Two days later, within the castle...
Fiona prepared for the Academic Exchange, sipping tea in her room.
"Where is he?" Fiona inquired of the maid, taking a delicate sip from her teacup.
"He hasn't emerged from his room for the past two days, ma'am. We have no information about his activities inside that room, but at times, we've heard loud noises emanating from it," the maid reported.
"What kind of noises?" Fiona questioned, her expression puzzled.
"Noises like heavy metallic items being stomped on and the sounds of wood breaking. We've only gone to deliver food to the room every morning, noon, and night. He never permits anyone to enter," the maid replied.
"Well, it seems it's time to find out what he's been up to for the past two days," Fiona declared, rising and making her way towards Anon's room.
"As you wish, miss. I'm also quite curious about his activities," the maid murmured, her voice low, as she followed Fiona.
As the two walked through the corridors, they noticed something amiss – there were no servants bustling about as they usually did.
"Where are all the servants?" Fiona asked, a bewildered expression on her face.
"I don't know, My Queen. It does seem unusual," the maid responded.
Ignoring the situation, they continued directly to Anon's room. Upon reaching it, they found a large gathering of maids and butlers standing outside, attempting to eavesdrop on something behind the door.
"Well, it seems this answers my earlier question," Fiona commented, observing the crowd.
"Oi Cunts, why are you all standing here? Don't you have work to do? You fucking Scumbags, get back to your fucking work." the maid bellowed loudly, addressing the entire assembly of servants. Her commanding tone sent everyone scurrying away, even giving Fiona a slight scare.
"Her voice can still intimidate and repel potential threats for a few seconds. I wonder when I'll get used to it," Fiona mumbled softly.
"My Queen, please proceed," the maid said, bowing and guiding Fiona towards Anon's door.
"Very well," Fiona replied, moving towards the door and knocking on it.
Knock-knock-knock
"Come in... It's open," Anon's voice called from within.
Fiona promptly stepped aside, and the maid opened the door for her.
Upon entering the room, they were met with utter darkness, not a single ray of light to be seen.
"Open the curtains, Maria, I can't see anything inside this dark room." the Queen ordered.
"Yes, My Queen," Maria replied, hurrying to the windows and drawing back the curtains. The room was bathed in bright sunlight.
Fiona surveyed the room and her expression shifted to one of shock.
The room was in complete disarray. Cupboards were broken, the metallic components of the beds were bent into strange shapes, and mattresses lay scattered on the floor.
White walls were shattered, bearing the marks of footprints as though someone had run vertically upon them.
"What on earth has he been doing in this room?" Fiona wondered aloud as she scanned the wreckage, trying to locate Anon.
"Mr. Jule, Where are you ?" She called out loud.
*Thud*
Suddenly, a piece of wood fell from the ceiling.
Fiona and Maria looked up in alarm, observing a piano, a large harp, and a massive copper wardrobe plummeting towards them.
"Ma'am, stay behind me," Maria ordered loudly, creating a small mana defensive circle around both of them.
Fiona quickly took refuge behind Maria and closed her eyes.
Thud... Thud... BANG!
Everything crashed down, but Maria's protective skill shielded them from harm.
*Tik-tak*
*Thud*
The pile of debris began to move and a hand emerged from it.
Maria summoned two gleaming golden swords, assuming a defensive stance.
"My Queen, please stay behind me at all times," Maria instructed, her eyes filled with cold blood expression akin to a murderer.
Thud-thud...
Suddenly, Anon's head emerged from the rubble, his gaze locking onto Maria and Fiona.
"Hmm... Were you standing right below me?" Anon asked, perplexed.
"Explain Yourself ? Why did you attempt to harm the Queen?" Maria demanded, pointing her sword at Anon.
"Hmm... But she's standing perfectly fine behind you," Anon replied, confusion in his voice.
"You just tried to harm her moments ago. If I hadn't been here, she might be dead now. Explain yourself immediately," Maria threatened with her intimidating voice, her golden sword poised near Anon's throat.
"Okay, first of all, remove this thing from in front of my face," Anon requested, flicking his finger on the tip of Maria's sword.
"Secondly, I was merely doing push-ups with these items strapped to my body. Look, there's the pole I was using for the push-ups," Anon pointed towards the ceiling, stepping out of the wreckage Anon removed the thick ropes from his body.
As the ropes fell away, his eight-pack abs were unveiled to both of them.
Maria's face turned crimson as she gazed upon Anon's physique.
"What? You were doing push-ups with all these items strapped to you? Do you even comprehend the value of these items?" Fiona asked upon emerging from her hiding place.
"I was until you interrupted me by opening the curtains. Here's the money for the compensation," Anon replied, tossing a platinum coin towards Fiona.
Fiona was astounded by this, though she maintained her composure and acted as if she didn't care.
"Well, I'm here to remind you about the event. Today is the Academic Exchange, if you recall," Fiona said with a straight face.
Maria dispelled her defensive armor and once again took her place behind the Queen.
"Oh, it's already been two days, huh?" Anon remarked, seemingly perplexed.
"Yes, now get ready. I don't want to be late for the opening ceremony," the Queen instructed.
"Yes," Anon replied, turning and heading towards the bathroom.
Maria and Fiona left the room quietly. As Maria prepared to return her golden swords to their sheaths, she noticed something peculiar – the tip of the golden sword that Anon had flicked with his finger was cracked.
"But... This sword is made from the scales of a golden dragon?" Maria pondered, her confusion evident as she examined the sword.
Fiona sat in her room, reviewing the speech she would deliver on stage later that day. Today, she wore her elegant green Royal dress, complete with her crown and makeup.
She had this Royal Air around her that felt natural.
Knock-knock-Knock
A sudden knock echoed on her door.
"Come in," Fiona called.
A butler dressed entirely in black entered the room, his age appearing to be around 1500 years. He had a white beard and black eyes, wearing glasses.
"Madam, your carriage is waiting at the front door," the butler informed Fiona.
Fiona promptly rose from her chair and looked at the butler. "Is our guest ready, Charlie?"
"It appears so, ma'am," Charlie replied with a smile.
"Then let's go," Fiona said as she started walking towards the exit door.
"Yes, ma'am," Charlie responded, bowing and holding the door open for the Queen to pass through.
