I suck at these things and I don’t know how to express how sorry I am at not releasing a chapter last week (or is it the week before? Dunno)

Anyways, sorry and here go the chapter and whatever an author should add into the author note……..

Da end, enjoy

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Chapter 12

Kusan coincidentally opened his eyes the same time everyone else who entered the meditation state. Each person gave a passing glance with everyone obviously having their gaze linger longer when it met Kusan, this didn’t go undetected by him and he wondered why he was getting the subtle attention.

He looked down and realised the reason, his entire being, including his clothes were lightly soaked in sweat. Obviously the vast perspiration he experienced inside his meditation also transferred over to his real body, even though it wasn’t as bad as what he experienced inside.

‘Hm, guess this shows just how daunting this spell really is’

Everyone else all had one thought in common ‘looks like Kusan experienced a breakthrough in a secret skill’. Because the only reason that Kusan’s body should show perspiration without any liquid spilling out from his spores is a breakthrough in martial skills, the one with liquid seeping out is a breakthrough in rank.

The reason for this assumption despite it being realistically wrong is because martial skills in general, works the same way a person who experienced a breakthrough in rank does. It undergoes a dramatic change in the body anatomy according to the special needs by the martial skill. For example, if a warrior was training in a martial skill that had the effect to widen the energy channels to a certain limit by the body. Normally it’ll be impossible to widen them any further than the body can hold unless they follow special methods to advance further, which will mean the body will undergo dramatic changes in order for it to get wider such as moving around the other channels without affecting them in the slightest.

Very rarely will anyone sweat due to a first time training a new martial skill or magic spell unless it requires a large amount of concentration. Like what Kusan did, as many that requires large concentration is normally ranked appropriately according to the mental strength that would make that person easy to utilise it without experiencing a large side-effect to the mind.

Kusan looked at the large perspiration and opened up his right hand out. A strange scene occurred; the originally slightly damp clothes slowly regained its normal and dry form with beads of water condensing and rising out at the same time. Many beads of condensed water appeared all over Kusan, even from his face, showing the vigorous face that looked as if though the previous state of sweating had never happened.

As if by command, the beads all started to roll over his skin or clothes without actually being soaked up by his clothes. Like a metal being attracted by the magnet, all the beads converged into one spot, the right hand.

One bead rolled into the centre of his hand and stayed idle, the bead rapidly expanded in size every time a bead of water joined into the stationary bead. The bead soon evolved from a small bead into a small tennis ball sized water ball, until it finally stopped expanding at the size of a soccer ball.

By that time, Kusan never looked like he even perspired before as he looked the same as a lively person. Even the clothes that were once dark murky green turned back into the bright green that reverted back to the metallic green to show the dominance of the ‘Dragon’.

Kusan looked at the idle water ball, without thinking much he threw it into the air. The water ball flew through the air and due to the insane speed that the Platinum Eagle was flying at, by the time it dropped down to the spot where Kusan was before he threw it up, Kusan was already two kilometres away before they all disappeared into the clouds while the water dropped down to the earth unimpeded and splashed into oblivion.

“We’re here”

Luca’s voice strangely resonated throughout the area as if though he was next to everyone when he announced despite the wind howling by. Simultaneously, everyone stood up and looked at the direction Luca was looking.

A small white line appeared across the horizon, with spots of mountains protruding behind the white walls. However, one mountain was obviously prominent as it overshadowed everyone single mountains in the area.

Soon the small outline of white rapidly expanded so fast it was as if though it was rising out of the ground. Now the originally white walls protruded more than 150 metres high and 70 metres wide. Emblazoned on the front walls were decorations of wars, crisscrossed sword marks, faint scratches and many that scars that showed that not even the capital was free of battles despite it being the heart of the empire.

Walking atop the walls, were silver plated armoured soldiers, each walking fluidly and the alertness shown clearly proved that these were professional soldiers. Giant flags atop the massive watchtowers all evenly spaced out, black lines with a silver background and in the middle is an eagle in a flying pose. This is the symbol of the Warch Empire, the ‘Platinum Eagle’ and the reason why the soldiers didn’t attack them on site when they saw a Platinum Eagle howls passed them by.

