"…"
The King observed everything in silence.
Even the Prince had stopped speaking now that all the guests seemed interested in the proposal.
Yes, the Kingdom’s image must remain unsullied, but the King represented that very Kingdom. A Prince standing up to the King was detrimental and undesirable.
The King’s gaze fell over all the guests, lingering a little longer on the guests from Eryndor, Zephyria, and Xenthalor.
Alden wasn’t surprised by this development. He had already expected something like this. After all, he would have done the same thing if he were in their shoes.
It was a perfect opportunity to not only observe the Hero’s strength and abilities with their own eyes but also a chance to flaunt their own abilities.
If the challengers lost, they would lose to the Hero. It was nothing to be ashamed of, after all, the Hero was supposed to become the strongest Tamer in the entirety of Nerathis.
And if they won, they would win against the Hero. It would not only bring them glory but also allow them to question Drakthar’s way of training the Hero and pressure them into giving away the rights to continue the Hero’s training any further.
The reward for victory was high, and the repercussions for a loss were… none.
They would be fools to not take this chance.
What’s worse?
King Alden and the Drakthar Kingdom couldn’t say no, especially when the Hero himself was standing and waiting for his decision.
"If this is what would lighten the Hero’s heart and make him truly enjoy today’s gathering, then I have no reason to decline."
The King smiled as he stared at Commander Arlan and General Deren. Both warriors nodded their heads confidently.
When it came to a one-on-one battle, they were extremely confident in the Hero’s ability.
The two instructors couldn’t stop telling what a monster the child was and it was time Alden finally saw it with his own eyes.
"Thank you for agreeing, Your Majesty!"
The Sergeant who had challenged Kael knelt on one knee and saluted to the King as a sign of respect. It was his way of showing that the people of Eryndor respected Drakthar’s King and that the two nations’ alliance would not be affected by this.
Alden nodded at the Sergeant and only then did the man stand up and turn towards Kael.
"Are we going to fight here?"
Kael questioned as he looked around. He didn’t wish to break all the decorations here as he slammed him around.
Yes, he was that confident.
After all…
[Name: Marcus Vala]
[Race: Human]
[Age: 38]
[Level: 32]
[Strength: 66]
[Agility: 47]
[Speed: 58]
[Stamina: 61]
[Defense: 63]
[Mana: 18]
[Intelligence: 24]
[Charisma: 23]
[Strengths: Physical Strength, High Durability, Close Combat Skills]
[Weaknesses: Lacks Speed, Poor Adaptability in Magical Combat]
…
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Yes, the poor man stood no chance.
He was a Fourth Stage Warrior, a perfect opponent for Kael if… he was like how he was during the test.
A Level 17 Kael with SSS Rank Talent, whose average stats were around 40, an opponent like Marcus would be quite a challenge for that Kael.
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Even if he used all the abilities he had, it would have been difficult to say whether he would have won or not.
But…
Against a Level 20 Kael with EX Rank Talent?
The poor fellow was facing a battle he could never win in any way.
[Name: Kael Carter]
[Race: Human]
[Age: 22]
[Level: 20]
[CE: 412/3400]
[Talent: Genesis of the Ancients]
[Talent Rank: EX Rank]
[Strength: 77]
[Agility: 78]
[Speed: 75]
[Stamina: 78]
[Defense: 80]
[Mana: 88]
[Intelligence: 76]
[Charisma: 75]
…
"Haha~ You sound so eager for a good battle that would push you to your limits. I can already sense the spirit of a Warrior forming within you."
Marcus laughed. He wasn’t intimidated by the Hero’s golden eyes. After all, he had seen him use this ability before.
He just grinned widely and commented,
"Hero Kael, I hope you give it your all."
’Trust me, you do not.’
Kael muttered inwardly.
"Ummm."
Suddenly, a voice was heard.
It was Dorian, who had a big smile on his face as he attracted the crowd’s attention.
"If we are going through with this, then if I may be so bold, Your Majesty, may I suggest we turn this into a little wager?"
Dorian’s eyes glimmered in excitement as he stared at the crowd.
"We wager on the warrior who would win. The winners get rewarded, the losers lose. It will become a fun little way through which everyone can participate in the event, and with the stakes higher, the event itself would become much larger than it is."
Dorian suggested, expecting a big nod of approval from the crowd, while he himself dreamt of making money from this event.
To think he would get an opportunity to make up for the money he lost while he travelled here—it seems that Lord Feraos was looking out for him.
The Merchant’s eyes shimmered with delight.
Soon, however, he noticed the room’s mood.
While some nobles looked interested, the King just stared at him with an expressionless look on his face and,
"So you wish to wager on the Hero like he is some sort of entertainer?"
"N-No, that is not what I…"
He tried to defend himself, but seeing the unamused crowd, he bowed his head with a disappointed sigh.
"I apologize for not thinking it through, Your Majesty. I was simple-minded."
"This shall not happen again."
"It will not."
Dorian nodded as he sat back with another sigh.
’Tough crowd.’
"Promise me, Hero."
After the Merchant, it was the Sergeant’s turn again.
"Even if you think you stand no chance,
Even if you think the opponent is stronger than you in every possible way,
Promise me that you will not give in.
Prove yourself today as you battle against me. Defeat me because that is how a Hero is supposed to be.
Stand against the odds. Win even when no one believes in you. Do…"
’The fuck is he on about?’
Kael wondered in his head as he heard the man’s speech.
’Why does no one in this world shut up?’
Yes, Kael was getting annoyed.
And seeing how the Sergeant was still going on and on, Kael sighed in defeat.
No.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
In the end, he stared at Arlan with pitiful expression, begging him to do something. The Commander, who saw his expression, grinned widely, understanding what he wanted.
Kael, who saw his grin, knew this would cost him a lot. He, however, couldn’t take it anymore and just nodded, the Commander’s grin widened even further and,
He stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, should we take them to the Training Hall?"
He questioned, interrupting the Sergeant’s speech. The Sergeant frowned at that action. However, seeing who it was, he quickly turned silent, not daring to oppose that monster.
Yes, he wasn’t a very loyal follower of his own speech.
"The Training Hall is too cramped. The guests wouldn’t be able to enjoy the battle. Take them to the Arena instead.
Commander Arlan, you will be in charge of the battle."
The King ordered, and Arlan bowed his head.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
The Commander then quickly walked towards the Hero and took him with him. The rest of the servants guided other guests to the Royal Arena.
"Thank you."
Kael, who was now alone with Arlan, expressed his gratitude.
"I saw your expression when you looked at me. How could I ignore it when you act like such a good little boy~"
Arlan laughed out loud as he placed his hand over Kael’s shoulder. Kael’s face twitched as he heard the man’s words. He could already imagine the gorilla man using this against him in the future.
’Just my luck.’
He cursed in his head.
"Oh, my poor boy~
Was it hard out there alone?"
Arlan continued with his antics, and Kael was already regretting turning towards him for help.
But then, Kael noticed something.
Arlan…
He was moving too quickly, so much so that the two of them were now separated from the rest of the crowd.
It was almost as if he had done it on purpose.
And as if proving Kael’s suspicions right, Arlan stopped and turned towards Kael.
This time, there was no trace of his previous playfulness on his face.