Hupo sat on one of wooden benches in the waiting room. Torches along the stone walls bathed the windowless room in orange light. He placed his hand on his knee, to stop it from bouncing every few seconds. Although there was no one else in the room, he still wanted to maintain proper etiquette. Otherwise, the fidgeting may become a habit. When he worked as a CEO, he was cognizant of his appearance at all times. Maintaining appearances was tiring, but he believed it was his responsibility to role model the right behaviors for his employees to follow.

His gaze fell upon a row of bronze sculptures aligned along the wall. They depicted warriors in various poses. An inscription was carved into the base of each one. He walked over to one of the sculptures. Inscribed into its base were the words ‘General Hyperion: Winner of the 17th Combat Tournament.’

The adjacent sculpture had a similar engraving – it listed the champion’s name and army rank.

This tournament is a recruiting ground for the soldiers. It seems that most, if not all, the tournament champions were recruited into the Dominion’s army.

A coliseum worker entered the waiting room. “The preparations are ready. Thanks for describing your national song and flag to us.”

“No problem.”

The worker led Hupo to the arena. A purple carpet stretched all the way from the entrance to the podium. A long line of knights, clad in silver armor, stood on each side of the carpet. There were only two spots on the podium and a flag pole had been erected behind each one.

The examiner from the qualifying test greeted Hupo at the podium. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Hupo!”

“It’s good to see you too, uh… Raisin?”

“You almost got it right. My name is Raizen.”

“Sorry, I’m bad with names.”

“It’s okay, I have trouble remembering them too sometimes.” He gestured toward the highest spot on the podium. “Glory awaits you.”

Hupo stepped onto the podium. Looking up at the packed coliseum, he wondered where Alana and Coco were sitting. He hoped that he didn’t disappoint them.

The gamemaster entered the arena, followed by two coliseum workers. One of the workers held a tray of medals. The other carried a large sack. The gamemaster stopped in front of the podium and raised his hand.

The audience fell silent.

“Did you all enjoy the games? I know I did!” His voice electrified the audience.

They responded with roaring cheer, shouts of joy, and fists in the air.

“Unfortunately, the runner-up is unwell, so he won’t be joining us for the medal presentation. However, I’m sure he would want us to honor his home country, so please rise for the Celestial Empire’s national anthem.”

The entire audience rose to its feet.

A coliseum worker hoisted a navy blue flag, studded with stars, as the orchestra played a catchy melody.

Once the music stopped, Raizen lifted the gold medal from the tray and awarded it to Hupo. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“Here’s your prize money.” Raizen handed the sack of money to Hupo.

“Please remain standing for the national anthem of ‘Canada.’”

There was noisy chatter among the audience in response to the gamemaster’s announcement.

Of course they would be confused. Canada isn’t even a country in this world.

The orchestra began playing the national anthem of Canada. A crudely painted Canadian flag was hoisted. Hupo was overcome with nostalgia for his homeland as he listened to the anthem. He had never been particularly patriotic, but it reminded him of home.

***

After the medal ceremony was over, Youji found Hupo chatting with an emaciated young man. "I'm Youji, the Dominion's knight commander. It's an honor to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is mine.” Hupo shook Youji’s hand. “What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to personally apologize for the shameful behavior my knights showed you earlier. As knight commander, the actions of the Dominion's knights are ultimately my responsibility." Youji bowed his head.

"You're apologizing to the wrong man. No harm came to me. The one who is owed an apology is Easton, this hard-working and law-abiding citizen here." Hupo placed his hand on the shoulder of the emaciated man. "He's the one who your knights beat half to death."

"You're right." Youji turned to face Easton and took out a pouch. "I've already dealt the appropriate punishment to the knights involved. Please accept this bag of money as compensation."

Easton accepted the pouch. "Thank you, Knight Commander. You're too generous!"

"It can never undo the damage that had already been done, but I hope it can help." Youji shifted his gaze back to Hupo. "I've also come for another matter. King Rowan was very impressed by your performance in the Combat Tournament today. He would like to offer you a knighthood. If you accept, you'll be guaranteed a high army rank."

Youji was fairly certain that Hupo would accept the offer. Every other person he had ever approached with an offer of a knighthood had readily accepted it. After all, who would refuse a high status and a handsome salary?

"Please tell the king that I'm humbled by his generous offer, but I cannot accept it."

Youji couldn’t believe what he was hearing. What kind of man would turn down such a generous offer? Maybe he was holding back for an even better one.

“The starting salary is negotiable. Even the army rank is open for discussion.”

“Sorry, I’m just not interested.”

If he doesn’t care about money or status, then what does he want?

"May I ask why?"

"I want to remain an independent swordsman, because then the decision to kill would be mine alone to make. If I accepted the king's offer, then I would be obligated to kill whoever the king wants, regardless of whether or not I thought that person deserved to die."

I just need to show him what a wonderful man the king is.

"King Rowan is a benevolent man. He would never order you to take an innocent life."

"No one can live without making mistakes, including him. No matter how great he is, the king is still just a man. I will not allow my sword to be guided by anyone other than myself. My decision is final." There was no hesitation in Hupo's voice.

The king warned me not to push him too hard. It’s best if I leave it at that.

"I understand and respect your decision. However, if you ever change your mind, come to gates of the Royal Palace and ask for me. I'm sure King Rowan will keep the offer open to you."

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."