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Inside a particular watchtower, a man is vaguely seen as the darkness inside the barely ventilated room. In front of the mysterious figure is a clear orb that is radiating colours. Inside the orb, a picture of a platinum eagle has appeared and the people inside the saddle were surprisingly Kusan and the group.

The man whispered a command but strangely enough, a heavy armoured silver man, with a blue robe underneath, who looked different compared to the other normal soldiers nodded his head in front of the doorway of the watchtower and loudly declared the order as he spun around.

“DRAGON DOJO, FIVE MINUTES OUT!

PLATINUM EAGLE!”

What the man was doing was announcing the arrivals of those who were expected to arrive here and announce what type of flying magical beast that they will be coming in through. While the man inside the watchtower, his job was to watch out for anything within a radius of 20 kilometres of the city watchtower due to security reasons.

All the soldiers, be if they are of low or high ranked, since they have passed the strict capital recruitment that only the best of the best can join. None were weak enough that they couldn’t see the platinum eagle swiftly gliding through the air at astonishing speed.

Two men are stationed side by side as they stared in the horizon chatting away.

“So, who do you think will win this time?”

The short stubby soldier asked the tall toned muscular man.

“Hard to say, heard they have a prodigy that entered the ninth rank *sigh*”

The tall man couldn’t help but let loose a sigh, he couldn’t help but admire that person’s talent. Reaching ninth rank at the age of 16 years old is something that was never before seen in the history of the Zhan continent.

“True, although the dragons can’t win in terms of power. That still doesn’t mean they will necessarily lose in terms of combat experience”

Without being told to, the soldiers deactivated the defence mechanisms temporarily before they re-activated once the eagle swoosh passed them, eliciting a minor wind storm in its wake before it died down.

[i]WHOOOOSSSH[i]

“MULIN FAMILY, TEN MINUTES OUT!

RED GULL!”

The tall man shrugged his shoulders. They were both worried about the outcome of this tournament. Regardless of who wins, anyone with at least a little bit of brain would know that this tournament is the deciding fate for the world.

“Let’s just pray the kids win.”

The short man nodded, showing that he agreed with the tall man’s idea.

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Lin City, or Warch Empire’s capital, was located in the Warch Empire’s central-western regions, and was also the Warch Empire’s biggest city; its area was so large that it could hold more than ten million citizens. In the dead centre of the imperial city, laid the pinnacle of authority in Warch Empire —— The Imperial Palace.

60 kilometres east from the location of the Imperial Palace laid the Warch Empire’s greatest Fighting Arena —— The Coliseum.

The Coliseum history spanned for thousands of years. Established by the combined Warch’s Imperial Family and the Dragon Dojo, it was the location used by both sides to cultivate advanced profound practitioners. Furthermore, it was the sacred location that countless young warriors dreamt to seek, for fame, for glory and for money.

The Coliseum’s interior was divided into three levels: Beginners, Advanced, and Master Arena. If one was able to enter the Advanced Arena, with a perquisite of having obtained enough points from beginners, is considered powerful warriors of their rank. Although there is no rank restriction, there is a hidden rule of the applicants having to pass the basic level of 7th rank in either warrior or mage.

If the warrior somehow makes it to the Master Arena, he would receive the attention of both the Imperial Family and to a certain extent, the Dragon Dojo as well. The person would receive excellent resources, in addition to the best conditions during his stay in Coliseum. Any growth of theirs within the Coliseum would receive the Imperial Family’s attention, thereby increasing their chance of getting a high paid job. Before leaving the Coliseum, one would receive an invitation to join the imperial family from the Imperial Family’s initiative.

For the Imperial Family, roping in such a young and talented person would no doubt boost the power of the Imperial Family.

Once one promising warrior joins the Imperial Family, getting a high position was only secondary; the most important part was that their entire family would be bathed in wealth and glory because of this.

As a result, to be able to enter Warch Empire’s Coliseum was the dream of who knows how many youngsters.

