance, but also the shocked expressions of the students — especially when they learn you're the first ever to score a perfect 100% on the entrance exam."
Ashenwald grinned. So even father is excited to see this…
"Don't be nervous," said Rhydion, patting his shoulder. "And if any professor says something inappropriate, tell me — I'll fire them instantly."
"There's no need for that, Uncle. But I appreciate the sentiment," Ashenwald replied politely.
---
Inside the Academy Grounds
"Isn't that Duke Atherion Gravemire?"
"And who's that walking beside him?"
"I heard his son was sent abroad when he was five… is that him?"
Ashenwald could hear the whispers. His father chuckled, "Looks like everyone is talking about you."
"No, father," Ashenwald smirked. "They're all talking about you."
"Well then, take a look for yourself."
Ashenwald glanced around.
"Oh my god, he's so handsome…"
"I hope he ends up in Class 4 — no, Class 3 would be better!"
"He's definitely going to make a lot of girls fall for him…"
"Looks like you'll have quite the fanbase," Duke Atherion teased.
"Didn't you come to see my exam?" Ashenwald retorted.
"Of course I did," he grinned.
"This year's entrance exam is packed with talented noble and royal candidates," Rhydion explained. "Your candidate number is 3. My daughter and Duke Kael Stormhelm's son are already in Class 3, but were promoted directly to Class 1 after passing the special exam. You must've read about it in the academy manual I gave you."
"I did," Ashenwald nodded. "But Uncle Rhydion… why do you call your own daughter arrogant?"
"Because she is," Rhydion sighed. "She believes no one can surpass her — her attitude is the problem. That's why I want you to crush it."
Atherion chuckled. "So that's why you always acted like you loved Ashen more than your own daughter."
"I don't act, Atherion. I actually love this boy more than anyone," Rhydion said firmly.
"Candidate #3: Ashenwald Gravemire — please enter the exam hall."
"That's me," Ashenwald said. "I'll do my best."
---
Inside the Private Examination Hall
Ashenwald glanced around. A private exam hall? Only one desk, one chair. Looks like this is arranged just for me.
Seated at the front were the academy's most elite professors:
Alina Serin — Professor of Social Sciences
Haley Velbourne — Professor of Science
Arone Vale — Professor of Mathematics
Elias Throne — Professor of Commerce
"You're here to take the Atherwyn entrance exam?" Alina Serin asked.
"Yes, Professor," Ashenwald replied.
"Introduce yourself," Professor Haley added.
"My name is Ashenwald Gravemire. I'm here to take this year's entrance exam."
The professors exchanged glances.
Gravemire…?
Duke Atherion Gravemire's son…?
Just then, Rhydion and Atherion entered the room.
"Can we sit in?" Rhydion asked.
"Of course," Professor Elias stood. "It's an honor to have you both."
"Father," Ashenwald whispered, "why are you here?"
"To make sure you're not uncomfortable," Atherion said with a smile.
You showing up made things even more awkward… Ashenwald thought, forcing a grin.
---
"This is your test," Professor Elias said. "It covers every subject taught at Atherwyn. You chose all subjects, so expect a challenge."
"I chose them all for a reason," Ashenwald said, glancing at the watching nobles through the glass.
"And after you complete this, we'll give you one final question," Elias continued. "To ensure your results are from skill — not luck."
So it's like that, Ashenwald thought.
---
1 hour, 10 minutes later…
Ashenwald stood and submitted his paper.
"You… finished?" Professor Elias blinked.
"Already?" Alina whispered.
"Even Calestia Vaelcrest and Darian Stormhelm — the academy's top students — couldn't finish this paper in two hours," said Haley.
"Let's see how he did," murmured Arone.
Moments later, the professors went silent.
"…All correct. Every single answer."
"Impossible."
"He's brilliant."
"And now, the final test," Arone Vale said, standing. "This one-mark question has only ever been given to students who finish the full paper. Not even Calestia or Darian could answer it correctly. They both scored 99%."
"Ask away," Ashenwald said calmly.
"You have 30 seconds. What is zero?"
Ashenwald paused. A philosophical trap question. Simple on the surface, deep in meaning.
He smiled.
"Zero means nothing," he began. "Yet, it's the beginning of everything. From emptiness, everything begins. Zero is the start — the origin of all potential."
The room fell silent.
The professors stared.
"…Brilliant," whispered Elias.
"Perfect," said Haley.
"Ashenwald Gravemire — you are the first student in Atherwyn Royal Academy's history to score 100% in the entrance exam."
"Congratulations," Arone added. "But please, don't announce this yet. Tomorrow is the entrance ceremony and annual welcome banquet. We would be honored to recognize you then."
---
Outside the hall, Duke Atherion wrapped an arm around his son.
"You did it. As I expected."
"We'll celebrate tonight," Rhydion added. "And someone special is arriving today."
---
Duke Atherion Gravemire Estate — 11:00 AM
"Dad, who's arriving from abroad today?"
"Oh," Atherion replied casually. "Your younger sister."
"…What?!"
---
To Be Continued _