- 2 hours ago
They Thought I Was Dumb — I'm Not Even Human
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:03Seven years ago, I was only three. You kicked me and mom out of the family, just because they couldn't
00:00:08speak quickly.
00:00:09And now, you actually want me back?
00:00:14That's right. The Sterling heir is nothing but a pathetic mute. I'm a disgrace to the family, right?
00:00:20And that is why, you all thought I totally deserved to be dumped, right?
00:00:25The Sterlings only produce his geniuses, but you? You had a mute for a son.
00:00:30He's turning us into a complete lovingstock in Solaraid.
00:00:32When my mom died last year, you didn't even flinch.
00:00:36And so because of that, I'm done with this family, and done with my dad.
00:00:40But now out of nowhere, you're talking about family ties, and saying you miss me?
00:00:45Do you actually think I'm nothing more than a dumb kid?
00:00:48South Thor's birthday is the day after tomorrow.
00:00:50The Sterling family will be at his banquet, and I'm still the family's heir apparent on paper.
00:00:55If I don't show up, South Thor would take it as a sign of disrespect.
00:00:59That's the only real reason behind all of this.
00:01:05I've been away for seven years. I can't find my way around. Where's the main hall?
00:01:10Well, if it isn't the great heir coming back, you're the stupid mute the Sterling's tossed out.
00:01:15What's with all the hand-waving? I don't understand it.
00:01:18Why the hell are you staring at me?
00:01:20You have no idea who you're dealing with.
00:01:25I've slaughtered vermants like you in another life.
00:01:33I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I didn't mean it. That was a joke.
00:01:38Your grandpa's right there, and everyone's been expecting you.
00:01:40Look, everyone in this world only sees me as the pathetic, mute outcast of the Sterlings.
00:01:44If only they knew I'm not one of them.
00:01:47My soul's from another realm.
00:01:49I was Friar Auron.
00:01:51The rivers ran red where I walked.
00:01:52That's why they called me...
00:01:54Hollow Friar.
00:01:58Hollow Friar.
00:01:59A thousand javelins have perished by your hand.
00:02:02You won't get an easy death.
00:02:04The underworld's waiting for you!
00:02:07I walk the path of mercy, a journey that leans towards the gate of enlightenment.
00:02:11Yet you fixate only on my wrath, but never see the compassion beneath.
00:02:17Come.
00:02:22Allow me to show it to you properly.
00:02:32By the grace of his holy light, the javelins were parasites leeching off the villagers down the mountain.
00:02:39Only by purging your whole family can suffer and be entered.
00:02:41You'll never comprehend this truth.
00:02:44By the grace of his holy light, mortals can never see.
00:02:49This is the path of solitude.
00:02:51If no divine hand guides me...
00:02:54Then I shall guide myself.
00:03:07From this day forward, as long as I cultivate in silence for eight years,
00:03:12I'll reclaim my power from my past life.
00:03:14Jude, he's your grandfather.
00:03:17Say hi to Grandpa.
00:03:19He's born deaf and mute.
00:03:22Our Jude is the sterling heir.
00:03:25But a defective heir is unworthy of the legacy of our name.
00:03:30Start driving.
00:03:37But even in her death, mom told me to come back.
00:03:40But this is beneath me.
00:03:42Yet here I stand.
00:03:44This time, I'm here to make things right.
00:03:47You will grovel before her tomb.
00:03:48Mark my words!
00:04:05Hey!
00:04:06Did you walk here from the village?
00:04:08Huh?
00:04:09Grandpa's been sitting here.
00:04:10You've been keeping him waiting.
00:04:14Cousin Sean, are you worried that I'll take your inheritance?
00:04:16I wonder what god you all worked up.
00:04:18Jude Sterling, how have you been all these years?
00:04:21Save your breath, Grandpa.
00:04:22You don't have to ask him anything.
00:04:24Why do you even bother getting a sign language teacher for this mute?
00:04:28This is ridiculous!
00:04:32It's been seven years since I last saw your brother.
00:04:35Don't you think we should catch up?
00:04:37Prince South Horse Banquet is the day after tomorrow.
00:04:40If any disagreement between him and us becomes even slightly visible,
00:04:45it would tarnish the dignity of our entire family.
00:04:47How can you be so dense?
00:04:49It's obvious that you're not thinking.
00:04:51But I...
00:04:52That's okay.
00:04:53Please hold your temper.
00:04:59You know, Jude, in all honesty, we've wronged your mother and you all these years.
00:05:05Yet we must ask for your understanding.
00:05:08It's only natural for a great family to encounter and to endure many complications.
00:05:19It's not your fault that you were born mute.
00:05:22You are and always will be part of the Sterling bloodline.
00:05:26From now on, you will be living here with us.
00:05:30He can't live here!
00:05:31But, Dad!
00:05:31The Sterling can't be broken!
00:05:32That's enough!
00:05:33Jude, kneel and show your gratitude.
00:05:37Wait, there's no need for that.
00:05:40It is, after all, the right thing to do.
00:05:50All these years, you kept me like a dog, and yet you have the nerve to call this mercy?
00:05:57What?
00:05:58What is he saying?
00:06:00Well...
00:06:01What does he mean by that?
00:06:03You kept me like a dog all these years.
00:06:05Jude!
00:06:05How dare you speak like that?
00:06:08A dog!
00:06:09At least he knows his place.
00:06:11Must you twist every single thing so viciously?
00:06:14The only reason why I'm even offering you a place is because you're my grandson and we're bound by blood,
00:06:20so you don't have to wander out there like a stray.
00:06:22I am the prodigy that Heaven itself ordained.
00:06:26This isn't your mercy.
00:06:27It's my mercy to let you kneel.
00:06:30I didn't come back here to join your family.
00:06:33I'm here to get justice for my mother.
00:06:36Every last Sterling should grovel before my mom's tomb.
00:06:40What?
00:06:41What did he just say to me?
00:06:48What did he just say to me?
00:06:51What does he mean by that?
00:06:55He's telling us that it's already late and he wishes to rest.
00:06:59I'm sorry, but I can't afford to lose this job.
00:07:05Indeed.
00:07:06It's late.
00:07:07Time passed by so quickly.
00:07:09Lydia?
00:07:10Take him to his room.
00:07:12Right away, sir.
00:07:14Sir, this way, please.
00:07:17Not even a bow?
00:07:18Did the countryside erase every bit of your manners as well?
00:07:24You're in no position to tell me that.
00:07:29Ah, he says he'll remember to bow next time.
00:07:33My silent cultivation will end in two days.
00:07:36Otherwise, I curse you to hell.
00:07:38Hold it.
00:07:39At the princess' upcoming banquet, every noble will be watching.
00:07:44Prince Althor values cultural refinement above everything else.
00:07:48Also, if I'm not mistaken, the banquet will include a literary duel among the noble heirs.
00:07:56Grandpa, why are you wasting your breath on a peasant?
00:07:58Does he even know the classical virtues?
00:08:01Or the way scholars duel?
00:08:03Keep your mouth shut.
00:08:06I am well aware that you were raised without any sense of culture or education.
00:08:10That is why a tutor will begin instructing you in calligraphy and classic studies starting tomorrow morning.
00:08:18If fortune favors you, the banquet guests will go easy on you.
00:08:22I wonder if the art of carving spells into the flesh of your enemies might somehow be counted as calligraphy.
00:08:28Did you hear what I said?
00:08:30Tomorrow your lessons will begin.
00:08:31I expect you to study hard.
00:08:34Don't humiliate us.
00:08:38What's he up to?
00:08:40Huh?
00:08:40He knows calligraphy?
00:08:41That's impossible.
00:08:42But he's mute.
00:08:43He only went to some charity school.
00:08:46He had no proper education.
00:08:50These are the five principles.
00:08:52Raise, press, hook, support, and resist.
00:08:56Fingers firm.
00:08:57Your palm must remain hollow.
00:08:59Your wrist must be level as water.
00:09:01And the brush straight as a ruler.
00:09:03Do you understand?
00:09:04It will take you a lifetime to grasp these five principles.
00:09:07So this is how the five principles my mother taught me actually work.
00:09:11This requires decades of dedicated practice.
00:09:15And yet, he's only ten years old.
00:09:21Ugh.
00:09:22Pearl.
00:09:23Keen as a falcon's eye.
00:09:24Fierce as a rearing stallion.
00:09:26What a masterpiece.
00:09:27Cast into the mud.
00:09:29My son's master calligraphy.
00:09:31His brush source.
00:09:32Hitting the paper like a war horse.
00:09:35Yet, they dare to...
00:09:41Mock its radiance.
00:09:52A pearl cast into the mud.
00:09:54Yet, they dare to mock its radiance.
00:09:58Why does this handwriting look so familiar to me?
00:10:01He's basically calling us ignorant.
00:10:03He's implying he's the pearl.
00:10:05And we're ignorant to not see his true worth.
00:10:08Absolutely ridiculous.
00:10:09What an arrogant kid.
00:10:12Go home and rest.
00:10:13As you wish.
00:10:20This writing feels so familiar.
00:10:23Where have I seen this before?
00:10:27Benjamin!
00:10:28Wake up!
00:10:29Look at this!
00:10:29This one is the princess' treasured fragment.
00:10:32Charlemagne surviving work!
00:10:34He only gave us three days!
00:10:35Observe it carefully, or our relatives will take it.
00:10:38Mother, what is this?
00:10:40I've never seen this before.
00:10:41That's Carolingian minuscule.
00:10:44It's created thanks to Emperor Charlemagne.
00:10:46It means clear and graceful, and it's...
00:10:49How dare you take this!
00:10:50The princess' treasure is far above your station!
00:10:53It is not for you to see!
00:10:56Someone as wretched as you shouldn't even aspire to that!
00:11:00I'm sorry.
00:11:05Benjamin, how much did you memorize?
00:11:11Karolingian minuscule!
00:11:13But that kid is only ten years old!
00:11:16Could it be that he is the prodigy the prophecy spoke of?
00:11:28The study.
00:11:29They managed to make it look almost respectable.
00:11:35Allow me to educate you on the proper ways to handle scholarly tools.
00:11:41This exquisite mahogany desk cost no less than a million, and was crafted by the best hands.
00:11:46Behold!
00:11:47Our severus inkstand, swan feather quills, and Flemish parchment.
00:11:52Just so you know, these few treasures alone prove that our family's impeccable taste has spanned generations.
00:11:59Did that amuse you?
00:12:02It's nothing but a fake parchment.
00:12:05What swan feather is she talking about?
00:12:08This is nothing but dog hair.
00:12:10These are just cheap bristles, created for cheap men to use.
00:12:13But I'll have to admit, this inkstand is genuine.
00:12:17Two out of four are fakes.
00:12:19That's truly remarkable.
00:12:21Such impeccable taste.
00:12:23He can't even name these treasures.
00:12:25What a savage.
00:12:28Sir, let's pray that your brain survives your tutoring tomorrow.
00:12:32It would be unwise to waste your grandpa's generosity.
00:12:36Also, as for the tutor that they hired for you, he is one of the great minds.
00:12:43Be sure not to waste it.
00:12:45And remember to treasure this opportunity tomorrow.
00:12:54The sterling household is full of illiterate masters and bowing, groveling servants.
00:13:00They boast of noble heritage and impeccable taste.
00:13:04Hmph.
00:13:07You've got to be kidding me.
00:13:09Had I not been bound by my oath,
00:13:11A solemn vow of silence.
00:13:13I would have slayed them alive with my words.
00:13:18Mrs. Wilkins.
00:13:20Is he asleep now?
00:13:22What's wrong?
00:13:23He suddenly slapped me right after I showed him the way to the main hall.
00:13:26Please stand up for me, Mrs. Wilkins.
00:13:28That mute brat attacked me.
00:13:30What?
00:13:31How dare he?
00:13:32Don't worry.
00:13:33I'll inform Mr. Sterling.
00:13:34Thank you, Mrs. Wilkins.
00:13:36He's nothing but a lowly mutt from the fields.
00:13:39And he dares to strike those above him?
00:13:41Just wait.
00:13:42We'll see what'll happen until Mr. Clay tutors him tomorrow.
00:13:46They'll surely beg for mercy.
