Amon went on describing the victories of humans over the Demons and much more centered around that. But Aegon could see clearly that it was all just to distract the populace, to make them forget how Demons once again managed to get inside the Empire.

'But panic will only make things worse,' Aegon understood that well. 'Ignorance is bliss.'

Still, he wondered how the Demons always managed to infiltrate the Empire. There was no way humans hadn't tried to counter it, so why was there still no real success?

The Eternal Sanctum was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as everyone got fired up after hearing Amon's grand words. But then again, these were great achievements meant to be celebrated.

Amon smiled upon seeing the effect, then winked at Aegon and sent him a mental message. 'Let's have a talk once this is all over. We both have questions for each other, after all.'

Aegon nodded slightly in response.

When the noise died down a little, Amon clapped his hands and said, "Now that our enemies' schemes have been foiled, shall we move on to the rewards for our new Supremes?"

Once again, the audience cheered, and even the other teams looked forward to the reward announcements.

"House Chen! Come forward!" Amon commanded as House Chen stepped onto the central platform. "The first reward is access to the fifty levels of the Academy's Treasury and permission to take any one item of choice from there."

Hearing that, people went wild again in shock. They didn't expect the Academy to be so generous this time. It made them deeply envious of House Chen.

The Academy's Treasury was heavily guarded and contained the most important items acquired over the centuries. Given the Academy's long history, one could only imagine what kinds of things were stored within that treasury. Even a single item from there could cause major conflicts.

That was why the security was so high that even a group of Rank 8 Knights would find it difficult to break through.

There were a total of seven layers in the Academy's Treasury, each safeguarded by increasingly higher-rank Rune Formations. The higher the layer, the more valuable and dangerous the contents.

More than items, people were attracted to the secrets buried within that treasury. For a mage, nothing was greater than knowledge, and that treasury held lost ancient knowledge collected by the Academy's previous heads.

Mere access to it was already a reward worthy of winning the Supremacy Games, yet they were also allowed to take an item from it.

It made even high-ranking nobles envious, as many wished they could exchange places with House Chen. But since they couldn't, they chose a different approach.

As long as they could get even one member of House Chen to enter their Houses, they would benefit greatly.

Even Aegon was surprised by the reward, even though he already knew Amon would grant him access to the treasury.

He glanced at his friends, noticed their happy smiles, and thought, 'Worth it.'

"Now, now! We made an exception to the reward system this time. For one, this is the day House Valeria, the Elves, and Humans came together, so how could the rewards be low?"

Amon laughed as he said that.

"Second, our winners are quite unusual this time. As the Academy has always valued talent and invested in it, we decided to increase their rewards. I don't think anyone has objections."

Nobody spoke. Even if anyone felt dissatisfied, they didn't voice it, unwilling to make a mockery of themselves. Not to mention, many knew Aegon and his team truly deserved it.

"Good. Then House Chen, who is your leader?" Amon asked.

Cali and the others instantly stepped back, leaving Aegon standing alone before them.

"The leader gets access to the sixth layer of the Academy's Treasury, but you may only take items from the fifth layer."

Gasps echoed throughout the audience as once again Aegon felt countless envious gazes directed at him. In response, he simply smiled at them, as if mocking them openly.

"For the second reward, all members of House Chen will receive special guidance from the top figures of the Great Solar Empire," Amon said, turning toward Cali. "Calista Randle will receive guidance from the Sky Reaper, Chen Xiu."

Cali's eyes shot open in disbelief upon hearing that. She wasn't the only one, as others also turned toward Chen Xiu, who stood up from the audience and winked at them.

'She actually agreed to it?' Aegon raised an eyebrow before smiling. 'It makes sense, though.'

Of course, the people were just as surprised and also worried. Anyone who knew about Chen Xiu felt concerned for Cali. While Cali was a great talent, mentorship under Chen Xiu could easily corrupt someone.

Even Arthur couldn't help but massage his brows in annoyance. "She definitely did this to annoy me. Damn it. Now I'm worried about that girl's growth."

"Don't worry. I can guarantee Cali will become very strong under Xiu," Liliana said calmly.

"As if I'm worried about that," Arthur scoffed.

Meanwhile, Amon wished Cali well and moved toward Elara. "As long as the Elves don't have a problem, you will receive guidance from me personally."

Elara gave a light bow and said, "It will be my honor."

'This old man is an archer?' Aegon was momentarily speechless, refusing to believe it. 'What is he planning now?'

Amon then turned toward Xavier and said, "Xavier Randle will receive direct guidance from the First Prince of the Great Solar Empire, the Angel of Light, Michael au Morningstar."

Xavier's eyes widened in shock as he hurriedly bowed and stuttered, "I-It will be an honor."

Even the others couldn't help but feel happy for Xavier. Who didn't know of the First Prince, Michael—the man who ruled the Empire in Samuel's absence and the man destined to sit on the throne after him?

Receiving mentorship from him also meant Xavier might inherit his legacy. It made the nobles reconsider their relationship with the Moonrise Kingdom. With Xavier, it would undoubtedly rise.

"Rosaline Amberheart," Amon said, pausing briefly before continuing, "to be honest, it was difficult to determine who should guide you, so Rider Rovan of House Valeria volunteered to mentor you."

Rosa blinked in surprise and said, "Doesn't that mean I can stay close to Aegon? Of course, I'll agree."

Many were left speechless by her reasoning and wondered if something was wrong with her head. People would die for mentorship from House Valeria, yet she accepted it simply because of Aegon.

Sitting in the audience, Xiu laughed and said, "I like her already."

"Of course you do. Her single mind is only focused on Little Gon," Aurelia rolled her eyes at her best friend.

"Hm. You don't have any problems if Little Sun chooses Rosa over El?" Xiu asked, her brows wiggling.

"Not at all," Aurelia smiled mysteriously and refused to elaborate.

Back on the stage, Amon moved toward Aegon as the Eternal Sanctum fell silent. Everyone was curious to know who could possibly guide a monstrous prodigy like him.

"Any guesses?" Amon asked, his familiar teasing smile on his face.

"Kai?" Aegon asked uncertainly. "Or maybe someone else?"

"Wrong!" Amon chuckled. "You will receive guidance from none other than the Red Lily herself, Liliana Songsword."

'Ah. So that's their plan,' Aegon opened his mouth, then closed it again. 'Even better for me. I wanted to talk to her and learn as well.'

The crowd was only mildly surprised before realizing it made perfect sense. In the last few centuries, the only talent comparable to Aegon's absurd ability was his own mother's.

Aegon turned toward the higher platform and finally found his biological parents sitting together beneath Samuel's throne. He bowed slightly toward the beautiful white-haired woman and said, "I'll be in your care."

"I'm sure we can learn many things from each other," Liliana replied with a smile that charmed many young nobles. "I'll be in your care as well."

Her words surprised quite a few people. After all, she had essentially placed herself on equal footing with Aegon, implying that both of them would learn from each other.

But Liliana didn't find it strange at all. Even ignoring the fact that she wanted to speak to Aegon as a mother, she understood how a genius mind worked.

During her own childhood, she had realized things that even adults couldn't comprehend, so she didn't underestimate Aegon in the slightest. Even if he weren't her son, she would have said the same words.

Amon noticed their exchange and smiled. Adjusting his monocle, he turned toward the highest platform and said, "Your Majesty, do you have something to say to our winners?"

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