*****************¶¶*****************
Time passed and a few participants had managed to reach the fourth step, with some on the third step.
Also surprisingly amongst them on the third step was the young man who climbed the stairs after Arthur and Zaith, and got scared away.
"Hah...hah...I can't..." He panted hard and was not even able to stand. He knelt on all fours, sweating profusely.
'Why?!' He thought to himself.
'Why am I so weak...why can't I be like them?' He struggled to raise his head and looked at Arthur and Zaith who had their backs straight on the ninth step.
No one paid him any attention, for he was not part of the main characters of today.
'I will not accept this!'
Suddenly, an unrelenting will to not fail filled the young man's mind and he shakily began to stand.
But no one noticed this, his hand trembled, and slowly he was on his feet. And without hesitation, he climbed on the fourth step.
*Tap!*
The instant he did that, he felt something change within him, something intangible and he knew in his heart.
'I am transformed!'
Arthur suddenly opened his eyes wide and turned his head to look behind him. His gaze fell on the young man who just stepped onto the fourth step.
'This is the first time I am witnessing this...'
'The rise of a main character!'
In this world, there are certain people that are just favored by the heavens. Blessed with either unusual talent, great background, or fortuitous encounters.
But some are not blessed with any of these things. Those are self-made and pushed themselves to the peak with nothing but an unbending will to succeed.
Arthur was sure by the witness of his Fate Sense.
'He is one of them!'
**********
Atop a tower very close to where Arthur and the others were undergoing their test. The girl with silver-colored hair stood with her grandfather, the Supreme Guardian of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
"You were right grandfather, this is a little interesting to watch," the girl smiled a little.
"Hahaha, just a little interesting?"
"Yes, because to be honest, in a way all I see are just boys getting sweaty while they climb a bunch of steps."
"And this ain't my definition of fun," she said in a bored tone even though her eyes said otherwise.
"Hmm, then what is your definition of fun then, Kira?" The Supreme Guardian asked.
"Well, a martial arts tournament would be more fun to watch. As for this? You know I'm not into swords so..."
"I see, then you will have to wait. When the Grand Martial Arts Tournament comes you will have all the fun you want," The Supreme Guardian had an expectant look in his eyes.
It was the same for Kira too, "Yeah, I can't wait. And I heard that this year's tournament is way different from the rest, but there has been no information as to why that was."
"My deadbeat father refused to say anything, just like always," Kira pouted as she recalled why her father says anytime she asks about the matters of the cultivation world.
'You are still not strong enough to understand such matters. It will only hinder your cultivation.'
"Hahaha! Your father got that from me."
"So it's your fault grandfather!"
"Not really, that is something common in the cultivation world. When a person is considered weak, he or she is not qualified to know how deep the waters are in this world."
"I understand, but can you tell me what is going on with this year's tournament, please?" Kira held her grandfather's robe.
"Fine, I'll tell you," her grandfather gave in.
"The thing that made this year's Grand Martial Arts Tournament special is that the Emperor had announced that if the winner is of royal lineage the would be made the Crown Prince."
"But isn't the crowned prince supposed to be the Emperor's first son?" Kira asked.
"The Emperor does not have a son."
"Oh..."
"See, this is why I told your father to let you go out more. You are clueless about some vital information."
A few minutes later, Kira's grandfather had finished explaining things to her.
"Now I get it. Thanks, grandfather, you're the best!"
"Well it is not really a secret, your father didn't have any reason to not tell you. Maybe he had said those words too many times that he now says them on instinct whenever you ask him about some matters."
"Hmm, that could be possible," Kira nodded in agreement.
**********
Meanwhile, Luke just finished testing his martial spirit and passed the test.
"So you are from that clan?" Asked the Elder in charge.
"Yes, I am," Luke answered.
"You know, back then your clan members were nobles that had a very great reputation throughout the continent and beyond."
"Until now, it still remains a mystery to most what happened that made such a clan be reduced to such a state," the Elder looked at Luke thoughtfully.
Luke clenched his fists when he heard that and remained silent.
The Elder saw that he had touched on a sensitive topic and decided to do more.
"Anyway, with this done, you are now an unofficial outer disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Your identity will become official after taking the next test."
"Now go through the door to my right and you will be told what to do next."
Like nodded and left. But even while he did so, his fists were still clenched tightly. It seems that what the Elder said was still on his mind.
"Bring in the next participant!"
**********
Hartfield Empire
The Emperor's Throne Room.
A few people half-knelt before the Emperor gave a report.
"That is the message we received Your Majesty!"
The Emperor went silent for while before speaking.
"I understand. Begin the preparations for the tournament immediately."
"As you will, Your Majesty!" They responded and stood up, leaving the throne room.
"Send word to Arthur...The Grand Martial Arts Tournament has been will take place much earlier than planned," He spoke to the air, but a voice replied.
"Yes, Your Majesty..."
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A/N: Please Vote For This Book With Power Stones and Golden Tickets!