00:13:48Mr. Clay?
00:13:49Are you talking about Mr. Henry Clay, who used to mentor Master Sean?
00:13:53Yes.
00:13:54That was him.
00:13:55His temper is legendary.
00:13:56And wow, he's in it for tomorrow.
00:13:59I've never met Mr. Clay myself.
00:14:01He's the literary titan of Solorane.
00:14:06Eight long years of total silence.
00:14:09To strip away the layers of mortal vanity.
00:14:12To see the world as it truly is.
00:14:15And touch the cosmic truth.
00:14:17One more day, and I'll finally achieve the great perfection.
00:14:20Eight long years of total silence.
00:14:23This is killing me.
00:14:28There's something divine in the air.
00:14:31And it is definitely coming somewhere near.
00:14:33I can feel that hunger.
00:14:36Like a black hole.
00:14:38This cultivation is draining every ounce of life from the whole surrounding region.
00:14:42I was fortunate to withdraw my energy in time.
00:14:45Or the devouring force would have claimed me.
00:14:49Your Highness.
00:14:50Mr. Jensen in the council chamber.
00:14:51This cannot wait.
00:14:54Your Highness.
00:14:54There's been a disaster.
00:14:56Mr. Jensen collapsed in seclusion.
00:14:58He coughed up blood and was badly hurt.
00:14:59He did what?
00:15:02A madman.
00:15:03He has risen in Dawnshire.
00:15:05The land's very essence is being sucked dry by his immense power.
00:15:13His power surpasses mortal limits.
00:15:16Teetering of demonic.
00:15:17How is it possible that such might still walks the earth in our era?
00:15:26I've never come this close to a being of such overwhelming power.
00:15:29I wonder if I can be ever truly worthy enough to witness him fully unveiled in all his glory.
00:15:36Toward the Sterlings?
00:15:38What kind of being?
00:15:39What kind of power could devour the energy of an entire city with such force?
00:15:44It's heading towards the Sterlings?
00:15:47Unbelievable.
00:15:48How could they possibly be connected to that existence?
00:15:50I am less than a mere worm when standing before such overwhelming power.
00:15:55I won't even think of seeking him out.
00:15:57Not with powers such as his.
00:16:00A dukedom would be a mere trifle.
00:16:02A petty price to pay.
00:16:03If it means I could stand beside true power.
00:16:11I am almost there.
00:16:12Soon enough, my old power will ignite.
00:16:26This boy is plain looking imbued.
00:16:29I'm Henry.
00:16:30You're Jude Sterling?
00:16:31Your family paid a fortune to have me educate you.
00:16:35Or rather, to teach you the alphabet.
00:16:39If he weren't born as Sterling, he'd never get to encounter a literary genius like me.
00:16:45And yet he has the audacity to look displaced.
00:16:48Unbelievable.
00:16:51Can you even memorize just one of these books in a single day?
00:16:55Even as a bond would fail.
00:16:56Here are seven books.
00:16:58Choose one.
00:16:59I will drill you for 15 hours without rest.
00:17:02By the end, you will have fully comprehended at least one entire volume.
00:17:06These are just children's primers.
00:17:07And this is the profound heritage they boast about?
00:17:11Hilarious.
00:17:12I'm well aware that you're a slow learner.
00:17:14And yes, these texts are far beyond your comprehension.
00:17:18But then...
00:17:20Enough with your charades.
00:17:22Hurry.
00:17:23Pick one of these books in front of you.
00:17:27The alien.
00:17:34What do you mean by that?
00:17:41Are you saying that not a single one appeals to you at all?
00:17:46Listen, child.
00:17:47These are all...
00:17:49Don't tell me.
00:17:50You actually expect to study them all?
00:17:52Let me tell you.
00:17:53Even ants cannot move mountains.
00:17:56Even two days still won't be enough.
00:17:58Then what do you mean?
00:18:00Stop toying with me.
00:18:01I'm one of Solorayne's ten literary titans.
00:18:03Were it not for the Sterlings, you...
00:18:16This pressure and this flow...
00:18:18Is he really ten years old?
00:18:20How can he write this when it takes decades to master?
00:18:23I had already mastered all of this by the time I was three.
00:18:27Lines flow free.
00:18:28No rigid rows.
00:18:29Grace found in chaos.
00:18:30Ball strobe stands.
00:18:31The italic script.
00:18:33You already know that?
00:18:34Gothic script is neat.
00:18:35Cursive is wild.
00:18:36But italic script?
00:18:37It's perfect balance.
00:18:38Controlled yet elegant.
00:18:40To truly reach the mastery of this craft,
00:18:42one must first conquer both Gothic and cursive styles.
00:18:45Yet somehow,
00:18:47it's fallen into the hands of a mute child.
00:18:51Now you choose silence.
00:18:56A backwater mute?
00:18:58Possessing imperial-grade calligraphy?
00:19:00What utter nonsense.
00:19:02It's true.
00:19:03Your writing is impressive.
00:19:05But do you really expect me to believe that you mastered all of these three?
00:19:09I find it hard to believe.
00:19:11Very well.
00:19:12Let's see you prove it.
00:19:18In Plutarch's parallel lives,
00:19:20which Roman general boldly crossed the Rubicon declaring,
00:19:23the tie is cast.
00:19:24Do you know that?
00:19:26Now tell me,
00:19:27against whom did he wage this great civil war?
00:19:32Julius...
00:19:34Caesar.
00:19:39He waged his civil war
00:19:41against Pompey the Great,
00:19:43once his own ally.
00:19:45And his partner?
00:19:47Crassus and Pompey.
00:19:49You've...
00:19:50You've already memorized parallel lives!
00:19:52I can't believe it!
00:19:53He's mastered this through and through.
00:19:56Finish this line.
00:19:57From Cicero.
00:19:58Or Tempora.
00:19:59Or Moris.
00:20:00From Cotillian Marians.
00:20:02Denouncing Catelyn's conspiracy.
00:20:03Which speech was it?
00:20:04The first Cotillian Marian.
00:20:06He breathes the classics.
00:20:08Fortune favors the bold.
00:20:10Whose famous words are these?
00:20:12Write it down.
00:20:13Virgil's Aeneid.
00:20:15Dulce at the Choral Mass.
00:20:17To die for one's country.
00:20:18Pro patria mori.
00:20:20How about the art of living is more like...
00:20:22The wrestlers than the dancers.
00:20:25This boy's a real protégé.
00:20:26Who first refused to fight in the Iliad?
00:20:30Achilles.
00:20:31The greatest warrior.
00:20:32He chose pride over war.
00:20:35Who leads Aeneas through the other world?
00:20:40The Sibyl of Cule.
00:20:46What you've done goes well beyond the limits of the syllabus.
00:20:49This is truly next-level Homeric wisdom.
00:20:55I'm unworthy to be your teacher.
00:20:57Your wisdom and talent are far beyond mine.
00:21:00You mentioned earlier that you've memorized all these by the age of three.
00:21:04I believe that your brilliance is on another level.
00:21:08You should be the one teaching me.
00:21:09What three years old?
00:21:10I wasn't talking about this life.
00:21:12I'm talking about a life long ago.
00:21:16I must be off.
00:21:19I was a fool to scorn the whispers of wisdom.
00:21:22Divine wisdom met my eyes today.
00:21:25Jude Sterling.
00:21:26After tomorrow, your name will echo across the entire city.
00:21:30You absolutely have to attend the Prince's Feast tomorrow.
00:21:34His name will echo across the city.
00:21:36That means tomorrow at the banquet.
00:21:40That will be his defining moment.
00:21:49The italic script.
00:21:51Is this the piece he wrote?
00:21:53Even his italic writing seems to dance on paper.
00:21:56His skills are otherworldly.
00:21:58Crowned with confidence.
00:22:00I'm finding it hard to believe that he's ever been mute.
00:22:03Hello, sir.
00:22:06Frame this.
00:22:07Just like the one from last night.
00:22:08Use a gold frame.
00:22:10Place it in the study.
00:22:13This writing floats gracefully, yet cuts really deep.
00:22:16Sir, such mastery takes decades to achieve.
00:22:19Who could possibly create such artistry?
00:22:37Dad.
00:22:38Jude won't be able to learn in time.
00:22:40Even Mr. Clay gave up while trying to teach him this morning.
00:22:43That's true, Dad.
00:22:44Mr. Clay refused to instruct him.
00:22:46The servants reported to me that they saw the tutor left Jude's study by noon.
00:22:51Dad.
00:22:52How about we don't let him attend tomorrow?
00:22:55He's going to make fools out of us in front of everyone.
00:22:58This is settled.
00:22:59Enough with that topic.
00:23:00Because the child will have to be there.
00:23:06The wind is howling strangely.
00:23:08That's true.
00:23:09Let me close the door.
00:23:12Let me close the door.
00:23:27That recluse again.
00:23:29He resumes his cultivation.
00:23:32I don't know why, but I've been getting this feeling.
00:23:36What is it?
00:23:36I can sense that.
00:23:39Our meeting with the powerful being is drawing near.
00:23:43Are you sure?
00:23:44So Jensen has finally won their approval.
00:23:48What about me?
00:23:49Where does that leave me?
00:23:58Soon.
00:23:59Almost there.
00:24:07Done at last.
00:24:13Trinity Crown.
00:24:14My breakthrough's done.
00:24:16I've transcended.
00:24:17Trinity Convergence achieved at H10.
00:24:19I've matched my past life's peak.
00:24:21I read the celestial signs that the Hollow Friar of Legend has returned.
00:24:33By the grace of his holy light.
00:24:36What's taking him so long?
00:24:38Where is he?
00:24:38Grandpa.
00:24:40This feast is of the highest importance.
00:24:42Must we really be held up by that mute?
00:24:43Exactly.
00:24:44Nothing will change even if he won't go with us today.
00:24:46She's right, Dad.
00:24:47The other nobles will mock us if we parade a mute in front of everyone.
00:24:51Besides, he's been raised in the countryside.
00:24:53He lacks all cultured grace.
00:24:55Nobles always judge first by one's refinement and wit.
00:24:57He goes.
00:24:58And that's why I'm...
00:24:59But...
00:25:00Grandpa.
00:25:01In just one day, this extraordinary talent has shattered my expectations.
00:25:05I was a fool to scorn the whispers of wisdom.
00:25:08Divine wisdom met my eyes today.
00:25:10You absolutely have to attend the Prince's Feast tomorrow.
00:25:14This time, perhaps Jude may astonish all the noble guests.
00:25:19The entire Sterling Clan and even the Prince.
00:25:23Move it, sir.
00:25:24Hurry.
00:25:25Why do you walk so slowly?
00:25:28Hurry, Jude.
00:25:36All right.
00:25:38Everyone's here.
00:25:39Let's go to the Princess Manor.
00:25:47Sean.
00:25:48All literary elites will attend the Prince's birthday today.
00:25:51Ten years of effort has led you to this moment.
00:25:53It's been far too long.
00:25:54It has finally come.
00:25:56All noble houses will assemble.
00:25:57I expect you to completely stun every single one of them in the scholarly duel.
00:26:01Besides, Mr. Clay is your former mentor.
00:26:04I'm very sure that he will back you up during the duel.
00:26:06Your success in that duel will shine like a favorable light on Mr. Clay in front of the royalty.
00:26:15Jude, today's feast is merely a ceremony.
00:26:18What matters the most is the intellectual contest they will be holding.
00:26:22As I have predicted, your cousin Sean will try to stun everyone.
00:26:26Ten years of effort has led you to this moment.
00:26:28You see, when your father retires, your cousin Sean will be the head of the Sterling family.
00:26:34But you are still the Sterling heir's apparent.
00:26:36Your uncle fears your claim.
00:26:38Once Sean gets the position, he'll exile you for sure.
00:26:41Unless the Prince acknowledges you.
00:26:44However, that won't happen.
00:26:47I can't bear the thought of seeing you.
00:26:49Be exiled once more, Jude.
00:26:51For many years, I've prepared for this moment.
00:26:55Just heed me this once.
00:26:57Starting now, humble yourself.
00:27:00Trail Sean like a servant and remember your place.
00:27:04Today you'll be meeting literary giants.
