"Now I will explain how the show will go down." Xiao Chen said as he looked to his left. With this, disciples of three sects started to walk in and stood in formation. Before the Poseidon's Kiss was destroyed, each sect would send 10 disciples. At the end of the tournament, 8 people would be elected from 40 people. But now only three sects remained, and Master Yontu, who owned the other key, would send two of his champions without even fighting for the spots. Of course, the sects weren't happy with it, but none of them dared to oppose him.
Thirty disciples with their colorful uniforms stood in the line and waited for Prince Consort to continue.
"As you know, we normally allot ten tickets to people of influence in the Kingdom. But it starts to become unfair. There are many masters in the Kingdom and giving privileges to some of them is unfair." Xiao Chen said righteously. "We used to have only one Master Blacksmith, but we now have another. Alchemist Master Yontu also blessed our land with his presence. With these additions, giving tickets to their disciples directly would be unjust to others."
"Son of a b*tch!" Ezio muttered as he clenched his fist.
"Calm down, lad." Aodhfionn held his shoulder to prevent him from barging onto the stage. Xiao Chen at this time looked in their direction with a smile.
"Before, we thought Blacksmith Rank IV was so mighty but our Kingdom is so great, our Princess is benevolent, Masters are coming one after another. First, it was Master Yontu and now, it is Blacksmith Master Haznir gracing us. It only humbles oneself, doesn't it?" He said with a mocking smile.
To the audience, his words meant Xiao Chen felt humbled when he was graced by these masters. But to Ezio, it was clear. He was mocking his master. He was telling Aodhfionn that he shouldn't be smug. This was a direct insult, which in return made Ezio's blood boil in rage.
"Therefore, we sent letters to all the masters to let them know that their selected candidates will have to fight for the seats this year. I am glad they answered our calls. It will only make this tournament more exciting!"
"Bastard!" Aodhfionn muttered under his breath. No one came to let them know. If it wasn't for Ezio who wanted to see the level of disciples, they wouldn't even be there. Aodhfionn for sure wouldn't come to watch them. But luckily they did.
"Oh, Master Aodhfionn. We thought you wouldn't join." A jeering sound entered Ezio's ear at this time. Ezio turned to look at the old man, Li Long, looking at both of them with a mocking smile.
"He always acts haughty, but even he cannot resist the temptation of the domain." Cai Wei said with a burst of boisterous laughter.
"You people are uncivilized." Qiu Tu said as she shook his head," Aodhfionn how have you been, honey?"
Ezio looked at the Sect Leaders in rage. Except for Grandma, everyone was hellbent on embarrassing his master it seemed.
"Please take your place at the stage, champions." Xiao Chen said with a mocking smile.
"Don't worry, master. I promise I will wash away this shame." Ezio swore as he jumped to the stage from the sitting areas. Others were taking the stairs, so he was first to arrive, and when he did, he stood at the forefront and stared straight at Xiao Chen who was smiling at him.
Soon other champions had arrived as well. There were 9 in total and Ezio knew one of them, Alein Hervi. The blonde at the Blacksmith Exam with special Bloody-Green fire. While Ezio was looking at him, the blonde returned the gaze and grinned. Ezio was taken aback because the gaze was malicious. 'What did I do to him?'
"Now that all the contenders are here, I will explain the rules. Out of 40 disciples, only 8 will have the right to enter the domain. But it doesn't mean the fights will end when the top 8 are decided. After all, the winner will enter the domain first, it is a huge advantage. So do your best.
Now, we will randomly match you." He said and walked to a seat reserved for the Royal Family. With Princess Moon in his arms, he sat and looked at the stage. Not long after, a knight in shining armor walked to the stage and looked at the disciples.
"Everything is permitted in fights. Killing, crippling, and injuries are part of battles. If you don't want to get injured or die, forfeit before that.
You cannot use talismans or your own weapons. Tell the staff who will come now what kind of tool you want and they will supply it for you. It is for fairness.
The one who loses gets eliminated and the winner moves on. No second chances. These are the rules." The knight listed the rules seriously as he took a step back. Several men walked to the stage and asked students what kind of weapon they wanted. Ezio asked for a dagger. He held the dagger in his hand and looked at the guy with a bloodthirst. For a second, the guard took a step back in trepidation.
"This dagger is fractured." He said with a steady normal voice, but the whole stadium heard him.
"Audacious! All these weapons were forged by Master Haznir. Are you sullying the name of a Rank IV Blacksmith?" The guard asked as he got his courage back.
"I am not sullying anyone." Ezio declared as he grabbed the hilt of the weapon. He supplied all his Force into it and slammed it to the ground. With a loud clang, the blade was in pieces. "I am a Blacksmith under the tutelage of Master Aodhfionn. I don't care who forged these weapons nor do I care who it offends. I say when I see a bad craft."