Chapter 89: During Training—Stumbling Should Be Normal, Right?

Chapter 89: Shouldn’t stumbling during training be normal?

Chao Huangmu was still trying to figure things out.

Then, suddenly—a loud crash.

A dark shadow swooped overhead.

The soaked Xiao Chuzao turned his head blankly.

There, Mei Lun charged over, fuming, his face and clothes a mess, his long front hair dusty—every trace of nobility vanished. "Ka! Man! You wanna fight?! You really wanna fight?!"

The figure that had flown past them was Kaman, wings spread wide.

These two, whose combined ages were as long as Saint Cas’s history, couldn’t go a day without squabbling.

Judging by the two shovels behind them and the scattered dirt and water around, they’d clearly been competing until it got out of hand.

Kaman, equally disheveled, vanished in an instant, only letting out a taunting laugh. "Who wants to fight? If you’re so tough, come get me."

Mei Lun wasn’t as fast as Kaman. Usually, Kaman would strike and flee before Mei Lun could catch up.

So, after Mei Lun rushed past the little one in a blur, he spun around and backtracked. He reached out and scooped up the soaked little kid.

"Zao Zao, quick! Pinpoint where that jerk’s headed—we’re catching him—"

"Huh?"

The little kid was suddenly lifted into the air, blinking dazedly at Mei Lun.

Before he could say anything, Mei Lun’s face hardened.

"Grandpa’ll give you five candies—the kind blessed by King Amos!"

Candy.

King-approved candy!

Five pieces!

The next second, Zao Zao’s eyes literally glowed—Zao Zao navigation, activate!

"Grandpa Mei Lun, over there!"

His eyes really were glowing, physically, and he was especially excited, giggling the moment Mei Lun took off with him.

"Go, Grandpa! Faster!"

Grandpa Kaman was officially on Zao Zao’s candy hit list!

"Ha! I knew Kaman was totally faking earlier—he wasn’t heading that way at all!"

Mei Lun’s voice echoed back as he zoomed off with Xiao Chuzao in his arms.

Bystanders gaped, while Frey, inside, jerked to alertness—

It was rare to see any change in that stone-faced expression.

But now? Crystal clear.

Frey's eyes widened, and he grabbed the prepared blanket and ran after them.

"Uncle Mei Lun!! Zao Zao's still soaked!!"

It was warm out, but the wind was strong when running!!

Job just stood watching, without moving. He turned to Joshua, who wore his usual easy smile. Joshua wanted to follow, but Hale had him under watch.

Joshua forced himself to stay put, then couldn’t help but tell his brother how Kaman and Mei Lun had got into a fight over two shovelfuls of dirt.

Inside the house.

"These people are way too hyper, don't you think?"

Hale sipped his tea, murmured softly as he leaned against Morlo. He frowned slightly but quickly smoothed it away.

"Is it hurting again?"

Morlo instantly looked over, alert.

Hale immediately straightened up. "No, not at all."

Morlo eyed him skeptically before finally looking away. "Just keep pretending—"

He pulled a pill from his pocket and stuffed it into Hale’s mouth, cutting off his next words.

"Would it kill you to be honest? Teacher."

Hale went quiet.

Outside, Butler Mori was overseeing the cleanup with the guards.

Zhong Zhiyi, having finished all her work, stood up as well.

"It’s about time. I should get going. Who knows what'll go wrong on the way back."

"Has Professor Zhong been as unlucky as usual lately?"

Mori asked pleasantly.

"Haha, you have no idea," Zhong Zhiyi chuckled. "After so many years, I’ve gotten used to it. Nothing’s changed. But as my teacher said—"

She looked off into the distance. "Once a person’s confidence, self-respect, and dignity are shattered, piecing them back together is hard—but if someone cares, if someone gives them courage, it can still be done, bit by bit."

Her luck lay in her teacher and in coming to Saint Cas.

Meanwhile, the three youngsters, utterly stunned, were 'gently' hauled off by their beloved instructor.

Especially Chao Huangmu.