00:27:06Perhaps you'll even have an audience with the Prince today.
00:27:09Stick close to him, you'll at least get recognized.
00:27:13What's with that smirk?
00:27:17I, Jude Sterling, will bow to no man.
00:27:21Must you always defy me?
00:27:24I, Jude Sterling, will bow to no man.
00:27:28You can speak now.
00:27:31You're not a mute.
00:27:32Indeed, I never was.
00:27:42What do you want from us?
00:27:47Oh well.
00:27:48You'll know soon enough.
00:27:51Oh, nice to see everybody here.
00:27:55I believe he's here.
00:27:56I don't deserve to be here.
00:28:03Mr. Reeves, thank you for coming.
00:28:06And this must be...
00:28:07He's the literary comment, Philip Reeves.
00:28:11Everyone speaks of you.
00:28:12A true prodigy in literature since your teens.
00:28:14This way, please.
00:28:17So what you're saying is, the Sterling's heir, a mute kid, wields diverse script styles,
00:28:22and by ten has already mastered all the classical works and even outdone you?
00:28:26Huh, that's impossible.
00:28:28Ten years old?
00:28:29He couldn't have mastered that unless he started studying while still in the womb.
00:28:35Or this hearsay.
00:28:37I'd dismiss it.
00:28:39Honestly, it's a shame that the child cannot speak.
00:28:44From the Dawnshire Reeves, their lord and rising star, Philip Reeves, here to offer their eternal blessings.
00:28:50Philip Reeves?
00:28:51That reclusive prodigy graces us.
00:28:53He may soon stand among Solorin's literary masters.
00:28:56Ah, my brilliant student at last.
00:28:59Master, I hope you are well.
00:29:06And respects to Mr. Clay and Mr. Turner.
00:29:08He is a true gentleman indeed, bearing of a classical scholar.
00:29:14The House of Sterling has arrived, coming to wish the prince enduring prosperity and honor.
00:29:20They're finally here.
00:29:21Come, let's go.
00:29:22Let's go greet the Sterling family together.
00:29:24I'll be the one to judge myself what sort of prodigy he truly is.
00:29:27What's so special about the Sterlings?
00:29:29Why would the great scholars greet them?
00:29:32Surely they're not going there to greet that Sean Sterling.
00:29:34He's a complete imbecile.
00:29:35I wonder who.
00:29:36They have no one else but Sean.
00:29:38And he's totally useless.
00:29:40Mr. Sterling, it's been too long.
00:29:41Finally.
00:29:42Yesterday was just a warm up.
00:29:44Yet his brilliance was clear even in that brief moment.
00:29:48Today on the grand stage, he will awe the Solorin with this divine presence.
00:29:53I told you, Jude, your name will carry like a mighty roar throughout a Solorin.
00:29:57So what if you're mute?
00:29:59Where's Anthony?
00:30:00What's taking so long?
00:30:01No idea.
00:30:02No matter.
00:30:03Let's go in.
00:30:05Huh?
00:30:08My reputation truly carries this much weight now.
00:30:11The three literary giants together with these powerful high lords, they're all here just
00:30:15for me.
00:30:16I raised a great son.
00:30:18Only the princess yet to arrive.
00:30:22Sir Jensen, I have this strange feeling.
00:30:26Me too, your highness.
00:30:28He's getting close.
00:30:30I can sense it.
00:30:32That powerful presence is nearing.
00:30:35It's getting closer by the second.
00:30:37Prince Southar, Mr. Jensen.
00:30:39Where is everyone?
00:30:40The Sterlings are here.
00:30:41Mr. Clay and the other masters went to welcome them.
00:30:43Even the others have followed.
00:30:45The Sterlings?
00:30:49In that case, we shouldn't miss this.
00:30:58Mr. Clay, Mr. Barrett, Mr. Turner, you honor me too much.
00:31:02You flatter me.
00:31:08Dad.
00:31:08What's going on?
00:31:09Dad, what was that?
00:31:12There he is.
00:31:19That's Jude Sterling.
00:31:20He has the dignity of a true gentleman.
00:31:25It's rare for a kid in these times.
00:31:28Is it Sterling?
00:31:29But wait, who is Jude?
00:31:30Who is he?
00:31:31They say they cast him out as a child.
00:31:33But that brat has never spoken a word.
00:31:36It's him.
00:31:37Does Sterling mute air?
00:31:38Jude Sterling's here?
00:31:39They're all gathered here for Jude.
00:31:42We've been waiting for you.
00:31:44Hail to Prince Southar!
00:31:48The Prince has arrived.
00:31:50Hail to Prince Southar!
00:31:51May your highness reign with greatness for millennia!
00:31:54Hail to Prince Southar!
00:31:57May your highness reign with greatness for millennia!
00:32:00Hail to Prince Southar!
00:32:03Hail to Prince Southar!
00:32:06Hey Jude!
00:32:07On your knees!
00:32:08The Prince demands respect!
00:32:10Kneel?
00:32:11The one who should kneel is him!
00:32:16Jude!
00:32:17What are you doing?
00:32:18Stop it!
00:32:19On your knees!
00:32:21This is bad!
00:32:22This is treason!
00:32:23Is he trying to get us all killed?
00:32:25Is he trying to get us all killed?
00:32:40Are you Prince Southar?
00:32:45Are you Prince Southar?
00:32:49Wasn't he mute?
00:32:50What?
00:32:50Why is he speaking?
00:32:51He's not a mute!
00:32:52Impossible!
00:32:52The grandson!
00:32:53Wasn't he the mute one?
00:32:54How dare you!
00:32:55Get down on your knees for the Prince!
00:32:58We're doomed!
00:32:59Your highness!
00:33:00We renounced him years ago!
00:33:01He's not our kin!
00:33:02We're not related!
00:33:06Step back!
00:33:08But your highness!
00:33:09Step back!
00:33:10As you wish!
00:33:14He never holds back!
00:33:16Rise now!
00:33:17All of you!
00:33:18Thank you, Your Remilus!
00:33:19Mr. Jensen and I heard that Mr. Clay brought everyone out here to greet you personally once
00:33:25you arrive.
00:33:26So we thought we had to see what the commotion is all about.
00:33:30There's no need for formalities.
00:33:32Frankly speaking, the only reason I came here was for him.
00:33:36Oh?
00:33:36And what is so special about this young man?
00:33:39The boy commands the brush like an immortal master.
00:33:42Every technique, aged to perfection.
00:33:45He moves with the grace of masters.
00:33:47A ten-year-old boy?
00:33:49Like an immortal?
00:33:50Mr. Clay, your arithmetic is failing you now.
00:33:55Not just that.
00:33:56He's also astonishingly learned a walking library.
00:33:59A walking library?
00:34:02Mr. Clay, age must have dulled your mind.
00:34:05Are you seriously claiming that a child's babble counts as philosophy now?
00:34:09Maybe next time you'll claim that he invented writing!
00:34:13He's gone crazy!
00:34:17Mr. Clay, age must have dulled your mind!
00:34:21I saw it with my own eyes.
00:34:22I warn you not to judge him by his youth.
00:34:24Of all the scholars I've met, he alone possesses the greatest literary genius like a demon!
00:34:35Mr. Clay, I know that you wish to impress the prince today, but this has gone from ambition to outright
00:34:40madness.
00:34:41Don't you think so, huh?
00:34:42Silence!
00:34:42Yes, master.
00:34:46Benjamin, Mr. Clay claims that your grandson is exceptional.
00:34:50Is this all true?
00:34:52No.
00:34:53Careful, your highness.
00:34:54It's clear that brat is putting on an act.
00:34:56Mr. Clay, must have been tricked by him.
00:34:58John, shut up!
00:35:00I'm ashamed to be your teacher.
00:35:01You're blind not to see his brilliance.
00:35:03Silence!
00:35:04If you had even a tenth of Jude's talent, he'd dominate the literary world!
00:35:09What?
00:35:10A tenth of his talent?
00:35:11Mr. Clay's gone mad!
00:35:12He lost his senses.
00:35:14How could he even compare that fat water brat to my son?
00:35:20All talk and no proof.
00:35:22Well then, let the literary duels decide.
00:35:24Since Mr. Clay speaks so highly of your abilities, why don't you fight for your family's honor, Jude Sterling?
00:35:32Represent the House of Sterling?
00:35:34What makes them worthy of my efforts?
00:35:36No way!
00:35:37Absolutely not!
00:35:40He'll humiliate all of us!
00:35:41I'm the genius of our house!
00:35:43The undisputed genius of our generation!
00:35:46I've prepared for this contest for many years!
00:35:49But what about him?
00:35:50A pathetic mute!
00:35:51Why should he take my place?
00:35:53Silence!
00:35:53I won't!
00:35:54Master, I'm the one!
00:35:56I said be quiet!
00:35:58John!
00:36:01Mr. Clay has spoken.
00:36:03You're not even one-tenth of Jude's wisdom!
00:36:08Grandpa, but I...
00:36:10By sunset, you will understand.
00:36:14We'll follow the princess' commands.
00:36:16I, too, believe that Jude can redefine what genius truly means.
00:36:21He'll show everyone...
00:36:22They're just bluffing!
00:36:23What?
00:36:23Redefine?
00:36:24Ridiculous!
00:36:25They'll just embarrass themselves!
00:36:27I haven't agreed to anything.
00:36:30Please, Jude!
00:36:31Will you just do as you're cold?
00:36:36Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
00:36:38Good!
00:36:39There is just one last thing I want to know.
00:36:42Everyone knows that you are a mute.
00:36:44So why is it...
00:36:45That you can, all of a sudden, speak now?
00:36:49Tell me!
00:36:49How come you suddenly changed?
00:36:55If you mess this up, that'll be considered as treason!
00:37:04It just...
00:37:05Happened suddenly.
00:37:09How peculiar.
00:37:11Must we stand here?
00:37:12My legs are aching.
00:37:14Ha ha!
00:37:15Did you hear that?
00:37:16Jude Sterling even lacks basic manners!
00:37:19Who would dare complain for royalty?
00:37:20The kid has no manners at all!
00:37:22That's because he was raised in the village!
00:37:23He's what a mute thrown to the mountains!
00:37:24This is embarrassing!
00:37:26All right, that's enough!
00:37:28Everyone!
00:37:29Let's head to the hall!
00:37:35Everyone!
00:37:36Let's head to the hall!
00:37:44Nobody else has recognized it yet,
00:37:46but I recognized your talent
00:37:48from the moment we met the other night!
00:37:51We owe you and your mother
00:37:52for what both of you endured!
00:37:54But now I need to rely on you!
00:37:57The Prince has kept our family
00:37:59at a distance for years!
00:38:01We need to regain his attention!
00:38:02But I'm not a Sterling!
00:38:04Why do you think I would help you?
00:38:05Your last name's Sterling!
00:38:07If it's about the name,
00:38:09then...
00:38:09I'd be happy to change it now!
00:38:11Call me...
00:38:12Oren!
00:38:27I am begging you!
00:38:29I am begging you!
00:38:30In one condition...
00:38:32Just name it...
00:38:34Mom and I suffered out there
00:38:35for so many years!
00:38:37I made it through!
00:38:38But she...
00:38:39She endured endless suffering
00:38:40until it killed her!
00:38:42I didn't come back
00:38:43to join your Sterling family!
00:38:45I'm here
00:38:46to demand justice
00:38:48for my mother!
00:38:50So listen carefully!
00:38:51If I win this contest,
00:38:53you,
00:38:54Benjamin Sterling,
00:38:55and your whole household
00:38:56and even down
00:38:58to your family dog
00:38:59will go to her grave
00:39:01and you all better show up!
00:39:03You'll bow
00:39:04and confess
00:39:05how blind
00:39:06and foolish
00:39:07you all were!
00:39:08What the hell are you saying?!
00:39:09Dad!
00:39:10Are you telling me
00:39:11that you were convinced
00:39:12that he actually got talent?!
00:39:14Shut up, both of you!
00:39:22All right.
00:39:24If you win,
00:39:25I'll do what you want me to do.
00:39:27I'll march every last Sterling
00:39:28to your mom's grave.
00:39:30We will all show our respect
00:39:32and admit
00:39:33that we were fools
00:39:35to throw you out!
