"I will take responsibility...I let him get tested"General Ren on a pale expressionless look.
"I ordered his assessment to be carried out today,every one knows the crystal is used to test a person's magical abilities and besides you ensured it wasn't plagued with dark magic...this is an unprecedented event,it's not your fault". Tyran muttered
"Are you alright?"He asked,craning his neck to get a view of Ren's back but the general ignored his question and walked over to a corner of the room to sit on the floor with one knee flexed.
Tyran took that as an answer of don't ask me stupid questions...how can a mere explosion harm me.
His white robe was stained and torn in some areas but he didn't seem to care about it at the moment.
Ren had tried leaving as soon as he brought the prince and his nursing maid but the emperor had asked him to stay.
"You have my thanks for saving him...again I owe you".
Ren scoffed and turned the other way
"Your abilities was tested with the same crystal correct?"Tyran asked but Ren ignored him.
"Rengyotsu!"Tyran called out,his brows coming together,his face wrinkled with a frown.
"Correct"Ren responded without looking his way and Tyran sighed, calming himself.
He wondered how long it had been since the General was tested a century ago?no maybe centuries ago,he wondered which Emperor the general first served and what he was like but he wouldn't bother asking knowing he would get no reply.
"The mana crystal has never exploded before...I couldn't have let him get tested,I just couldn't bring myself to believe Hades's words...If the crystal didn't explode even when you were tested then Hades might be right,he might be a Godtier".
"Almost exploded"Ren said without looking his way.
That explained why he had began preparing a barrier in advance.The explosion of magic energy especially at it's epicenter could only be survived by the strongest of all protective barriers which would take longer time to cast and unlike him,had the general not believed Hades's was a godtier the imperial prince would have died in the explosion.
And while he maintained the barrier,he had also tried containing the explosion otherwise the entire Academy would have been in ruins.
They heard a sudden knock on the door then Zero walked in,his gaze resting immediately on the sleeping prince on the emperor's bed while trying to hide his surprise and disappointment.
He bowed to Tyran who was seated at the edge of the bed before he spotted the scarlet prince in a corner,he didn't bother greeting him.
"Your Majesty...the examiner has not yet been found"
"Call off the search..."Tyran ordered.
"He would never have survived it and let it be recorded someone tried to kill the crown prince but ended up destroying the mana center and crystal....do not let any rumour contrary to this spread in the academy".
"Yes your majesty....am glad his highness is alright".Zero said feigning concern in his voice and Tyran's glare told him he knew he didn't mean those words.
Much to his disappointment,the prince had somehow managed to survive a magical explosion,was it one of his cheap tricks again or was it the general's doing.
If he had caused the explosion that would make him at higher level than the Emperor,a frightening creature cloaked in the guise of a child and the more reason to get rid of him before he grew older to master his abilities.
There was only one way to find out,Dark would have answers and although he disliked the idea of seeking information from a foe,would he even be willing to share?
Zero glanced over at the maiden lying next to the imperial prince, perhaps she was the one he Knew Gerald loved dearly,he didn't know why the knight choose her above all,even Mia was prettier.
The Knight's face flushed as soon as the thought crossed his mind,he was thinking about her again.
He looked up to see Tyran's squinted eyed steadily watching him
"Forgive me your majesty...I—i got distracted"
"By a woman?"
"How—how did you know"
"You're all flushed all over"Tyran chuckled and Zero felt a wave of embarrassment sweep through him.
"You're mistaken...your... majesty!"he retorted and Tyran raised a lash.
"Really...am I?"
"Yes your majesty"
"How are you and Gerald so similar"Tyran laughed again but this time it made Zero uncomfortable,they were enemies and in no position to jester with each other.
"I can understand you are both close but also not so good with women".
"We were like brothers".Zero said and Tyran's gaze hardened.
"If it be so...have you ever thought of getting revenge on those who took his life?"
The Knight's jaw tightened impercitibly,his brow twitching as he swallowed his own words,
Of course I have but how could I tell you that?,besides you know something don't you?,isn't that why you kept me this close,to keep an eye on me,what exactly were you thinking?
Doesn't matter,the moment I get rid of them you're next and then the devil next to you.
"I..I wish I knew where to start your majesty,I can never forgive them".
"I do know where to start...whenever you are up to it, ensure to let me in".
Their eyes locked hard and held for a while,hard and sharp as though searching the other's thoughts each face confessing what the other couldn't voice out.
In Tyran's eyes was distrust and a warning mingled with plea.
'I don't trust you but if you tell me everything,mention everyone involved I might consider sparing you'.
Zero's lips curved into a shallow smile, his eyes being the first to blink.
What was he playing at?what was this invitation?did he actually think he would help the same family he had despised all his life?...even if it killed him,he would never take the side of the imperial family.
"If that's all your imperial majesty..."
"Yes you may take your leave".
Tyran's face wore a frown as his eyes settled on Zero's clenched fists as he approached the door of his bed chamber.
The knight had clearly rejected his offer for his assistance.
He glanced over at where Ren had been seated, he was gone and so was Carolene.