However, the Coliseum was after all, was the greatest and fastest way to success. Not to mention the Masters Arena, even the conditions to enter the Beginners which had the lowest of standards were also extremely merciless. It was enough to eliminate nearly all of practitioners who hoped to enter the ranks of those legendary figures. They could only retreat for their second choice, entering the Coliseum established by the joint Imperial Family and the Dragon Dojo in the smaller cities.

Even those who failed to pass the Dragon Dojo elementary level test were forced to look elsewhere at the smaller branches in hopes of joining the majestic main Dojo.

Just five kilometres north of the Coliseum, was the renowned ‘Flying Den’. An extremely guarded building designated as a landing zone for people who travel by magical beasts. It acts similar to how a stable is catered towards horses. However, since magical beasts are of numerous kinds, the price to hire just for one night is of an extremely exorbitant amount. The higher the quality of the magical beast, higher the service cost.

In a large bustling city that could cater to such a high number of civilians, it isn’t surprising to see that the landing zone. An area that is specially made for nobles, rich, influential and the powerful people to park their flying beasts in would be jammed packed to nearly the max. This left only the VIP Den being the only kind not currently being occupied.

At this moment, many flying beasts were landing by the minute, each more exquisite or extravagant than the previous. It was like a competition between who has the most decorated and flashiest ride.

The normal citizens, under normal circumstances would not be allowed to view the landing zone from afar unless it’s for a special occasion as it’s to normally protect the privacy of the owners. The populace were lined from the exit area of the ‘Flying Den’.

Where the people with high status will triumphantly exit and making their way towards the Coliseum unimpeded. The city has arranged for a protected path from the ‘Flying Den’ to the Coliseum because many who exited from the den are only people of two kind, people with high status and people that are participating in the tournament.

Currently the only place that could host the most important tournament is the Coliseum.

Which today is one such day, a day where the tournament will undergo the ‘City Selection’ and many citizens got to see the powerful Dojos and Families of many kind. They all landed with majestic beasts that overshadowed the nobles’ subtle competition of wealth comparison.

If that wasn’t enough, when the disciples and family members descended down from their respective riders, many maidens in the crowd couldn’t help but squeal or scream at their idols’ dazzling display of power.

“OH MY GOD, THERE’S KELI EEEKKK”

“LOOK! THERES KYE. OH MY GOD, DID HE JUST LOOK MY WAY AHHHH”

Many of the males were famous figures; many have already committed the sins of stealing many maidens heart. Some ladies even fainted when their favourite idols winked at them.

The men who were next to the ladies, regardless of whether they were their boyfriend, father or just a random man who was next to them, they all couldn’t help but feel jealous as they stared daggers at the famous men. All hoping that their gaze would kill them.

However, suddenly the men’s reaction instantly changed from hostility to a drooling mess with some even shamelessly displaying a rising tent down there. This elicited a disgruntled look from the ladies and some even outright beat up some men. The reason for such a swift change of mood between the men and women is because the ones, who followed behind the men, were beauty that shamed even the most beautiful girl in the crowd.

Some women even spat on the ground to show their discontent and walked away still in a bad mood.

But before the famous teenagers and the beauties that stirred up trouble within the masses without even doing, could enter their designated carriages.

A massive dust storm suddenly appeared as it engulfed both the famous figures and the masses. Not even the nobles were spared. Each and every single person couldn’t help but reflexively cough and grow angry at this gesture of creating a dust storm. Everyone knew it was created by magical beasts as they are the only ones likely that could create this commotion. To talk about how the masses were slowly getting angry, the famous figures were in a different league of anger.

Many have been pampered all their lives, never experiencing hardship or insults. Owing to this, it wasn’t surprising to see that their faces instantly turned red and many were in the process of initiating their attacks. Likewise, the elders, whose job was to protect the youngsters from harm or to restrain them, also couldn’t contain their livid emotions.