00:39:36Dad!
00:39:37Grandpa!
00:39:47I might not belong
00:39:48to this world,
00:39:50but
00:39:50from the moment
00:39:51I came here,
00:39:52I saw you as my mother.
00:39:54Seven years ago,
00:39:55they threw you out
00:39:56of the family
00:39:56just because
00:39:57they came out mute.
00:39:58Stop being lazy
00:39:59and get this mess cleaned up!
00:40:00I'm sorry, sir!
00:40:01I made extra 50 bucks today!
00:40:03You wanted
00:40:03the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, right?
00:40:05I'm still a thousand short,
00:40:06but Mama will get it
00:40:07for you soon!
00:40:08Today,
00:40:08I'll crush the Sterling family
00:40:10and I'll make sure
00:40:11that by tomorrow,
00:40:12their whole Sterling clan
00:40:13will kneel
00:40:14before your grave
00:40:15and give respect.
00:40:16They will all bow to you
00:40:18and admit
00:40:20that they were wrong.
00:40:28I'm Jude Sterling.
00:40:29Mom is sick.
00:40:30She doesn't have
00:40:31much time left.
00:40:32I've never called you
00:40:33Dad before.
00:40:34Dad,
00:40:35could you come see her?
00:40:49I won't be here anymore
00:40:52to see you sore.
00:40:54You're just 10 years old.
00:40:56Just when you needed me most.
00:40:59I...
00:41:00I...
00:41:13Mom, forgive me.
00:41:15I'm not mute.
00:41:16I'm sorry.
00:41:17I just wish you could have
00:41:18heard my voice.
00:41:19They want me back.
00:41:20Therefore,
00:41:21I'm going.
00:41:23They threw you out
00:41:24just like a piece of trash.
00:41:25With no name
00:41:27and no rights,
00:41:28I'll promise
00:41:28that I'll make them pay.
00:41:31Every last Sterling
00:41:32will have to kneel
00:41:33in mourning clothes
00:41:34in front of your grave.
00:41:36I'll force them
00:41:36until they scream
00:41:37at themselves
00:41:38that they were fools.
00:41:39That they've wronged you.
00:41:42This is madness.
00:41:43Grandpa,
00:41:44why the hell
00:41:44is he taking my spot?
00:41:46This was our last shot
00:41:47to prove ourselves
00:41:47and you just handed it to him.
00:41:51Remember this day
00:41:53because of my presence.
00:41:54Today
00:41:55will become
00:41:55the most glorious day
00:41:57ever recorded
00:41:57in your family's history.
00:42:00So watch carefully
00:42:02and see for yourself
00:42:03how I,
00:42:04Jude Sterling,
00:42:05will elevate your status
00:42:06so far beyond anything
00:42:08you could ever imagine
00:42:09in your life.
00:42:10Jude,
00:42:11what are you saying?
00:42:12If your entire family
00:42:13failed to keep
00:42:14the promises you gave me,
00:42:15then keep your eyes
00:42:16wide open and watch
00:42:17how I,
00:42:18Jude Sterling,
00:42:19will personally bury
00:42:20every one of you
00:42:21in the deepest,
00:42:22darkest pits of damnation.
00:42:24How dare you!
00:42:25Shut up!
00:42:25Jude Sterling,
00:42:26you got a death wish?
00:42:28Jude!
00:42:30Heaven or hell,
00:42:31our destiny hangs
00:42:32in the balance.
00:42:33We'll see how
00:42:34a ten-year-old whelp
00:42:35can bring us glory
00:42:37in a day
00:42:37to elevate this family
00:42:39or crush us
00:42:40into the darkest depths
00:42:42of damnation.
00:42:43Grandpa!
00:42:43Let's go,
00:42:44quickly.
00:42:45If destiny grants us
00:42:47a prodigy,
00:42:48I promise to kneel
00:42:48at her grave.
00:42:49Dad,
00:42:49have you really
00:42:50lost your mind?
00:42:51Dad,
00:42:51you're the Sterling
00:42:52Patriarch!
00:42:53Since when do you
00:42:53bow down to your
00:42:54son's wife's grave?
00:42:55Grandpa,
00:42:56this is total nonsense!
00:42:58A total nonsense?
00:42:59If he's the prodigy,
00:43:00I don't care
00:43:01if I'm the Patriarch.
00:43:05Did you feel that?
00:43:06When he moved towards us,
00:43:08it's not a man,
00:43:09but a force of nature,
00:43:11and I felt a crushing,
00:43:12suffocating terror.
00:43:14When the heavens
00:43:15rumbled and stirred
00:43:16last night,
00:43:17I knew that it came
00:43:18from the Sterlings,
00:43:19but I have never imagined.
00:43:22What do we do now?
00:43:23He's really here,
00:43:24but I am too scared
00:43:25to call him.
00:43:27Skyseer.
00:43:27But what if
00:43:28we are both mistaken?
00:43:29The kid is still too young
00:43:30to have that power.
00:43:32Attend your feast.
00:43:33And you?
00:43:33I'll be calling the Masters.
00:43:35I'll rally them here.
00:43:36I'm out of my depth.
00:43:37Let the Masters judge him
00:43:38to see if he's
00:43:39the real immortal.
00:43:40And if he is?
00:43:42We'll bow to him, huh?
00:43:44Not everyone
00:43:45could have the chance
00:43:46of meeting him.
00:43:47If he weren't a kid,
00:43:48I'd call him dad.
00:43:49You should too
00:43:50if I were you.
00:43:51What?
00:44:11Dawnshire Breed Scholars.
00:44:13Half of Soloran's
00:44:14greatest literary legends
00:44:15were born and raised
00:44:17under our very skies.
00:44:18And as your Prince Souththor,
00:44:20I cherish each and every
00:44:21house's cultural legacy.
00:44:23And today,
00:44:24the eight great families
00:44:25stand firmly rooted
00:44:27in long and profound
00:44:28traditions of learning
00:44:29and intellect.
00:44:30Every four years,
00:44:31we assemble in the
00:44:32solemn tradition
00:44:33for the Battle of Wits,
00:44:35a gathering meant
00:44:36to inspire the younger
00:44:37generations to achieve
00:44:38the highest standards
00:44:40of cultural excellence.
00:44:41Here today,
00:44:42in my 80th birthday banquet,
00:44:45Low life and boundless fortune
00:44:47to you and for Souththor,
00:44:49May your crossword
00:44:50through the ages
00:44:51follow and Prince Souththor!
00:44:54What an honor
00:44:55to have my birthday celebration
00:44:57coincide with the
00:44:58quadrennial battle of wits.
00:45:01And today,
00:45:01we're graced by
00:45:02three literary giants.
00:45:04First to be honored
00:45:05is Henry Clay
00:45:06of the Calligraphy Society,
00:45:08a master whose brushword
00:45:09breathes vitality into paper,
00:45:11each stroke unfolding
00:45:13stories of the human soul,
00:45:14portraying emotions
00:45:16and truths that span the ages.
00:45:18Next is Chester Barrett.
00:45:20At 20,
00:45:21he composed
00:45:22The Untrammeled,
00:45:23a work so profound
00:45:24and stirring
00:45:25that it is said
00:45:26to break hearts
00:45:26across the realms,
00:45:28leaving readers
00:45:28breathless
00:45:29with its brilliance.
00:45:30You see him?
00:45:31He's my mentor
00:45:32and Master Miles Turner.
00:45:34By the age of 29,
00:45:35he led Soloran's letters
00:45:37and offering counsel
00:45:38to emperors themselves,
00:45:40distilling the wisdom
00:45:41of millennia
00:45:41into insights
00:45:42that shaped the realm.
00:45:43This gathering's
00:45:44prestige is really unmatched.
00:45:45We have half of Soloran's
00:45:47intellectual elite.
00:45:48They're all here.
00:45:48To be recognized here
00:45:49would make one's reputation.
00:45:51Today,
00:45:52I will be hosting
00:45:53the Battle of Wit
00:45:54with the three masters
00:45:55as our judges.
00:45:56In the previous contests
00:45:58we held,
00:45:59we offered modest prizes,
00:46:00just a billion or two.
00:46:02But today happens
00:46:03to be my birthday.
00:46:04Therefore,
00:46:05the rewards
00:46:06must match the occasion.
00:46:09Whoever wins first place
00:46:11in this intellectual duel
00:46:12gets five billion in cash.
00:46:15Five billion?
00:46:16Five billion?
00:46:17Billion?
00:46:19Five billion?
00:46:20Five billion?
00:46:21This is unreal.
00:46:22You must win.
00:46:23The prize is five billion.
00:46:24That's more liquid wealth
00:46:26than the entire family
00:46:27ever has.
00:46:27But that bastard
00:46:28stole Soloran's place.
00:46:29Now he's flaunting his wealth.
00:46:32Truly a prodigy,
00:46:33he is a ten-year-old
00:46:34with the proper composure
00:46:35of an emperor.
00:46:37And that is not all.
00:46:38Should you emerge
00:46:39victorious today,
00:46:40I will personally
00:46:42petition the throne
00:46:43to crown your house
00:46:44with the title of
00:46:48Dawnshire's Paramount Bloodline.
00:46:51Paramount Bloodline?
00:46:52Paramount Bloodline
00:46:53by Imperial Mandate!
00:46:54Total dominance
00:46:54over the Dawnshire's
00:46:55nobility!
00:46:56No Dawnshire house
00:46:57has ever claimed this title.
00:46:59I wonder who will get it
00:46:59this time.
00:47:00If you lose,
00:47:02I'll break your legs myself!
00:47:03Philip,
00:47:04you must win this duel.
00:47:06Dad,
00:47:07no one outmatches me.
00:47:10Except maybe him.
00:47:15The Paramount Bloodline?
00:47:17Isn't this the very thing
00:47:18they were desperately craving?
00:47:20Yet this honor
00:47:20forces even the noble
00:47:22to drag themselves
00:47:23through hell for the name.
00:47:25With one calculated move,
00:47:26they'd rocket
00:47:27to divine status.
00:47:29Let's begin!
00:47:30Announce your numbers.
00:47:31Confirm if all are present.
00:47:32House Zeller,
00:47:33all present!
00:47:34House Reeves,
00:47:35all present!
00:47:36House Spencer,
00:47:36all present!
00:47:38House Zink,
00:47:38all present!
00:47:39House Stones,
00:47:40all present!
00:47:40House Sterling,
00:47:41all present!
00:47:42For the Battle of Wits,
00:47:44let the heir
00:47:44of every clan come forward!
00:47:46Keith Wilkins
00:47:47of House Wilkins!
00:47:48Philip Reeves
00:47:48of House Reeves!
00:47:49Owen Hayes
00:47:50of House Hayes!
00:47:51Ethan Spencer
00:47:51of House Spencer!
00:47:52Rowan Stone
00:47:52of House Stone!
00:47:53Morgan Zink
00:47:54of House Zink!
00:47:54Caleb Zeller
00:47:55of House Zeller!
00:47:59Jude Sterling
00:48:00of House Sterling!
00:48:03Alright!
00:48:04Let the battle begin!
00:48:05And may each
00:48:06contender step forward!
00:48:07This battle tests
00:48:08three essential skills!
00:48:10First,
00:48:11Intellect!
00:48:12Second,
00:48:12Erudition!
00:48:13And third,
00:48:15Calligraphy!
00:48:18Grandpa,
00:48:18just wait and see!
00:48:20Choosing Jude over me
00:48:21will disgrace us!
00:48:22Clearly,
00:48:23you underestimate
00:48:24your brother,
00:48:24but he outshines you tenfold!
00:48:26But that's absurd!
00:48:28Dad!
00:48:28I'm not buying any of it!
00:48:30Dad!
00:48:30Now is not the right time
00:48:32to make all the worst decisions!
00:48:34Be patient!
00:48:35Time will tell in the end!
00:48:37Round one,
00:48:37Intellect!
00:48:38Test your reflexes!
00:48:39Master the couplet duel!
00:48:41Survive the verse chain!
00:48:42What?
00:48:43Couplets?
00:48:43We've never had that before!
00:48:45I memorized everything
00:48:45except the couplets!
