Chapter 5: The Crown Prince’s Test

Eryndor stood firm as the nobles whispered around him, their hushed voices carrying judgment and curiosity. He could feel their scrutinizing gazes, analyzing his every move, weighing his worth before he had even spoken. At the front of the grand hall, his father, Lord Alaric Valeria, bowed slightly before King Alden III, but Eryndor did not lower his head completely. Instead, his focus remained locked onto the golden-haired boy standing beside the throne Crown Prince Darius.

The prince stood with an air of composed confidence, the kind that came from never having to struggle for power. He exuded the presence of someone who had always been destined for greatness, yet Eryndor saw something else beneath the carefully measured expression. A challenge. Darius may have been the kingdom's heir, but he was not untouchable. If Eryndor wanted to rise in this world, he would need to stand as his equal or surpass him. For now, though, he had a role to play.

He took a step forward and bowed not too deep, just enough to show respect without submission.

The king's sharp eyes studied him with mild amusement. "So, you are the rumored child prodigy," King Alden III mused, his voice deep and commanding. "You have caused quite the stir among my court."

Eryndor met his gaze with calm confidence. "It is an honor to be summoned, Your Majesty."

The king gave a slow nod, then turned to his son. "Darius, what do you think?"

Prince Darius regarded Eryndor with an appraising look, his lips curving into a smirk. "He's small."

Laughter rippled through the gathered nobles, a thinly veiled attempt to gauge his reaction. It was a test of pride, a game played among the elite. If he reacted aggressively, he would appear childish. If he acted meek, he would be dismissed entirely. Instead, he tilted his head slightly and replied, "Small things grow."

Darius's eyebrow arched in surprise. "Is that so?"

King Alden let out a chuckle. "Hah. You are bold." His amusement faded as his expression hardened. "But boldness alone does not make a warrior."

He gestured toward a nearby knight. "Sir Cedric."

A tall, armored knight stepped forward, his cold gray eyes assessing Eryndor with quiet scrutiny.

"This is my royal sword instructor," the king continued. "You will spar with him."

The hall fell into silence. Nobles exchanged looks of disbelief. A six-year-old boy… fighting a royal knight?

Lord Alaric's jaw tightened. "Your Majesty, my son is still young...."

"It is just a test," the king interrupted smoothly. "No harm will come to him. But if he is as talented as the rumors say, then let him prove it."

Eryndor's heart pounded. He knew this wasn't just a test. It was a trap. If he refused, they would mock him. If he accepted and lost too easily, they would call him a fraud. But if he proved himself here, today, then his rise would begin.

Slowly, he stepped forward and nodded. "I accept."

The royal guards swiftly cleared space in the hall, pushing aside furniture to make room. A servant handed Eryndor a small wooden training sword, much lighter than the weapons he had trained with at home. Across from him, Sir Cedric drew his own wooden blade, standing tall with an air of complete ease. He wasn't taking this seriously.

Eryndor exhaled slowly and activated his system vision.

[Opponent: Sir Cedric – Royal Sword Instructor]

[Strength: 6.5] [Agility: 5.8] [Combat Experience: High]

Far stronger than me. Even though Eryndor had trained hard, his stats weren't close to Cedric's level. But raw power wasn't everything.

[System Skill Active: Basic Swordsmanship]

[System Skill Active: Mana Enhancement]

A faint blue aura surged into his limbs. He kept it subtle just enough to enhance his speed and control without drawing attention.

Sir Cedric gave a slight bow. "Begin."

The knight moved instantly, his sword whipping toward Eryndor's side in a fast yet measured strike, as if sparring with a beginner. A mistake.

Eryndor's body reacted faster than expected. He twisted to the side.

WHAP!

Cedric's blade whistled through empty air. Gasps echoed through the hall.

He dodged?!

Cedric's expression hardened. "Hmph."

This time, he struck faster, aiming for Eryndor's shoulder.

Clang!

Eryndor's sword rose to block, but the sheer force sent him sliding backward. His arms ached from the impact. Too strong. I can't block head on. He needed to rely on speed, positioning, and intelligence.

Cedric lunged again. Eryndor ducked low, slipping under the attack and pivoting into the knight's blind spot. For a brief moment, he saw an opening.

Strike now.

Eryndor swung his sword toward Cedric's exposed ribs.

But Cedric was faster.

BAM!

A sudden knee to the chest sent Eryndor sprawling. Pain erupted through his ribs as he hit the ground. The nobles laughed. "A child is still a child."

But Cedric's expression was different. He extended a hand, his voice steady. "Stand up."

Eryndor gritted his teeth. His body screamed for him to stay down but his pride refused to break. With effort, he stood.

Cedric gave a small nod. "Again."

The duel continued. Eryndor couldn't overpower Sir Cedric, but he could outmaneuver him. Each time he dodged, he learned. Each time he blocked, his arms strengthened. The nobles, who had mocked him at first, gradually fell silent.

Even the Crown Prince watched with interest.

And then, in a single decisive moment, Cedric overextended.

Eryndor stepped inside his guard, twisting his sword with precision.

CRACK!

The impact struck Cedric's wrist, forcing his sword downward. It wasn't enough to win, but it was enough to show skill.

Cedric took a step back and gave a small, approving smile. Then, he lowered his sword. "That's enough."

Recognition Earned

Eryndor panted, sweat dripping from his forehead. He had lost but it wasn't a complete defeat. He had forced a trained royal knight to take him seriously. That alone was a victory.

King Alden stroked his beard, eyes gleaming. "Interesting."

Prince Darius smirked. "You're better than I thought."

Then, the king spoke words that would change Eryndor's fate forever.

"Stay in the capital. Train at the Royal Academy."

Eryndor's breath caught. The Royal Academy the most elite institution in the kingdom, where future lords, generals, and scholars trained. This was an invitation into the true world of power.

His gaze met the king's. This was it. His first step toward kingship.

And he would not waste it.