Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, as Bennet and Hugo continued to grow both as individuals and as warriors. Their journey within the kingdom had evolved into a series of trials and triumphs, each experience forging them into formidable members of their guild and the kingdom's defense.
Their days were filled with diverse missions and responsibilities, each task designed to test and hone their skills. From guarding important trade routes to embarking on scouting missions deep into the heart of the wilderness, they faced the challenges with unwavering determination. The guild had become their second family, the place where they found camaraderie and a sense of purpose.
Their lives had become intertwined with those of their close friends, Lucio and Zaira. More often than not, the four of them found themselves grouped together in various assignments,
Young warriors no longer just talk about the elite Lucio and Zaira, Instead, their team has been the talk of the town. Not just any team, but a team of exceptional young warriors who had proved themselves time and again. The stories of their exploits had spread far and wide within the city.
Rumors and tall tales had a way of spreading like wildfire, one particularly outlandish story that had gained traction was the claim that the four of them had managed to bring down a fearsome titan goblin. Bennet, Hugo, Lucio, and Zaira vehemently denied such a far-fetched account of their exploits, finding it more amusing than anything else.
Yet, despite their protests and insistence that the story was pure fiction, people seemed to prefer believing in the extraordinary. Perhaps it was the allure of the fantastical, the idea that a group of young warriors could accomplish what most deemed impossible. The tale of their supposed victory over a titan goblin became a legend in its own right, spoken of in hushed tones and exaggerated with each retelling.
Bennet had finally achieved the same level as Zaira, marking a significant milestone in his journey as a warrior. Both he and Hugo had attained level twelve just a week ago, they have been working relentlessly and putting in tireless effort in their training.
Beyond leveling up, Bennet's proficiency with dual blades had shown progress, now standing at a solid C+. Hugo, on the other hand, had demonstrated exceptional skill with the halberd, reaching an impressive B rating. Notably, Hugo had also experienced a growth spurt. Despite having only turned twelve years old a month ago, he now stood taller than many kids older than him. His physical development was keeping pace with his growing prowess as a warrior, making him an imposing presence on the battlefield.
There were occasions when Hugo was singled out and requested to perform guard duties. The castle guard captain repeatedly emphasized that Hugo's remarkable height made him easily recognizable as an adult warrior, his towering stature had become an advantage in certain situations, as it conveyed a sense of authority and deterrence to potential threats.
Martha, their mother, had flourished as a merchant, expanding her trade routes far and wide. Her remarkable success in the business world had earned her the prestigious title of "Master Merchant," granting her the privilege of conducting trade directly with the government.
Her close association with the Celestial Fox guild, where her sons were members, proved to be mutually beneficial. Many of her hunting requests were channeled to the guild, contributing significantly to its rapid growth and reputation. The guild's proficiency in fulfilling these requests had garnered them immense recognition and trust among the kingdom's citizens.
People from all corners of the kingdom sought their services, from simple monster extermination tasks to more complex missions involving espionage and protecting government members.
Eliador, the guild master of the Celestial Fox guild, was an exceptional leader, and his talents extended beyond combat. While he may not have been one of the strongest warriors in the guild, his diplomatic skills were top-notch. Eliador possessed a keen understanding of human nature and a profound ability to bring out the best in those around him.
One of his most remarkable qualities was his knack for recognizing the unique talents and potential of each guild member. Whether someone was a novice just starting their journey as a warrior or a seasoned veteran, Eliador had a way of pinpointing their strengths and guiding them toward their full potential.
His diplomatic finesse extended to negotiations with clients, local authorities, and even rival guilds, allowing the Celestial Fox guild to navigate complex situations with grace and tact.
"So, there's an upcoming tourney, and I am thinking of sending the two of you over," Eliador mentioned with a reassuring smile.
Bennet and Hugo exchanged surprised glances as Eliador delivered the unexpected news about the upcoming tournament.
Bennet couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Why not the more seasoned warriors? We have many skilled veterans in the guild."
