"Many are surprised that the big event of the Eustoma Academy is being held in advance. However, due to some circumstances, the academy would need the meza eusto's student to graduate soon. This is also due to the fact that the coming-of-age of all meza eusto's students will be postponed as a threatening war is coming and the church would need time for preparation of ritual to pray for our knight's safety in the coming battle."

The surrounding suddenly became noisy.

Eugene who knew that it was not the full story is solemn.

The empires seem to be not panicking which made the people confident that this war is the same and will be won in the end which is true but the amount of damage is different from the past because, in that war, many soldiers would die in hunger, poison, and infection of injuries.

With Kaizer bringing back the head of the Biscotti Kingdom's King, along with that baggage are the retrieve dead bodies of countless knights who died in the battle.

Many people don't know if they will feel happy or sad.

They can't understand why is there a need for war.

Many lives are sacrificed but why, despite many wars, it can't be stopped?

"Coming of age is postponed?"

Timber was surprised, wouldn't that means they would have the title of Neva Eusto without being Baptist? Is there such a good thing?

Glancing at Eugene who had a serious expression, Timber gulped.

Why does Eugene have that kind of eyes again?

He [Timber] felt so uncomfortable.

As if the Eugene standing beside him is not the same person at all.

"Now, to honor the empire, the biggest examination held once a year would start. Gracing us the presence of his majesty the Emperor, Iselus Raiul Yuinshelvinia. Crown Prince, Lincoln Hius Yuinshelvinia. Second Prince Maxmilian Gaius Yuinshelvinia."

Eugene stares at the [water] mirror [screen] and when he took a glimpse of the crown prince and second prince, he couldn't help but feel complicated.

This two-person drama is overwhelming.

But one thing is for sure, the true crown prince which is the second prince Maxmilian Gaius Yuinshelvinia is not an easy opponent.

A madman, par on Kaizer.

"...Empire's strongest war knight, His Excellency Grand Duke Katnier Resvielle De la Vallier Karsten. And coming from a knight historical family, His Lord Marquis Aison Rienzo Shradinza."

"Welcoming us on the first day of selection..."

Timber tugged Eugene's cape while blushing and said in a whisper voice..."Crown Prince Lincoln is so beautiful, I can't believe he's a prince, not a princess."

Eugene stare at the crown prince with long hair like a girl and said full of displeasure, "What's so good about being pretty? When you grow up you won't be recognized as a man by the person you like."

Just like in the past when that person fought him for that woman.

Timber pouted, "It's different, we are still in our developing stage. I swear you will witness palace fights in the future and experience drinking teas at a banquet or ball."

Eugene's rolled his eyes.

"You learn words from your mother again?"

Timber raises his chin, "Mom is good at tea fighting."

Eugene's facepalm.

It shouldn't be something to be proud of.

"...Now, Warfare Selection shall begin!"

Timber cursed and held his chest when Professor Dennis suddenly shout so loud. He [Timber] was so busy appreciating the two princes that his mind flew away, not realizing that the speech already ended and the gate to Sena forest was now finally being opened.

"It's time."

Eugene held Timber's hand and said to his team, "Be ready, always remember that once inside, the quieter the place the more dangerous is it and the possibility of encountering a higher level of the demonized beast is greater."

Timber widens his eyes and looks around.

He then just notice that there are already students standing behind them, all wearing the same badge and team number.

When did they appear? Seems like a leader doesn't need to find his subordinate because his subordinate will come and find him. Warfare examinees are so cool!

Everyone is wearing a black knight uniform and only a team commander wears white.

This made the commander of each group noticeable in the crowd.

"First battle is the hunting of demonized beast. A group that had a high point of the hunted demonized beasts will be the winner. Remember that each level of the demonized beast has a different allocation of points, however, always remember safety and not go fight a beast beyond your strength. That's all of the reminders, you may all now step inside the forest and begin the two days of beast hunting. Please survive by using all possible sources you can get in the forest, I hope everything passes the first round, we'll be seeing you after two days."