As Fiona entered the main hall, she spotted Anon approaching from the other side, dressed handsomely in a black suit. His long hair added to his charm, and the way he held his cigar and slipped one hand into his pocket oozed confidence. Two flushed maids followed closely behind him.
'This guy is so handsome, I wish I can spend only one night with him.' One of the maids thought as she looked at Anon.
"You look rather dashing in black, Mr. Jule," the Queen complimented.
"I know," Anon replied with a smile, taking a pair of round sunglasses out from his inventory.
"What are those for ? Do you have vision problems ?" the Queen inquired, puzzled because in this time there was no concept of sunglasses.
"No, these are special glasses, custom-made to protect my eyes from sunlight," Anon explained, showing the sunglasses to Fiona.
"Hmm...? Are your eyes weak against Sunlight ?" Fiona asked with a confused expression.
"No, I am perfectly fine." Anon replied.
"So, are you a glassmaker?" Fiona asked again.
"No, let's just go," Anon said, donning the sunglasses, which transformed his appearance into even more sexier.
"Wow, you do look even more handsome now," Fiona praised.
'Master, don't fall for her flattery. She will definitely try to manipulate you like she did to me, before selling me to slave traders, i can't forget this bitch's trap from that day.
She said she wanted to take me out for a hunt because I am looking so beautiful and-' Jessica's voice echoed in Anon's mind but before she could've finished her story and interrupted her.
'I know, Luv. Don't worry. I doubt a woman like her can easily manipulate my mind, My mind is a machine that no one can easily manipulate and you think this chick can do that ?' Anon replied as he assisted Fiona into the carriage.
However, as he was about to step into the carriage with her, Jessica intervened.
'Don't enter that carriage, master. My sister has a habit of making fun of everyone. The moment you sit in that carriage and close the door, she'll kick you out and ridicule you in front of the servants to put you in your place,
Always hated this bitchy habit of hers.' Jessica explained.
Anon glanced around and saw that all the servants from throughout the house were watching him as if waiting for something to happen.
Suddenly a smile appeared on Anon's face.
'Thanks for the heads-up, Luv. Your sister seems to have quite the twisted fetish, huh?' Anon remarked as he took a step back and shut the carriage doors.
"Hmm... Clever boy, looks like I can really win this time." Fiona commented with a smile as she looked toward the closed door.
"Well, kid, you did a good thing. The servants were about to burst into laughter at your expense," Charlie said, opening the door to another carriage for Anon.
"Thanks, Charlie. I prefer my own carriage anyway," Anon stated as he entered his carriage and Charlie closed the gate.
Thirteen carriages, all marked with royal insignia, were dispatched from the castle. Everyone who crossed paths with them immediately bowed in respect.
"Weak always bows, but the strong always fight," Anon thought, smiling as he observed the bowing onlookers.
'The carriages arrived in front of a grand colosseum, the largest in the Elven Kingdom. It was used for only two purposes, one of which was the Academic Exchange' Jessica explained.
'Wait, are you following me?' Anon asked with a puzzled expression.
'Of course, I am. Look out the window of your carriage,' Jessica replied.
Anon glanced out and saw Jessica sitting in one of the colosseum's windows.
'What's the other purpose for this colosseum?' Anon asked with a confused expression.
'It's used to determine the leader of an upper noble family. If two suitable candidates in an upper noble family wish to see who is more capable of leading, they fight to the death here,' Jessica explained.
Creak
Suddenly, a maid opened the door to Anon's carriage. "Sir, please step down. Everyone is waiting for you," she said.
"Yes," Anon replied, disembarking and walking into the colosseum.
Many academies were present near the colosseum, with over a hundred participating in the tournament each year. Each academy had a unique flag, and their carriages bore these flags.
Anon noticed that all eyes were on him, even more than on the Queen herself.
"What are you doing?" Fiona whispered softly.
"What am I doing?" Anon asked, puzzled.
"Take out your cigar. When you're walking with royalty and if you're not a butler or a woman, you should always have a cigar in your hand," Fiona instructed.
"Really?" Anon asked, surprised.
"Yes."
"As you wish," Anon said, retrieving a cigar from his inventory and lighting it with a fireball spell.
Hello, My Queen. It's nice to see you again." An old lady around 1800 years greeted the Queen by bowing down. She looked around 50 years in looks. Brown hairs, Green eyes, fair skin colour and extra long ears.
"Hello, Mrs. Glen. It's nice to see you too." Fiona replied.
She is Mrs. Glen, a wealthy woman who has a knack for ladies make up. She owns almost every factory that produces natural beauty products for royal ladies.
She always comes to this contest with her grandson and for the last three years, no one is able to defeat her grandson, Maison.
"So you brought your grandson again, Huh ?" Fiona asked.
"I did. You see he is my lucky charm hahaha and they say three time is a charm." She laughed as she mocked Fiona.
"Ahha... you are right." Fiona fake laughed in front of her.
"Umm... is she mocking the Elven Queen ?" Anon asked Charlie in a very low voice.
"She is Mr. Jule. She has a very big attitude and she mocks Madam Fiona everytime she comes to this tournament." Charlie whispered.
"Well, isn't she the queen ? Can't she just kill her ?" Anon asked with a confused expression.
"It's not that easy sir." Charlie replied.
"So, whom do you bring this time ?" Mrs. Glen inquired.
"Well, i bring him." Fiona spoke as she pointed towards Anon.
"Hello, Gentleman. You look handsome." Mrs. Glen spoke as she showed Anon her hand.
'Hmm...? She Wants me to kiss her hand right, Jessica ?' Anon asked.
'Yes.' Jessica replied.
"Hello, Ma'am." Anon spoke as he didn't kiss her arm and just took a puff out of the cigar.
Puff-Puff
Afterward, he exhaled the smoke on her face.
Cough-Cough-Cough
"Not a very gentlemanly guy this time, Fiona ?" Mrs. Glen commented, coughing from the smoke.
"What can I say? The gentleman kept losing every time, so I thought, why not bring a real man this time who is not so gentle ?" Fiona replied with a smile.
"HoHoHo... So, he's your man, huh?" Mrs. Glen inquired with a smile.
"Yes, ma'am," Fiona replied with a smile.
"Why is he wearing those glasses? Does he have vision problems?" Mrs. Glen questioned.