00:48:46There's no way I'll survive this!
00:48:48Who even studies couplets anymore?
00:48:50Even I can barely get through them!
00:48:51I can only imagine
00:48:53how panicked the others
00:48:54might feel right now!
00:48:56But not him?
00:48:59Round two,
00:49:00Erudition!
00:49:01It is to test your memory
00:49:02as well as the depth
00:49:03of your knowledge!
00:49:04The masters will recite a classic
00:49:06and the challenge is for you
00:49:08to name its source,
00:49:09its history,
00:49:10as well as the exact page
00:49:12where it is from!
00:49:13Huh?
00:49:14I honestly thought
00:49:15the noble exams
00:49:16would be nothing more
00:49:17than child's play,
00:49:18but these are harsh rules!
00:49:20How thrilling!
00:49:21Truly!
00:49:21Hold on!
00:49:22So you're saying
00:49:23you expect us to know
00:49:24its history
00:49:25and the exact page
00:49:26where they got it from?
00:49:28Huh?
00:49:30What test is this?
00:49:31This battle is absurd!
00:49:32This is madness!
00:49:33Naming the book
00:49:34is hard enough,
00:49:35even for most scholars.
00:49:36And now you're even
00:49:37demanding them
00:49:38to know the page numbers?
00:49:39Nobody can answer that!
00:49:41At least I'm spared.
00:49:42I won't survive in couplets,
00:49:44and this?
00:49:45I probably won't get one right.
00:49:47At least humiliation
00:49:48isn't mine today.
00:49:50Honored masters,
00:49:51doesn't this
00:49:52seem to be
00:49:53a bit too difficult?
00:49:58The battles
00:49:59in the previous years,
00:50:00they weren't so harsh.
00:50:02But for today,
00:50:03we've made it
00:50:04nearly impossible!
00:50:05Why would you do that?
00:50:09Because
00:50:09this year's contest
00:50:10includes none other
00:50:12than Jude Sterling!
00:50:13Him?
00:50:14Huh?
00:50:15Because of him,
00:50:16these impossible standards
00:50:17are tailored for him?
00:50:18What makes him so special?
00:50:19Did he actually do this?
00:50:20So this
00:50:21is supposed to be
00:50:22my stage?
00:50:23Is his mastery
00:50:24truly so outstanding
00:50:25just like they say?
00:50:27Round three,
00:50:28calligraphy.
00:50:29This time,
00:50:30it's ten distinct styles.
00:50:31Master more styles,
00:50:32execute them well,
00:50:33and you win.
00:50:35What is wrong with you?
00:50:36You need three lifetimes
00:50:37to learn all of that!
00:50:38You need ten years
00:50:39to master just one style,
00:50:40but ten styles?
00:50:41They don't want anyone
00:50:42to win!
00:50:43Prince Southdor
00:50:44never really meant
00:50:44to pay that five billion
00:50:45to anybody!
00:50:46No one can pass this battle!
00:50:48Glad I'm not the one
00:50:48humiliated.
00:50:49At least Jude volunteered
00:50:50to fall for all of us.
00:50:53That makes no sense!
00:50:54How so?
00:50:55Explain yourself then.
00:50:57You want ten scripts
00:50:57at a time?
00:50:58It's impossible!
00:50:59No mortal
00:51:00has that kind of skill!
00:51:13You mean him?
00:51:14There's no way!
00:51:15They're all just lying to us!
00:51:16Enough with the chatter!
00:51:18Let the battle begin!
00:51:19Mr. Barret,
00:51:20do the honor!
00:51:21Very well!
00:51:23Alright,
00:51:24here's your first challenge.
00:51:25Today,
00:51:26we honor the birthday
00:51:27of Prince Southdor,
00:51:29so my first couplet
00:51:30shall be for longevity.
00:51:32Oh no!
00:51:33Not just a couplet,
00:51:34but a birthday couplet!
00:51:36First line!
00:51:38Eagle brings blessings
00:51:39by Emerald Streams.
00:51:41Excellent!
00:51:42Well played,
00:51:44Master Barret!
00:51:45The outstanding
00:51:46young elites before us,
00:51:47are they not the same
00:51:48eagles Mr. Barret spoke of?
00:51:53The second line
00:51:54should mirror
00:51:54the imagery and tone
00:51:56and also be about longevity.
00:51:58This is way too difficult!
00:51:59These couplets are tricky,
00:52:01since when do they have it?
00:52:02This is the starting level?
00:52:03Mr. Barret's merciless!
00:52:05He's tardive at this difficulty!
00:52:08Eh...
00:52:08Why is everybody quiet?
00:52:10None of you knows?
00:52:11I know
00:52:12that it is difficult,
00:52:13but don't give up!
00:52:15Come on!
00:52:15Give it a try!
00:52:16You should at least give it a try!
00:52:18Even if you fail at it!
00:52:20That one is rather easy.
00:52:23Why the hesitation?
00:52:26He's so arrogant!
00:52:28We'll talk from someone
00:52:29who can't spell doom!
00:52:30Dude, Sterling, right?
00:52:31You didn't catch the full depth
00:52:32behind his couplet!
00:52:34Listen carefully!
00:52:35It's not just about
00:52:35birthday celebrations!
00:52:37It's all about us gift bearers!
00:52:39We're the eagles!
00:52:40And other than that,
00:52:41you also have to know that...
00:52:42Griffin grants fortune
00:52:43through ancient oaks!
00:52:45What?
00:52:46Griffin grants fortune?
00:52:47Exquisite!
00:52:48That's perfection!
00:52:50Mr. Barret called us eagles,
00:52:52but Jude Sterling
00:52:52made Prince Southor
00:52:54the griffin!
00:52:55That is brilliant!
00:52:56That is the right answer!
00:52:58Indeed, you're correct!
00:53:00By emerald streams,
00:53:02two through ancient oaks,
00:53:04eagle brings blessings
00:53:05to Griffin grants fortune!
00:53:08Excellent!
00:53:09He's gifted!
00:53:10He's a genius!
00:53:12Perfect couplet!
00:53:14He actually did it?
00:53:16Brilliant couplet!
00:53:17Wait!
00:53:17But he's only ten years old!
00:53:19He barely tried answering,
00:53:20yet he shames all of us in here!
00:53:22He actually answered it!
00:53:24Blind luck!
00:53:24He just got lucky!
00:53:25Jude Sterling,
00:53:26Mr. Clay didn't just acknowledge you,
00:53:28he showered you with praise!
00:53:30Such overflowing talent!
00:53:32We doubted that in the beginning!
00:53:34But now,
00:53:35I can finally see why!
00:53:37Then I'll give the first line!
00:53:39Do you think you can complete it,
00:53:40young man?
00:53:41Of course!
00:53:42Why wouldn't I?
00:53:45Our Prince Arthur
00:53:46remains firmly in his prime,
00:53:48as you see!
00:53:49His martial prowess is undiminished!
00:53:51It's only fair
00:53:52that he remains
00:53:53the focus of the challenge!
00:53:55Is that alright?
00:53:56Go ahead,
00:53:57Mr. Turner!
00:53:57Good!
00:53:58Jude Sterling,
00:53:59listen very carefully!
00:54:01Just wait a minute!
00:54:02Mr. Turner,
00:54:03since when is this
00:54:04his private test?
00:54:05Yeah!
00:54:05Why is he the only one
00:54:06getting a challenge?
00:54:07He was able to answer one!
00:54:09That proves nothing!
00:54:09But none of you
00:54:11will be able to answer it!
00:54:13Impossible!
00:54:14So you're implying
00:54:14that we're not capable,
00:54:16but he somehow is?
00:54:17Exactly!
00:54:18Mr. Turner,
00:54:19do you really think
00:54:19the seven of us
00:54:20will lose to this child?
00:54:22That's right!
00:54:23Then listen closely!
00:54:24Hold it!
00:54:25And the first line is...
00:54:28Twice harvest moon's turn,
00:54:30as silver crescents
00:54:31cast gentle,
00:54:32shimmering glow!
00:54:36This is even more difficult!
00:54:38It sounds simple,
00:54:39but it's deeper!
00:54:40It's a numerical couple!
00:54:42You must match both the theme
00:54:43as well as the math!
00:54:45What's harvest moon?
00:54:46And why does it turn twice?
00:54:48How about that?
00:54:49You've stumbled
00:54:50to answer it, right?
00:54:51Mr. Turner,
00:54:52he may have gotten us this time,
00:54:53but that doesn't mean
00:54:54that he won this battle!
00:54:56Yeah, that's true!
00:54:57This one's trickier
00:54:58than the last!
00:54:59I don't like cutting in,
00:55:01but I've already given you
00:55:02ten full breaths to think!
00:55:04If you still can't figure out
00:55:06the answer,
00:55:06I will take my chance,
00:55:08for I...
00:55:09already know what it is!
00:55:11You know the answer?
00:55:11Already?
00:55:14Then please go ahead!
00:55:16As silver crescents
00:55:17cast gentle,
00:55:19shimmering glow,
00:55:20twice harvest moon's turn,
00:55:26my answer is...
00:55:28with Gilded Autumn's show,
00:55:30double the stage's prime!
00:55:33Very well!
00:55:34That's the one!
00:55:35Seriously?
00:55:36There's no way!
00:55:37That's two in a row!
00:55:38Another lucky guess?
00:55:40How's that possible?
00:55:41Oh well...
00:55:42Very good!
00:55:44That's a perfect match!
00:55:46Harvest moon's the sage's prime,
00:55:49crescent's glow to Autumn's show!
00:55:50That's flawless!
00:55:52A perfect match!
00:55:59My turn!
00:56:00Listen, Jude,
00:56:01ever since I left,
00:56:02I've been going on this problem
00:56:04and it won't give me peace!
00:56:06This one kept me up!
00:56:08that is surely
00:56:09a genuine
00:56:10mind melter!
00:56:12Do you think
00:56:14you can answer it this time?
00:56:17Very well!
00:56:18Let me hear it!
00:56:23Very well!
00:56:24Let me hear it!
00:56:30It's all about
00:56:31the digits here, kid,
00:56:32so better keep
00:56:33those numbers tight!
00:56:35Mr. Clay,
00:56:36let me hear it!
00:56:39First line,
00:56:40a hundred suns,
00:56:42a temple up,
00:56:42thousands of tiles,
00:56:44hundreds of bricks.
00:56:48How about it?
00:56:50What do you think
00:56:51of this one?
00:56:52I'll give you
00:56:53five minutes
00:56:54to think about it.
00:56:55You have to...
00:56:56Four bridges passed,
00:56:57three souls over,
00:56:58one boat,
00:56:59two oars.
00:57:00Seriously?
00:57:01That was fast!
00:57:01Did he even think about it?
00:57:02Lightning fast!
00:57:03Quicker then!
00:57:04A hiccup!
00:57:04He's a freak!
00:57:05A total freak!
00:57:06Wow!
00:57:07I'm still trying
00:57:08to make sense
00:57:08of the first line
00:57:09and he's already
00:57:10finished answering?
00:57:12See it now?
00:57:13The sterling bloodline
00:57:14is legendary!
00:57:16You're even more brilliant
00:57:17than I ever imagined!
00:57:19Here goes!
00:57:20Three long,
00:57:21two short,
00:57:22one palm
00:57:22upholds the heavens.
00:57:23Jude,
00:57:24we're still dealing
00:57:25with numbers here.
00:57:26But the trick is
00:57:27you have to read the pattern.
00:57:28My answer is...
00:57:29Already?
00:57:30He's got it again!
00:57:33But the trick is
00:57:34you have to read the pattern.
00:57:36My answer is...
00:57:37Six days shape creation,
00:57:38four horsemen,
00:57:39eight beatitudes.
00:57:40You...
00:57:40He's got it again!
00:57:42Now answer this one!
00:57:43Where water breeds worms,
00:57:45it thickens.
00:57:46Where water breeds fish,
00:57:48it feeds!
00:57:49Waters multiplied,
00:57:50creek, lake,
00:57:51and endless sea!
00:57:52Time to level up
00:57:53the questions now!
00:57:55You better prepare
00:57:56for linguistic acrobatics!
00:57:59Listen closely.
00:58:00Where root meets earth,
00:58:01it anchors.