Eugene walk forward and came face face to the leader of teams 1-3.

Seeing Eugene, Kaizer smiles softly.

"Though I'm sad we're not in the same group, I wish you well and your group to pass the test."

Timber pouted.

Eugene just nodded in exchange and look at Clarence who is standing beside Casimin.

Clarence: "I hope a certain someone won't hold you back."

Eugene chuckled, "Please be careful of your steps."

Clarence sneered and turn around, walking ahead before them.

Casimin: "Eugene good luck!"

Eugene smirked, "Likewise."

Cadmus just stares at Eugene and walks ahead in the forest.

Seeing everyone stepping inside, Eugene followed and entered Sena which made him recall some nostalgic memories. Upon entering all team will be teleported in different directions and he and his team was teleported to the southern part of the forest.

Looking around, he turns to look at his team members.

His team members won't talk to him considering his bad reputation and he had no intention of changing that because this is a battleground, it's up to you with your dislike and hatred if you will betray your comrade.

"I will assign the vice commander, office, and strategist based on your academic ranking. Now introduce yourself with your rank, the higher will be automatically assigned as vice."

A man with brown hazel hair steps forward.

"Izelana Leigh Roseburg, academic rank 8"

"Sanciel Eone Vilhram, academic rank 5"

Eugene stare at Sanciel and couldn't help but be surprised because Sanciel is the little brother of his brother's friend, he didn't expect to be in the same group.

"Theoran Garan Hilvert, academic rank 10"

"Zaoran Devion Nilhurd, academic rank 13"

"Reign Aine Ilwreign, academic rank 20"

Finally, it was Timber's turn and because he had no rank, he felt embarrassed: "T-Timber Garien Rozans, non-academic ranker."

Eugene patted Timber's head which shows his favor under the watchful eyes of everyone.

Who doesn't know Eugene's friend? Just like Eugene, Timber's temper is not someone you can mess with. Combining Eugene's overprotectiveness and the step-brother's perverted stalking. Anyone who wronged Timber will suffer revenge. This is why no matter how big Timber's temper is, they would rather keep silent.

Eugene: "Sanciel Eone Vilhram will be the vice commander, Izelana Leigh Roseburg the strategist, and Theoran Garan Hilvert as the officer."

Sanciel raised his hand.

"Commander, what if we met a hostile group?"

Eugene lowered his gaze, they wouldn't able to avoid that especially since many students hated him. He can't drag his teammates into trouble so probably the best solution is to ignore and let the rules of the game eliminate the hostile group.

"This is beast hunting, we can't hurt anyone's team or we'll be expelled immediately in the first round. So if ever we encounter a hostile group we can only ignore them and let the observer manage them."

The observer of this game is hiding, they would only show themselves if someone violates rules or something unexpected happens.

Izelana nodded, "Commander is right, this is only the first round, I doubt anyone will make trouble as the observer is just hiding around us."

Timber tugged Eugene's clothes and whisper.

"Isn't Brother Euric one of the observers?"

Eugene tap Timber's mouth and made a 'shh' sound. After all, this is a battleground, everyone outside the Sena forest can hear and watch them, if the viewers find out he had connected with one of the observers wouldn't they find it unfair? Besides Sanciel's brother is no doubt an observer too, it will be bad for them if people think they'll be favored by the observers because of their brothers.

"We need to move, remember that when hunting a higher-level beast, you must have a partner to avoid being heavily injured."

Team: "Yes!"

Everyone follows Eugene and couldn't help but think that Eugene really changed just like the rumor said. He [Eugene] no longer bad temper as in the past and even look like a responsible leader now. Somehow, they no longer regret being under Eugene's wing this time.

Timber looks around excitingly while Eugene is holding his [Timber] hand, afraid that the kitten would run around and he won't be able to find it.

What to do if the kitten is lost?

It can only be wronged and bullied by other creatures.