"No, they protect his eyes from sunlight," Fiona answered.
"What's your name, young man?" Mrs. Glen asked.
"Jule," Anon replied, taking another puff from his cigar.
"Well, Jule, you should meet my grandson. He's also participating in this tournament and has won it for the last three years. Oh my God, what am I talking about? You should already know him, right?" Mrs. Glen said mockingly.
Snap
Snapping his fingers, Anon dusted off the burnt end of the cigar and removed his glasses.
"I actually don't know your grandson. You see, I have a rather small memory, so I only remember important things," Anon replied with a smile.
"Hehehe..." Fiona chuckled quietly.
"You... Well, that's not a bad thing. I'll introduce you to him right now. MAISON!" Mrs. Glen called out for her grandson, starting with an angry tone but quickly calming down.
"Yes, Grandmother. Did you call?" Maison replied, rushing toward them. He had a muscular body, stood at 6'2", had brown hair, blue eyes, long pointed ears, an average face with a small scar on his right eye, and bulging biceps.
"Did you greet the Queen?" Mrs. Glen asked.
"No, but I will—" Before Maison could say more, Mrs. Glen gave him a firm slap on the back.
Bonk
"Where are your manners, young man? Haven't I taught you anything?" Mrs. Glen scolded, her expression angry.
"Haha... I'm sorry, Grandmother. May the Queen live long," Maison said as he immediately knelt and kissed Fiona's hand.
"Thank you, Maison," the Queen replied with a smile.
"Meet him too, Maison. He's the one Fiona has chosen to fight in the tournament this year as the Queen's candidate," Mrs. Glen said, pointing to Anon.
"Oh, so you're the candidate this time, huh?" Maison said, smiling with an attitude as he approached Anon.
Anon, who had been standing with his hands in his pockets, just stared at Maison with a straight face.
"I am," Anon replied, noticing that Maison had come too close to him.
"Why aren't you saying anything, boy? Are you scared of me?" Maison taunted with a smile.
Anon remained silent, gazing at Maison's face.
"Hey, Grandson, why are you trying to scare him?" Mrs. Glen spoke up.
"Hahaha... I was just kidding. Come here and give me a hug, kid," Maison said as he hugged Anon.
"Kid, run now. I'm going to beat you up badly, and trust me, you won't have a pleasant experience," Maison whispered into Anon's ear, tightening his grip on Anon's hands as he hugged him.
'Oh... you want to play this game, huh? Well, I'm always up for this type of game,' Anon thought as he took his hands out of his pockets and wrapped them around Maison's back.
'What? How can he still move his hands, even after I—' Maison began to think but was immediately interrupted as he felt something wrong with his back.
His back was being squeezed with tremendous pressure.
"Well, we'll see who runs away," Anon whispered in his ear with a smile.
Crack
Suddenly, a cracking sound occurred, and both of them separated from each other.
"Well, I'll see you in a bit. I need to go to the restroom," Maison said as he quickly headed to the washroom.
"I suppose it's time for my speech. I'll go now; come, Mr. Jule," Fiona said, waving at Jule.
"Yes, ma'am. Goodbye, old lady," Anon said as he followed Fiona into the Colosseum.
"Did he just call me an old lady?" Mrs. Glen wondered in confusion.
Inside the washroom...
"That bastard dislocated my shoulder... how strong is he?" Maison muttered as he examined his dislocated shoulder and gave it a slight massage with his fingers.
He then slammed his shoulder against the wall, re-locating it.
"Fiona brought a real monster this time, huh?" Maison thought as he left the washroom.
Anon and Fiona entered the Colosseum, and everyone rose to their feet upon their arrival.
The Colosseum was massive from the inside, with seating for as many as five football stadiums combined.
There was a designated area at the top for the Queen and other upper nobles to sit, offering a high-angle view of the matches.
Fiona proceeded toward that area...
"Long Live the Queen."
"Long Live the Queen."
"Long Live the Queen."
"Long Live the Queen."
As Fiona entered, everyone inside stood up and greeted her.
Fiona nodded and proceeded directly to her Royal chair, positioned at the front of all the seats.
Beside her chair was Anon's chair.
They both sat down and turned their attention to the arena.
A man with a black mask on his face approached the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we are gathered here for the most exciting event of the year: the ACADEMIC EXCHANGE TOURNAMENT," the announcer declared with great enthusiasm.
"Wooooow..."
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience erupted in applause and cheers.
"I am Sam, your announcer and commentator for the next month. So, get ready to hear my voice for the next month. Now, to start this tournament, I'd like the Queen of the Elven Kingdom to say a few words and guide us towards wisdom," Sam announced, motioning towards Fiona.
Fiona stood up and walked a few steps forward...
"My dear students, you are all here today to represent..." Fiona began speaking, and for the next 40 minutes, she didn't pause for even a second.
After 40 minutes had passed, she uttered her final sentence...
"... May the gods bless all of you, and may only the deserving candidate emerge victorious," Fiona announced as she sat down again.
Anon had fallen asleep, his glasses concealing his slumber.
"I thank you, my Queen, and I offer my blessings to all the academies as well.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's the moment we've all been waiting for. We are about to perform the final sacred ritual to commence this Academic Exchange Event: 'The Blowing Of The Holy Trumpet,'" the commentator, Sam, announced.
"It's your turn. Don't mess it up, okay?" Fiona said as she looked at Anon. However, she noticed that Anon was continuously staring at the sky with his sunglasses on.
"Oi, are you sleeping?" Fiona asked, touching Anon's cheek with her finger.
"Hmm...? What happened? Is it my turn already?" Anon woke up and looked around in confusion.
"Calm down, Mr. Jule. It's not your fault; you are a man, after all," the Queen reassured as she turned her attention back to the commentator.
'What does she mean by that? I will not tolerate such disrespect,' Anon thought as he glanced at Fiona.
'Master, it's your time to blow the trumpet,' Jessica's voice echoed in Anon's mind.
'What trumpet?' Anon asked with a puzzled expression.
'Do you see that large trumpet on the Colosseum's wall?' Jessica asked.
Anon immediately looked around and noticed a massive white trumpet made from bones mounted on the Colosseum.
'Wow... that's a trumpet? I thought it was just a large bone or something. Do I have to blow it?' Anon was amazed as he gazed at the colossal trumpet on the wall.
