" Wait, I can't just enter into a tournament" Kojo said getting to his feet, surprised by the information.
" And isn't there a procedure for this?"
" There is,but you are a very capable warrior.
You were the one who slayed the demonized beast that attacked the city" The duke said taking a sip of tea.
Kojo turned to Jack.
" Jack,man you got to help me"
" He can't help you. He is the one who recommended you to father"
Kojo turned and saw Reynolds walking into the room accompanied by a girl. She had a pretty face and blue hair.
"She's cute " Kojo said. He suddenly felt a menacing aura coming from the couch wher the girls were seated.
" Yeah. Wait Jack suggested me?" Kojo turned to him.
" Come on"
" Well you are a capable fighter,both in terms of fighting skill
And your magical ability exceed anything I've seen. In our brief spar I knew I couldn't beat you. "
" I'm sure you could have if you had taken it seriously " Kojo said.
" Nope . Even if I did you still wouldn't take it seriously. "Jack took a sip of tea.
" Well I'd attribute that to lazy writing in the part of the writer. But that's not the point. Can't I opt out if this Contest thing. I have no interest in become some gladiator for the entertainment of some nobles "
" I've already entered your name as Opals representative. I just called you ahead of time so that you can prepare." Duke Philip said as he poured himself more tea.
" Rey,you got to help me" Kojo pleaded. Reynolds shook his head.
" Sorry ,can't help you. My father's already made up his mind."
Kojo looked back at the girls.
" Oh don't worry about your friends.Theyll be given front row seats to watch you fight"The duke said
" Well that's reassuring " Kojo said sarcastically.
" Aside that ,should you win,you will be awarded a sum of 100000 credits and one if my estates. You will also acquire the inflict that comes with being named as 'Champion'
" And if I loose?" Kojo asked.
" Well you die" Jack responded."It is a fight to the death after all"
" You seem awfully calm,seeing as my life is on the line." Kojo
" This is a big deal for us since no one from this province has ever won the tournament since it was first held 360 years ago."
"Wow I'm all fired up now" Kojo said dully.
" I know right." The duke said cheerfully." Do us proud Atari"
Kojo sighed.
" Oh I forgot,if you win,I'll give you my daughter Adriana as a bride" he said raising his hand at the girl standing beside Reynolds.
" Huh?!"Kojo exclaimed
Sharone,Koniko and Lin opened Thier mouths in surprise.
Adriana's face turned red." F-father." She began.
(Wow,this just keep on getting better)
" What's my life turning into" Kojo questied himself burying his face in his hands.
" And why are those three directing all their intent at me like it's my fault."
(Aren't you going to try to smooth talk your way out if this one?)
" It's no use, I can see he's already made up his mind"
" Um Mister Philip sir" Kojo spoke up" I can try to participate in your tournament thing but is the bride part really necessary?"
" Consider it my way if giving you morale. Who wouldn't want to marry a Royal?" The duke said.
" I wouldn't"
( Yes you would)
" Whose side are you on?)
Just then the door burst open and a man and a woman walked in. They wore Silver armor under white cloaks.They had strange crosses on Thier chestplates and cloaks.The man scowled at Kojo the moment he saw him
" What's his problem. Is he entering a death match too?" Kojo wondered. The lady with him wore an expressionless face and averted her face to the ground. She raised her head and looked at him.Kojo felt force,like a strong wind blowing him back. He stood his ground and looked into her blue eyes. He felt a chill.
( An appraisal skill was just used)
" I thought that didn't work on me"
( I managed to block it but barely. Whoever she is,She's strong)
" But just who are these guys?"
( SAGE: these are knights of the church if Undying light. Judging by Thier appearance they are saints.The lady is the Archsaint of the world while the man is the Fourth saint if the world)
" No way. " Kojo's eyes widened. " She's the hero?!"
" Ah, Lady Yukio,Sir Leonard,what a surprise" The duke said getting to his feet Jack followed suit.
" Yukio? Isn't that name...?"Kojo wondered.
" Apologies for arriving so late. We had to deal with a Maajin attack in Heliopolis." Yukio said.
" We were informed that there had been an attack on the city a few months ago.We came to investigate as it may be Connected to a wanted curse magic user."
" The beast has already been taken care off and no curse magic was detected in the area." Jack said.
Kojo and his friends watching them talk with Jack and Duke Philip.
Kojo eyes the girl but she caught him staring. Kojo quickly looked away.
" Her name is Yukio." He thought." Strange hearing that name in this place." Kojo looked her over.
"Probably a coincidence.She seems young.Looks to be in her late teens or early twenties. InPerfect physical condition."
( You sound like a pervert)
Skan
BLOCKED.
" The hell?!" Kojo though stunned.
Yukio stopped talking and looked him. He smiled nervously. She didn't smile back. She walked up to him. She stood Infront if him and sized him up.
" And who might you be?" She asked with a smile surprising Kojo.
" Oh where have my manners gone" the duke said laughing.
" These four are actually the ones who defeated the demonized Lynx.Sharone,Lin ,Koniko and Kojo" The duke out a hand on Kojo's shoulder.
" Kojo" Yukio repeated.
The duke then turned to Kojo.
" These are Sir Leonard Dorftille Fourth saint of the church of Undying light and lady Yukio Hayashi Archsaint of the same church"
" Both her names Sound japanese.what do you think Sysia?" There's was silence in his head
" Sysia"
( Hayashi)
" Hm?"
( Nothing. It's probably just a coincidence)
" Anyway, sup? Can I call you Leo?" Kojo greeted them jovially he extended his hand to Leonard.
" Hm." Turned away"Quite unlikely that a band if commoners such as yourself could kill a demon"
" Ok I do not like this guy" Kojo thought to himself while maintaining a smile.
( Arrogant bastard)
" Yep" Kojo agreed.
Yukio kicked him.
" Ow" Leonard yelped.
" I was.only saying the truth. Saying these people killed the demon is absolutely ludicrous-" Yukio glared at him and he shut up. She turned back to Kojo. He tensed.
" Hi,I'm Yukio Hayashi nice to meet you." She said extending her hand. Kojo shook it surprised." Don't mind my earlier demeanor. You see what I had to deal with in my way here"
" Yeah" Kojo agreed.
"Hey!" Leo yelled.
" You must be pretty strong to take on a demonic beast all by yourself "
" Nah,my friends did most of the heavy lifting "
" But I heard you delivered the death blow"
" Kojo here is going to represent Opal in this year's Dio'ri tournament. I picked him myself" The duke chipped in.
" Wow, you must be the real deal if someone as choosy as Sir Philip picked you out himself. Makes me wonder how strong you are"Yukio said tightening her gril on Kojos hand.
" hm?"
Sharone sensed something.
" Kojo!" She yelled gettytk her feet. But she was too slow the two had already dissapeared.
Kojo blinked. Heheard a loud whooshing soundas if the wind was rushing past him.
"Eh?"
He turned to face the ground. It took him amoment to realize he was in the skies above the beast glades miles away from Ekron.
"EEEEEEEEEH?!"