New Record - 695

Although there were no rules against members of the Imperial and Royal families competing in the competitions, it was rarely seen. As for those who did participate, the vast majority did so during the third test, the intelligence test.

Compared to the last two tests, Skymender was even more relaxed. Of course, he had never been worried or concerned about the possibility of losing during the first two tests, but the possibility of him failing in the third test was genuinely zero. 

Even if all of the greatest geniuses from the Empire's history were to compete against him, he was confident that, at the same age, he would not lose.

After all, how many could start from an age as young as he had?

Skymender found a seat on stage, as did many others. The Imperial Scholar explained the test, and handed out papers. 

From front to back, it got more advanced as one went on.

Skymender did not bother to even look around at the competition, sitting in his chair relaxed.

However, the girl who he had beat up from before, as well as the Imperial princess, were looking at him. 

The Imperial princess, in particular, seemed to have it out for Skymender. 

She mumbled under her breath. "Daring to stand near the Imperial Scholar. I'll see if you are qualified."

After speaking a bit more, the Imperial Scholar finally declared the beginning of the test.

As soon as he saw the first question, he began to write without stopping. For the next few minutes, his pencil could be constantly heard, with the occasional flipping of a page interrupting it.

The people watching the intelligence test were stunned. Even those around him were distracted. After all, it was known that he had been the first place winner before, though only because it was his first time and what was being tested was more his talent than his knowledge. In addition, it was also because he was under the age limit for being tested for talent. Otherwise, even 17 year olds participating for the first time would be tested on talent.

The second time was always different, but the way he was acting confused everyone.

His behavior continued constantly, until he reached the last page, finished writing, and closed the book.

His actions surprised everyone. Completing the test was something unheard of. It was not meant to be completed, but for someone to do as much as possible in the time given.

After a few more minutes, the Imperial Scholar waved his hand and ordered the end of the test.

Everything was collected up, and the Imperial Scholar, along with numerous other scholars, went back to grade tests. Skymender recognized a few of them, as he had seen them at the Imperial Scholar camp.

With the intelligence test finished, and the stage dismantled, Skymender found a seat and relaxed with Melly. Unlike before, children did not come up to him, but he did receive a bunch of visitors. Nobles, from barons to dukes, made their way over and greeted him. He respectfully greeted them back and exchanged a few words.

All of it was common courtesy. 

As time passed, everything settled down. People began to get food and talk in smaller groups. Skymender remained with Melly, eating, when the Imperial Scholar came out. 

"All of the tests have been graded, and it is now time to announce the results."

Skymender stopped eating and leaned back in his chair. He already knew the results. 

The Imperial Scholar began to list names from tenth place and up.

At 7th place was the 12 year old that had the potential to end up being a potential Sword Master.

Finally, he got to the top two. 

"In second place is the Imperial Princess." He said.

Applause sounded out.

The Imperial Princess frowned, though she quickly wiped it off of her face.

"Finally, in first place, and for the first time in the history of the Noble Gathering, is Skymender with a perfect score."

There was no applause. Everyone felt as if they had heard wrong. Even the children who were attending and did not understand much were shocked. There had never been a thing such as a perfect score in the Noble Gathering.

The Imperial Princess's frown was replaced with shock. 

It was one thing to lose, but for first place to have a perfect score…

Not everyone completely understood how impressive it was, despite the fact that nobody had ever done it before. To compare, she had completed less than half of the test, and at least 10% of her answers were surely wrong. If she tried to answer the questions on the last page, she would be lucky to get a single one right.

That was the difference between her and Skymender, which she had never expected.

Even the Emperor was shocked, despite knowing of Skymender's talent. However, his shock quickly turned into a smile of expectance.

After a few moments of shock, applause did occur, and it was thunderous. 

It eventually died down.

"All ten of you are to report to the throne room." The Imperial Scholar said.

He, the Emperor, and Sword Master Shang left the room. Following behind them were the ten winners of the intelligence test.

As for the other two winners of the strength test, they would be rewarded in a different way, at a different time.

Skymender found himself in the throne room, in a familiar position. As the Emperor called out names and gave rewards, he eventually found that only he and the Imperial Princess remained.

It was exactly the same as last time, the only difference being that it was not a member of a royal family, but a member of the Imperial Family.

The Emperor looked at his daughter. "Do you see now why I hadn't agreed with them?"

His daughter crossed her arms. "You already knew about him?" 

"I did. As you heard, his name is Skymender of the Sky Barony. He is one of the two best fits to become the next Imperial Scholar."