The academy focused both on the academic as well as physical growth of the students.
Those who graduate from the central academy of the nation walk towards a brighter future, and there is a reason for it.
The academy ensures to identify and polish the talent of each student while providing a basic knowledge in every field. So, if in the future, the student fails to excel in the field they always had an interest in, they can at least look for another job with the knowledge they received.
Just like how Austin was more suited for management jobs, someone who has a quality of a leader and a manager. However, he joined the academy with the intention of becoming a well-versed warrior who can continue the legacy of his ancestors.
Although people have already assumed that Austin can never become the next king—given how brilliant the eldest one was—Austin always aimed to become the strongest so he could make his parents regret choosing his elder brother over Austin.
Well, the current Austin has a different goal in his mind.
The Demon King.
Yeah, the same old Demon king also resides in this world. And to defeat that being, Austin has to travel a very long path.
In the game, Rhea was able to reach that level where she could use her wits and plot armor to defeat the King. However, if talking about raw power and experience, the Demon King far dominated the Protagonist.
The Demon King has four Generals—The Parasite Chief, the Succubus Queen, the Orc Lord, and the Elven General.
After defeating one of the four generals, Valerie later becomes the Parasite Chief so she can take revenge on Rhea and get her beloved back.
Rhea failed to defeat the Parasite Chief in their first exchange, so she, along with her harem members, made up a plan.
Austin was used to lure Valerie into a trap where Rhea stabs her from behind. However, since the Parasite Chief had two hearts, Austin stabs the other one.
And the most saddening part…when Austin raises his weapon against Valerie she doesn't even try to dodge. With a smile, she embraced whatever her beloved had to offer.
He still remembers the last word she said before life faded from her eyes,
'I-If I knew… the-that my death can make you happy ....then I would have stabbed myself a long time ago…to see that smile…'
That line was etched in his memories, and it was the reason why Austin always felt so much pity and sadness whenever he faced his fiancée.
*CLANG*
Feeling the absence of a dagger from his hand, Austin turned towards Valerie and found her looking back at him worryingly.
"Are you hurt? Show me your hand." She inched closer to him and looked at his hand.
There was a red glaring mark down his index finger, showing that the strike, indeed, was quite difficult for him to withstand.
Valerie inwardly reprimanded herself for getting engrossed in the spar so much that she ended up hurting her Lord.
"Valerie, it doesn't hurt." Austin assured her, "I was not paying attention, sorry about that." He confessed.
They were in the middle of a spar, and Austin got so completely occupied by his thoughts that he never saw that strike and ended up losing his weapon.
Valerie shook her head, "No, Austin, it was my fault. You were blocking so well that I…anyway, let's go to the medic."
Austin heaved a sigh and didn't say anything after that. However, before they could have turned around to leave, someone called out,
"I propose a duel against you, Austin."
The other students, along with the instructor, turned to look at the teenager who stated that.
Without even looking at Austin could tell who this person was.
"...Parkinson." Austin heaved a sigh, "Why don't you find someone of your battle style to fight against? I am clearly not in your league."
Austin plainly stated that, making Parkinson smirk. There were other students as well who snickered upon hearing that.
However, it didn't affect the Prince at all. He wasn't ashamed to accept his current self. However, he would regard himself as a failure if he stopped improving.
"Don't worry, I will put a handicap on myself and won't use my Soul Shard. Of course, you can."
Valerie frowned, "Austin is injured and can't fight right now."
Parkinson smirked, and while ignoring the girl he mocked the blond Prince, "What happened, Austin? Have you lost your pride and dignity and just decided to hide behind your fiancée? I never thought you would become this pathetic."
Rhea, who was not so far away from them, frowned and was about to step forward when suddenly Rudolph held her shoulder and stopped her.
"Don't, Rhea. It's a matter between two men and you or I don't have the right to interfere."
Rhea was annoyed by such principles; however, until the instructor was here, she decided not to take things into her own hands.
'Damn it, Park…why are you behaving like a prick all of a sudden?'
Back in the middle of all this drama, the instructor warned, "Watch your words, Parkinson."
The said boy just shrugged, "I just didn't mind decency while speaking but what I said is true, no? Austin only knows how to hide behind-"
"Okay, stop. I don't like that potty mouth calling out Val's name." Austin said as he stepped forward.
A few people chuckled hearing that while Parkinson snarled, "So you decided to be a man today?"
Austin heaved a weary sigh, "How much can you yap, Parkinson? Let's just get started man."
Parkinson scowled before he went towards the shelf to pick a weapon.
Meanwhile, Valerie stepped forward and worriedly asked, "My lord…is this really okay?"
Austin fondly smiled at her and said, "I don't care what the world says, love. Until you have confidence in me, I know I can defeat anyone. Well, not defeat but surely I can push beyond my limits."
Valerie's shoulders relaxed upon hearing that.
Very shyly, she held his hand and said, "I will be cheering for you."
Austin confidently smiled and told her, "That's all I need."
—----*-----
A/N:- Yeah, humiliate him. I hope you all are enjoying the novel so far.