'No, master. They will bring you a smaller trumpet, and you will have to blow that one,' Jessica explained.
'Oh... okay, but why is that trumpet over there?' Anon inquired.
'That was used only once when this tournament was held for the first time in the Elven Kingdom... I think it was 5000 years ago. After that, no one was able to blow that trumpet. It takes a very high physical toll on your body to pick it up and blow air into it.
No Elf can blow it alone. You need at least 10 Elves just to lift it. That's why they will give you a smaller version of this trumpet. Look behind you; the servants are coming to you with the trumpet,' Jessica informed.
Anon turned around immediately and saw an identical but smaller trumpet in a servant's hand.
"I would like to request our today's guest, Mr. Jule, who also represents the Queen of our kingdom in this Academic Exchange Event, to blow the Trumpet and start this tournament," Sam announced.
Anon stood up from his chair, grabbed the trumpet from the servant's hand, which was crafted from a Demon Bull's horn with a textured grip.
'How do I play it?' Anon asked.
'Just keep it facing towards the sky and blow air with full pressure into its hole. That will do the job,' Jessica explained.
'Okay...' Anon said as he placed his mouth on the trumpet's hole and blew air into it with full pressure.
Crack
Boooom
Suddenly, the trumpet burst due to the high air pressure.
"Ah, shit. I am sorry... I was—" Anon began to speak but stopped when he saw Fiona.
"No problem, bring him another one," Fiona ordered the servant.
"Ahahah... it seems Mr. Jule used too much strength. Well, there's a reason why our Queen chose him," Sam tried to break the silence after the awkward incident.
The servant brought another trumpet and handed it to Anon.
"Mr. Jule, apply less pressure while blowing," Mrs. Glen advised with a smile.
Anon took the trumpet and blew it again, this time with half the pressure.
Crack
Booom
The trumpet broke again.
Silence engulfed the entire Colosseum.
"What is wrong with this kid?"
"Why is he flaunting his strength?"
"What an arrogant individual!"
"Why did the Queen select someone with such an attitude?"
The audience began to talk negatively about Anon.
"Mr. Jule, is this a joke? Because it's not funny anymore," Fiona asked.
"I'm not joking. I used only half the pressure that I used in the first attempt. Hey, get me another one," Anon said.
The servant promptly returned with another trumpet and handed it to Anon.
Anon held the trumpet in his hands and examined it carefully.
'This time I'll blow with my minimum possible capacity,' Anon thought as he gently touched the trumpet's hole with his lips and blew into it slowly.
CRACK
Booom
The trumpet broke again.
"What the heck is his problem?"
"Why is he displaying such arrogance?"
"What an insolent young man!"
"Why did the Queen choose such an individual?"
Audience members began to criticize Anon.
"Mr. Jule, is this some kind of a joke?" Fiona asked in an irritated tone.
"I am not joking. I used the least amount of pressure this time. Get me another one," Anon demanded.
The servant went back, brought another trumpet, and handed it to Anon.
Anon held the trumpet, eyeing it carefully.
'This time, I'll barely blow into it,' Anon thought. He gently touched the trumpet's hole with his lips and blew air into it with the smallest amount of force.
CRACK
Booom
The trumpet broke once more.
"That's it. Maison, you do it," Fiona ordered angrily.
"B-But, My Queen, this is a task that can only be done by your chosen candidate..." Maison began to speak, but Fiona interrupted him.
"Don't argue with me, Maison. Just blow the goddamn thing and get it over with," Fiona snapped.
"Do it," Mrs. Glen added with a cunning smile.
"Y-Yes, My Queen," Maison said, signaling for the servant to bring him another trumpet.
"Mr. Jule, are you happy after making fun—" Fiona started to speak, but she immediately noticed that he was missing from his spot.
"My Queen, he's over there," Maison pointed towards the arena.
Everyone turned their attention to Anon, who was walking towards Sam.
"I-Is something wrong, Mr. Jule?" Sam asked, looking worried.
Anon was furious after what had just happened. He refused to be mocked by the entire Colosseum filled with ignorant elves who knew nothing about raw strength.
"These fucking twats... they think I'm joking. The truth is, your instrument is extremely fragile; it can't withstand my power," Anon said angrily. He removed his coat, rolled up his shirt's sleeves, and took off his shoes.
"Hold this..." Anon ordered in a deep voice, handing his coat and shoes to Sam.
"Y-Yes..." Sam replied, taking the items.
"What is this kid doing?" Fiona wondered as she looked at Anon with confusion.
"He's heading for the Ancient Trumpet," Maison said.
"What?" Mrs. Glen exclaimed as she stood up from her seat and watched Anon in shock.
'Master, what are you doing? You won't be able to lift that trumpet. It's incredibly heavy, and once you touch it, your magic will be sealed.
You'll only embarrass yourself in front of the entire kingdom,' Jessica cautioned.
'Shut up,' Anon replied angrily.
He began to run toward the trumpet and suddenly leaped toward the wall.
'He's going to humiliate himself... Yes,' Maison and Mrs. Glen thought, smiling as they observed Anon's actions.
Thud
Surprisingly, to everyone's amazement, Anon landed successfully on top of the Colosseum's wall.
Anon started walking toward the trumpet, his expression still filled with anger.
"Sir, here's your trumpet—" the servant tried to say as he attempted to give it to Maison, but Maison immediately stopped him.
"Wait, I want to see this," Maison said.
"You fuckers want to hear the trumpet's sound...? I'll give you the trumpet's sound," Anon declared as he reached the giant trumpet and grasped it from its base.
"Ah, I can't watch this. I'm going... just consider him out of the tournament," Fiona said with a disappointed expression as she began walking toward the exit of the room.
"Oh, no..." Maison exclaimed.
"What's going on?" Fiona immediately turned around and looked at Anon.
What she witnessed was very shocking: Anon lifted the massive trumpet with his bare hands. Not only did he lift it, but he also held it high in the air, facing it toward the sky, as it should be.
Fiona turned back and hurried forward to get a closer look.
"No fucking way..." Fiona mumbled as her eyes widened in shock.
"Howthe Fuck is that even possible?" Jessica wondered as she watched Anon from the audience section with the same shocked expression as everyone else inside the Colosseum.
