The Cursed Prince

The dining room in the palace was a spacious chamber, centered around a long wooden table, encompassed by simple, cushioned chairs. Gentle sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm ambiance over the room. I occupied one end of the table, my mother seated to my left, and my father presiding at the head.

As I poked at my breakfast, a mixture of bean soup with eggs and bacon, my face contorted in displeasure. "Mom, you know I really can't stand onions in my food."

My mother responded with a loving smile, her voice tender. "Antaeus, dear, I understand, but we want you to eat well."

My father, wearing a stern expression, chimed in, "Finish your meal, Antaeus, unless you want me to cancel your upcoming Jorin Test."

With a sigh, I reluctantly shoveled spoonfuls of the bean soup into my mouth, regarding it as my arch-nemesis for the moment. This time, I chose not to test my luck, well aware of my father's resolute nature when it came to enforcing his warnings.

Between hurried bites, I turned to my father, curiosity piqued. "Dad," I asked, "could you please explain what the Jorin Test involves?"

My father paused, considering how to convey the information to me. With a serious tone, he began, "It's not overly complicated, Antaeus. The Jorin Test is conducted by the Alkebulan Spirit Academy. If you pass, you gain entrance and live within their esteemed institution until graduation."

"The test assesses two aspects: your Spiritual Affinity and your Special Physique. Not many possess both qualities, and those who do are exceedingly rare."

As my father spoke with such gravity, I absorbed the details about the Jorin Test and the Alkebulan Spirit Academy.

"So," I ventured, "they evaluate our Spiritual Affinity and Special Physique. What exactly are they looking for in those tests?"

My father gave me a knowing look, seemingly sensing my anxiety. "You'll receive comprehensive guidance at the Academy, son. They'll provide you with all the necessary information. For now, concentrate on finishing your breakfast. We'll leave as soon as you're done."

My mother chimed in, her voice warm and reassuring. "Antaeus, dear," she said, reaching out to gently touch my hand, "the Academy is a place of great learning and opportunity. It may seem overwhelming now, but you have our unwavering support every step of the way."

With my parents' guidance in mind, I polished off the last few bites of my breakfast, aware that the time had come to confront the unknown challenges of the Jorin Test.

After a quick nod to my parents, I pushed my chair back and rose from the table. My mother mirrored my actions with a warm smile, her eyes filled with encouragement, while my father checked his pocket watch and grinned at me.

"It's 8:00 am, and the test begins in 30 minutes. Let's not keep them waiting," my father remarked, with a grin on his face

As if on cue, a young maid who possessed an ethereal beauty that captivated me walked in. Her striking cobalt hair fell in a graceful bob, framing her face with a vibrant hue that contrasted elegantly against her caramel-toned skin. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of cerulean, held a depth of knowledge and kindness, reflecting the wisdom beyond her years. With a demeanor both poised and graceful, she exuded an aura of quiet confidence, commanding respect with every step she took.

She executed a graceful bow, her demeanor radiating deference. "Your Highness, King Adroa, Queen Amirah," she said with a respectful curtsey, "The RegentsRoc is ready for you outside."

My excitement couldn't be contained, and I hurriedly made my way to her, gently taking her hands. "Today, Alina, we're taking the RegentsRoc?" My heart raced with anticipation.

Alina nodded with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting our shared excitement. "Indeed, Your Highness. I witnessed it with my own eyes."

In our world, only the royal family could afford such magnificent vehicles. Without waiting for anyone, I sprinted out, leaving my parents chuckling behind me. I still held Alina's hand, but my excitement overtook any concerns.

The other maids working outside smiled and curtsied as I dashed past them.

"Slow down, Your Highness, it's not going anywhere," Alina panted as she tried to keep pace with my eagerness.

"I know, but I can't wait a second longer," I grinned at her, and soon we reached the parking bay. It was filled with various magical vehicles, but one, in particular, caught my attention.

There stood the RegentsRoc, a marvel of magical engineering. Its sleek, glistening surface was adorned with intricate runes that shimmered with latent power.

The RegentsRoc was truly colossal, with wingspans stretching up to 80 feet, making it a majestic sight in the sky. Its body was nearly 40 feet in length, resembling the anatomy of a mythical roc, an immense bird of legend.

"I've only seen it on a holoscape, but witnessing it here in reality is a different experience," I remarked.

"I feel the same way too, Your Highness," Alina replied. "I've heard that the RegentsRoc is an awe-inspiring marvel, reserved exclusively for the highest-ranking royal families in all of Alkebulan. It represents the pinnacle of luxury, mythical grandeur, and scientific innovation."

I felt someone tap my shoulder and turned to see Father and Mother looking at us with amusement.

