Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Sumesh got into the academy for the selection process. It was by the mercy of the Second Prince, Bhairava. He took it as a whim of the second prince and thought to make use of the glimmer of hope that appeared in his life.

As he walked inside, he recalled the story of Viswa, the butler of the Emperor. He also got a similar opportunity and he showed his ability to the world. Sumesh was also determined to do the same.

"Hey, you.." The young man that stood up for him came running towards him.

"Thanks…" Sumesh replied curtly.

The young man with a bright expression extended his hand. "My name is Keshav."

"Sumesh." He said as he got a bit away from him.

But Keshav came closer and asked. "Are you okay? Where are you from?"

"Um..I am fine. I came from a small village."

"I am from here, and thankfully the second prince came just in time." Keshav sighed.

Keshav kept talking to him like a chatterbox for a long time. Sumesh just hummed and answered some of his questions. He didn't even mind Sumesh's dirty clothes and was standing right next to him.

Sumesh could feel and see the disdainful look from others at the selection ground.

"Stand in line." One soldier yelled loudly, grabbing the attention of the candidates.

Sumesh was pushed to the back as they scrambled to form a line. Keshav was in the front. He

frantically looked for Sumesh for a few moments before focusing on the front.

"The selection process will start now, after a brief explanation from the Second Prince." The soldier bellowed.

Sumesh leaned to the side to catch a glimpse of the second prince. He stood tall on the stage and he noticed that the prince had a wooden prosthetic on one of his hands. The prince exuded an authoritative aura along with a huge presence.

He could feel it.

The prince's voice was deep and commanding.

"I will get straight to the point." He said, his voice echoing through the field. "Due to the large number of candidates, today's physical shall be split into 2 phases under my discretion."

"The first one is to check your physical ability and the second test will be sparring against each other." He bellowed. "We need the best out of you to lead and make a name for the Royal Army."

"I am the main proctor here for this exam. Any foul play in the process shall be dealt seriously." Bhairava warned.

The first test began with the physical test. The candidates were divided into many groups. Sumesh was in one of the last groups to do that physical test. He just watched the others from afar. They were running in circles and the first few people to make it after 4 circles were being selected for the next round.

The ground was huge and there were many being eliminated in the 1st round itself. Sumesh watched Keshav clinch first place in his group running. Then, after the running, they were given some bodyweight exercises and when they completed them, the first test was over.

Sumesh also got ready for his physical test as the last group got ready.

It was his first time running on such huge ground. He ran only in the forest during hunting.

The test commenced and hundreds of candidates began running. Sumesh closely followed behind for the first lap. He could see gaps that he could squeeze into and get to the front. It was in his senses, as he had to always avoid trees while in the jungle.

He weaved through the gaps and made his way to the front. It certainly consumed more stamina to overtake but for Sumesh it was a daily task. Eventually he ended up crossing 1st place and finished the race first in his group.

Sumesh could see the dissatisfied look of the failed candidates directed mostly at him.

After the easy bodyweight exercises. Sumesh passed the first round of the physical. The failed candidates left the academy as soon as they lost.

Bhairava came forward. "Take some rest and the sparring round will commence in an hour. Groups will be finalized now."

After an hour, the groups were finalized and the sparring round was on the mat. Two sparring matches were done simultaneously, which the second prince will personally check along with the other proctors.

Each match was around 5 minutes and to win, either neutralize the opponent or score higher points in the end.

Keshav's match was first and Sumesh watched him take down his opponent with ease. It didn't even take him a minute to do it. His opponent was neutralized and he won the match.

Match after match was being completed, and Sumesh still didn't even know his opponent.

Sumesh's name was finally called to the mat. He eagerly stepped forward. The only battle experience he had was from hunting. He never fought a human before.

Before him was his opponent, a tall, burly man. He towered over Sumesh and smirked arrogantly.

"You small fry." He spat.

"Start." Instructed a soldier.

The tall guy charged at Sumesh, throwing a punch.

'It's slow.' Sumesh could see the punch slowly coming towards him. He sidestepped, dodging it complete.

"Fight back, you dirty mutt." The tall guy threw punches and kicks.

"Um…Okay." Sumesh observed the tall guy's punches and decided to attack.

He dodged another punch that flew past his face. Copying the tall guy's stance and punch. He drove his fist right into his lower chin.

It connected and the tall guy staggered back.

Bhairava watched with widened eyes. "That child."

The tall guy, angered by the punch, charged at him mindlessly. " Die, you."

This time, Sumesh copied his kick before he threw a punch. He turned and planted a kick right to his chin. The tall guy just collapsed like a lifeless doll from the precise kick. Sumesh just looked puzzled and confused.

He knew that the twisting necks of animals were effective during hunting. So he thought punching or kicking to the chin to twist the neck would be effective. He never thought it would be this effective.

Looking around, he found everyone staring at him as he took down someone that was taller and bulkier than him.

Bhairava stood on the mat. Sumesh turned to the Prince,

Suddenly Bhairava threw a punch right at his face. Sumesh could feel the power and speed. It was way faster than that tall guy.

He barely dodged it, his knuckles grazing Sumesh's cheek. Before Bhairava could reach back for his sword. He anticipated it by a slight sound of his fabric and jumped back to create distance.

Bhairava had an amused smile on his face as he straightened himself.

'As I thought, this child is special.'

Sumesh was still alert.

"You..become my disciple." Bhairava said with a smirk.

"Huh? WHAT?"