Clovis returned to the medical room. Fortunately, nothing happened to Jay. After closing his wounds, the doctor sent him to the hospital for more intensive care. He couldn’t do anything for one week, but Clovis planned to give him some stuff from Another World Mall. So he would probably be back in three days or even faster.
Rafael ended up suffering the same fate. He was sent to the hospital, causing him to be unable to fight in the next match to decide third place.
In other words, the Eight Swords had to deal with the Tier 4 fighter from the Dragon Fist group. While she was injured pretty heavily in the last match against Aileen, she was still able to participate.
The Eight Swords showed their determination. The people cheered at the top of their lungs, supporting the Eight Swords so that they didn’t lose.
Unfortunately, losing Rafael had settled the match before it began. Still, the Eight Swords did everything they could. In fact, they showed an even stronger strength than what people knew from them.
They managed to gain a tie during the group match as Jane did everything she could to stop the Tier 4 martial artist.
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It took her everything, so when the individual match came, Jane was defeated by another person.
Melvin was in a berserk state, still believing that they lost to Libation Fiesta due to his mistake. That was why, no matter what state he was in, he was determined to win the match.
After a bloody battle, he managed to defeat his opponent. Unfortunately, Farhan had to fight against their captain, which ultimately resulted in the Dragon Fist’s victory.
The Eight Swords ended up losing the honor of third place despite being the hosts.
But after that match, the audience was applauding their determination instead of booing them. They thanked them for doing everything they could for the city.
Obviously, the one responsible for this result was none other than their captain, Rafael.
He had already woken up from his injuries, staring at the window with blank eyes as though his soul had been sucked away.
Nothing but humiliation awaited them from now on.
The first person to visit Rafael was none other than his father, the commander of the base. The person who had ordered him to win.
Rafael’s face became pale when he saw his father’s face. He looked down, unable to meet his eyes.
"I’m sorry. I’ve lost. I’ve smeared the name of our family. I’ll receive any pun—"
He abruptly stopped when his father actually patted his shoulders. Rafael raised his head in shock, finding such a gentle smile on his face.
"Well done, son."
It had been more than a decade ago since he received such praise, especially with that gentle face. He was completely confused because this wasn’t what was supposed to happen. He should have gotten kicked out of the family if he had judged his father’s character correctly.
"Father…"
His father simply handed him the tab in his hand as though he were trying to show him something.
The news about the battle had spread all over Skynet.
"The Eight Swords have lost against the dark horse."
"A complete victory."
"Libation Fiesta taking the championship?"
"Eight Swords’ Captain Rafael lost to a Tier 2 explorer?"
The titles were extremely painful to see. There was no way his father would show him something like this. When he scrolled down, he finally saw the real reasons.
There were various comments on Skynet.
"I think I’ll pick up my weapon again."
"Captain Rafael has lost, but I’ll forever become his fan. He has inspired me to do what I’m supposed to do."
"I’m glad that I’m able to watch the battle between Rafael and Jay. I learn a lot from them."
"Who cares about the threat of a beast wave? Since there’s no place to run, I will fight those beasts. I’m weak, but I hope to make a difference."
Not only the comments, but the interviews also showed similar responses.
They were thankful for Jay and Rafael.
Seeing all of these caused Rafael’s body to shake. He had lost, but the citizens were actually this kind to him.
His father’s voice echoed from the side. "It’s true that we need to win the competition. However, what is the original purpose of the competition? It’s to inspire the people so that we can protect this base. I don’t think anyone has inspired more people than you in all three competitions.
"I have been harsh to you, not because I hate you or something. I simply want you to understand the weight you currently carry. These people… are the weight you have to shoulder if you are still trying to chase after me."
Rafael’s body was trembling. His tears were swelling in the corners of his eyes.
"Besides, you have fulfilled my request by fighting them fair and square. If you still wish to know everything, climb to my position. But for now, I think you already know what I’m going to say. Respect your rivals and cheer for them now that they have defeated you. However, continue moving forward so that you will be the one winning next time." His father patted his shoulder again.
While walking out, he said, "Rafael. Good work."
Rafael bit his lips as he was unable to contain his tears. He thought he shouldn’t cry because it would be seen as a weakness.
But when he finally understood his father and saw all these comments, he couldn’t contain them anymore.
"I will… I will protect them." Rafael held the tab in his embrace as if it were something important. He had been chasing after his father this whole time without knowing how to do it. But today, he learned the meaning of responsibility…the burden his father had shouldered this whole time.
When he thought about it, he began treating him harshly the moment he told his father that he wanted to become a commander like him. He finally knew what his goal truly meant.