By the time King Amos returned to look for his little one, what he saw was the freshly landscaped garden of Dwight’s palace, along with Kaman, who had been chased down and dragged back by Frey and Mei Lun.

And his own little cub, excitedly pulling at his Grandpa Kaman’s hand, eyes shining as they locked with his.

"Daddy, candy!"

Zao Zao was going to trade Grandpa Kaman for five pieces of candy!

Kaman struggled to push himself up on one arm, glaring at Mei Lun, who had changed clothes and was back to looking dignified, and hissed through his teeth: "...You bastard."

Amos: "...?"

Although the Wen siblings from Saint Cas's mining planet were still undergoing treatment and couldn't be invited, the potatoes were eventually planted.

Another clear day.

The little one was finally about to enroll at Saint Cas First Military Academy.

The hovercar went directly from the royal court to the administrative department of Saint Cas First Military Academy.

This marked the little one's official enrollment at the military academy.

Amos escorted him personally—he had been quite busy these days, working hard to finish his tasks quickly so he could bring the little one to enroll.

Saint Cas First Military Academy was both honored and nervous, especially the principal. When he came out to greet them, he saw Amos putting down the little youngster he had been holding in his arms—this Little Highness was very different from ordinary Crown Clan members, delicate and gentle. Whether it was his innate magic or his distinct psychic traits unconsciously influencing others' emotions, Xiao Chuzao easily left a very good impression upon first meeting.

Additionally, while His Majesty and the other Highnesses were accustomed to tucking away their crowns and wings, Xiao Chuzao was more comfortable keeping them out. And when he did, it felt so natural that sometimes he even forgot how to control them.

"Your Majesty, Little Highness."

They snapped a sharp salute.

The instructor of the Elite Class and the three youngsters were also waiting nearby.

Amos gave a slight nod and led Xiao Chuzao inside.

After suppressing the surrounding beast hordes during this period, King Amos still seemed to exude a lingering aura of battle and oppression. Yet, because he was carrying a small youngster, a touch of warmth was mixed into that cold, imposing presence.

All documents had been classified and secured, with only his name on record at Saint Cas First Military Academy. Any access permissions were directly managed by the Saint Cas royal court, and the academy had no right to view them.

Moreover, what Xiao Chuzao needed to learn here wasn't much—perhaps classes three or four days a week.

The rest of the time would be overseen by the Crown Clan.

The training intensity of the Crown Clan was actually far more intense than that of humans.

For example, by the age of six, Amos could already independently handle packs of alien beasts.

Xiao Chuzao began training later than most and had no Crown Clan peers of the same age.

So, essentially, his courses at the military academy were focused on evaluations, adapting to squad combat, and finding loyal officers—to prepare for leading his own army after coming of age.

After wrapping up the formalities regarding the little youngster, Amos listened to the principal's report.

The little one sat beside him, peering around with wide-eyed curiosity, until Amos glanced over. The little youngster whispered,

"Papa?"

"Let your escort show you around."

Amos bent down to smooth the child's curls.

"Stay close. I'll come pick you up later."

"Okay."

Xiao Chuzao nodded and toddled down from the chair.

Trotting along, he followed Chao Huangmu and the others out of the room.

They didn't leave the building, just walked a couple of laps around the administrative block.

Chao Huangmu jumped at the chance to give a tour, like an excited puppy wagging its tail upon seeing the little cub.

"The military academy's not that different from the outside world."

"But there are a lot of facilities here. The administrative block even has a batch of new equipment. Little Highness, wanna check it out?"

So Chao Huangmu easily steered the little cub toward a certain room.

Yun Songquan and Peng Liang looked back—no instructor in sight.

The two whispered to each other.

"Isn’t that the new equipment room for the Star Network training field? That guy’s got some scheme. Does he want to show Little Highness how high his combat records are, how amazing he is, and how he wrecks us?"

"He just got slammed with extra drills by the instructor, and it’s not even over yet! But honestly, I always thought he’d be exhausted, but no—his training load tripled or quadrupled, and he’s still bouncing off the walls, even finding time in the middle of the night to own people on the Star Network combat platform. Calling him a machine would be spot-on."

