Chapter 16: The Competition, Part 1: The Test of Mind
I. The Weight of Scrutiny
The grand courtyard of the Mecklace Palace was filled with a thousand applicants—the greatest gathering of talent from across the Kingdom. They ranged from hardened mercenaries and disciplined military officers to brilliant scholars and former healers.
Prince Evan stood with King Alaric and his brothers on a raised viewing dais. Prince Theron, the Strategic Analyst, was close by, his gaze cold and calculating, fixed not on the masses but on Evan's every subtle reaction. Theron knew this competition was Evan's way of building an impregnable shield, and he was determined to identify the flaw in Evan's choices.
The King announced the rules: the competition had two phases. The first was the Test of Mind, designed to reduce the field from one thousand to twenty based on essential non-combat skills.
II. The Strategic Trial
The first test was a Strategic Trial: teams of ten were given a simulated military crisis—a fortified Volkar scouting party blocking a vital supply line. They had thirty minutes to present a written plan to neutralize the threat with minimal casualties and maximum political impact.
Evan watched the proceedings with deep focus, not judging the plans, but judging the Minds behind them. Lysandra, utilizing her natural Wits and Will, moved through the teams, listening to their debates and subtly guiding a few of the most promising candidates toward effective solutions.
Evan used his Master of Influence to subtly direct the judges' attention. When a plan relied purely on brute force, Evan would casually note to the King, "That plan risks the supply line unnecessarily, Father. Such a waste of resources." When a plan showed political foresight, Evan would praise its "economic efficiency."
By the end, Evan's indirect influence had tilted the results. The judges, eager to align with the rising political star, prioritized calculated cunning over raw aggression.
III. The Test of Practicality
The second trial was the Test of Practicality, designed to gauge quick thinking and essential life skills—a direct reflection of the needs of a Prince constantly operating in hostile territory.
The applicants were presented with a sudden medical emergency—a simulated compound fracture combined with a severe, localized burn. They were scored on the accuracy of their diagnosis, the stability of their field-dressing, and their ability to command the surrounding personnel under pressure.
Evan saw the raw strength candidates fail instantly, panicking under the pressure of precise action. The candidates who excelled were those who possessed quiet confidence and methodical discipline.
Lysandra, leveraging her knowledge of the black market's need for discrete medical services, performed flawlessly. She established immediate control, issued clear commands, and dressed the wound with unnerving speed. She was exactly the kind of resourceful asset Evan required.
IV. The Twenty Finalists
The Test of Mind was brutally efficient. After seven hours, the field was reduced from one thousand to just twenty highly capable finalists. These twenty were not just strong; they were intelligent, strategically minded, and possessed the composure of experienced professionals.
Evan had his list. He identified four key individuals among the top twenty:
Lysandra (The Shadow): Ranked in the top five, her identity still hidden behind a simple leather mask and hood.
Sergeant Valerius: The loyal aide who handled Evan's initial intelligence probe. He had entered the competition and successfully ranked high, proving his worth.
Two exceptional warriors: A female archer with perfect concentration and a male swordsman with flawless, defensive technique.
Theron, watching Evan's subtle approval of the final list, leaned close to his brother.
Theron: "A fascinating choice of competitors, Evan. You clearly prefer the mind over the muscle. But tell me, brother, how will your little Master Strategist fare when he faces a true warrior in the final trial?"
Evan (Meeting his gaze with a cold smile): "We shall see, Theron. After all, the King's Royal Guard must survive a fight, but they must also prevent one. The final test is for the true Master of Influence to decide."
The twenty finalists retired for the night, preparing for the final, bloody phase. Evan returned to his chambers, the Sacrificial Magic now a palpable, icy knot in his chest. He knew the competition would end, and the Magic's deadline would hit. Baron Renwick was the target, and the time for the Strategic Sacrifice was almost upon him.