Many were waiting for the storm to dissipate before unleashing their attacks, although they could use various secret detection skills. The detection can only tell a person location, not if that person was the one who actually created this commotion. The only way would be to wait the storm out and then look at the ground, in order to determine the origin of the culprit.

The dense storm slowly started to lose its dense state, turning into a fog before it dispersed into the wind.

Many scanned the ground and saw the evidence that the culprit was the magical beast with giant talons. In that moment, they were about to unleash their attacks with fury until they saw what type of magical beast it was.

At that moment, everyone’s face turned from fury and indignation to fear and respect. Without even waiting, everyone hurriedly dispersed their attacks before the straightened their clothes. It was as if though the previous intention of harming the culprit, despite the law against action inside the capital, never existed and what replaced it was something of utmost admiration and respect.

What caused this change was because the magical beast that created a commotion was the ‘Platinum Eagle’, the same one that the Dragon Dojo was using. Everyone knew that only five entities in the entire continent owned Platinum Eagles, with only two of them being aligned with the Warch Empire, the Imperial Family and the Dragon Dojo. Without a doubt, within peoples’ mind, only one such entity existed that hasn’t arrived yet, the Green Dragon Dojo.

Many knew the power of the Dragon Dojo, for them to be so brazen was considered to be normal. Even to be insulted by them wasn’t considered an insult but a lecture about reality. Despite the teaching of humbleness within the Dojo, it still couldn’t contain their need to show dominance over people.

The eagle looked around; many shuddered under its gaze as it curled its wings up. The people who were on the back all lightly jumped off. At that moment, many people, including the so-called famous idols, held their breaths when they saw who they really were.

All of the Dragon disciples, whether intentionally or unintentionally, exuded a domineering aura. Despite their normal human size and height, in the peoples’ eyes, it was like staring at an invincible giant that encompassed their entire sight. The experience was similar to how an ant saw the powerful raging bull. This is the innate power of every elite, the power to dominate the weak without lifting a finger.

Nage, the strongest disciple.

Despite trying to not be overbearing on everyone else, the bone deep noble aura could not be controlled. It made many inwardly want to bow before the next in line Emperor.

Saole, the second ranked disciple and a genius of earth magic.

A powerful orphan, nobody knows much about his history other than the fact that he was once a homeless young boy in the wilderness. A homeless boy turned genius? Not even Nage would dare say he was more of a genius than him as he was taught since the age of 4, unlike Saole who started at 7.

Serenity, third in rank but that wasn’t the most important part, she is a woman of with a beauty that could rival a goddess. Beauty so enchanting that despite the other four other disciples also being famous in their own right, it no doubt made them think they didn’t exist as they continued to watch the goddess of this world.

When they saw how beautiful she was, it left everyone breathless, not even the ladies were spared as they realised just how inferior they were compared to her.

Dray, Kayle, Fenit and especially Kusan, didn’t mind the lack of attention as the star of the day was revealed in all her glory.

The disciples continued to walk pass, when suddenly a master, who has lived through many life and death battles awoke from his stupor and looked at someone. He could sense a deathly and hidden aura striking him down, when he looked at the owner of such a dreadful aura that would rival the bloodthirsty 8th ranked ‘Redmane Lion’.

He was shocked to find out that it was a youngster, a man so young and dreadful that combined with his half burnt face and the stare of death. All this instantly made him shake in his boots as he saw the incarnation of the Grim Reaper, within the boy. Without even realising it, he pissed his pants and only stopped when they disappeared in the horizon. Not even when the deadly man entered the carriage could it lower the aura of death.

The man powerlessly fell onto his knees as he was reminded of a long forgotten memory that should have stayed hidden. He covered his face and cried as he mumbled.

“A demon….no no no…..impossible…….a demon has arrived…….I…I….I must leave here…”

Everyone coincidently awoke at the same time and when they heard a strange mumbling, they turned around and were baffled at why their esteemed master was trembling like a little kid. When the disciple of the man, saw his own master scramble away screaming ‘I must leave’, he couldn’t help but panic as he tried to stop his master from leaving.

“Master, Master!

Why are you like this?”

