As Solace moved deeper into the city, the streets became busier, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the clatter of market stalls. People rushed past him, talking about everything from the best cultivation elixirs to the latest rumors about powerful cultivators. His keen eyes caught fragments of every conversation, absorbing the information as he moved.
However, one particular topic kept repeating itself in whispers, snippets of gossip filling the air. It caught his attention, pulling him out of his internal thoughts.
"Did you hear about the princess's wedding competition?"
"I heard the royal family of the Human Kingdom is holding a public competition to find a suitor for the princess. They'll be selecting the strongest warriors from all over the kingdom!"
"A royal competition? They say the prize isn't just marriage—it's an alliance with the human kingdom itself. Whoever wins will have immense power and influence."
Solace's curiosity piqued as he overheard more snippets of conversation. The idea of a wedding competition sounded strange, even amusing at first. But as the details began to fall into place, his mind began to turn, analyzing the potential opportunities.
This wasn't just some royal spectacle. This was a competition for power, a chance to rise through the ranks of society and gain influence in a major human kingdom. To Solace, it wasn't about the princess or the marriage—it was about what this competition represented: access. Access to the kingdom's inner workings, its factions, its politics, and most importantly, its secrets.
A suitor who could win this competition wouldn't just be tied to a royal family. They would be able to manipulate the strings of influence, shape alliances, and tap into the resources of one of the most powerful factions in the human world. This was an opportunity that could provide him with invaluable information about the world. And Solace didn't intend to let it slip by.
"System," he muttered under his breath, stepping aside to avoid a crowded group. "Do you know anything about this wedding competition?"
[Yes, the competition is being held by the royal family of the Human Kingdom, specifically for the hand of Princess Seraphine. She is said to be a powerful cultivator in her own right, and the competition has attracted contenders from all corners of the world. The royal family is known for being politically savvy and wielding significant power in the region. Winning the competition would grant not only the princess's hand in marriage but also considerable influence in the kingdom.]
A slight smile curled at the corners of Solace's lips. This was exactly what he had been looking for—a way to immerse himself in the complexities of the human world while remaining relatively detached from the emotional entanglements. The competition, while seemingly about love or marriage, was truly about power. The opportunity to be involved in such an event would give him access to a world of knowledge that he could use to further his own path.
"Alright," Solace said, his resolve firming up. "I'll enter this competition."
The idea of competing wasn't daunting to him. He had immense power from his training and his race, the Aethernal. While others fought with brute force, Solace knew he could outthink, outmaneuver, and ultimately outlast any opponent. His abilities with space and shadows, enhanced by his swordsmanship, made him a formidable foe. He didn't need to be the strongest physically—he just needed to be the most strategic.
As he walked toward the royal district, where the competition would be held, Solace's mind began to race with possibilities. He would need to learn everything about the Human Kingdom—the politics, the factions, and the motivations of its leaders. But more than that, he needed to know how the people here thought, how they valued power, and how he could use their perceptions to his advantage.
Solace arrived at a large square in the heart of the city, where a grand announcement board had been set up. A crowd had gathered, with people excitedly discussing the competition's details and the royal family's involvement. Solace pushed his way through the crowd, his expression unreadable as he scanned the bulletin board for the specifics.
Royal Wedding Competition for Princess Seraphine
Registration Period: 3 days
Competition Type: Series of trials to test strength, intellect, and cultivation ability.
Final Round: Personal combat and negotiation with the royal family.
The notice went on to list the prize: The hand of Princess Seraphine, as well as an alliance with the Human Kingdom that would open doors to political influence, wealth, and military support.
"So, it's a test of more than just strength," Solace murmured, reading the fine print. The competition would involve intellect and strategy, elements he excelled at. It was a trial of everything that mattered in this world: the right combination of power, cunning, and manipulation.
With a sense of purpose, Solace approached the registration desk, where a few others were signing up. He could already feel the tension in the air—competition, ambition, and the desire for power all mingling in the crowd.
"Name?" the official at the desk asked, glancing up at Solace.
"Solace," he said, his voice steady and calm. "I wish to enter the competition."
The official looked him over for a moment, clearly judging his appearance. Solace didn't look like much—just a young man, no different from the many others who had likely entered this competition hoping for a shot at power. But under his calm exterior was a mind as sharp as a blade, and the strength of an assassin.
The official nodded and handed him a registration form. "Good luck. You'll need it."
Solace took the form with a nod, then turned and walked away. He didn't need luck. He had something far better: strategy. He had the skills and knowledge to manipulate this competition to his advantage.
Now, it was time to play the game.