The masked man could only growl in frustration, but there was nothing more he could do. The event's rules prohibited violence, and provoking a fight would only result in disqualification.
When Malik turned around, he caught Diandra's gaze from afar. There was a glimmer of pride in her eyes, even though her lips said nothing. Malik responded with a slight nod, signaling that he had completed the first part of the test.
On the balcony, Princess Viola observed everything intently. Behind her mask, her sharp eyes captured every movement. When Malik handed the locket to the judges with an almost intimidating calmness, she couldn't suppress the small smile that crept onto her lips.
"He's different," Viola thought.
A small bell chimed again, marking the end of the first round.
Round Two: The Test of Agility and Balance
That evening, the palace's backyard transformed into a challenging trial ground. Small candles atop torches lined the path, casting a dim glow that created shifting shadows on the palace walls. The night breeze carried the scent of damp leaves, making the air feel piercingly cold.
Obstacles loomed ahead: a fragile-looking wooden bridge swaying over a man-made chasm, a five-meter-tall rope wall, and narrow wooden beams precariously floating above a shallow pool. Some participants stood on the edge of hesitation, staring at the course as if confronting an unforgiving fate.
Malik stood tall among them, his face betraying no emotion. The small torch in his hand burned faintly, just enough to illuminate the path ahead. His gaze examined every inch of the obstacles with the calm of a hunter reading the terrain. When the distant gong sounded, signaling the start of the second round, he moved without hesitation.
The wooden planks of the bridge creaked underfoot, as if warning that a misstep would lead to a fall. Malik remained composed. He did not rush, stepping carefully to maintain his balance. Behind him, another participant slipped, tumbling into the safety net below. A panicked cry echoed, but Malik didn't look back.
After crossing the bridge, he reached the rope wall. Several other participants dangled from it, struggling to climb. Malik gripped the ropes firmly, his feet moving deftly, his body in sync with the rhythm of each pull and foothold. In no time, he reached the top.
The true challenge lay in the final section. The narrow beams floating on the pool seemed like perfect traps for careless contestants. Malik leapt onto the first beam, his body moving fluidly, adapting to the shifts without losing balance. Each step was light yet calculated.
Suddenly, he felt the beam beneath him shake more violently than it should. Malik paused, holding his breath, and surveyed his surroundings. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a man behind him—the man's hand gripping the edge of the beam, deliberately shaking it to unsteady Malik.
Malik exhaled softly, almost as if bored by such tricks. He waited a moment, then pivoted his body with unexpected speed. The movement startled the man, causing him to lose his footing and fall into the pool with a loud splash.
"Cheating again?" Malik murmured under his breath, almost as if talking to himself. His eyes stayed focused ahead as he continued his journey, treating the incident as nothing more than a minor distraction.
When he reached the end of the course, the small torch in his hand was still lit, its flame flickering gently in time with his triumphant steps. In the distance, the judges scribbled notes on their boards while the remaining participants began reaching the finish line one by one.
On the balcony, Princess Viola's silhouette could be seen watching. She sat silently, her eyes fixed on Malik, who moved with extraordinary grace and composure. Once again, a small smile appeared on her lips—a smile she reserved only for those she deemed worthy.
Round Three: Living Chess
The palace's main hall was filled with a tense silence. A massive chessboard sprawled across the center of the room, with living pieces standing in their designated positions. Tall candles lined the hall, their flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the marble walls. The participants, now turned into living pawns, stood alert.
On the other side of the board, a royal grandmaster stood tall, his eyes sharp like an eagle's as he scrutinized his opponents. He held a small mahogany staff, pointing to pieces with deliberate, calculated movements. The game had begun, and every move on the board was a decision of life and death.
Midway through the game, a man in a silver mask made a bold move. He advanced his knight to an unexpected position, creating a trap that forced an opposing piece to surrender. The spectators on the upper balcony held their breath, then erupted into murmurs of awe.
Princess Viola, observing from the highest balcony, narrowed her eyes. The sapphire crown atop her long black hair gleamed in the candlelight, making her appear like a shadowy goddess of the night.
Malik stood motionless at the edge of the board, his eyes never leaving the man in the silver mask. He studied every movement like a hunter analyzing its prey. When his turn came, Malik stepped forward confidently. His move was simple yet forced his opponent into a dilemma. The grandmaster's staff tapped against the marble floor, signaling the next turn. The opponent faltered.
Malik's eyes gleamed with precision. His next move ended the game, sealing victory with extraordinary accuracy. The chessboard ceased its motion, and the silence was broken by the cheers of the audience.
From the balcony, a man in a black robe proclaimed loudly, "The winner is Master Tang! Please proceed upstairs to meet Princess Viola."
Diandra, standing at the edge of the hall, approached Malik with a proud smile. "You did it, brother," she said softly, then her expression turned wary. "But be careful. This calm feels ominous."
Malik nodded silently. His gaze drifted to the balcony where Princess Viola stood behind a gently swaying sheer curtain. Her midnight-blue gown shimmered softly under the candlelight.
The golden mask covering half her face revealed a pair of sharp eyes radiating mystery. She looked at Malik with an unreadable expression, a mix of invitation and challenge.