“A change? Has the Holy Church revised its doctrines?” Angus asked.
“No, not the Church,” Widno replied, catching his breath. “It’s the result of my discussions with His Majesty. In the past, only those eighteen and older could take the exam within the Empire. But many other nations set the bar at fifteen. This means our talented young fighters start three years behind at the War God Academy. It’s detrimental to the Empire’s growth in War Gods.”
He continued, “So, His Majesty and Father Ferdinand decided to lower the exam age to fifteen this year!”
Widno’s lengthy explanation left him panting. Du Cheng eyed him skeptically. As a descendant of a titled War God, shouldn’t Widno be a formidable figure? Yet his physique seemed frail compared to Angus, whose commanding presence screamed of a battle-hardened general.
Angus tilted his head. “Duke Widno, if I recall, your son Kaman is fifteen, isn’t he?”
“Yes, he’ll be taking the exam this year!” Widno gave an awkward chuckle. “What I mean is, Francis is also fifteen…”
So that was it. They wanted him to enter the so-called “Cradle of War Gods,” the “Diamond Path to Glory.” Du Cheng knew his limits. His Lotus Treasure Mirror was barely at the second stage, his inner strength equivalent to a mere Level 1 battle aura, and his combat skills were nonexistent. Taking the exam with such meager abilities would be a public humiliation.
“Uncle Widno, you know I can’t cultivate battle aura,” Du Cheng said with a wry smile.
“Oh, my memory!” Widno feigned regret, his smile apologetic. “But the Holy Church’s doctrines don’t bar those without battle aura from participating. In fact, they require descendants of titled War Gods to take the exam at least once!”
“No!” Angus raised a hand sharply. Forfeit? That was tantamount to surrender. A descendant of Xiglu’s Holy War God would never surrender.
The Saint Kain family produced only heroes who died in battle, never cowards who clung to life in shame.
“Minister Widno,” Angus declared, “Francis, third son of the Saint Kain family, will participate in the War God Academy’s entrance exam on time.”
Widno’s eyes gleamed, scarcely believing Angus had agreed. He probed cautiously, “Lord Duke, I’ll have Francis’s name submitted then. Once it’s recorded, he must participate, no matter the circumstances.”
Angus paused, then said firmly, “Submit his name.”
“Lord Angus, your courage is admirable!” Widno beamed. “I’ll make the arrangements.” Turning to Du Cheng, he added warmly, “Nephew Francis, prepare well for the exam!”
Widno waddled off, visibly delighted.
Du Cheng watched his retreating figure, puzzled. Why was this fat man so thrilled about him taking the exam? Grinning like a fox with a prize hen.
“Francis!” Angus called, his expression unreadable. “Have Steve teach you about the exam. When the time comes…”
He stopped abruptly.
Du Cheng waited, but Angus turned away, his voice cold as he faced the distance. “The Saint Kain family has only heroes who die in battle, not cowards who beg for mercy.”
Heroes who die in battle? Could this exam actually claim lives?
“By the heavens, has Father lost his mind? Sending you to the War God Academy exam?”
In the Saint Kain Manor, inside his private loft, Steve leapt to his feet, cursing their father upon hearing Du Cheng’s predicament. “Dear brother, how could you agree? This is a death sentence!”
Du Cheng frowned. “Can a simple exam really be fatal?”
“Of course!” Steve paced frantically. “I get it now. Widno’s setting Kaman up for revenge!”
“Big brother, calm down. What’s going on?”
Steve gripped Du Cheng’s shoulders, his voice urgent. “The War God Academy, as the name suggests, selects exceptional fighters and trains them into true War Gods. So, what do you think the exam entails?”
“Sparring?”
“Exactly. And they don’t care if you have battle aura. Once you’re in the arena, it’s a fight to the death!” Steve explained. “The exam has two parts: a written test, which you can pass by memorizing Church scriptures, and a martial test. Every year, the Church grants a quota for deaths, allowing a portion of candidates to die during the martial test.”
Du Cheng’s jaw dropped. “That’s outrageous! It’s just an exam!”
“It’s an exam to select War Gods!” Steve sighed, his tone heavy. “The Four Precepts of the War God: Never retreat in battle. Never shy from an enemy. In desperate straits, forget life. Face certain death without surrender.”
Steve’s sigh carried the weight of understanding. The precepts boiled down to one truth: a War God was a true warrior. If you feared death, you had no business aspiring to be one—or taking the exam.
“Big brother, can I skip the exam?”
“No. Church doctrine mandates participation once registered, or you’ll face the consequences for defying the Church. You can surrender in the arena, but you cannot refuse to show up.” Steve’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Wait, brother, I’ve got it! During the martial test, fighters usually equip holy artifacts first. The moment you see your opponent draw one, surrender immediately!”
“But Father said the family only has heroes who—”
“Forget Father!” Steve grinned. “Dear brother, family honor is important, but not worth your life, right?”
Du Cheng felt a warmth in his chest. In the world of War Gods, where glory trumped all, most would prioritize honor—like Angus, who, despite his rank as Deputy Commander, must have seen through Widno’s scheme but agreed for the family’s pride. Yet Steve cared more for Du Cheng’s safety. Having such a brother was a stroke of luck.
Steve added, “Besides, you have Father Ferdinand’s three blessings, worth thirty points. Even if you surrender in the martial test, your written test score plus the blessing points will keep your results respectable.”
Du Cheng nodded with a smile but bristled inwardly. Should a thief just give up? His strength was at the peak of a Level 1 fighter. He wasn’t entirely defenseless in the exam.
Why not take the chance? If his Lotus inner strength was exposed, he could pin it on the mysterious Guardian War God. The Church wouldn’t object, and Angus wouldn’t dare argue.
“Big brother, don’t worry. I know what to do,” Du Cheng said.
Assuming Du Cheng planned to surrender, Steve relaxed, then growled, “That old dog Widno is despicable. As Minister of Rites, he’s probably rigging the exam to pair you with Kaman, giving him a chance to kill you!”
Du Cheng nodded silently. That must be the plan. Kaman’s revenge…
Heavens, if Widno and Kaman threatened his life, would the mysterious Guardian War God intervene again with another flaying?
A chill ran through Du Cheng. Steve nudged him, teasing, “Dreaming of some noble lady? You look pale. Still hung up on Avril?”
“Come on, big brother, I’m not into that girl!” Du Cheng gave a wry smile, though his mind lingered on whether the Guardian War God would act.
Steve pulled him toward the door. “Forget Avril for now. The exam will take time. First, settle your South City business!”12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ux53pZ4vG
