A large flux of soldiers and battalions traveled through the castle. The Archmage led the Golden Circle through several hallways. Everyone was headed toward the backside of the grand palace. The majority of the group was excited to see a few battles. Others didn't care at all. Shu happened to be in this category.
The young swordsman planned to be a part of the audience. He would never unsheathe his katana unless it was to kill or capture. Spars and such would always be a hassle for him.
Shu couldn't help but take in the grand sights. There was too much divinium and crystal coating the walls. Divinium was a material that eclipsed gold and diamond. It was formed from pure concentrated mana. As they walked, Muzette spoke.
"Boya ~ are you going to show off your skills?" She asked. He shook his head.
"...I'd rather not."
"Awww…what if I ask you to do it for me?"
"Nope."
"Ara ~ you're hurting my feelings. What a bad boy!" She mewled with her hands on her chest.
Stark huffed beside them. It was the sound of contempt. Everyone turned to him with a raised eyebrow. Anyone could tell he had something to say.
"You believe yourself to be above sparring? Rubbish. Why don't you fight me then? We can actually try to kill each other! Haha! It'll be fun!"
"Eh…maybe later." Shu responded. Commander Aiden spoke up.
"Is there anyone here that you would actually fight?" He asked.
Shu thought for a moment. His gaze went toward the front of the crowd, where Tree of Eden was. The blind fighter strolled along with his hands behind his back. A glint appeared in the sleepy man's eyes.
"There might be." The swordsman concluded.
The group traveled for a bit longer, silence reigning over them. All of the surrounding people were unconsciously merging together. Shu and Rin eventually found themselves separated from their team. Now that they were alone, the snow demon grabbed his wrist.
"Shu."
"Hmm."
"Don't fight today." She suggested. The lazy samurai raised an eyebrow.
"You don't want me to participate? Why?"
"There's too much of a disadvantage. You won't be using your blade, while everyone else will. Don't forget, you're the Legendary recruit. People will be gunning for you." Rin explained. Shu's lips rose into a slight grin.
"Ah, so you're worried about me?" He concluded.
Rin shook her head. The tassel hanging from her ronin hat swayed back and forth. A slight frown adorned her cute face.
"Nevermind. Forget I said anything." She huffed calmly.
"No way...you aren't getting off that easily!" He quipped in a playful manner.
The sleepy man pulled her away from the crowd. After a few seconds, they disappeared in one of the long hallways. Shu pressed her against the wall. He looked down at her with a slight smile. Rin looked up at him with her usual poker face.
"Say it." He hummed.
"........."
"Just say it, Rin."
"...Say what?"
"You're worried I'll get injured. Isn't that right?"
"No."
"So if I participated in these matches, you wouldn't care?"
"...Do whatever you want." She muttered.
"Aww, that's no fun." He retorted as his mana breather retracted. His voice was back to normal.
The young samurai tilted up her metal kasa. He then leaned closer toward her cute upturned face. His lips covered hers, his tongue forcing its way into her little mouth. Shu was given complete control as she followed his whims. When he pulled back, a beautiful line of saliva connected their lips.
"You should admit it. Until you do, we'll stay right here. We might even miss the whole event." He joked. Rin took his words seriously. Her eyes lit up with the possibility of him not fighting.
"Hmph. Pervert Shu. I have nothing to admit." She declared with a victorious grin.
"Then…I'm going to make your lips swollen." He whispered before giving her another deep kiss.
Rin's hands gently pushed against his chest. The lazy man was dominating her tasty mouth. He would nibble on her lips before pulling back, and their tongues would swirl passionately. His thumb caressed her soft cheek all the while. It didn't seem like they'd be moving anytime soon.
…
…
…
"Hmm? Where did those two brats go?" Stark asked. It was only then that the group realized they were gone.
"Must've gotten separated. We'll see them again at the field." Aiden assumed.
"Let's hope so! I'd hate for them to get lost…" Muzette trailed off mysteriously.
Her eyes dilated as she peered through the walls of the palace. It didn't take long to see what those rascals were up to. A knowing smile adorned her face. What a shameless pair of lovebirds! Right here in the home of the king?
'Mnnn…That's so hot!' She thought.
They finally reached the massive field in about ten minutes. A makeshift arena existed in the middle. If one looked north, they'd see the ocean waves crashing in the distance. All of the battalions lined up on the side, while King Solomon conjured some chairs.
The earlier maids and workers appeared once more, passing out desserts and drinks. It had turned into an outside event. Etris, who was still fuming, quickly appeared on the stage. Her eyes were on Pryce.
A vein was present on the hotheaded man's forehead. Who the hell did she think she was? He needed to teach her a lesson. A rough lesson that only his bat could teach. Not wasting any time, he stomped over to the arena.
"Alright everyone. Once the exhibition matches are over, we'll present the stars of achievement. Then the floor will be open for anyone to give advice. You are all free to leave after that." King Solomon explained.
Two auras spiked on the stage. Both Pryce and Etris were raring to go. It didn't seem like this was going to be a friendly spar. That's their problem though. As long as nobody dies or gets maimed, anything is accepted.
"With that being said, let's begin the first match. Vance, would you mind taking over?" The Archmage finished. He'd rather sit back with Sophie and Osbern.
The commander of Tree of Eden approached. He would be the referee. His yellow tinted sunglasses glowed in the light.
"Alright then. Recruit Etris of Ravencorpse versus Recruit Pryce of Phoenix Talon. Begin!"