Anon inhaled air into his lungs, expanded his chest, and placed his lips on the trumpet's hole.
'FUCK OFF' Anon thought as he blew all of the air into the trumpet with full force.
The engraved markings on the trumpet came to life, glowing green as Anon blew air into it.
Once the engravings reached their maximum intensity, sound began to emanate from the trumpet.
BHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
The sound of the trumpet was so deafeningly loud and sharp that everyone had to cover their ears to protect themselves from going deaf.
Even Fiona had to shield her ears.
The sound from the trumpet traveled all the way to the Elf Kingdom's coastlines.
Inside a house on the Elf Kingdom's coastlines...
"What was that sound?" an elderly man inside the house asked his son.
"I don't know, Father... perhaps some child playing with a noisy toy," his son replied.
"No, I recognize that sound. Take me to the Colosseum," the father demanded.
"Are you sure, Father? Considering your age..."
"Just take me to the Colosseum, son. Consider it my last wish," the father insisted.
"Yes, let me call a carriage," the son said as he stood up and left the room promptly.
[Skill (Deafening Roar) Has Been Successfully Acquired.]
-x-X-x-
The sound of the trumpet continued for a full minute before Anon decided to stop. Afterward, he placed the trumpet down.
Following this, Anon gracefully leaped down from the wall and landed directly in the arena.
He retrieved his shoes and coat from Sam and returned back to his seat beside Fiona. Silently sitting down, he puts his sunglasses back on.
"You can start the tournament now," Anon said, as he went back to sleep.
"Start the tournament," Fiona ordered with a smile as she retook her seat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it appears the time for the Academic Exchange to commence has arrived, and I can assure you that this year's event will be the most exciting of the entire year," Sam announced as he stepped down from the stage, making way for a young woman of about 600 years old to take his place.
"Hello, everyone. I am the head of the match-setting committee for this year's Academic Exchange Event. I will now announce the first three matches to be held in today's Duel tournament.
So, the first match will be...
Mr. Terry from the Ground Dreams Academy vs. Miss Elowen from the H.P. School of Magic.
The second match will be...
Mr. Gryphon from Tramandine University of Sorcerers vs. Mr. Rowan from the S.A. Academy of Magi.
The third match will be...
Mr. Eldric Elson from Blossom Bliss Academy vs. Mr. Jule, the candidate of the Royal Side.
To those whose names I just called, please proceed to the preparation room. Thank you, everyone," the woman announced before quietly stepping down from the stage.
"Mr. Jule, your name has been called. You should—" Before Maison could finish his sentence, Fiona interrupted him.
"Let him sleep... He'll go when he needs to," Fiona spoke as she showed him the gesture to stop.
"Y-YES, My Queen," Maison replied, immediately backing off.
A small grin appeared on Anon's face.
Sam returned to the stage and began speaking again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to commence the first match of the Academic Exchange with two young students from newly opened academies. Please welcome Mr. Terry from the Ground Dreams Academy."
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience applauded as a young man with black hair, black eyes, and an average build entered the arena.
"So, Terry... What do you think? What's going to happen today? Do you believe you will win the first match of the academic exchange?" Sam asked.
"Well, what can I say, Sam? It's not about winning or losing. It's about me fighting against a girl. Come on, the match committee could have done a better job. Why would you pair me with a woman?" Terry spoke without hesitation.
"Ummm.... Cough-Cough-Cough Well, it seems Mr. Terry is quite confident. Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome our next student, who is also Terry's opponent. Please welcome Miss Elowen from the H.P. School of Magic."
A woman, around 50 years old with brown hair, golden eyes, and a striking figure, walked up to the stage.
"Hello, Elowen. What would you like to say to Mr. Terry? Any advice for him?" Sam asked with a smile.
"Well, I have one thing to say to him. You're going to get fucked up very bad, Terry. Today, I'll prove that your university is shit-faced," Elowen spoke with a neutral expression.
"Whoa, that's something. It seems both contestants are full of energy and ready to fight. But let me explain the rules of this competition before you start battling each other.
This tournament will take place inside the Immortal Arena, so there's nothing to worry about; you can't die.
The match will last for 15 minutes. If you step out of the arena, you're out. If 15 minutes pass and both candidates are still in the arena, the Immortal Arena's effects will be removed, and any damage you take afterward will not be healed.
You have to fight until one of you goes down, and killing is forbidden. If you kill your opponent after the Immortal Ring disappears, you will be killed as well.
That's why I suggest that the candidates keep a close eye on this giant sand timer glass; it will indicate when your 15 minutes are up.
That's all for the rules. You can use anything in the tournament, and you can attempt to defeat your opponent within the first 15 minutes of the tournament.
Thank you, everyone. I'll step off the stage now," Sam said as he walked toward the sand timer glass.
"I will crush you," Terry declared.
"I'll toss you out before you can even move," Elowen replied.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to start the first match of the Academic Exchange. Candidates, take your positions and be ready," Sam said as he prepared to rotate the sand timer glass to start the countdown.
Both Terry and Elowen assumed their positions and summoned their weapons. Terry summoned a sword, while Elowen summoned a wand.
"3...2.....1..... GO!" Sam announced as he flipped the sand timer glass and started the sand flow.
Anon immediately opened his eyes and observed both of them.
"Who do you think will win?" Fiona asked.
Anon promptly used his skill on both students.
(Demonic Eyes)
[Name: Terry]
[Class: Swordsman]
[Race: Elf]
[Level: 50]
[Status: A mediocre swordsman who typically employs a single sword style in combat.]
(Demonic Eyes)
[Name: Elowen]
[Class: Mage]
[Race: Elf]
[Level: 70]
[Status: An average mage student with a desire to capture your attention and potentially become your concubine.]
"Wow," Anon remarked after reading Elowen's description.
"What's wrong? Is something amiss?" Fiona inquired.
"Ah, no, no... that girl is strong. She will win the match," Anon said with a smile as he gazed at Elowen.
"Exactly... I'm thinking the same thing," Fiona agreed.
'Ahhh... Mr. Jule is looking at me with a smile. I have to defeat this pimp and capture his attention even more,' Elowen thought as she smiled at Terry.
"Drunken Sword Swing Technique..." Terry shouted as his body became exceedingly flexible, and he began to move as if he is heavily stoned.