00:58:02Where tip meets sky,
00:58:03it reaches.
00:58:03Woods compounded.
00:58:04Pine, oak,
00:58:05a towering forest.
00:58:06But...
00:58:07What?
00:58:07Even a sage
00:58:08would struggle with that.
00:58:10You're a dictionary demon.
00:58:12That's witchcraft!
00:58:13All right,
00:58:14I'll be giving my last one.
00:58:16It's the ultimate one.
00:58:17If you could answer it,
00:58:19you will earn my respect.
00:58:20You mean that one?
00:58:22Mr. Barrett,
00:58:23I know that one!
00:58:24But asking that
00:58:25would be too much!
00:58:26Nobody's ever
00:58:27solved that riddle
00:58:28for ages!
00:58:29Wait,
00:58:30is he actually
00:58:30referring to that line?
00:58:32The one that
00:58:33everyone swears
00:58:34is unsolvable
00:58:35without a line to match.
00:58:36Ah,
00:58:37this means that
00:58:38their pride's been pricked.
00:58:39Now they'll hit him
00:58:40with the impossible
00:58:41one to answer.
00:58:43It's true.
00:58:44Chou'd answer quickly.
00:58:45In the blink of an eye,
00:58:47he's embarrassing
00:58:47all those older scholars.
00:58:50Unless they give
00:58:50a hard one,
00:58:51I'm afraid
00:58:52they'll carry
00:58:53that shame forever.
00:58:54Father,
00:58:55what would be the question?
00:58:56I have no idea
00:58:57that if they all
00:58:58call it unsolvable,
00:59:00then
00:59:01it's no child's riddle.
00:59:04I know that couplet.
00:59:06If you can crack it,
00:59:07I promise
00:59:07to call you
00:59:08my master!
00:59:09I'm not interested
00:59:10to become your master.
00:59:12The arrogance in this kid,
00:59:13how insolent!
00:59:14How dare you!
00:59:15Can we all begin now?
00:59:16Let's say,
00:59:17I solve your unsolvable
00:59:18couplet today.
00:59:19Does that seal my victory
00:59:21in this battle of wit?
00:59:22You've already won this battle.
00:59:24Whether you can solve
00:59:25this line or not,
00:59:26the brilliance of your intellect
00:59:28has proven no equal
00:59:29in this world.
00:59:30I have no objections.
00:59:31You've definitely
00:59:32earned the title
00:59:33fair and square.
00:59:35Very well.
00:59:36You may choose
00:59:37not to answer this one,
00:59:39as this problem
00:59:40remains unsolved
00:59:42for ages.
00:59:43Since you put it that way,
00:59:44now I'm curious.
00:59:45What is this
00:59:46unsolvable riddle
00:59:47of yours?
00:59:50Listen well.
00:59:52Lotus leaf,
00:59:52lilac glilt,
00:59:53lake lichen.
00:59:54What does it mean?
00:59:56Lotus, lilac,
00:59:57and lichen?
00:59:58Aren't all those names
00:59:59names of plants?
01:00:01Not so hard, right?
01:00:03Hmm.
01:00:04Interesting.
01:00:05I'll need a moment.
01:00:06I got it.
01:00:07I know the answer.
01:00:09What?
01:00:10What?
01:00:10You?
01:00:13You?
01:00:14Keith!
01:00:14Be quiet!
01:00:15This challenge
01:00:16is beyond you!
01:00:17Dad!
01:00:18Must you question me?
01:00:19This is child's play!
01:00:20Child's play?
01:00:21The answer is thorny,
01:00:22though in my eyes,
01:00:23hardly worth a second glance.
01:00:25You owned the stage
01:00:26long enough,
01:00:26yet you're being
01:00:27so quiet now.
01:00:28Finally,
01:00:29it's now my turn
01:00:30to shine and earn
01:00:30the crown.
01:00:31Alright.
01:00:32Let's hear it then.
01:00:33Lotus leaf,
01:00:34lilac glilt,
01:00:35lake lichen.
01:00:36It captures a vision
01:00:37of life.
01:00:38They expand their reach
01:00:39from water to shore.
01:00:40So here's my answer.
01:00:42Green hills,
01:00:43granite glints,
01:00:43glowing springs.
01:00:48Mr. Wilkins,
01:00:49that doesn't pair.
01:00:50Just what the hell is that?
01:00:51Yeah.
01:00:51How is it not fitting?
01:00:53Mr. Reeves,
01:00:53don't you know versus?
01:00:54Shut it!
01:00:55Guards,
01:00:56remove this simpleton
01:00:57out of here.
01:01:00Throw him out!
01:01:00Mr. Barrett,
01:01:01green hills to lotus leaf,
01:01:03the hills on their side
01:01:03is springs.
01:01:04My logic stands!
01:01:05The artistry of that
01:01:06first line
01:01:07escapes you entirely,
01:01:09and yet you dare
01:01:10to answer it?
01:01:11Throw him out!
01:01:12What do all of you
01:01:13here know?
01:01:13My imagery fits,
01:01:15my rhythm true,
01:01:16and it captures
01:01:17the cliff's menace!
01:01:18Just stop it,
01:01:18Wilkins!
01:01:19Lotus leaf,
01:01:20lilac glilt,
01:01:20lake lichen.
01:01:21Think about these
01:01:22words carefully!
01:01:23They're all starting
01:01:25with letter L!
01:01:26Yeah,
01:01:27this is no mere
01:01:28imagery only.
01:01:29What we have here
01:01:31is alliteration!
01:01:32A flawless line,
01:01:33an impossible standard!
01:01:35All starts with L!
01:01:36Indeed,
01:01:37all L initials!
01:01:38Lotus starts with L!
01:01:40From lotus to lilac,
01:01:41and even lichen,
01:01:43they all start
01:01:44with the letter L!
01:01:45All crammed with L!
01:01:46You fool!
01:01:47You're blind to its design,
01:01:49and yet you strut
01:01:50like you want!
01:01:51You made things difficult!
01:01:52Lotus leaf,
01:01:53lilac glilt,
01:01:53lake lichen,
01:01:54all starts with L!
01:01:55The art is in the sound!
01:01:57Exactly!
01:01:58Oh God!
01:01:59How did I miss that?
01:02:00Guards!
01:02:01Remove this jester
01:02:02from this hall now!
01:02:05I'm sorry!
01:02:06I'm begging you!
01:02:07I am ready to answer!
01:02:08Huh?
01:02:09Not again?
01:02:10Is he bluffing like him too?
01:02:12The first line was hard,
01:02:13but he solved it?
01:02:14Let go of me!
01:02:15I'll leave this place,
01:02:16but let me hear
01:02:17his answer first!
01:02:19My answer is...
01:02:21Rose root,
01:02:21reed brush,
01:02:22red rose hip.
01:02:24He got it!
01:02:25A true marvel!
01:02:26The unsolvable line!
01:02:27He solved it!
01:02:29A genius!
01:02:30A true genius!
01:02:31This can't be!
01:02:32This is sorcery!
01:02:33He actually cracked!
01:02:34I yield utterly!
01:02:35I'd hardly call this line difficult!
01:02:37I only pause because
01:02:38I don't want to rush it,
01:02:39not because I don't know the answer!
01:02:41Then,
01:02:41what was on your mind?
01:02:42What's on my mind?
01:02:43To reduce your legendary test
01:02:45to rubble,
01:02:46until there's nothing left
01:02:47for you to boast about!
01:02:49To rubble?
01:02:50Explain yourself!
01:02:50I crafted five answers!
01:02:52What?
01:02:52Five?
01:02:53This is not a timeless riddle!
01:02:55From now on,
01:02:56never use this for tests again!
01:02:58You thought of five answers?
01:02:59You're just wildly!
01:03:00How dare you!
01:03:02What five?
01:03:05Lotus leaf,
01:03:06lilac lilt,
01:03:06late lichen.
01:03:07The first answer that I gave you
01:03:09is roast root,
01:03:10reed rush,
01:03:11red rose hip.
01:03:13As for the second answer,
01:03:15moss mound,
01:03:15maple mist,
01:03:16misty meadow.
01:03:18That fits!
01:03:19He's right!
01:03:21And for the third answer,
01:03:23willow wood,
01:03:24white wood,
01:03:25wild wheat.
01:03:27The fourth answer will be,
01:03:29bay beach,
01:03:30broad banks,
01:03:31briny billows.
01:03:32There's no way!
01:03:33And lastly,
01:03:33the fifth,
01:03:36brook bend,
01:03:37bayou branch,
01:03:38blue brine.
01:03:39Oh!
01:03:39That's unbelievable!
01:03:41Five answers!
01:03:41Five answers!
01:03:42I can't believe it!
01:03:43What about it?
01:03:44Gosh!
01:03:45Please take me!
01:03:46I want to learn from you!
01:03:49You want to learn from me?
01:03:50I've never witnessed such a brilliant mind like yours!
01:03:53You outshine the ancient!
01:03:54That's crazy!
01:03:55My god!
01:03:56Even Mr. Barret's bowing to him!
01:03:59You really want to learn from me?
01:04:02Right now,
01:04:03you still don't qualify.
01:04:06Huh?
01:04:07What did you say?
01:04:08That's way too cocky!
01:04:08How dare you!
01:04:09Mr. Barret even bowed to him!
01:04:11And he turned him down!
01:04:12Who does it think he is?
01:04:13Mr. Barret doesn't qualify?
01:04:15How dare you!
01:04:16Who taught you that?
01:04:17Mr. Barret kneeling to him?
01:04:18This world has gone completely mad!
01:04:20He actually refused him!
01:04:21Even if he said no,
01:04:23he didn't have to say he doesn't qualify!
01:04:25Jude!
01:04:26Quit running your mouth!
01:04:27Unless Mr. Jensen and I are blind,
01:04:29we're looking at a true legend!
01:04:31If that's the case,
01:04:32then he really doesn't measure up!
01:04:34Maybe even I fall short of the standard as well!
01:04:38Can we finally move on to the next trial?
01:04:41Chester, stand up!
01:04:42You simply don't have the qualities that he requires!
01:04:47What?
01:04:48Stand up!
01:04:48The Lunamount delegation
01:04:50will explain everything!
01:04:52Lunamount?
01:04:53So you mean
01:04:54the Solorane's protectors,
01:04:55the Lunamounts?
01:04:56According to legends,
01:04:57even the Emperor must train with them!
01:04:59They work side-by-side with each other!
01:05:01They're really dispatching the envoys?
01:05:05I didn't know
01:05:06that the Prince has this connection
01:05:08that even the Lunamounts attend his birthday!
01:05:11No way!
01:05:13This can't be real!
01:05:14Grandpa,
01:05:15what exactly is the Lunamount?
01:05:16They're what they call
01:05:18the real deities!
01:05:19They wield so much power
01:05:22that even the royalty
01:05:23are forced to kneel!
01:05:25They are mystics?
01:05:27They actually exist?
01:05:28They are in this world?
01:05:29Goodness me!
01:05:30Open your eyes!
01:05:31There's more than just
01:05:32your little pond, you know?
01:05:34If Lunamount ever considered
01:05:35taking me in,
01:05:36who cares about inheritance?
01:05:38Arch-Sage would mean nothing!
01:05:40All mortal achievements
01:05:41are dust before them!
01:05:42Every name fades to nothing
01:05:44in their shadow!
01:05:45Sean,
01:05:46the Lunamount rarely appears.
01:05:49This is it!
01:05:50This is your golden chance!
01:05:51Dad!
01:05:52Break your connections
01:05:52to reach them!
01:05:53Their simple approval
01:05:54could make you filthy rich!
01:05:56Even if
01:05:56you become their floor scrubber!
01:05:58A servant?
01:05:59Any servant of theirs
01:06:00gets to have equal treatment
01:06:02from the rich
01:06:03and even from the nobility!
01:06:05What?
01:06:09What?
01:06:10Lunamount?
01:06:10From how they are acting?
01:06:12They must be a mystic sect
01:06:13in this world!
01:06:15Huh!
01:06:16How intriguing!
01:06:28Hello, Hank!
01:06:29Andy!
01:06:29If he came all the way here
01:06:30just for nothing...