The ‘master’ looked around; seemingly scared that maybe the demon was nearby and turned to stared at his disciple with immense fear in his eyes.

“A demon, a demon has arrived. We…we must…le-leave here now”

The disciple was baffled; he knew that there were demons in this tournament.

However, the concept of his master meaning of demon was different to his disciple. For that reason, he will soon regret he ever participated in the tournament.

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Inside the large carriage that could fit everyone without the feeling of being cramped, were the dragon group. Luca was in the middle of thinking what the kids are going to do, who is going to be in offensive, defensive and supportive positions when they face two potential obstacles. The two groups that could make Luca wary despite being world renowned as the strongest of them all, is the Imperial Prospects and the Mulin Blades.

The Imperial Prospects are the cultivated geniuses that were groomed personally by the Imperial Family, with their long history of wars and Saints popping up from within their ranks. It wasn’t surprising that they could threaten the Dragons as this tournament is all about the younger generation’s fight, who are the future hopes and power of their respective sides.

The Mulin Blade on the other hand, is another renowned group of next generation from the Mulin Family. Even if they aren’t considered a match for the Dragon, that doesn’t mean that they are weak. If the Dragon is renowned for powerful warriors, then the Mulin Family is renowned for their sword and blade abilities.

Their abilities with the sword and blade, if they dare say they are the second best swordsman family in the continent. No one would dare say they are the first or much less refute the Mulin Family claim.

So Luca, was very careful about them, this is a fight between the younger generations, the ones who are the future hopes and bearers of their families and dojo. He snuck a glance at Kusan as he inwardly sighed.

‘I wonder if anyone is foolish enough to anger him’

Everyone knew that knew Kusan, which can be counted on two hands, that despite being unapproachable and indifferent to nearly everything. Not even insults could attract a speck of his attention. He would no doubt turn into the worse nightmare of anyone that truly angers him, those who did, never live to tell the tale.

Not even Luca, who is known for not only being proficient in healing magic, would dare anger him because angering Kusan would not only be troublesome for him. He would also have to deal with a demoness.

‘I’m sure nothing will happen’

With that in mind, Luca nodded his head as he stared through the window.

The carriage finally arrived before the imposing Coliseum. So tall in height that it wasn’t any inferior than the great walls of Lin. It continued to ride on, from a far perspective; it looked like the Coliseum was a giant monster head as the carriage slowly trotted into its mouth, followed by other likewise small carriage as it disappeared into the darkness.

The only sounds that echoed within the darkness are faint sounds of creaking and of horse trotting before it stopped. Despite that, if one focused their hearing more, they could hear faint trotting in the background. The sounds were obviously made from other carriages in different direction.

This wasn’t strange, even after the carriage that had the dragons inside being closely followed by another carriage yet it was never behind the dragon’s carriage once they entered the dark entrance. It was because the entrance is actually a magical entrance that would send each carriage, even if there were two carriages entering side by side at the same time, would be split up into their respective tunnels that has been designated for them.

A magical road would separate from the main road as it moves within the darkness as it connects the end of the road with the right road. The main road would not diminish even after many roads separated from it, as it would immediately materialise a new road over the empty spot.

(A/N. Think of the roads working the same way as the Harry Potter staircase, connecting from one staircase to another. No idea what they’re called)

How this works, is that each carriage has stones embedded somewhere out of eyesight in the carriage. The stone acts as an identification device that would tell the magical entrance where they are supposed to go.

Each carriage was already designated for each group, with very powerful families and the dojos having this perks of instantly arriving at their own respective area. Whereas the low ranked ones would have to enter through the arena, mingling with the crowd, registering their name and get assigned into a resting area full of other people. Such is the different between people belonging to one with a powerful background to one who doesn’t have one.

Within the darkness, suddenly a blinding light shone upon the carriage from the left. Revealing the gold embroideries decorated on the carriage. Without warning, a creaking sound resonated in the dark. In response the carriage door opened, everyone silently and in a discipline way, spilled out from the carriage and entered into the bright light.

