Cornelius and I make our way toward the arena. During the walk to the arena, I've begun to notice that people started looking at me with recognizing eyes as they quickly start to whisper and talk to each other.

“You've become quite popular.” Cornelius says to me, seemingly not surprised.

“It's even more excessive than I thought it would be.” I answer ignoring all the murmurs and stares.

“Really? It's not that surprising in my opinion. You are one of the last standing candidates in a tournament that holds the attention of the entire city.” Cornelius says in a surprisingly serious tone.

“How many candidates are left?” I ask, wondering how long this godforsaken tournament is going to continue.

“Around 10, however, it seems that many are forfeiting seeing the difference in their strength compared to other candidates,” Cornelius answers, sending glares toward our many onlookers.

“My opponent hasn't forfeited yet?” I ask a bit annoyed at the possibility that I'm seen as one of the weaklings.

“No, he hasn't.”

“Well, I wonder who it could be.” I say whilst shrugging my shoulders, leaving the annoying topic behind.

Arriving at the arena, I quickly get guided by one of the many priests strolling about in this place. The room where I'm guided is far more decorated and comfortable compared to the barren locker room from before.

“What a nice surprise.” I say in jest towards the monotone priest.

“The last 10 participants have gained the interest of the church and will be provided with services adequate towards their stature.” The priest answers still sounding as emotionless as ever.

I pour some “wicked blossom” as boredom finds me rather quickly.

'Strange, yesterday I was nervous and wanted to even read my future in the hope of heightening my chances to win. However now I just want it to be over already.' I think to myself trying to rationalize my thoughts and emotions.

“Am I allowed to know my opponent?” I ask the priest that hasn't left for some reason.

“Your opponent is Aeron a Wraith knight trained by the Wraith queen Anima herself.” The priest answers.

'Well, I wasn't really expecting an answer. Don't they keep it a complete secret so that no accidents can happen before the battle?' I wonder whilst trying to understand the intentions behind telling me this.

“Is there something I should be aware of?” I ask the priest, interested in this sudden action.

“Could you clarify?” The priest answers his response still as robotic as ever.

“The church has always made themselves clear that they wouldn't favor any of the participants. So this sudden interest in this battle could be considered a sign of favoritism couldn't it?” I ask the priest trying to get a clear answer.

“The church does not influence the duels in any way. However, that does not mean that the church is clueless about the power struggle in Lucille's Light. Ergillaz Talvit who you fight under is not an ally nor enemy of the church.” The priest explains in a dreadfully boring tone.

“What about the wraith queen?” I ask seeing that their behavior is not influenced by me or Ergillaz.

“The wraith queen appears to be more....radical in certain beliefs that differ with the vision our lord the first sight has.” The priest answers, his tone doesn't give away the uneasiness but the delayed response definitely does.

“What would this difference be?” I ask, putting pressure on the priest with the aura of my mana.

“The wraith queen has lived for a long time and believes that one person should hold all the power compared to an institution. Just like in the olden days when the goddess Luciel ruled as a one-woman monarchy over Lucile's Light.”

“What happened to your goddess?” I ask just trying to pass the time. I'm already satisfied that I know that the wraith queen and the church seem to be at odds with each other. Prying any further will probably not be appreciated.

“It is believed that the goddess passed away about a millennia ago.”

“From old age?” I ask a little interested.

“It is unknown, but it's safe to say that dying from old age isn't a real threat for immortal beings. Even we demons and devils are immortal after all.” The priest says seemingly completely fine discussing this topic.

'Wait, so I'm immortal? I didn't really think about that. It beats dying at the age of 18 at the very least.' I think to myself realizing just how weird it will be to live forever.

'Well if I'm not brutally killed at least.' I say to myself mentally, preparing myself for the duel to come.

“Do you have any information about my opponent that I can use during the duel?” I ask having just finished my glass of “wicked blossom.”

“No, As previously stated the wraith queen and the first sight have been at odds, and thus any relevant information about this participant was well hidden.”

“What a shame. If you don't have anything else to say to me then leave me be.” I say to the priest, disappointed that no relevant information about Aeron could be given to me.

“It appears that won't be necessary. If you would like to follow me, your duel is about to begin.” The priest says as a rune appears on his hand. He makes his way towards the arena, not looking back even once.

I follow the priest, a forfeit would be rather anti-climatic and Ergillaz his rage is something I don't want to experience.

'Besides… I would absolutely love to destroy him and his condescending eyes.' A devilish smile escapes my calm facade as my bloodlust makes my blood pump at an abnormally high speed.

Arriving at the arena, cheers erupt from the crowd. However, that spectacle does not matter to me. What matters to me is the wraith knight I can see on the other side. Our eyes meet filled with malice and hatred, making it clear that no mercy will be given.