The battles finally concluded and the ended rankings were as followed.
~~~
Ray{ Sun } - 1st spot
Belle { Sun flower flora } - 2nd spot
Raven { Stone } - 3rd spot
Cain { Abyssal ocean water } - 4th spot
Stuart { Space } - 5th spot
Airoth { Stone golem } - 6th spot
Delilah { Smoke } - 7th spot
Gahrim { Fire body } - 8th spot
Iris { Wind } - 9th spot
Drew { Tree } - 10th spot
Rak { Sound } - 11th spot
Raphael { Lightning } - 12th spot
Thomas { Ice } - 13th spot
Andrew { Glass } - 14th spot
Orin { Fire } - 15th spot
~~~
There was a podium for the top three which held Ray, Belle and Raven. Ray was standing proudly waving to the rows and rows of people.
'I didn't expect any less from you, this is only one saga of your glorious path!' Arthur said like a proud father. This made Ray's smile brighten as well as the thought of the rewards he would get.
Belle on the other hand had defeat painted all over her face. 'I can't believe I lost to a little brat. How am I going to look father in the eyes...?' Belle's expression grew more and more anxious as time passed.
Raven saw Ray's smile and grew angry and slightly happy. 'I guess mother's care was effective, or maybe my little brother is just a growing monster.' After thinking that she lovingly punched him in the leg.
"Hey, what was that for?!?" Ray turned to her and asked annoyed and in pain while holding his leg.
"It was a friendly punch for your win obviously." Raven said in a mocking tone with her hands facing up and her head tilted to the side saying "Oh well".
"That wasn't a love tap, you Gorilla, that was a knockout punch." Ray retorted while kicking the dust off his podium onto her.
"Don't think I won't beat you up just because your number one!" Raven quietly shouted while glaring at him.
"let's see if you can." Ray said with an arrogant smile. They both balled their fists ready to brawl when the Referee's voice cut them off.
The Box where the Royal family and all the heads suddenly opened up and the glass became stairs. "NOW EVERYBODY BOW YOUR HEADS BEFORE THE KING!!!" The Referee roared making his voice echo.
The whole crowd went silent and bowed as well as the participants except for Ray who remained standing and started staring at the king.
The king and queen walked down the stairs followed by their children who were followed by the branch leaders.
A long platform was created instantly in between the stair and the top three podium. The King reached the bottom of the stair and looked down at Ray, who looked up at him with defiance in his eyes.
The other members of the royal family stood directly behind him while the branch leaders lined up left to right in number order two step behind the King.
"You Ray Solaris have taken the first spot in this tournament and proven your arrogance justified. Although you have defied me twice now, I offer you a chance." The King said loudly.
'IS THIS ARROGANT DOG GOING TO OFFER US A CHANCE TO BEG FOR FORGIVENESS! NO WAY IN HELL WE'LL AGREE.' Arthur roared out fuming with rage. The anger consequently grew in ray's eyes.
The queen had similar thoughts and grinned widely. Until the King raised his hand light enveloped Ray, healing his body back to perfect condition.
"It's a chance to increase your rewards. Originally your would have received rank-B{advanced stage} purified beast core, 4 [rank-C] gear, 1 unique technique book and a 1 day ticket to enter the rank-A [sacred palace realm]. But If you accept this chance I'll give you a ticket for 7 days instead of one." The King said resolutely.
This stunned everyone who heard this especially Arthur, whose anger dissipated.
The queen on the other hand must have stolen all his anger because rage was painted on her face like the mask of an Oni.
Ray kept a straight faced and asked. "What do I have to do?"
The king heard this question as acceptance. He turned to his son Renard and told him to step forward. The King raised his hand and healed the injuries he had given him.
With a voice that boomed out he said. "My son here was the one who attacked you during the battle with my daughter. He has dishonored our family with these actions. Now if you accept he will fight you and if he loses, then he will be DISOWNED." The King announced with his last word being echoed for miles.
This was shocking to Ray, since the man who attacked him and his mom could be so noble. Renard was scared witless by this. Being disowned by the main family was akin to exile.
No one in the kingdom would sell to him.
No one in the kingdom would shelter him.
No one in the kingdom would even talk to him.
Any land in the kingdom or around it couldn't be claimed by him and anyone would be free to claim his head. The last part put the most fear into him since he used his authority, power and charm to force countless women into his bed.
There would definitely be many people out for revenge. HE HAD TO WIN.
Ray on the other hand didn't know much about the prince but the resources of the first family were endless so he would definitely be a formidable opponent.
"What happens if I lose?" Ray asked with a resolute expression. He already made his choice but he wanted to be know what was on the line.
"Besides receiving some injuries, nothing. I will give you the reward either way. However if you impress me then more good fortune may befall you." The king said with a serene smile.
Behind the king was queen who was struggling to keep her emotions in check. What her husband had said was beyond her expectations.
'Disowning her son!?!'
'Giving this arrogant brat a gift!?!'
'ALLOWING HIM TO FURTHER EMBARRASS THE ROYAL FAMILY!?!'
This was unacceptable in her mind but she had no choice to smile and nod or she would be see as a queen her did not support the crown that represented the royal bloodline.
Ray said yes and the king nodded then walked back to the spectator box followed by everyone who came from there except the prince.
The other participants cleared the arena then Ray and Renard took their respective sides. The referee activated the dome then yelled "BEGIN"