"Root Grasp...." Elowen initiated her skill, causing two thick roots to sprout from the arena's ground and ensnare Terry's legs.
"What the heck? Let me go, woman. I'll kill you..." Terry yelled as he realized he couldn't move from his spot. He attempted to cut the roots with his sword, but the more he cut, the more they grew.
"Whoa... it appears that Mrs. Elowen has entangled Terry with her roots, and there's no easy way out," Sam announced.
"Release me, you bitch!" Terry began to exclaim, but a sound interrupted him.
"Fireball..."
Boooom
Suddenly, a fireball struck Terry's body, propelling him out of the arena.
"Wow.... Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a winner for the first round. Let's have a big round of applause for Mrs. Elowen," Sam declared.
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience erupted in applause, marking the end of the first round of the Academic Exchange Event.
"No, she cheated. I don't know how, but she cheated. I can't be defeated by a woman. I'm a man, damn it!" Terry shouted as two guards forcibly ejected him from the Colosseum.
"Well, it appears that Mr. Terry can't accept the truth, but now that it's been thrust upon him, he'll have to come to terms with it.
Now, without further delay, let's commence the next round of the duel.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our next round's competitors...
Mr. Gryphon from Tramandine University of Sorcerers, this guy is also called the lion of the Second senior year.
Once, he fought off a demon from the academy on his own and saved his girlfriend from a Demon Bull." Sam announced.
A young man with muscular body, Black hairs and Black eyes promptly entered the arena and waved to the audience.
"Hello, Mr. Gryphon. How are you feeling today?" Sam asked with a smile.
"Well, I'm feeling blessed today, Sam. It's as if Lady Luck is on my side, and I'm brimming with energy. I suggest you ask my opponent how he's feeling because I'm positively charged and i will tear apart anything or anyone who comes in front of me now, of course not you." Gryphon replied while flexing his biceps for everyone to see.
"Wow, it looks like Mr. Gryphon is in a highly energetic mood, just like Terry," Sam commented.
"Hey, what do you mean by that?" Gryphon immediately inquired, puzzled.
"Ah, nothing, sir. Well, why don't we welcome our next student... Everyone, please welcome Mr. Rowan," Sam said as a young man around 56 years old ascended to the stage.
Rowan had an unusual air about him, with his pale complexion, long hair obscuring his face.
"Who is he?" Anon asked Fiona, puzzled.
"He's a student of the S.A. Academy of Magi. They specialize in dark arts. Don't be deceived by his appearance; he's quite formidable," Fiona replied.
"Ah, I see," Anon responded as he used his skill to inspect Rowan.
(Demonic Eyes)
[Name: Rowan]
[Race: Elf]
[Class: Dark Martial Artist]
[Level: 68]
[Description: A rather enigmatic individual whose body has been trained in a harsh environment. Despite his slender appearance, he possesses great strength. After delving into dark arts, he lost his sanity and became a pawn of the academy.]
"Wow, that's quite an academic history," Anon thought as he observed Rowan.
"Well, I'll step down from the stage now," Sam said as he descended and approached the sand timer glass.
"Candidates, summon your weapons and prepare to fight," Sam announced.
Gryphon promptly summoned a broadsword into his hands, while Rowan enveloped his body in a dark, foreboding mana.
"I thought dark magic was prohibited?" Anon asked Fiona.
"That academy isn't under our jurisdiction. They teach on the coastlines, so there's little we can do about them. They only participate in this tournament," Fiona explained.
"3... 2... 1... GO!" Sam shouted as he flipped the sand timer glass, setting the sand flowing.
"Die, you damned practitioner of dark arts!" Gryphon yelled as he charged toward Rowan with great speed.
Rowan didn't budge from his spot; it was as if he was waiting for something.
"Why isn't he moving?" Maison wondered aloud.
"He's waiting," Anon stated.
"Waiting? Waiting for what?" Maison asked, confused.
"He's waiting for his opponent to commit to a certain direction or action, providing him with an opening," Anon replied with a smile.
"Hyyyaaaaa....." Just as Gryphon halted at a particular distance and swung his sword, Rowan moved at an incredible speed.
Dodging Gryphon's sword, Rowan appeared behind him.
"Huh...?" Before Gryphon could grasp what had occurred, a punch pierced through his chest.
"Guhhhhh..." Gryphon coughed up blood and perished on the spot.
"What a ruthless young man," Fiona remarked as she gazed at Rowan.
"Hmm...? Is that ruthless to you?" Anon asked with a puzzled expression.
"What do you mean?" Fiona inquired, puzzled.
"Ah, nothing. Let's continue watching," Anon said with a smile.
The Immortal Arena shimmered, and Gryphon was revived. However, this time, he didn't give Rowan a chance to attack. Swiftly and fluidly, Gryphon swung his sword, cutting Rowan into five pieces while he was still in mid-air.
Chek
Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud
Rowan's body parts fell to the ground like pieces of a puzzle, and he didn't utter a sound.
"W-Wow... it's a one-on-one, ladies and gentlemen. Initially, Rowan killed Mr. Gryphon, but this time, Gryphon killed Rowan. These two students are highly skilled in combat, as anyone can see," Sam announced.
"What's wrong with that kid? Why did he let his opponent get up? He could have killed him before he even woke up," Anon grumbled in irritation.
"That's called honor, Mr. Jule. It's a quality displayed by those who fight on the royal side as well," Mrs. Glen stated mockingly from behind.
"Is it necessary?" Anon inquired of Fiona.
"Winning is the most important thing, Mr. Jules. When you enter that arena, you either win or lose. The choice is yours. Honor matters more when you fight on the coastlines and borders of the elven kingdom.
You're not a knight either, so do whatever it takes to win," Fiona replied.
Mrs. Glen fell silent after hearing the Queen's response.
"Alright, then. I'll do as I please," Anon replied with a smile.
The Immortal Arena shone once more, and Rowan was revived.
"Come at me, you bastard...." Gryphon taunted.
Rowan immediately sprinted toward Gryphon, but as soon as he entered a certain range, Gryphon activated his skill.
"Deep Cuts..."
Suddenly, Gryphon's broadsword was enveloped in a sharp red aura as he moved it with astonishing speed, slicing Rowan into five pieces.
