The King's Palace training ground was packed. Over 2,000 hunters and 2,000 knights stood together, making a huge sea of people. The noise was deafening – hunters shouted, knights argued, armor clanked. High above them, in a special VIP balcony, King Aldric watched with cold eyes. His gaze scanned the crowd… and stopped on Kael.
Today, all eyes are on you, boy, the King thought, a scary smile curling his lips.
An old man walked into the center of the huge stadium. He raised his hands. Magic made his voice boom like thunder, so everyone could hear him clearly.
"Welcome!" the old man announced. "I congratulate you for being here! This fight will decide your new rank! Here are the rules:
1. If a low-rank hunter beats a high-rank hunter (like a C-Rank beating an S-Rank), you get promoted to that rank!
2. Same for knights! Beat a higher rank, take their spot!
3. Special Rule: If a hunter beats a knight, or a knight beats a hunter... you jump ranks! Example: An A-Rank hunter beating a Gold Knight becomes an S-Rank hunter instantly!"
Kael's mind raced: This is like a tournament! But… I can't show my real powers. William watches me too closely. I need to hide my strength. Play weak.
Suddenly, William Arthur, Varric Armen, and Erec Edison stepped into the center beside the old man. The crowd gasped. Murmurs exploded:
"All three masters?!"
"Are THEY fighting?!"
"This is insane!"
Varric locked eyes with Erec. A scary smile spread across Varric's face. He started walking toward Erec. "Erec Edison! Why don't WE fight first?"
Erec just smiled calmly. This made Varric angrier. "Why are you smiling, bastard?!"
The old host interrupted: "SILENCE! The first fight will be special: 4 vs MANY!" He pointed to William, Varric, Erec… and a fourth man no one knew. He wore a plain hunter's outfit and a half-mask hiding his nose and mouth. His name tag said: "Orion Vane."
Erec stared at "Orion," confused. Who is this guy? I don't know him.
William leaned close and whispered: "Don't worry, bro. It's the Sorcerer."
Erec's eyes widened, then he relaxed. Silas Vayne. In disguise.
Kael stared at "Orion." I know William (SSS-Rank), Varric (SSS-Rank), Erec (Crystal Knight). But this masked guy… I can't feel his power at all. Like he's nothing… or everything.
The old host boomed: "THE RULES FOR THIS FIGHT:
All hunters and knights who want a promotion must fight THESE FOUR at once!
Don't panic! They will hold back their power.
They will fight you one by one, not all together.
If you beat ANY ONE of them, you FAIL and leave. No promotion.
If you survive or land good hits, you get ranked higher!
If you're scared? LEAVE NOW. This is training, not a death match! But big rewards wait for the brave!"
A wave of panic swept the field:
"Fight THEM? Even holding back? NO WAY!"
"I like my bones unbroken, thanks!"
"Money's good, but breathing's better!"
Hunters and knights ran for the exits. 2,000 hunters became 36. 2,000 knights became 67. Only 103 brave souls remained.
King Aldric chuckled. I thought more would stay. They fear these four… especially the Sorcerer they don't recognize. His eyes scanned for Kael again. Did the monster-boy run?
William whispered to Erec: "Do you see Kael?"
Erec nodded: "Yes. Front row. Watching."
"Orion" (Silas) spoke softly, but William, Varric, and Erec heard him clearly: "The boy stays. Brave… or foolish."
Kael clenched his fists. Memories flashed:
Brad's fist smashing his nose.
His father's voice: "WORTHLESS!"
The kitchen knife. The blood…
A scary, determined smile spread across Kael's face. This fight… I need it. I'll get so strong… no one will ever hurt me again. No one will call me weak.
The old host raised his hands again. "THE FIGHT BEGINS NOW! It will continue until tomorrow night! Rest when you can! First fighters… STEP FORWARD!"
Most of the 103 looked pale. One hunter whimpered: "Oh god… I'm gonna die."
Kael cracked his knuckles, his blue eyes burning. Let's begin.
(Chapter 20 Fin)