"Level 2 beast ahead, let's go!"

"I heard Marquis Shradinza is feeling unwell these past few days?"

Grand Duke Karsten chuckled while looking at Marquis Shradinza's ugly face. Since Duke Del Viltaria is not around then he can bully this pitiful Marquis who had no idea about his life.

"I'm good, thank you excellency for your concern."

Grand Duke Karsten sighed, "Your second son is good but I only heard bad rumors, how could Marquis Shradinza ignore such a thing and let your own son bear such a bad reputation?"

Marquis Shradinza clench his fist.

"How could I? What rumors? It can't destroy my son."

Grand Duke Karsten: "How heartless of you."

 Marquis Shradinza: "You are talking of yourself, your excellency."

Grand Duke Karsten frowned, he didn't expect the situation to be this bad. He should make Arkiton stop sooner or later or he [Arkiton] would regret so much. 

Based on the attitude that Marquis Shradinza is showing while talking about his son, this father no longer cares about the life or death of his own blood. If this continues then that child might suffer and be damaged emotionally.

Seeing Eugene is like seeing the past him.

Grand Duke Karsten knew how painful is it too long for a parent's affection and love because as a child he also never experience that. Also, the reason why he pours so much love into his only son is because of what he experiences, he doesn't want his son to feel it.

He doesn't want to be a bad father and destroyed his own blood.

"Marquis should stop drinking medicines and look for trustworthy healers. If you want I can recommend one of De la Valliers magicians."

 Marquis Shradinza turn solemnly and said with a heavy voice, "Duke Del Viltaria is sending a magician for me, I thank the grand duke but there's no need."

"You trust that man so much?"

 Marquis Shradinza flinches.

"I know the insides story but I have no right to speak. However, I wish both of you can make it clear to each other and avoid further misunderstanding."

 Marquis Shradinza held his forehead which suddenly started to ache.

"I don't understand what your excellency is saying but I and Arkiton already made it clear to each other. We have no more relationships and only talk about business and cooperation. It's probably you who is misunderstanding both of us."

"Do you love your son Eullian?"

"Of course!"

"Do you love Eugene?"

"Of--- what are you talking about?!"  Marquis Shradinza gritted his teeth, feeling dizzy "Such a son, who would love such a son who destroyed my life?!"

Grand Duke Karsten confirm it.

Marquis Shradinza never hated Eugene but rather love him so much, however, due to the side effects of erasing memories, the alteration was made and Eugene who was supposed to be the beloved son became the hated one.

Such a thing...

Grand Duke Karsten clench his fist and wanted to beat his friend.

"Marquis Shradinza should not refuse my kindness."

Marquis Shradinza: "I don't need another magician to look after my health. I'm fine now."

"I see...but...can I take your son?"

"Whose son?"

"Eugene."

"Y-You!" Marquis Shradinza stood up from his seat making everyone's eyes fall on him.

He is looking at Grand Duke Karsten angrily making the people present confused and feel complicated. Wondering what happened causing the two nobles to fight.

Marquis Shradinza suddenly feels like collapsing.

His head hurt again. 

It's because Grand Duke Karsten keeps saying nonsense that his sickness is starting to torture him again. He knew it, nothing goods happen whenever Grand Duke Karsten talk to him about Arkiton and himself. Now, even his son is included, how can he tolerate such a thing?!

╰┈➤ ❝ [The author has something to say.] ❞

➊ Copyright 2022
➋ The writing is horrible. The logic is chaotic. Perfectionists should be careful.
➌ [Highlighted] Basically the paranoid shou villain hurting the female protagonist in the name of love and gets retaliated by the male protagonist and main villain, ended up transmigrating to another dimension in realization of his wrongdoing and decided to be a good person to pay back his past life sins. However, he was killed and travel back to his past only to wish for redemption.
➍ This story is self-abuse (basically the protagonist drowning in his past and can't get over it).
➎ 1v1 HE, a mix of sweetness and bitterness.