Chek
Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud-Thud
Rowan's body parts fell like a hotdog, and not a sound escaped his lips.
"Woahhhhh... Impressive! Ladies and gentlemen, we have the winner of our second round... Mr. Gryphon. Let's give him a big round of applause!" Sam shouted.
Clap-Clap-Clap
The audience erupted in applause.
"Well, it's time, everyone. Time to witness our Royal Candidate in action.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr.Jule to the stage," Sam announced.
Clap-Clap-Clap
The applause filled the arena as everyone turned their attention towards Anon.
"Mr. Jule, I believe it's your turn to step down and fight," Fiona remarked, looking at Anon.
"I know," Anon replied as he rose from his seat and leaped into the arena.
Anon landed gracefully on the arena floor, acknowledging the audience with a smile as he waved his hand.
"Mr. Jule, please share your feelings about fighting on the side of Royalty," Sam inquired.
"Just bring my opponent. I don't care for idle chatter," Anon responded with a stern expression.
"Very well. Now that Mr. Jule is here, let's introduce his opponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Eldric Elson from Blossom Bliss Academy," Sam announced.
As soon as Sam made the announcement, a rumbling sound echoed from the entrance hall of the arena.
"Is it getting warm in here?" A man with an average build, an elegant figure, a handsome face, and well-groomed hair remarked as he entered the arena. He exuded a refreshing energy and the pure scent of blossoms.
"Mr. Jule, huh?" Eldric inquired with a smile.
"Yes," Anon replied with a serious demeanor.
"Don't get too full of yourself, kid. Just because you have that ancient Trumpet doesn't mean you'll win this match. I'll crush you like an ant and make you a laughingstock in front of everyone.
I did some research on your background. It's said you mentally tormented a student named Oxmaul and then killed his entire family, except for his mother. Is that true?" Eldric asked with a smirk.
"Every word of it is true," Anon responded without hesitation.
Eldric closed the distance between them and whispered in Anon's ear, "Try me."
Anon burst into laughter, a maniacal laugh that sent shivers down Eldric's spine.
"Hmm...? What's so amusing?" Eldric asked, confused.
"I find it amusing because you've just given me permission. Those who didn't grant me permission suffered like weaklings. I'm curious to see what happens to you," Anon replied with a psychopathic grin.
"Ahahah... What are we waiting for? Let's start this match now," Sam interjected as he stepped down from the stage and headed toward the Sand Timer Glass.
"Summon your weapons and prepare to fight," Sam announced.
Eldric promptly summoned a wand into his hand, while Anon summoned nothing, standing there bare-handed.
"Aren't you going to summon your weapon?" Eldric asked with a smirk.
"I don't need them to deal with the likes of you," Anon replied, his smile unnerving.
"Ah... that smile," a woman sitting beside Jessica remarked.
Jessica turned to look at the woman, who turned out to be Eve, with Deris beside her.
"Excuse me? What's wrong with his smile?" Jessica inquired, confused.
"Huh...? You wouldn't understand. There's nothing wrong with the smile. It's just that whenever I've seen him smile like that, his opponents never left the arena with their sanity intact," Eve explained.
"Ummm... Can you explain?" Jessica pressed for more information.
"Oh, you'll see in just a minute," Eve replied, her attention back on the arena.
"HoHoHo... You're going to meet a gruesome end, and I'm going to relish it," Eldric taunted as he noticed that Anon was fighting without a weapon.
"3... 2... 1... Fight!" Sam shouted as he flipped the sand timer glass, causing the sand to flow to the other side.
"Water Bullets!" Eldric shouted, summoning thousands of water bullets around him and firing them at Anon.
Anon sighed and raised his hand, stopping the water bullets in mid-air. He then released them, and they fell to the ground like ordinary droplets.
"Haha... Nice try," Eldric remarked, immediately erecting a defensive barrier to protect himself from Anon's counterattack.
However, to his surprise, Anon didn't attack; he simply stood there, smiling.
"You missed your chance to attack me, loser," Eldric taunted. "Icicle Shards."
Eldric summoned thousands of icicle shards behind him. "Die!" he shouted as he hurled them toward Anon.
Once again, Anon raised his hand, using his telekinesis to stop all the icicle shards in mid-air, causing them to drop harmlessly to the ground.
"Shit..." Eldric muttered as he activated his defensive barrier once more. He was certain Anon would finally strike, but to his bewilderment, Anon remained motionless.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, Mr. Jule isn't attacking Mr. Eldric; he's merely blocking Eldric's attacks. Is this some sort of challenge for Mr. Eldric, or is Mr. Jule merely mocking him?" Sam commented, laughing.
"You son of a... Are you making fun of me?" Eldric demanded angrily.
Anon merely smirked and reached into his inventory. Eldric strengthened his defensive barrier, thinking Anon was about to withdraw a weapon. To his shock, Anon pulled out a cigar.
Anon lit the cigar and took a long drag.
Puff
"What a delightful flavor," Anon remarked as he exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"You, bastard! You want to toy with me?" Eldric shouted, pointing his wand at Anon and beginning to chant a spell.
"Ah, damn it... that's a tier-3 spell. Mr. Jule needs to stop him before he completes the incantation," Maison whispered.
"Shhh... Let me observe without any interruptions, Maison. It's getting interesting," Fiona ordered.
"Yes, my queen," Maison replied, quieting down.
"Frost Nova..." Eldric chanted, releasing a beam of compressed ice directly at Anon's face.
Anon inhaled a large plume of smoke into his mouth and flicked away his cigar.
His chest started shining into golden colour and his throat shone in a shade of light green colour as he looked at the frost Nova approaching towards his direction.
"Ah, shit... cover your ears." Jessica warned Eve and Deris as she covered her own ears.
Eve and Deris followed Jessica's instructions and covered their ears as looked at Anon in confusion.
(Deafening Roar)
BHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
A thunderous roar erupted from Anon's mouth, resembling the trumpet he had played earlier. Everyone in the Colosseum covered their ears, their eyes wide in astonishment.
The Frost Nova couldn't even reach Anon due to the deafening roar's ultimate sound waves , and Eldric felt an incredible force pushing him back.
His ears started bleeding and his skin started peeling off of his muscles.
