At that moment Tyler stood there, frozen, as his mother’s tearful words echoed again and again in his mind.
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Chye 70
He could see it clearly in her eyes the fear, the love, the desperation. She thought he was still the same helpless boy, unaware of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of this brutal world.
She didn’t know, she didn’t know how much he had changed.
She didn’t know the storm he was holding back behind the calmness of his eyes.
But Tyler understood now, she wasn’t trying to stop him because she didn’t believe in him.
She was trying to protect him.
Protect him from bringing the wrath of a ruthless king upon his head.
And even if it tore him apart inside, he couldn’t cause her any more pain.
Not today, So, slowly, Tyler exhaled and forced his body to relax.
He dropped his hands to his sides and quietly took a step back.
Backing away, showing no resistance, pretending, pretending to surrender, pretending to be powerless.
His mother’s eyes widened slightly, and then a shaky, relieved smile crossed her lips. She believed he was listening to her. She believed he was staying safe because of her words.
It made her happy, And for that alone, Tyler endured.
He would endure anything, Just as the tension in the air began to thin, one of the guards sneered loudly and swaggered forward. His armor clinked with every arrogant step he took
Without warning, the guard spat directly at Tyler’s feet, his saliva landing near Tyler’s foot.
“You’re lucky, beggar,” the guard hissed, his voice dripping with contempt. “Thank goodness for yourself that you actually did what was right.”
The guard’s lips curled into a cruel grin as he tilted his head mockingly.
“If you hadn’t… I would’ve crushed you right here,” he sneered. “Just like I’m about to crush your worthless mother.”
Without waiting for another word, the guard roughly yanked Tyler’s mother by the arm, dragging her across the dusty ground without a hint of care or respect.
Tyler’s fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood.
His heart screamed, his rage roared inside him, begging for release.
But Tyler said nothing, he stood there, silent and cold, burning with a fury so deep it could tear the world apart–but on the outside, he remained still.
The State of Dapplewood had been in turmoil for months now.
The king. once a symbol miel
Starions dispass that
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no one could cure. His condition grew worse with each passing day, and the royal court, desperate to save him, had sent word far and wide:
Whoever could cure the king would be granted an extraordinary reward.
The king had made a bold promise himself.
If anyone saves his life, he had declared, he shall be allowed to marry one of my daughters. Marry his first daughter, and that person shall be in line to inherit my throne upon his death. Marry his second daughter, and that person shall be part of the royal family with wealth and honor–but without the crown.
It was a tempting offer.
Too tempting, thus, they came.
From distant mountains and hidden valleys, from noble sects and forgotten clans, they poured into the palace grounds like a tide.
Miraculous Doctor apprentices, young masters from legendary schools, skilled healers who claimed the blessings of ancient spirits–everybody was here.
Each one hoping to grab the opportunity of a lifetime, The courtyard was packed, a buzzing sea of prideful young healers, their robes embroidered with the marks of their prestigious schools. Arrogance filled the air almost as heavily as desperation.
And among them stood Tyler who had decided to heal the king so he could get his mother out.
He didn’t wear fine robes.
He didn’t have a respected sect’s emblem sewn onto his clothes.
He was dressed in rough, worn clothes, blending in almost like a shadow among the shining figures around him.
Tyler’s face was calm, unreadable.
But deep inside, he was resolute.
He had to enter, not for glory. Not for power.
But for her, For the woman who had suffered enough because of him.
Without hesitation, Tyler stepped forward and joined the massive line stretching through the palace grounds.
The selection process was strict.
In the center of the open courtyard stood a large, ancient board made of some unknown, shimmering material. It was unlike anything most had ever seen before.
This was the test, Every participant had to place their hand on the board.
Chapter 16
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The ancient board glowed faintly under the sunlight, its surface pulsing like a living thing.
One by one, the proud young men and women from great clans and sects placed their hands on it. Some failed. Some passed. But either way, the process moved smoothly, the crowd buzzing with excitement and tension.
And then came Tyler’s turn, As he stepped forward, murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Whispers. Mocking glances. Wrinkled noses, he didn’t belong here, and everyone thought it.
The man in charge of overseeing the test–a tall, richly dressed official with a proud face- looked Tyler up and down with barely disguised disgust. His nose wrinkled as if Tyler’s mere presence offended him.
‘Filthy, Poor, Smelling of dirt and hardship, what right did someone like this have to stand among the chosen?‘
The official didn’t bother hiding the disdain in his eyes as he motioned for Tyler to place his hand on the board.
Tyler calmly stepped forward and placed his hand against the cool surface.
Chapter 17
