As soon as the heirs passed through the glittering gate, they found themselves once again in the vast academy courtyard. The air was thick with cheers, and students from across the kingdoms lined the stands, enthusiastically applauding them after they had passed one of the most challenging exams in the academy's history. Banners were raised, voices rose, and the place seemed to be celebrating the birth of a new generation of legends.
On the upper balconies of the academy, the kings stood. Pride and majesty shone in their eyes as they applauded their sons and daughters, waving and cheering them on. A huge stage, illuminated with magical lights, had been erected in the heart of the courtyard in preparation for the heirs' ceremony.
The results were announced, and Saruto's name topped the list, having achieved the highest score. He was followed by Rain, and then Lucien and Kyle, who shared third place. Among the princesses, Camellia shone brightly, followed by Star, and then Eliza and Selena, who tied for third. The hall erupted in applause as the two first-place winners, Saruto and Camelia, stood to receive their awards. The audience exchanged words of congratulations and admiration for their strength.
Then, one by one, the kings ascended the stage, greeting their children and bestowing upon them gestures of pride and royal congratulations. Following the ceremony, the grand ball in honor of the heirs commenced. The corridors were illuminated, the hall was filled with sophisticated music and the aromas of fine cuisine, and each heir was adorned in their finest attire.
The atmosphere was filled with merriment. Saruto teased Lucien with a smirk after he came in third, while Ryan burst out laughing at Kyle, who could only respond with a silent, disgruntled look. The party continued in this vein of banter and laughter until nearly midnight, when the herald announced the end of the celebration. The heirs left the academy one by one, each returning to their respective kingdoms.
On the journey home in the royal carriage, Saruto sat beside his father. Exhaustion was evident on his face, despite his attempts to conceal it.
"How did the test go for you?" his father asked in a calm tone he knew well. (The test was being broadcast at the academy, and all the kings watched it.)
"It was good," Saruto replied, turning towards the window. "But I didn't expect Prisoner Number Eleven to be called. I was hoping to at least call one of the top three."
His father chuckled briefly. "And you thought you could defeat them? Only Prisoner Number Eleven, Caven, wore you down and completely drained your energy." Saruto sighed, then shook his head. "You're right, Father... I must train harder to increase my strength."
"That's always the point," his father replied with a smile.
Saruto paused for a moment, then asked with genuine curiosity, "Father... do you know why Caven was imprisoned? He seemed like a good person... and possessed the qualities of a nobleman." The king sighed softly and said, "Yes, because he is the son of the seventeenth founder of the Dragon House. And the reason for his imprisonment… is that he killed his brother, who had usurped the throne."
Saruto's eyes widened. "He killed him simply because he took the throne?"
His father replied uncertainly, "Perhaps… and perhaps not. Some say his brother caused the death of their father and mother… and others say he caused the death of his wife." Saruto lowered his gaze. "Then he suffered greatly…" His father said, "We don't know the true story, and therefore we cannot judge him."
After a moment of silence, he continued, "After killing his brother, he surrendered and was imprisoned by their third brother, before the tenth founder of the Dark House transferred him to the Abyss Prison."
Saruto raised his head and said firmly, "Perhaps… if I meet him again, I will learn the truth from him." His father smiled. "Do as you wish."
As they conversed, the carriage approached the palace. They finally arrived, and Saruto went up to his room, threw his tired body onto the bed, and quickly fell asleep. With the first light of morning, Saruto awoke. He washed, ate his breakfast, and went to the Time Room for training. There he found Ethan waiting for him. They exchanged greetings, then began their usual rigorous training.
As they finished and left the room, a palace servant came running in carrying a small box containing two royal invitations. The servant bowed and said, "Two invitations for you, one from the Hell Princess Camellia… and one from the Light Princess Eliza."
Saruto took the letters, and after a quick shower, he prepared to leave. He used his teleportation skill and appeared instantly before the gates of the Hell Kingdom. The guards greeted him respectfully and escorted him inside the vast palace where the Hell Queen's throne lay.
And there… a new story begins.