Way of the Knights

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"Excellent performance."

Another heartfelt praise came from Carl, honestly he wasn't even sure just where lies the limits of these kids. All of them performed beautifully and if he was being honest, it seems like these test are literally easy for them.

"According to the rule of the Promotional Tests, passing 3 tests consecutively is already enough to guarantee your entry to the Inner Branch…"

This information is a well known fact by everyone in the Institute. Strength, speed and perception tests are arranged according to the regular prowess of someone at their cultivation realm. If these kids wanted to, then they could already enter the Inner Court and enjoy the status as well joining the battle for supremacy in there. Carl knew that there are some several influential individuals watching the tests right now, the ones who are blending in the crowd are not counted.

"But true to our nature, Heavenly Cloud Institute's aim is to nurture geniuses that would someday protect the safety of our kingdom. We promised to support your growth as much as we could so that you people will grow up to be a splendid Knights."

"And because of that. We are giving you a chance to become a part of the Genius Class. All you have to do, is to attempt the last two tests. You will be judged accordingly by your performance. Do you want to continue?"

With no hesitations or whatsoever, the crew nodded their heads eagerly. This is the moment that they're waiting for, this is where they will make their first mark.

"Excellent! You are free to rest for an hour. Afterwards, you may return here and we will continue the tests."

This announcement astounded the crowd, everyone felt giddy with excitement.

How could they not? Just the prospect of seeing candidates for Genius Class is a great news for them.

Joining the Genius Class of the Heavenly Cloud Institute might be the highest glory one could bring their their family. This section behaved differently compared to regular classes of the Inner Branch. This is where the elites are gathered so that's somehow understandable. If one stayed in the genius class for just a year, they will be rewarded with a title of Nobility. This includes a plot of land, servants, and many more. But to the people that are thinking that that's too easy, they're terribly wrong.

The fight for resources is toughest in the Genius Class. Earning merit points is a lot harder there compared to the normal class. The missions that are given to the Genius Class are specialized and they will be forced to participate in missions if they wanted to stay. There's also a biannual tournament, and those who failed to meet the mark would be eliminated in the class, no questions asked.

Meanwhile, the crew separated and went towards their own family. Raven, Anne and Ellen went to where their parents are, Mark along with Paul and Luna went towards the room where the Dean Ian and Leon were.

Raven was tussled by his bawling mother before he could even go to their seat. Eva wiped his sweat and continuously asked if he was hurt or stressed enough. It took him a great deal of convincing that he was fine and wasn't hurt before she calmed down. Behind her, Luis was also there, he stretched his hand and ruffled Raven's hair.

"You brat. You didn't say anything! Don't you know? You're mom 'malfunctioned' again after hearing you're participating in the Promotional Tests."

Raven froze a little bit before chuckling wryly, it's been a while since he heard his father describe his mother's strange behavior whenever she's incredibly anxious about his well being.

"Eh, I thought it was a nice surprise right?" Raven smiled and took his parents back to their seat. He sat in the middle of them and then he was bombarded with questions.

"Yeah it certainly was a nice surprise. But how did you guys do it? I mean it haven't been a long time since you were just in the beginning stages, now you guys are just about ready to be a Warrior!" Luis questioned.

"Medicine, Dad. Medicine." Raven answered.

"Care to elaborate?" Luis raised his brow and asked.

"Remember the time when I gave you the jade slips?" Luis thought back and nodded, he could still remember that since if it weren't for those jade slips, along with the medicine that's inside the chest, he won't be standing as a Half-step Silver Knight right now.

"There was a skeleton that was holding that previously. When I touched it, it sent a wave of spiritual energy on my brain. Later on, I found out that I inherited the memories of the elder who kept that suitcase. He was an alchemist and I used his memories to train myself as well my friends."

Upon saying this, Raven took out a vial of a C-ranked Body Restoration Liquid and pass it to him.

"This is a Body Restoration Liquid. It's cures physical fatigue and injuries to a certain extent. The effects are boosted after a heavy load of work out. Each day, we will soak in a barrel of this before we go to sleep. We are still using this up until this day and it had been a god sent."

Luis was intrigued and caught a whiff from the vial. In that instance, his eyes snapped in shock as he stared shockingly at the vial. Luis wasn't an alchemist but he had a slight knowledge with medicines so he could gauge just how precious this vial is. Just one direct whiff and he could feel his body strongly respond to this medicine. It might seem absurd but he felt wide awake just from one whiff of this medicine.

"Good stuff!" Luis exclaimed emotionally, "This must've cost you a fortune huh?"

"Nope!" Raven shook his head and continued: "Not at all. Just that vial alone is 1 gold card."

"Excuse me!?" Luis stared shockingly at his son.

"Yep, you heard that right." Raven grinned and raised one finger, "One gold card. If I want too, I can make tons of this or ones that are on a higher grade. That one is a C-rank."

"Do anyone else knew this?" Luis hurriedly hushed his voice and asked Raven.

"Aside from them, no one else."

"Champ, listen to me." Luis grabbed him by the shoulders and looked intently at his eyes. "Make sure you don't casually flaunt this outside you hear me? You have to be wary of people."

"I agree as well." Eva chimed in while stroking the back of Raven.

"Mom, Dad calm down." He smiled warmly and comforted them. "My friends are trustworthy. Plus I have my own plans, first I would pass the genius class, then…"

Raven then stated his own plans for the future to his parents. He wasn't afraid of exposing it to them since it's better for them to know this early on instead of making them anxious later. He thought of an incredible plan that even Luis was impressed.

But of course, Raven didn't tell them everything. The excuse just now is believable since he had already thought of it before, fortunately he prepared an excuse or else he might have no other choice but to reveal his biggest secret. Nevertheless, the plan he made isn't actually entirely false as he was truly planning on doing them in the near future.

After his explanations, Luis heaved a deep sigh. He ruffled his son's hair and said: "I don't even know what to say. You're already talking about making connections and you aren't even a full fledged adult."

"Baby, I know you only wanted the best for us, the same could be said for us." Eva held his hand, her voice was filled with worry and endless love. "But please, don't overwork yourself too hard. The last thing that I want is to deprive you of your childhood. Don't be in a hurry to become an adult, okay?"

"I understand Mom. I'm not in a hurry. I just wanted to do everything I can." Raven felt the warmth in his heart and comforted his mother.

"I share the same sentiments with you're Mom. I'm still strong enough to shoulder you against the people who wanted to hurt you. Live your life to the fullest, your mom and I will always be here to support you." Luis locked his son to a fatherly embrace.

Raven was speechless, he felt his nose stung and the corner of his eyes moistened. They have always been like this, selfless and always placing him before themselves. They shouldered the skies for him but he never became strong enough to do the same for them. But not in this lifetime.

'I am not in a hurry to grow up believe me. But my enemies won't wait for me to grow up, no. They absolutely can't allow me to grow up. Because if I do, then it will be the end of their tyranny. You shouldered the skies for me, and for that I'm always thankful.. This time, I will make sure that I will shatter anyone or anything that will cause you harm.'