"Shall we go?"

"Of course, Father."

Father led the way, and a set of hover steps materialized in front of him, leading up to the RegentsRoc. He gestured for us to follow. We were greeted with a grand sight. Despite my mature demeanor, I couldn't help but feel like an excited 10-year-old child.

My curiosity, along with my playful side, took over as I darted around the cavernous interior of the RegentsRoc. It was clear that no expense had been spared to provide the utmost luxury and comfort for its noble passengers.

Plush seating, upholstered in rare fabrics and adorned with enchanted cushions, offered the utmost relaxation. My parents, occupied two majestic thrones situated opposite each other, with a small table between them.

Alina, our maid and the Head Maid of our household, occupied a comfortable seat not far from the royal family. This positioning allowed her to attend to any needs or requests during the journey without intruding on our privacy. Alina was not just a servant; she was a beloved member of our family, especially cherished by my mother. Her warm demeanor and caring nature had endeared her to all of us.

However, it would be a mistake to underestimate her. Behind that demure exterior lay a reservoir of power and capability second only to my father and mother. She was a force to be reckoned with, someone I respected deeply.

Father then issued a command, "Roc, set a course to the Academy."

"Affirmative, your Majesty," responded an elegant but robotic voice from the system. "Setting course, activating engine reactor, optimal speed set, shields activated, and Aero Enchantment activated."

"All systems activated."

"Please take your seats before lift-off for your safety, as we will break the sound barrier. The travel time will be 10 minutes."

I quickly found my designated seat, a plush throne-like chair that made me feel like royalty. As I settled in, the excitement of the journey ahead combined with the comfort and grandeur of the RegentsRoc, creating a sense of awe and anticipation.

"Seat belts in place," the system AI declared, and with that, a belt made of an unknown, secure material enveloped me, holding me firmly in my seat.

As the anticipation built, I could feel a subtle vibration coursing through the RegentsRoc. The plush seats seemed to adjust to accommodate our bodies perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort. Outside the large windows, I watched as the scenery beyond began to blur and shift.

The RegentsRoc slowly ascended, and I could sense the powerful magic of the Aero Enchantment at work. It was as if the very air around us was bending to its will. The sound of the wind rushing past grew louder, and I gripped the armrests of my throne-like seat, a mixture of exhilaration and trepidation coursing through me.

The sensation was akin to floating on a cloud, a surreal experience that defied gravity. The RegentsRoc gracefully ascended higher and higher, the palace and the city below becoming miniature landmarks.

Minutes passed, and the vibration and rush of air intensified. I looked over at my parents, who seemed serene and composed, their expressions filled with a sense of pride in our family's traditions.

Then, as if in response to some unseen command, the RegentsRoc surged forward, and we broke through the sound barrier with a thunderous boom. The shockwave reverberated through the cabin, causing me to grip my seat tighter. The world outside became a blur of colors, and the sky darkened as we hurtled forward.

The journey was exhilarating and surreal, and I couldn't help but glance at Alina, who sat calmly, her eyes reflecting a serene confidence. She was a picture of composure, and it reassured me.

And then, as swiftly as it had begun, the rush subsided. The RegentsRoc gradually slowed down, and I could see a magnificent structure in the distance, nestled amidst lush greenery.

"We have arrived at the Alkebulan Spirit Academy," the system AI announced. The RegentsRoc descended gracefully, touching down on a designated landing platform.

I exchanged a glance with my parents, and the unspoken excitement in their eyes mirrored my own.

As we disembarked from the RegentsRoc, the grandeur of the vehicle didn't go unnoticed. A group of onlookers huddled together, whispering excitedly.

The atmosphere in the crowd remained charged with curiosity and speculation as they observed the Mustafa Royal family and their awe-inspiring RegentsRoc. Whispers and murmurs traveled like a gentle breeze among the onlookers.

"Is that the Mustafa Royal family?"

"The RegentsRoc is awe-inspiring. It must be them!"

"Does that mean the child with them is the rumored Cursed Prince?"

"Shut up, are you trying to die? If so, leave us out of it."

"What!? It's true, isn't it?"

Among the voices that had ignited this chatter, one individual stood out, seemingly unafraid of the consequences of his words.

The crowd chose to dismiss him, meting out mockingly amused looks. However, before he could continue his provocation, I had already positioned myself in front of him.

With a faint sneer as he stared at me, "Hmph, we are at the academy, and it's forbidden for us to fight here."

His tall and slender frame exuded a viper-like quality, and the confident glint in his eyes belied any fear.

His brown skin bore a resemblance to mine. Undeterred by his contempt, I greeted him with a calm smile and asked, "What is your name?"