Of course, most of the complaints came from Peng Liang. Yun Songquan hardly said a word the whole time, only nodding solemnly in agreement.

Luckily, Peng Liang was already used to it.

They arrived at the room.

The little cub sized up the platform nearby, that looked like it needed a mental hookup for entry.

Chao Huangmu was itching to go but played it cool: "Of course, Little Highness, I’m kinda killer at this. Would you like to give it a try? Once your name is registered, the account will be created automatically, and you can jump right in."

This was indeed something new for the little one.

The Crown Clan didn’t often use such things—their robust physiques, formidable mental strength, and rapid recovery made them lean more toward real combat.

Having only been in Saint Cas for about a year since leaving the Angelic Realm, the little cub was practically a total noob in the face of such high-tech gadgets.

Totally geeking out.

So tiny, he circled the machine three times to the left, three times to the right, then turned back to look at them, eyes wide with wonder.

Finally, he nodded shyly, letting Chao Huangmu help him connect.

The equipment here had an external viewing function, so Peng Liang and Yun Songquan didn’t log in—they watched from outside.

Peng Liang muttered under his breath, "But what’s this guy planning? The training field? Is he trying to butter up Little Highness by lowering his own 100% win rate? Or carve out a special space just for him?"

"Very likely."

Yun Songquan nodded.

"Grr—!"

Peng Liang clenched his fist.

"Sneaky dog."

Once the mental link was established, the Star Network training field was locked to campus-only matches—only occasionally going public or opening to other military academies.

The equipment in the administrative block wasn’t even connected to external networks.

Xiao Chuzao entered the Star Network, testing his virtual grip. The sensation was weird but cool.

He could perceive everything around him, and his whole body felt weightless, yet there was a subtle sense of restriction.

A breeze swept past him from behind.

Xiao Chuzao blinked in confusion before turning, only to find Chao Huangmu had already materialized in front of him.

"Isn't it quite interesting? That's exactly what I thought when I first tried it—look, this is the training ground. You can change the background here, generate anything with data, and in terms of combat, everything from pain to various scenarios can be simulated realistically while still shielding your psyche and ensuring no harm to your body."

Chao Huangmu flashed his profile card, showing it to Xiao Chuzao.

Grinning eagerly, he said, "Little Highness, wanna be friends?"

Xiao Chuzao looked at Chao Huangmu—he couldn’t tell if he was imagining it.

Or perhaps because he had a tail, he could sometimes empathize with certain emotions—he felt that if Chao Huangmu had a tail, it’d be wagging like crazy right now.

Peng Liang and Yun Songquan, who were watching, their eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

No way—that’s what you’re after?!

Chao Huangmu swiftly pinned Xiao Chuzao’s contact to the top and clicked on the battle mode.

"Little Highness, wanna give it a shot? Just a quick experience, it’ll be quick."

In the past, he had aimed for a 100% win rate, but now—

Now, 99.9% was plenty.

Don’t ask—it was good enough.

Xiao Chuzao weighed the situation, his tiny wings flapped excitedly behind him, feeling that everything was functioning normally.

"Okay."

The kid was curious too and nodded, letting Chao Huangmu start the battle mode.

This was an internal network, and the battle mode in the Star Net training ground was the simplest.

Xiao Chuzao could feel his senses sharpening, and his physical abilities seemed to be approaching his real-world level.

The little cub thought for a moment, hopped lightly, and waved at Chao Huangmu.

His sweet little voice couldn’t hide the Crown Clan’s fighting spirit, and he eagerly gestured.

"Zao Zao just learned a few moves from Mr. Hale—let’s go, let’s go!"

Chao Huangmu grinned.

"Alright, here I come, Little Highness!"

Chao Huangmu was ranked #1 in the Elite Class and was dubbed a "monster" by many—his abilities were indeed formidable.

And facing a six-year-old Zao Zao who had only just started training, he was totally in his element.

Watching Xiao Chuzao’s little limbs flail, he didn’t attack—he only defended—

Half thinking how cute he looked, half muttering to himself about how unexpectedly strong Xiao Chuzao’s strikes felt.

