The Cursed Baby: Lost in a Foreign Kingdom

In the heart of Valoria's royal keep, the throne room was lit with tall flames and guarded silence. The atmosphere was tense as King Hedes, sovereign of Valoria, stood before a small gathering of elite men.

Among them:

Eldric Thorne, Head of Valoria Academy.

Sir Garron Vale, Head of Instructors in academy and Royal Knight.

Valen Draegor, legendary swordsman— Top hero of the Valoria.

King Hedes spoke first, voice low but commanding.

"As we feared during our last council… there is a high chance the signs were true."

The room was still.

"It may still be distant—but trouble is coming. And we must be ready."

He turned to Draegor."The entrance exams begin today. I want security doubled. You will attend as a guest—and make sure everything runs smoothly."

Draegor gave a sharp nod. "Consider it done."

The king turned next to Vale and Thorne.

"But more importantly, we need strength. Real strength. Talented youth—driven, capable, unbreakable. If what we feared comes true… they are the ones who gonna be standing on the front lines. So from this moment forward—make the tests harder. Push them. Train them. Prepare them."

Vale, "As usual, we've received number of applications from Drakoria's young blood. Any concern there?"

King Hedes shook his head. "Drakoria has stood by us for generations. They will be with us when the time comes. Allow the students for exams."

Thorne added, "We've had a massive influx of applicants this year. More than the last three combined. Expectations are high."

Vale glanced at him. "Then perhaps this year, we conduct all three tests. Physical test. Written wit. And magic ability. If a student passes even one—they earn enrollment. And we can have students, who are specialized in one of those aspects"

The king's eyes lit up.

"That's a brilliant idea."

He looked over the three of them, voice rising with pride.

"I'm trusting you all. Make the youth of this kingdom shine. Let Valoria rise with them. Valoria is power. Power is Valoria."

The men placed fists to their chests in unison.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

They turned and took their leave, cloaks trailing behind them.

Outside, the banners of Valoria fluttered in the wind.

Back at the motel, Arthur and Toren sat at a small food stall near the street, eating breakfast.

Toren glanced around nervously. The streets were crowded with young people, some in training gear, others already stretching.

"There are so many people," Toren muttered, mouth half-full. "Is it always like this? What kind of exam will it be? Will I even get selected?"

Arthur looked up, eyes scanning the crowd. "No. Last time, it was barely half of this. Still the Academy seats are limited. Competition's high."

Toren frowned and looked down at his plate. "Great…"

Arthur didn't look at him. "If you keep worrying about what might happen, you'll mess up what you're doing. Eat. You'll need the energy later."

They kept eating in silence for a moment.

Then Toren asked quietly, "Are you not scared?"

Arthur took a bite, chewed, then said flatly,"If it's physical or combat, I've got a shot. But if it's wit… or some written test…"

He shrugged."Then I'm cooked." 

After a pause Toren, "What do you think the written test will be about?" he asked.

Arthur leaned back, chewing slowly. "Like I'd know. I never got hold of studies back in the junior division. Being a foreign commoner, no one cared. I only survived the termination by excelling in physical training in class."

Toren blinked. "Could it be about… how to fight?"

Suddenly a voice cut in from behind Toren.

"What a drag."

He turned.

A young man leaned back from the next table, arms folded, dark purple cloak half-draped across his chair. His eyes were sharp, bored, and vaguely amused.

"Will you stop sulking?" he said. "You should just walk back home if you're that tense."

Toren frowned.

The stranger went on. "The wit test's likely about strategies, ancient history, spells, combat knowledge, politics—all the things you clearly don't know. And judging by your looks, you're not much good for the physical part either. Just don't waste your time."

Toren's face dropped, his mouth closing tight.

Arthur glanced at the stranger. Calm, but direct.

"You trained for this," Arthur said to Toren. "You said you walked here for it, didn't you? So stop worrying. There's nothing more to do now but show up and give it everything. If you get in, your effort paid off. If not—then you've got one long year to get better. Either way, sulking isn't going to change a thing."

Then he turned to the stranger, his voice edged."And who the hell are you?"

The young man took a moment, scanning Arthur with mild interest.

"Lucien Vaelric," he said coolly. "And I hope it's a written test... so idiots like you can stop wasting everyone's time."

Arthur stared at him, unreadable.

Toren shifted in his seat, tense again.

The city bells began to ring in the distance—the signal.

It was time for the exams.

They walked into the massive stadium, sunlight pouring down across the open grounds. The stone steps and terraces were packed—crowds of people, families, and nobles cheering as hundreds of applicants filed in.

Arthur and Toren moved quietly through the throng, eyes scanning the faces. In one corner, near a marble pillar, they spotted Nyelle, standing alone, visibly tense.

The moment she saw them, her shoulders relaxed. A small smile broke across her face as she walked over to join them.

"Hey," she said softly, falling into step beside them.

Together, the three of them stood amidst a sea of applicants.

Then, all heads turned.

Up on the raised ceremonial stage, the important figures of the kingdom emerged—each one met with a wave of applause as their names were announced:

Eldric Thorne, Head of Valoria Academy.

Sir Vale, Head Instructor, and Royal Knight.

Mael, and other key instructors came one after one.

And finally… the crowd erupted as Valen Draegor, the legendary swordsman and hero of Valoria, stepped forward.

He raised a single hand, and the stadium quieted.

Then he spoke, his voice deep and commanding, echoing through the open air:

"Welcome young men and women… you all know the risks of being a swordsman. Of walking a path where death can lurk at any moment. Yet here you are. You chose this life. For that courage—you have my respect."

He paused,

"The Academy will help you grow… but remember this—you are the ones who must choose to grow. Train harder than your limits. Push past what you think you can do."

A slight nod.

"Good luck to all of you—for the exams ahead."

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Even the applicants, tense a moment ago, now stood taller—fired up.

Then Eldric Thorne stepped forward.

His tone was formal, but clear.

"This year, there will be three entrance exams."

A ripple of surprise passed through the ground. A few students exchanged worried glances.

"Test of Wits. Physical Trial. And Magic Ability. Every applicant is required to participate in all three. Passing even one will grant you enrollment."

Then relief swept across the field like a wave. And then—the cheering returned. Louder than before.

Arthur, Toren, and Nyelle looked at each other.

The path was clear.

Now, it was time to prove themselves.