Eliador's smile widened as he explained, "That's because this particular tournament has an age restriction. Only young warriors under fifteen years old are eligible to compete. And, among our young warriors, the two of you are already the best."
Bennet and Hugo exchanged another glance, this time with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Representing the Celestial Fox guild in a tournament was a significant honor and responsibility, and they were eager to rise to the occasion.
"We won't let you down, Guild Master," Bennet said with determination.
Eliador nodded, his confidence in their abilities unwavering. "I have no doubt about that. Train hard, and make us proud, as you always do."
Exiting the Guild Master's chamber, they were greeted by a fellow young warrior who approached with a hopeful expression.
"Is the guild master sending you on a new mission? Can I tag along?" inquired the young warrior.
It was none other than Leo, a timid and introverted member who had often been the target of bullying by some of the other youth warriors. Bennet and Hugo had consistently shown kindness and support to him, setting them apart as true friends.
"Regrettably, it's not a new mission. We've just been informed that we'll be participating in the upcoming tournament," Bennet explained.
"Apologies, Leo. When the next mission comes around, we'll be sure to request your company," Hugo assured him.
"Thank you, and I'll be cheering for you in the tournament!" Leo replied with a heartfelt smile, showing his support for his friends.
Hugo couldn't help but watch Leo as he walked away, a sense of sympathy welling up within him. He knew all too well why others in the guild treated Leo with disdain. It was because of his father's crimes—the disgrace of being the son of the fallen Duke weighed heavily on him, staining his reputation and causing others to hold him in contempt.
Even though his father received capital punishment- the death penalty a decade ago, it was a heavy burden for him to carry, one that he couldn't easily shed despite the passage of time.
"Let's go, we still need to register for the tourney," Bennet urged, setting their course.
"See you next time, Leo!" Hugo called out with a wave, then joined Bennet in a brisk run towards the registration area.
With a smile, Leo settled into a chair, patiently waiting for a potential assignment to come his way.
Upon arriving at the coliseum, which was situated near the academy, they joined a line that consisted of at least fifty other young warriors. It was a diverse gathering, with each participant representing a different guild, all eager to compete in the upcoming tournament.
The young warriors from various guilds chatted amongst themselves, some exchanging friendly banter, while others sized up their potential competition. The buzz of conversation around them grew louder. There were murmurs about which guild had the strongest contenders, rumors of exceptional talents among the participants, and even bets being made on the potential winners.
Eliador had briefed them about the rules and format of the tourney earlier. It was a one-on-one match which means that each match was a direct test of a warrior's skills and abilities, with no room for backup or assistance from teammates. The tournament wasn't just about individual warriors' skills; it was an event for guilds to showcase which guild had the potential to produce the best warriors for years to come.
"I'm glad to see you both signing up!" Zaira exclaimed with her usual cheerful demeanor, and as always, Lucio stood by her side.
"Are you signing up as well?" Bennet asked.
"We've already registered, and now we're heading back to our guild to prepare," Lucio answered.
Hugo chuckled with a hint of excitement. "Looks like we might cross swords in the arena this time, huh?" he remarked.
"Indeed, the last time we tested your skills, it was without weapons. This tournament will be a different challenge," Lucio's response carried a note of seriousness.
"Of course, we're looking forward to measuring our skills against yours," answered Bennet.
As the two young warriors from the Shadow Viper guild departed, they knew that they would be the toughest opponents in this tournament. Zaira possessed impressive skills, but it was Lucio who held the reputation as their guild's strongest warrior, even though he seemed to just follow Zaira around.
Hugo grinned mischievously at his older brother. "You think you can win against Lucio in the finals?" he quipped.
Bennet chuckled, keeping their competitive spirit alive. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves; we'll have plenty of fights to go through before we even reach that round," he remarked.
"The bigger question is, can you win against me, toddler?" Hugo teased a hint of laughter in his voice. He couldn't resist poking fun at Bennet's slower growth spurt.
"Very funny!" said Bennett.