It felt awesome having a real sparring partner—after all, the little cub had only been training with Finn before.

Finn had just returned today—a total prankster and unreliable troublemaker who loved teasing others.

The little one’s small wings flapped excitedly behind him.

At that moment, the room door was pushed open again.

Amos came in, bringing their instructor along.

They just caught Chao Huangmu play-fighting with the kid—Amos, who usually looked after the kid, knew his little one inside out.

He was still lacking in skill and stamina, and after holding out for a while, he started running out of steam.

And right then—his kid…

Amos thought it over briefly.

Meanwhile, in the Star Network, Chao Huangmu, figuring he’d messed with Xiao Chuzao long enough, was about to call it quits and bow out.

But before he got a word out—

The kid must’ve caught on.

"Brother Mu."

Xiao Chuzao suddenly spoke as he drew closer to him.

His soft curls and big honey-colored eyes were downright hypnotic—sweet, adorable, and way too charming.

Then, while Chao Huangmu was still spacing out, the little one yanked his arm and flipped him, and with a flutter of his tiny wings for extra leverage, sent Chao Huangmu crashing to the ground—

It was smooth as heck.

Even Xiao Chuzao himself hadn’t expected it.

He’d noticed that calling Chao Huangmu’s name always made him space out—so he had seized the opportunity.

As his third uncle taught him—No rules in a fight!

Chao Huangmu faceplanted hard, lying there rethinking all his life choices—What… was I doing?

Yeah, he wanted the Little Highness to rank him extra high.

But not like this… not with this level of embarrassment!!!

The little one crouched down and poked Chao Huangmu’s body with his small hand.

"Are you okay?"

Nah, it’s fine, it’s fine—

Who cares about a little embarrassment?

So what if the Little Highness saw him eat dirt?

He’d gotten used to it anyway.

The spectators outside: [silence]

Even the instructor was stunned, muttering under his breath, "You little devil, trying to one-up everyone—why’d you leave me out?!"

"What's wrong with the instructor?

Even instructors want to improve!

"It's fine—"

Chao Huangmu raised his hand, hit surrender, then exit.

Even as he stepped out of the Star Network pod, he still felt a bit dazed.

Time was up—Xiao Chuzao had afternoon classes, so he was led away by Amos, saying goodbye.

Chao Huangmu faintly heard Amos asking Xiao Chuzao what he was thinking, the little cub's high-pitched, babyish voice replying that Prince Finn taught him.

Chao Huangmu: ...Wait, Prince Finn, why are you teaching him *everything*?!

Finn, who had just finished handling external matters and stumbled back, nearly ten days behind schedule, had just arrived at the Saint Cas Royal Military Headquarters.

Clueless about what his dear nephew had blamed him for now.

It was already past lunch. Amos had taken Xiao Chuzao back to eat, and Hale should have started today's lessons. With Amos still tied up in military affairs, Finn, after completing the handover, seized the chance to slip off to Dwight’s palace before Amos finished his tasks.

Meanwhile, at the Saint Cas Royal Administrative Hall.

"Dealing with the crown?"

Amos sat at the desk, skimming reports from the research team exploring the contaminated zones. Ayala stood before him.

His voice was calm, his gaze cold.

"You want to see Zao Zao."

Ayala averted his gaze.

Even after recovering, the kid still dodged him.

Ayala never regretted his decisions—but now he questioned why he’d been so trigger-happy with that needle.

"Your Majesty, I need your assistance. I can’t get near him myself."

Ayala met Amos's eyes. "But I am genuinely curious—how the crown gets fixed."

To any Crown Clan member who’d never seen it, the process was novel and miraculous.

Just like the shock Xiao Chuzao had given him when he removed the crown.

Amos stayed quiet, just drumming his fingers on the desk.

Ayala lowered his head again.

"Still, this is fine. I’ve submitted my report. Soon, I plan to regroup and ship out. The fighting with the alien beasts in this star system is escalating, and I don’t need any... *close* relationships."

Ayala’s eyes darkened.

"Deeper bonds are brittle, temporary.

Once death comes, there’s nothing left. Nothing remains."

