The duel between Saksham and Arjun Rathore quickly became the biggest rumor inside the palace.
Even though the guards tried to keep it secret, news in noble circles always spread fast.
"A five-year-old prince defeated the Duke's son."
"Arjun Rathore lost in one attack."
"That light magic was abnormal…"
But Saksham didn't care about the rumors.
Right now, he was sitting inside the royal library.
A massive room filled with ancient books, magical scrolls, and forbidden knowledge.
Saksham carefully turned the page of a thick magic book.
"Elements of the World – Volume 3."
He quietly read the section about rare elements.
Fire.
Water.
Wind.
Earth.
Lightning.
Light.
But when he searched for Darkness…
There was nothing.
No explanation.
No description.
No record.
Saksham leaned back in his chair.
"So it really is forbidden…"
Just then—
The large wooden doors of the library opened.
A tall man wearing royal armor walked inside.
It was the Captain of the Royal Knights.
"Prince Saksham."
Saksham looked up.
"Yes?"
"The king has requested your presence."
A few minutes later.
Inside the royal throne room.
The massive golden hall was filled with nobles and royal guards.
At the center sat the ruler of the kingdom.
King Veerendra Singla.
Saksham's father.
His sharp eyes looked down at the young prince.
"So…"
"I hear you defeated Arjun Rathore."
Saksham stayed calm.
"It was just a friendly duel."
A noble suddenly stepped forward.
It was the Duke of Rathore himself.
A large man with a powerful presence.
"My son told me everything."
The entire hall became silent.
Then the Duke laughed loudly.
"Hahaha!"
"That was a wonderful fight!"
Everyone looked confused.
Instead of anger…
the Duke looked impressed.
"My son has always been arrogant."
"It's good someone finally humbled him."
Then he looked directly at Saksham.
"You have talent, young prince."
The king raised his hand.
"Enough."
His voice echoed across the throne room.
"Today I have a more important announcement."
The nobles straightened their posture.
"The Royal Academy entrance examination will take place in one year."
The room immediately filled with whispers.
The Royal Academy.
The most prestigious magical academy in the entire kingdom.
Only the most talented nobles were accepted.
The king looked at Saksham.
"You will attend it."
Saksham blinked.
"At six years old?"
Normally students entered at ten.
But the king nodded.
"If your mana truly exceeds normal limits, then hiding your talent would be foolish."
The Duke of Rathore smiled.
"Perfect."
"My son will also attend."
Saksham immediately understood.
Arjun had already planned this.
Their rivalry wasn't over.
It was just beginning.
At that moment—
The system activated again.
SYSTEM MESSAGE
Main Quest Activated
Arc: Royal Academy
Objective:
Enter the Royal Academy and become the strongest student.
Hidden Objective:
Keep the Darkness Element secret.
Reward:
Special Evolution Skill
Time Limit:
1 Year
Saksham slowly exhaled.
"A whole academy arc…"
Above the world, inside the divine realm—
The gods were watching again.
One of them laughed loudly.
"Now the fun begins!"
Another god smiled.
"The chosen child will face the world of geniuses."
But the eldest god remained silent.
His eyes were serious.
"The academy also hides people who hunt forbidden powers…"
Back in the throne room—
Saksham bowed respectfully.
"I understand, father."
But inside his mind, he already knew.
The Royal Academy would not just be a school.
It would be the battlefield where future legends were born.
And maybe…
where his secret could be exposed.
To be continued…