[Deafning Roar] [S-Rank] [Commentator Exclusive Skill]
[Deafening Roar is a legendary skill, attainable only by the most exceptional individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their abilities. It is a technique that harnesses the essence of raw power, channeling it through the practitioner's very being to produce a devastating and awe-inspiring effect.
To wield the Deafening Roar, one must first gather their inner energy, drawing it into their chest with a profound focus. This energy is then meticulously channeled to enchant the vocal cords with the purest and most potent form of mana, a magical essence that transcends ordinary spells.
Once the enchanting process reaches its culmination, the stored energy in the practitioner's chest is released with a force that defies comprehension. It courses through the vocal cords, transforming into an unparalleled sonic wave of destruction.]
Anon halted the skill after one minute.
All eyes were fixed on Eldric, whose eyes had receded deep into their sockets. His muscles and bones were visible, his skin peeled from his body. It appeared as though he were still standing in the arena, but in reality, he had perished 32 seconds ago.
Anon discontinued his skill, retrieved another cigar from his inventory, and lit it, puffing away as if nothing had transpired.
"T-That skill... How did he obtain such a skill?" Mrs. Glen asked, her expression filled with shock.
Not only Mrs. Glen but everyone around the Queen, including the guards, royal ministers, and even the royal mages, were astonished.
"He must have acquired that skill when he blew the trumpet. Our father always spoke of it, that the one who played the Trumpet would receive unimaginable power. Is this the power of which our father spoke?" Fiona pondered, gazing at Anon with a smile.
Jessica had similar thoughts as she observed Anon.
"L-Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jule used a single skill to eliminate his opponent without even laying a hand on him. Is this the might of royalty? Could Mr. Jule truly win this year's Academic Exchange Event and alter the course of history?" Sam declared.
"Master, did you acquire that skill from the Trumpet?" Jessica inquired.
"Yes, my dear," Anon confirmed.
"I knew it."
Suddenly, the immortal arena illuminated, and Eldric's body was restored to its original state.
"Haaaaaah...." Eldric exhaled deeply as he returned to life.
"Welcome back," Anon greeted with a smile.
Eldric began to sweat profusely and took cautious steps backward.
"Where do you think you're going?" Anon asked as he disappeared from his position and reappeared behind Eldric.
Eldric sensed a menacing aura behind him, compelling him to cast a defensive barrier around his body.
"U-Ultimate Defense B-Barrier..." Eldric stammered fearfully, covering himself in a thick mana barrier. It was his most potent defensive skill.
"Hehe... Let's see what this barrier of yours can withstand," Anon said as he seized Eldric's neck from behind and threw him to the ground. Eldric's mana barrier prevented him from sustaining damage, but he was immobilized, unable to move or flee from Anon's presence.
"What's happening? It's like my entire body is frozen; I can't take a single step... I lack the strength to even stand up in front of him. What should I do—guh..." Before he could muster any strength, Anon stood over his chest, pointing him toward the ground.
Then, Anon aimed his finger at Maison.
"Hmm... Is he pointing at me?" Maison asked, puzzled.
"He is... I believe," one of the royal ministers remarked.
Anon redirected his finger, pointing it back at Eldric.
Maison, his expression filled with anger, rose from his seat.
"This rascal..." Maison uttered, his tone furious.
"Maison, sit down... Don't let him provoke you," Mrs. Glen advised.
Anon grinned, took a deep drag on his cigar, and exhaled smoke, concentrating mana into his chest, as he had done before, but this time, the energy was five times more potent.
"N-No... N-Noooo..." Eldric cried out, but it was clear what was going to occur.
Anon's chest radiated with a golden glow, while his throat emitted a dark green light.
"My Queen, the energy within his body is extremely destructive. If he releases that energy toward the boy, it will shatter the immortal formation beneath the ground, and Eldric will perish," one of the mages warned, panic in his voice.
Sam heard the news and announced it loudly, "Mr. Jule... Stop! You will kill him. The immortal formation will shatter..."
"Damn it... I can't control it. The energy within my chest is escalating rapidly, becoming more unmanageable with each passing second. If I make even the slightest movement, my throat will explode, and the audience seated in front of me will perish," Anon realized, struggling to hold the energy within. Blood streamed from his eyes, and the glow from his chest intensified with each passing moment.
Everyone watched, waiting to see what would happen next.
Eve and Deris were equally curious about Anon's course of action.
"The energy within his chest is incredibly concentrated. If he releases it, the immortal formation will be destroyed..." Mike observed from above the Colosseum.
"You can't go... Everyone will see you," No.300 advised Mike, attempting to restrain him.
"N-No... Please... I beg you," Eldric pleaded desperately, unable to escape even when Anon removed his foot from his chest.
'LINKKKKKK....' Anon shouted mentally.
[I understand, Master.]
Link took his original snake form and wrapped around Anon's neck.
[Master, I will reposition your neck to face the sky.]
'DO IT...FASTTTTT' Anon ordered.
Link arched his hood backward, shifting Anon's neck upward toward the sky.
[NOW, MASTER....] Link spoke.
As soon as Anon's gaze met the sun, he opened his mouth and unleashed the roar towards the sky.
Everyone covered their ears and stood up, even the Queen herself rose from her royal chair, her face etched in astonishment.
"Beautiful..." Fiona spoke.
(Deafening Roar, Seventh and Last Form: SOARING THROUGH THE HEAVENS)
BHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
The sound tore holes in the clouds and sliced through the air. It resembled a massive dragon ascending to the heavens.
Meanwhile, Link struggled to maintain his form, as the energy emanating from Anon's throat was immensely destructive. If he released his hold on Anon's throat, his body would explode along with Anon's throat.
[I warned you, Master, to keep your anger in check...] Link spoke with a tense voice as he tightened the grip around his neck.
Anon's roar on that day became the sole sound heard across all the kingdoms of the holy land simultaneously.
Human Kingdom...
"What was that?" Derein, who sat atop her castle with Arthur, asked as she heard the sound.
"Eh... Probably some child playing with a toy in the garden," Arthur replied nonchalantly, leaning in to kiss Derein.
Dwarf Kingdom...
"What the hell was that ?" An old dwarf questioned.
"I don't know, My King. It's coming from the Elven Kingdom. Our radars have detected something very unusual at the centre of the elven kingdom." Another Dwarf answered.