01:06:31I'll skin you alive!
01:06:33I wouldn't dare lie
01:06:33to the Lunamounts!
01:06:34Prince Southor and I,
01:06:36we both felt it!
01:06:37That suffocating pressure!
01:06:39Radiating from him!
01:06:40The night before,
01:06:41we saw him practicing,
01:06:42devouring every spiritual energy
01:06:44in the city!
01:06:45Ha ha ha!
01:06:46The entire city!
01:06:47Are you out of your mind?
01:06:48That kind of power
01:06:49requires at least
01:06:50trinity convergence!
01:06:51How could such a person exist?
01:06:53That's why
01:06:54I asked you to come here
01:06:56to verify it!
01:07:01Our master is coming with
01:07:03after hearing this.
01:07:04Start preparing!
01:07:05He'll arrive shortly!
01:07:07Yes!
01:07:11Fascinating!
01:07:12Draining the entire city's energy!
01:07:15Even if it's fake,
01:07:16he's still a rogue mystic,
01:07:18isn't he?
01:07:19Do you agree with me, Hank?
01:07:20Master,
01:07:21Andy is a boastful man!
01:07:23Well,
01:07:23but if he really is
01:07:24a mystic like he says,
01:07:26and only ten years old,
01:07:28perhaps I will
01:07:29mentor him myself
01:07:31and grant him this chance.
01:07:33What?
01:07:34Master?
01:07:35You'd actually taken a disciple?
01:07:37You're on the verge
01:07:38of trinity convergence already!
01:07:40Trinity convergence?
01:07:41Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
01:07:43The world believes
01:07:44that I'm close to achieving it,
01:07:46yet it is
01:07:47a realm beyond
01:07:48the ordinary mortals.
01:07:50Only myths talk about it,
01:07:53but other than those myths,
01:07:54nobody else mentions it.
01:07:57Pentaforce Dominion?
01:07:58A realm of extraordinary ability,
01:08:00but for me,
01:08:01I won't.
01:08:02I'll never touch it.
01:08:05Judas solved
01:08:06a couplet unsolved for ages.
01:08:09I'd say
01:08:09there is no need
01:08:11to continue
01:08:12to the second trial.
01:08:14Indeed, you're right.
01:08:16Though the first test
01:08:17measured intellect,
01:08:19he's shown us
01:08:20extraordinary talents
01:08:22that makes him
01:08:23deserving of being
01:08:24the first place
01:08:25even in the second trial as well.
01:08:27Then further trials
01:08:29are simply pointless.
01:08:31I totally agree with you.
01:08:33Bring the ink and brush!
01:08:40How shall we conduct this,
01:08:42honorable judges?
01:08:44Please decide.
01:08:45If Mr. Clay
01:08:46insists that he knows
01:08:48all the ten artistic styles
01:08:49of calligraphy,
01:08:50let's see.
01:08:51Let him prove to us
01:08:53that he can actually write.
01:08:54Very well!
01:08:55Then let him demonstrate
01:08:56these ten styles!
01:08:58Ten?
01:08:59Really?
01:08:59Really?
01:09:00That's impossible!
01:09:01Nobody does that!
01:09:02Yeah.
01:09:03Chester,
01:09:04you're suggesting...
01:09:06Write the immortal creed.
01:09:09For heaven establish virtue,
01:09:11for mortals secure purposes.
01:09:13For ancestors revive wisdom,
01:09:15for eternity forges peace.
01:09:17You have to write
01:09:18the immortal creed ten times,
01:09:20and each of the times
01:09:21should be written
01:09:22in a different style.
01:09:23This is clearly torture.
01:09:25This feels targeted at Jude.
01:09:27Then why are they involving us?
01:09:28You're making fun of us!
01:09:29I only know one style!
01:09:31I know the gothic one!
01:09:32Ten styles is humanly impossible!
01:09:34Silence!
01:09:36Jude, do you accept?
01:09:39Jude, do you accept?
01:09:41Why wouldn't I?
01:09:42What?
01:09:42Did he really master ten?
01:09:44Well, I can't do it.
01:09:45I'm out!
01:09:46However,
01:09:47I refuse to believe
01:09:48he can do it!
01:09:49Nor do I!
01:09:50I also yield!
01:09:51So,
01:09:52all of you behind him!
01:09:53Master,
01:09:54I yield already!
01:09:55I don't know ten,
01:09:56let alone write them!
01:09:58Same!
01:09:58Count me out!
01:09:59The trial is meaningless anyway!
01:10:01It's tailored solely for him!
01:10:03This was never a scholarly contest!
01:10:05The tests they gave us
01:10:06were beyond any of us!
01:10:07We're just foil for him!
01:10:09Exactly!
01:10:10This trial
01:10:10is completely meaningless!
01:10:12And now,
01:10:13you want us to write
01:10:14the sacred text
01:10:15in ten different styles?
01:10:16No human being
01:10:17could possibly know
01:10:18those ten styles
01:10:19and how to write
01:10:20all of them!
01:10:23Unless...
01:10:26Such exquisite brushstroke!
01:10:30His grip!
01:10:31The ink flow!
01:10:32Impossibly steady!
01:10:33He moves the brush
01:10:34like he has mastered it
01:10:35for decades!
01:10:38That is just impeccable!
01:10:39Told you so!
01:10:40You didn't believe!
01:10:41He's disgustingly skilled!
01:10:43Now are you convinced yet?
01:10:45He writes
01:10:46like he is
01:10:46the master
01:10:47of the brush!
01:10:51Careful!
01:10:59The cursive script!
01:11:01He's using
01:11:01the hardest style!
01:11:02He even does
01:11:03the cursive!
01:11:04So messy!
01:11:05I can't read it like this!
01:11:06Philistine,
01:11:07this isn't messy!
01:11:08Can't you feel
01:11:08the flow of his writing?
01:11:10Indeed!
01:11:10Can you see how
01:11:11each character's pulse?
01:11:12As if the ink
01:11:13has a soul!
01:11:14Good!
01:11:15Such an
01:11:15excellent mastery!
01:11:24Be careful holding it!
01:11:25The ink's still wet!
01:11:28The italic script?
01:11:32The italic script?
01:11:33I told you!
01:11:34He knew that script!
01:11:35Not if you believe me!
01:11:36This is the italic script!
01:11:38Each character breathes!
01:11:45The italic script!
01:11:46Anchal script?
01:11:46Is he for real?
01:11:47Indeed!
01:11:48How does he know
01:11:48all of this?
01:11:51Prodigy!
01:11:53Absolute prodigy!
01:11:55Your mom once told me
01:11:57that even if they
01:11:57called you mute,
01:11:58she always saw
01:11:59the genius in you
01:12:00at an early age.
01:12:02I...
01:12:03I believe that too,
01:12:04but I lack
01:12:05the courage to speak up.
01:12:14Clerical script?
01:12:15Is this clerical script?
01:12:17It's authentic clerical script!
01:12:18Unbelievable!
01:12:19He actually knows it!
01:12:21So what if he knows it?
01:12:23Talent is nothing
01:12:24without backing!
01:12:25The Lunamounts are coming!
01:12:26If I can win
01:12:27the Lunamounts' favor,
01:12:28then I can still
01:12:29crush you into dirt, Jude!
01:12:32A mute's a mute!
01:12:33You'll forever
01:12:34be a broken child to me!
01:12:35Even with all your words,
01:12:37you still look
01:12:38utterly helpless to me!
01:12:43Master!
01:12:44Disciple Hank!
01:12:46What script is this?
01:12:47Have you seen this?
01:12:48What's this?
01:12:49It's artistic,
01:12:50but what it is,
01:12:51I don't know.
01:12:51Did he invent that?
01:12:53Wait, it's...
01:12:54Carolingian Miniscule.
01:12:56What's that?
01:12:59This is Carolingian Miniscule
01:13:01in Charlemagne's era.
01:13:03Thin yet full-bodied.
01:13:04He didn't just study it.
01:13:05He actually mastered it!
01:13:07You really are full of surprises!
01:13:22Enough with the writing!
01:13:25What?
01:13:27After Unchul's script
01:13:28and Carolingian Miniscule,
01:13:29I knew it.
01:13:30No one in this world
01:13:32can be a rival to you!
01:13:39There is no need
01:13:41to prove yourself
01:13:42to these plebeians.
01:13:45You're the champion!
01:13:47It's over just like that,
01:13:49champion?
01:13:50What?
01:13:51I have no arguments!
01:13:53You've earned this title!
01:13:56The champion is Jude Sterling
01:13:59of House Sterling!
01:14:04Wow, he actually won it!
01:14:06Our champion!
01:14:08Our family hasn't produced
01:14:09such genius in many decades!
01:14:13It's a title well earned!
01:14:15I never bow,
01:14:16yet today,
01:14:17I yield to you completely!
01:14:19Congratulations!
01:14:20I fully yield to you, Jude!
01:14:24House Sterling!
01:14:29Tell me,
01:14:30does this level of glory
01:14:31suffice for you?
01:14:34Is this high enough?
01:14:35Or must I raise you
01:14:37even higher,
01:14:38pushing you behind
01:14:39every mortal limit?
01:14:40Something's off!
01:14:42What's happening to them?
01:14:48Ah!
01:14:49This way, please!
01:14:50Andy,
01:14:51this had better not be
01:14:52false intel!
01:14:53Of course!
01:14:54I'd never lie!
01:14:55At worst,
01:14:56he's a young genius!
01:14:57Geniuses are a dime a dozen!
01:14:59To us unworldly mystics,
01:15:00they are insects
01:15:01beneath our feet!
01:15:03Of course!
01:15:04Benjamin Sterling!
01:15:06Answer me now!
01:15:07Was your House of Sterling
01:15:08elevated high enough today?
01:15:10Is this enough for you?
01:15:13He called his grandfather's name?
01:15:15This isn't right!
01:15:17What happened?
01:15:18Jude,
01:15:18stop!
01:15:19Shut up!
01:15:21Jude Sterling,
01:15:22don't get cocky
01:15:23just because you won!
01:15:24The award!
01:15:25It belonged to Arshan!
01:15:27I am asking you,
01:15:29was it enough?
01:15:30If you're satisfied,
01:15:31I've fulfilled my promise to you.
01:15:33Now it's your family's turn!
01:15:35Time to honor your deal!
01:15:41Kneel at my mother's grave
01:15:43in mourning robes!
01:15:44Admit you were wrong!
01:15:46Jude Sterling,
01:15:47I don't recall making
01:15:48such promises to anyone!
01:15:55Though I agreed with your condition,
01:15:57your mom was still just a woman
01:15:59unworthy of my dignity.
01:16:01I am the patriarch,
01:16:02the face of the family,
01:16:04and my forehead
01:16:05has never touched dirt!
01:16:06So you intend to deny
01:16:08the oath you made?
01:16:09Jude,
01:16:10be reasonable.
01:16:12We belong
01:16:12to a noble family.
01:16:14Face matters more than promises.
01:16:16Remember that.
01:16:17So just accept the reward,
01:16:19and all our wealth
01:16:21will be transferred to you.
01:16:23Dad!
01:16:23If you won't give in,
01:16:26then forget it.
01:16:28Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
01:16:30Do you think I care about wealth?
01:16:32You must be kidding me.
01:16:34I don't care about your treasures.
01:16:35Those are nothing but dust to me.
01:16:37I've surpassed
01:16:38your petty realm entirely!
01:16:41Ha ha ha ha ha!
01:16:42What a very noble speech!
01:16:44I'm really touched!
01:16:58I, Southor,
01:16:59pay my respects
01:17:00to the Master of Lunamount
01:17:01and Head Disciple!
01:17:10I, Southor,
01:17:11pay respects to the Master of Lunamount
01:17:13and Head Disciple!
01:17:16What?
01:17:17Master of Lunamount!
01:17:19Lunamount Envoy's,
01:17:20did it just show up here?
01:17:21The Master even came in person!
01:17:22That's their Master!
01:17:26The Master's here!
01:17:28Why aren't you kneeling?
01:17:29Do you all have a death wish?
01:17:31Even the Prince is kneeling to them!
01:17:33Get down, now!
01:17:34Oh!
01:17:35All hail Master of Lunamount!