He had experienced it before—everything crumbling to dust. Comrades, friends, especially the more vulnerable of other races.

Ayala remained icy and composed.

He refused to relive those experiences.

"I couldn’t care less what you’re thinking."

Amos stood up.

"I’m returning to Dwight Palace now. Tag along if you want."

*

Within Dwight Palace.

For the cub’s training, aside from the study, there was also a specially prepared training ground.

Hale had heard how the cub blindsided Chao Huangmu with a strange move and was somewhat curious, rarely sparring directly with the child.

Hale was frail, and he was usually responsible for teaching the cub about the history of the Crown Clan, as well as training like stealth techniques and improving reaction speed.

To be precise, wings were a crucial component of the Crown Clan's power. Without his wings, Hale's strength was barely a quarter of his prime.

In theory, that should have been enough to handle such a tiny opponent.

Yet—

Hale could feel the cub's abilities improving rapidly.

It was completely different from when the child had first emerged from the villa and arrived at Dwight Palace.

"Teacher, Zao Zao is here—"

A milky, playful voice rang in his ears, still bright with childish mischief.

But the moves that followed were anything but.

Hale jerked his head sideways, blocking the cub's incoming strike, then took a few steps back, watching as Xiao Chuzao beat his wings to dart back slightly.

Reaction speed, presence concealment—

Improving at a breakneck pace—

Hale opened his mouth to call it quits—

Finn, who had returned to Dwight Palace earlier and watched for a while, cut in with a leap.

"Come on, Zao Zao, show Third Uncle what you’ve got."

Hale stepped back.

He exhaled sharply.

Though the Crown Clan was strong, the cub's growth rate was still downright unreal. But thinking about it, it made sense—Xiao Chuzao had experienced so much in just the short year since returning to Saint Cas.

As Hale pondered, he occasionally glanced up at the specially made training platform.

But to an adult Crown Clan member in their prime, the cub was still just a tiny bundle.

Today, Xiao Chuzao had tripped Chao Huangmu and forced Mr. Hale to retreat, swelling with pride, only to face Finn.

To Xiao Chuzao, Finn was simply a blur—too quick and elusive to land a hit.

The problem is, this guy is a troublemaker through and through, no saint.

Not only does he counter moves swiftly, but he also finds time to mess with Xiao Chuzao’s curls and pinch the little one’s tiny wings.

Successfully turning an already puffy Zao Zao into an even more inflated Zao Zao.

He was just short of whining and crying, yelling ‘Bad Uncle!’

Meanwhile, Finn, impressed by the little one’s progress, forgot to give him positive feedback—and ended up winding the little guy up.

Xiao Chuzao, a fluffy ball, chased after him several times but couldn’t catch up. Finally, a second pair of wings popped out from his back, instantly doubling his speed. Finn didn’t react in time to this sudden change and got a faceful of Xiao Chuzao.

He froze for a moment, staring at Xiao Chuzao now right in front of him—Whoa, speedy!

Just as Finn smiled and was about to speak, he saw the little one holding *Cupid’s Bow*, a faint golden glow shimmering as it prepared to fire.

Finn’s smiling face stiffened instantly: ...

Wait a second.

Finn: ...Holy crap—Love and Peace—!!

Without a second thought, Finn bolted like a scared rabbit.

But his escape was so frantic and swift that it sent Xiao Chuzao stumbling. Combined with Finn’s suddenly spread wings blocking the little one’s path, the child—already struggling to adjust to his four wings—tangled himself up mid-flap before—*splat*—face-planting on the ground.

Silence fell instantly.

Xiao Chuzao, splayed out on the floor, peered up, dazed.

Before Finn could turn to help him, he heard footsteps—and a seriously bad vibe.

Instinctively, Finn looked toward the door.

Amos, who had just entered, caught the whole thing. His gaze shifted from the seething kiddo on the floor to Finn.

Ayala, following behind Amos, was just as confused, unsure why Finn had been so desperate to dodge the little one’s arrow.

Finn: ...

Ahem.

Uh, second brother.

Training’s gonna get rough sometimes—that’s normal, right?