Their expressions didn’t show shock, it was as if though they have experienced this sort of thing before. Unlike other groups, who have experienced how the entrance of the Coliseum worked for the first time, couldn’t help but be either scared or vigilant to the max.

When the dragon group entered through the light, suddenly the view dimmed down. No longer bright as it revealed what was hidden behind it. A luxurious rectangular room appeared before them, with the front right side of the room made completely of tinted window that was leaned on an angle. Seven chairs spaced evenly side by side embroidered with silvery dragons as it faced the window, opposite of the window was a wall in metallic green colour and a door opposite of them.

As if by tacit understanding, everyone except Fenit sat down. Because this was his first time coming to a tournament with the big five, Fenit couldn’t help but be embarrassed as he didn’t know which chair was his until everyone sat down. Seeing the chair, he speedily took it before everyone full sat down so as not to embarrass himself any further.

Meanwhile, the Judges didn’t have chairs for them and each of them separated, standing at each corner. Luca stayed standing and stood between Kusan and Nage. Who were the sixth and fifth chair occupants from right to left, with Serenity being the seventh person and Fenit on the first chair while Saole, Dray and Kayle were on the second, third and fourth chairs.

“From now onwards, everything is up to you two.”

Both nodded their heads. What Luca was talking about was, from now on everything that happens from this day forth in the tournament is in your hands. This includes, planning, strategy, information gathering and so forth that makes a team formidable. This is to make them grow beyond being lead around like a sheep following the shepherd for food and shelter.

Nage and Kusan simultaneously stood up and walked up before the tinted window. Down below them was the bustling crowd that numbered more than a hundred thousand people, as they all scurried around trying to get to their chairs before it’s taken.

The crowd chairs were slanted on an angle, to allow those in the back to see the extremely large open plain in the middle of the Coliseum. The large plain was so large and round that it could practically fit an army of fifty thousand troops inside.

In the middle of the plain, was a raised platform with a fifty metre tall hexagonal shaped match board with countless lines and numbers interconnecting, with names placed near the ends of the board. Only four names weren’t grouped up, they were the seeded teams and were automatically placed in the round of 32. Green Hatchlings, Mulin Blades, Imperial Prospects and the unknown Bluguard. This is the match board for the tournament, due to how many people they were expecting, the Coliseum organisers naturally brought out the biggest match board in order to accommodate for everyone.

Green Hatchlings are the official name for the Dragon disciples.

Strangely enough, Kusan revealed a smile when he saw the name ‘Bluguard’.

“Ladies and Gentlemen”

The originally loud and restless crowd instantly quietened down as the announcer just spoke.

“The Coliseum is proud to announce today, that the official ‘City Selection’ has started!”

The moment the announcer raised his hand as he uttered the last words. Fireworks suddenly erupted from out of thin air as it exploded in the sky. Dazzlingly rainbows brightened the sky, animals flying through the air as they roared, all accompanied by cheers and screams from the crowd.

Kusan just stood unmoving as he scrutinised the board. Nage likewise did the same thing, he stroked his chin as he frowned, showing he was deep in thought about something. Serenity and Kayle couldn’t help but scream and cheer like cheerleaders when they saw their favourite animals flying through the air exploding, flashing and disappearing before their eyes.

Saole seemingly infected by the crowd happiness, also clapped as he watched children laughing with their parents with traces of envy and loneliness. Dray mumbled about how such a big opening theme was such a waste of the Empire’s money as he fiddled with an abacus that appeared from nowhere. Fenit just stood there trying to act indifferent but realised he was the only odd one out as he thought that this should be how elites should act before such a charade.

After ten minutes, the fireworks stopped and the crowd slowly died down but many citizens were happy about the display. One must know that to buy a firework is expensive, even magical fireworks display were also rare in the public as the city has very strict laws regarding magic in public places. Even so, to actually hire a mage for a show is something that only the nobles can afford, so it wasn’t surprising that the populace was happy about such a breathtaking spectacle that is a rare sight in the capital.

“Now, today!

We will now start the match!

First up, is the….”

And so began the start of the biggest event in the continent.