9 Chapter 8: A little squabble before the test!

A month passed in the blink of an eye, and Damon already set out for the capital with Baron Ross and the Mage, Liana. The journey was long as smooth but since it had to do with possible mages for the kingdom, the security on the routes to the capital was tight and nothing went wrong.

It took them half a month or slightly more to reach the Capital, during this time Damon was bored and still haven't heard from Death.

He wondered if death is only around when he had no work, and he also wondered what his death magic actually looked like since he has never tried it out.

During his short time with the Ross family, he wasn't given much space. Since there was little time before the competition starts, they dedicated a lot of time to training him, cultivation was not even part of the options.

"The Kingdom of Gyro at its finest" Daniel Ross said as he watched the countless magic towers surrounding the capital. The defense of the capital was far greater, and what was even more terrifying was the forces hidden within.

Damon asked a few questions on their way in and understood how the kingdom works with the various noble positions and possible appointments with each position.

Apparently, the Ross family is at the bottom of the food chain and was considered as nothing in the outside world, that was why they need him.

Damon was always aware of this fact, but he was a bit stunned when experiencing it. The treatment they received was far different from what the others received.

Once they were in, they booked a room in the best inn they could find, spending three gold coins! While this must be a heavy amount for a noble from a small part of the kingdom like the Ross, it was little to nothing for most nobles.

In fact, the average person spends most of his life and never makes up to a gold coin!

"Don't worry about the expenses… I won't be stingy since it's your big day" Daniel Ross said to Damon.

While Damon didn't particularly like any other member of the Ross family, he appreciated Daniel Ross. Not only was this man straightforward, but he seemed dedicated to playing his role as a father.

Damon wore dark-colored clothes for some reason even he couldn't understand. He and Daniel went down to the pub for dinner.

"What about Liana?" Damon asked as he cut a big piece of steak and drove it right into his mouth.

"She left to get some necessary pieces of equipment and get you registered as well… Don't worry she will be back by sunrise before you take the test" Daniel explained.

In his eyes, Damon was no kid, so he saw no need of treating him like one. He kept nothing hidden and built a mutual relationship based on respect and understanding.

"Mm…" Damon nodded as he pushed another piece of steak into his mouth and chewed silently. His mind seemed to be on something else.

"How confident are you in passing the test?" Daniel asked.

He was with Damon all through their combat training, and he couldn't help but admit, that Damon had talent. He had what it takes to be a fighter, but he wasn't too sure how the magic training went since Liana prevented anyone from watching, and nor did she give them updates.

"If it's according to what I have heard so far, it should be fairly easy" Damon replied without hesitation.

His voice was full of confidence, which many others found irritating. They stared at Damon with frustrated looks in their eyes, and a kid his age who couldn't control his anger any more approached Damon.

"The child of a mere baron dares stutter nonsense about the Capital's academy? Do you think just anyone can become a mage in this empire? In a year, only ten percent of applicants are chosen! You have no right to say whatever comes to your mind" the youth was fair skinned with golden hair. 

He wore a hooded Cape over his shoulder. With a strange insignia, Damon couldn't recognize, since he was still new to the world of nobles.

"You are the young lord of the House of Earl Linton! It is a great pleasure to meet you!" Daniel said hastily. He recognized the banner and instantly turned polite.

He stood and greeted with a proper bow, while Damon remained seated and acted like he didn't hear the kid!

"Lord Ross… Ahh! I didn't expect to see you here… who is this?" A man with blonde hair, an oval face, and almost the same attire walked forward and grabbed the kid by the shoulders while he spoke.

"Aah! My bastard son from a mistress, Damon Ross… Luckily, he has a talent for magic, so I brought him here for the test." Daniel Ross explained in a polite tone, but even then Damon hadn't acknowledged the figure standing, which made Ross a bit restless.

"Aah! No wonder he lacks the manners and etiquette of a true noble like yourself… I apologize for my boy's rude words, but you know he is right, this is not a test a bastard can pass… It's not as easy as it seems." Earl Linton said with a friendly look, but his words dripped with venom.

His words struck Daniel Ross's heart and made him frown. He wanted to say something, but he seemed to be holding himself back.

"And who are you to make such a decision?" Damon finally spoke up, and the hall turned silent.

How dare a bastard son talk that way to an Earl!

"Pardon?" Earl Linton was so shocked, he found it hard to believe he was the one spoken to in such a manner.

"Because your kid lacks talent doesn't mean the others are as worthless as him. The test may be difficult for him but for some of us, it's fairly easy… Not everyone is equal… You should teach your little brat that, and just maybe he will have a future as a mage." Damon said so casually, it felt like he was talking to an equal.

If Earl Linton wasn't here, everyone would have sworn he was talking to someone his age and of the same status.