Alfred's pov:
2 hours earlier:
A middle-aged man was standing in a large room decorated with monster heads on the walls.
And a young handsome man with similar looks was standing in front of him.
"Father..."
"Loren."
Loren was looking at the ground nervously, the moment he got back home, his father's subordinates have already told him about his defeat.
"It seems, my teachings were taken for granted."
A look of disappointment was on his face.
Loren's face instantly turned to anger.
"Father! It wasn't my fault!"
"My men told me you were beaten quite one-sidedly. How is it not your fault? Are you blaming me for not teaching you everything then?"
Loren was quiet.
"It was your own volition to fight him, and yet you lost. Haven't I taught you anything? You learn when you lose, not when you win. Yet what have you learned? As soon as you arrived, excuses have been the only thing coming out of your mouth."
Alfred turned his back toward him.
"If you have any semblance of honor to this family, then leave. I'm not in the mood for your mistakes."
Loren watched his father walk away. His hands were clenched into fists, and his eyes turned cold. A vicious smile was on his face.
"Kane, just wait, soon I'll have my revenge."
Loren touched a ring in his pocket, the ring has a single black bead in the middle, and as soon as he touched it, the black bead turned transparent.
"Hehehe, let's see you enjoy your gift now~"
A maniacal laugh echoed in the room.
.
.
In an empty white room, a man can be seen kneeling in front of a large portrait.
A beautiful woman with black hair sitting on a chair was on it.
"Kayla, what would you have done? Our son is no longer the son we once had... Ever since you passed away, Loren's become someone different..."
Alfred had a pained expression on his face.
He held a simple sting necklace around his neck.
"If only you were here..."
A knock came on the door.
"Your majesty, the crystal is ready. Would you like to call king Richard?"
Alfred heaved a deep sigh, then his face turned serious once again.
"Call him."
.
.
Present time.
A handsome young man with black hair can be seen on the screen.
He was wearing black clothes that matched his chiseled face, his body was perfectly toned and can be seen even through the clothes, and his eyes showed no fear.
'I see... No wonder Loren lost. This kid has some experience.'
His eyes changed direction, he looked at the smile on Kane's face.
Alfred grinned. 'Not afraid I see. Haha, alright young man, I'll see what you can do.'
"Kane Vond, fight me."
***
Kane's pov
A feeling of excitement began to rise and a black mist slowly covered his body.
"Fufu, I can't turn down a challenge especially when it comes from a king right?"
A toothy grin was on his face as he looked at the man on the screen. He stared into the man's eyes and fearlessly said.
"I accept."
A boisterous laugh echoed around the room, and the screen in front even began to shake. Alfred was laughing hysterically on his throne and a wide smile was on his face. His eyes showed satisfaction as the laughing soon stopped.
"Haha, I like you, young man. There are close to none that would dare to challenge me, even lesser who accepts my challenge."
Alfred got up from the throne and sheathed his word he crossed his arms around his chest.
"Well as the challenger, you have the choose the rules of our battle."
Alfred reflected the same grin and said.
"So how will it be young man."
Kane was relieved, he knew he wasn't capable of fighting him yet, so he was glad that he let him choose when and where to battle.
"Thank you, your highness."
"No need for honorifics, just call me Alfred. There are few who are ballsy enough like you so as such, you can treat me like a friend."
"Alright, Alfred. Hmm, how about next month? On the same day in the royal battle arena. I'm not feeling confident now, but maybe then I can put up a fight."
Kane's words took everyone by surprise, no one even thought he would be able to talk back to him, that's how much they know how strong Alfred is.
The elves had no choice but to admire his bravery, but they were also forced to think that Kane was an idiot.
'I can't believe it...'
'Either that child is ignorant, or he's the bravest man in the continent.'
'He's so handsome~'
The elves unknowingly turned their heads toward a young elven man,
"What?
...
Meanwhile loud shouting can be heard inside Kane's mind.
'Kane! How can you accept his challenge like that?! Do you even know the man you're talking to?'
Angelica was the first one to voice her opinion.
'Kane, I advise you to think about this. I know Alfred myself, he's not a man you should trifle with.'
Angela's voice came next.
'Kane... Please don't do this. I don't want to lose you.'
Laura came last.
The girls weren't even surprised that they can hear each other, they were too concerned about Kane's safety.
Kane turned toward Scarlett expecting her to say something as well, but as he look at her, a mischievous grin was on her face.
Scarlett felt his eyes checking on her.
'What? Thought I'd be worried?'
'Yeah...'
'Fufu. I'll tell you later.'
Another round of laughing came from the screen.
"Great! I'll be there in a month's time. I expect to have a great fight by then seeing as how confident you are. Alright, since everything has been settled, I'll take my leave Kane Vond."
"Just Kane is fine, Alfred."
"Puahaha, alright Kane, I'll be waiting."
The screen disappeared and an empty silence came to the room.
"What?"
"Kane..."
Richard muttered his name with his hand on his face, he sadly looked at him and said.
"I'll prepare your funeral."
"..."