01:17:39Just a normal, young boy.
01:17:42Is this guy what they call a mystic?
01:17:44Barely a divine nexus tier.
01:17:46I don't feel any power coming from this boy.
01:17:49Either he's way stronger than me,
01:17:52I can't see through him,
01:17:53or he's just a nobody.
01:17:56You!
01:17:57On your knees now!
01:18:02You!
01:18:03On your knees now!
01:18:05Who do you think you are?
01:18:07He's got a death wish!
01:18:08What a waste!
01:18:09Top of the world and dead the next!
01:18:11Kneel now!
01:18:12How dare you disrespect Lunamount!
01:18:14He's gonna get us killed this time!
01:18:16Do you even hear yourself,
01:18:18young man?
01:18:18I said!
01:18:20Who do you think you are?
01:18:23I'm the head disciple of Lunamount!
01:18:26My name is Hank Kaltavian!
01:18:28Lunamount!
01:18:29Are they important?
01:18:31He's got a death wish!
01:18:34Lunamount is Soloray's protector!
01:18:36Every top cultivator in the Empire gathers there!
01:18:39We have 300 disciples!
01:18:40On your knees!
01:18:42Plead for the sake of your 300 disciples!
01:18:44Were it not for my mercy,
01:18:45you won't be here breathing!
01:18:48Do you even know what you're talking about?
01:18:51He just threatened to exterminate them!
01:18:53Is he out of his mind?
01:18:57Is he really a mystic?
01:18:59If he is,
01:19:00how strong must he be to talk like that?
01:19:03If not,
01:19:04is he just some reckless kid running his mouth?
01:19:06He doesn't even understand
01:19:08the weight of the words he's using!
01:19:10And now what?
01:19:11Am I about to get dragged into this mess too?
01:19:14Shoot!
01:19:16Get on your knees
01:19:17and beg for forgiveness!
01:19:19Kneel down!
01:19:28He's an outcast from our family!
01:19:30Whatever he said
01:19:31has nothing to do with us!
01:19:32Nothing at all!
01:19:33Please have mercy!
01:19:34Please punish him!
01:19:35Not us!
01:19:35He's not a sterling!
01:19:37He doesn't speak for us!
01:19:38We already cast him out
01:19:39a long time ago!
01:19:40Please don't drag us into this!
01:19:42I'm begging you!
01:19:43Am I still a sterling?
01:19:47Am I still a sterling?
01:19:48No!
01:19:49You never were!
01:19:50You're just a cast off!
01:19:52So am I abandoned?
01:19:53Ugh!
01:19:54Master!
01:19:55He's not a sterling!
01:19:56Yeah!
01:19:57We already disowned him!
01:19:58We exiled him!
01:19:59It's true!
01:20:00Seven years ago!
01:20:01Master from Lunamount!
01:20:03He's the only crazy one in here!
01:20:05We have nothing to do with this!
01:20:06We're innocent!
01:20:07Kill only the guilty!
01:20:09Didn't I just make myself clear?
01:20:10I'm not a sterling!
01:20:12I am an Auron!
01:20:13Yet you insist that I'm a sterling!
01:20:15That your blood's in my veins!
01:20:17That it is my duty
01:20:18to secure victory for you
01:20:20and elevate you to glory!
01:20:21Stop telling lies!
01:20:23When did I say that to you?
01:20:25You're never a sterling!
01:20:26You don't have our noble blood!
01:20:28That name was never yours!
01:20:30Yeah!
01:20:31Even you call yourself an Auron!
01:20:33You're never a sterling!
01:20:35Shoot!
01:20:36Dad!
01:20:37What are you talking about?
01:20:39Dad!
01:20:40What are you talking about?
01:20:42Shut up!
01:20:44Love!
01:20:45I just felt the baby move!
01:20:55I'm done with this!
01:20:57All your lives,
01:20:57you've drowned in vanity and greed!
01:20:59Too ashamed to even acknowledge
01:21:01your own blood!
01:21:02Seven years ago,
01:21:04when Jude was only three years old,
01:21:06all of you!
01:21:07You threw him out of the house!
01:21:09You said,
01:21:10we only breed prodigies!
01:21:12That my Mew child
01:21:13would shame us all!
01:21:15You're lying!
01:21:16Stop with the lies!
01:21:17He's only three years old,
01:21:18and you simply threw him out!
01:21:20You even exiled him
01:21:22with my wife!
01:21:23When I refused,
01:21:24you called me disloyal,
01:21:25but I said no!
01:21:27Then you called me
01:21:28the ungrateful son,
01:21:30clueless about the big picture!
01:21:31Well, screw that!
01:21:32You don't know
01:21:33what I've been through!
01:21:34None of you!
01:21:36My poor wife,
01:21:37she raised him alone!
01:21:39I wasn't even there!
01:21:40And when she died,
01:21:42I wasn't there for them either!
01:21:44I've been living with guilt,
01:21:45and it eats me up every day!
01:21:47You only wanted to bring Jude home,
01:21:49because the prince expects
01:21:50the perfect family!
01:21:52But I know
01:21:53that you're only using him!
01:21:55You're only using him!
01:21:58But me?
01:21:59I'll take it!
01:22:00You know why?
01:22:03I get to see my son again!
01:22:09Now I can proudly say
01:22:10that he is my son again!
01:22:13All you wanted
01:22:14was to parade his kilns around!
01:22:17To drill into him!
01:22:18You're a sterling!
01:22:19Make us proud!
01:22:20And then what did you do?
01:22:22Luna Mount shows up!
01:22:24Jude won't bow to them!
01:22:25And suddenly,
01:22:26he's no longer one of us!
01:22:28So which is it?
01:22:29Is he family or not?
01:22:31He's got no peace!
01:22:34So which is it?
01:22:35Is he family or not?
01:22:37He's got no peace!
01:22:39First you cast him out,
01:22:41then Sweet talked him
01:22:42into coming back home,
01:22:44only to cut him loose again?
01:22:46That's just cruel and cold.
01:22:48I feel sorry for you, kid.
01:22:51After everything that's happened,
01:22:53a ten-year-old still managed
01:22:54to outshine the legends?
01:22:56Live or die today, kid.
01:22:58You're already my hero,
01:22:59Jude Sterling!
01:23:01He's wrong!
01:23:02He's not one of us!
01:23:04Not since I kicked him out!
01:23:05He's not one of us
01:23:06since seven years ago!
01:23:08Fine!
01:23:09Deny him!
01:23:11But today,
01:23:12I'm finally stepping up!
01:23:15I'm Jude's father!
01:23:17My name
01:23:18is Anthony Sterling!
01:23:21Ha ha ha ha ha!
01:23:23I understand it now.
01:23:25I get it.
01:23:26Hey, kid.
01:23:27I feel sorry for you.
01:23:29Their noble house is trash.
01:23:31But to disrespect us?
01:23:33And mouthing off about us?
01:23:35Sympathy won't stop your death!
01:23:37Ten years old or not?
01:23:38Today,
01:23:40you're going to meet your end!
01:23:42Andy!
01:23:44Yes, brother!
01:23:45Go!
01:23:46Make it quick for the boy!
01:23:48Yes!
01:23:50Sorry, kid.
01:23:51You're just ten years old
01:23:52and really talented.
01:23:54However,
01:23:55don't blame me
01:23:55for what comes next.
01:23:57After today,
01:23:58you'll be Dawnshire's
01:23:59greatest prodigy
01:24:00with your name resounding
01:24:01throughout the entire empire!
01:24:03Just name your price!
01:24:04You!
01:24:05Move it!
01:24:07Jude!
01:24:10Move behind me!
01:24:11Don't play the hero!
01:24:14You did pretty good!
01:24:15I'll spare you!
01:24:16I'll only be using this finger!
01:24:19Now allow me to show you
01:24:20how it ends you!
01:24:22You brat!
01:24:32Shadow Thorn Strike!
01:24:37With just one finger!
01:24:39This can't be real!
01:24:40How is this possible?
01:24:41This can't be real!
01:24:42He's a mystic!
01:24:43By the grace of his holy light,
01:24:45I didn't kill him.
01:24:47Don't you worry!
01:24:48I simply guided him
01:24:50towards paradise.
01:24:56He has the petal trail!
01:24:59This is the legendary
01:25:01petal trail!
01:25:06Trinity Convergence!
01:25:09He's...
01:25:10He's a mystic!
01:25:13Trinity Convergence!
01:25:21By the grace of his holy light,
01:25:27Pentaforce Dominion!
01:25:30Save me!
01:25:31Save me, Master!
01:25:32Help me!
01:25:33What is that?
01:25:33Pentaforce Dominion!
01:25:35They actually...
01:25:35They actually exist!
01:25:37What is that?
01:25:37I'm facing a true Master!
01:25:39Save you?
01:25:40How can he save you?
01:25:42He can't even save himself!
01:25:44Mercy Master!
01:25:45Please spare us!
01:25:47To witness an immortal mastering
01:25:50Pentaforce Dominion
01:25:51in my lifetime!
01:25:53I can die happy!
01:25:55I have no regrets!
01:26:00Please!
01:26:02Please!
01:26:02Please!
01:26:03Take me with you!
01:26:04I'll devote my life to you!
01:26:06Please accept me!
01:26:07Trinity Convergence!
01:26:09That's the very pinnacle
01:26:10that I'm dreaming of!
01:26:12If I could even get a glimpse
01:26:14of that realm,
01:26:15I promise
01:26:16that I will serve
01:26:17only you
01:26:18forever!
01:26:20I'm just a baron!
01:26:21Take me as your disciple!
01:26:23You want to learn from me?
01:26:25You?
01:26:26No way!
01:26:29Oh!
01:26:30I'm not worthy enough!
01:26:33I'm your uncle, Jude!
01:26:34I'm your aunt!
01:26:35I'm your grandfather!
01:26:36I was wrong!
01:26:37Come home with us!
01:26:39What are you waiting for?
01:26:41Father, let's go!
01:26:45What did you say?
01:26:46Father, let's go!
01:26:47I'm your uncle!
01:27:11Jude!
01:27:12Jude!
01:27:16If I failed you, I hope you can still forgive me.
01:27:26Jude, it's me, your cousin.
01:27:28How about I work for you?
01:27:30We share the same blood, you know?
01:27:32Like it or not, you're still a sterling.
01:27:36Cousin, wait for me.
01:27:38I'll go with you.
01:27:53Where is it?
01:27:54Where's my mom's grave?
01:28:00Where is it?
01:28:01Where's my mom's grave?
01:28:03Shut it!
01:28:03She was just your aunt.
01:28:05I'm your real mother.
01:28:07She raised me since childhood, as if I was her own.
01:28:10Besides, in my heart, she's always been my mom.
01:28:13If only I could do something, I would let Grandpa kick her out.
01:28:16You dragged me into this.
01:28:18Stop speaking nonsense.
01:28:19Your father orchestrated it because of the inheritance.
01:28:21I was only fooled by him.
01:28:23Stop lying, Dad.
01:28:24Lori was the daughter-in-law I always wanted.
01:28:27When she passed, I failed to mourn for her.
01:28:28Stop blaming everything on me, Dad!
01:28:29She deserves to be called my mom!
01:28:31I knew her real mother!
01:28:31Where in the world can we find her tomb?
01:28:33Will we ever find it?
01:28:35Our dear patriarch Jude won't even tell us where it is.
01:28:38We even came here to bow.
01:28:40But he says we're all unworthy.
01:28:42Unworthy or not, we must still bow in front of her grave.
01:28:46Three days with no leads.
01:28:48We must find her grave.
01:28:50I wrote 10,000 words of apology.
01:28:52I just want to say in front of her grave that we were wrong.
01:28:56That we were truly blind.
01:29:09What if we never find it?
01:29:10What if we fail to apologize?
01:29:12Jude will never ever forgive me then.
01:29:14You've all ruined my life.
01:29:16Can't even find a simple grave.
01:29:18What are you for?
01:29:19My future is rotting because of you.
01:29:23Mom!
01:29:24Where can we find you?
01:29:26We were blind!
01:29:27We were arrogant fools toward you, Lori!
01:29:30We were blind!
01:29:32We were arrogant fools!
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