Afternoon.
Outside the castle of the Shadow Kingdom, nearly all the disciples who had come to learn skills, along with many intelligent undead spirits, had gathered. The news that Kevin was going to challenge Scathach had spread like wildfire, thanks to Cu Chulainn's big mouth.
Scathach, who had arrived earlier, stopped and surveyed the crowd with her signature calm demeanor.
Glancing around, she spoke with an icy tone, "It seems you all have nothing better to do... Double your tasks for today."
Groans of despair rippled through the crowd. Many of the disciples turned their angry gazes toward Cu Chulainn, the obvious culprit.
Cu Chulainn, now the center of attention, felt utterly wronged. I told you because you all asked! You gathered here out of curiosity, and now you're blaming me?
Not long after, Kevin arrived, holding the same type of magic spear as Scathach's. He was hurried, clearly trying to keep up with his master, and seemed unaware of the crowd awaiting him.
"Master, why are you walking so fast? Are you that impatient to bully me—huh?" Kevin stopped mid-complaint as his eyes swept over the gathered crowd. "Why are there so many people?"
The moment Kevin appeared, all eyes turned toward him. At 15 years old and barely over 1.7 meters tall, with a slender build and refined features, Kevin looked like a stark contrast to the rugged, muscular warriors around him.
As they sized him up, most of the crowd couldn't help but nod. Cu Chulainn hadn't been lying when he described his brother as "very cute."
Kevin felt a chill run down his spine as he noticed the scrutinizing stares. He adjusted his posture slightly, smiled politely, and nodded toward the onlookers.
"Greetings, seniors. I am Kevin from the Kingdom of Ulster," he said with a calm tone, bowing slightly. "I assume my brother Cu Chulainn has caused you some trouble recently? Please allow me to offer my apologies on his behalf."
The rugged disciples exchanged surprised glances. Kevin's polite demeanor was like a fresh breeze in the Shadow Kingdom, and it left a favorable impression on them.
But Cu Chulainn, noticing their reactions, rolled his eyes. "Stop looking at him like that. He's my real brother, my blood brother."
Some still found it hard to believe. Ferdia, for example, couldn't resist mumbling, "Really? Not picked up?"
Cu Chulainn turned his head away in exasperation, muttering under his breath. You wouldn't be wrong, though...
"Master," one of the disciples interrupted, stepping forward respectfully, "I believe it's inappropriate for Junior Brother Kevin to challenge you directly."
The man turned toward Kevin and continued, "According to tradition, anyone who wishes to challenge Master must first face and defeat their fellow disciples. Additionally, Junior Brother Kevin has just recovered from his injuries. A few warm-up bouts will be good preparation."
"Oh? Is there such a rule?" Kevin asked, glancing at Cu Chulainn.
Cu Chulainn nodded. "When I arrived, I had to beat everyone who tried to stop me before I could challenge the master."
"Alright then." Kevin nodded thoughtfully before turning to Scathach. "Master—uh, I mean, Master," he corrected himself, "if that's the rule, it should be respected. Could you wait for me for a moment?"
Scathach said nothing, but her calm expression and the faint glint of amusement in her eyes made it clear she didn't mind.
Kevin stepped forward to face the disciple who had proposed the challenge. "Thank you, Senior Brother, for giving me this opportunity," he said with a faint smile, bowing slightly.
The gesture, combined with his respectful tone, further endeared him to the crowd.
Kevin then turned toward Cu Chulainn, who handed him a plain spear. Kevin exchanged the magic spear he had been carrying for the ordinary weapon, a deliberate gesture meant to level the playing field and address any feelings of unfairness among the disciples.
"I'll be using this," Kevin announced, holding the plain spear confidently.
The disciple who had challenged him wielded a chipped broadsword. "I've trained under Master for two years and have slain hundreds of vengeful spirits and monsters. Junior Brother, be careful."
With that, he let out a battle cry and charged, swinging his broadsword with a ferocious momentum.
"Hmm." Ferdia, observing from the sidelines, nudged Cu Chulainn and asked, "How long do you think this will last?"
"It's already over," Cu Chulainn replied nonchalantly.
"What?!" Ferdia blinked in surprise. "It just started!"
"Trust me," Cu Chulainn said, smirking slightly. "You don't know my brother like I do. When facing someone who doesn't know his strength, he doesn't hold back. And..."
In the arena, Kevin stood still, his calm gaze fixed on the approaching disciple.
The broadsword came down with a thunderous swing, but before it could connect, Kevin sidestepped gracefully. With precise timing, he thrust his spear forward, the sharp tip stopping just short of his opponent's hand.
"...he hates dirty weapons," Cu Chulainn finished.
The disciple froze in place, his weapon trembling in his grip as he realized how close he had come to losing his hand.
Before he could recover, Kevin delivered a swift kick to his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. The broadsword clattered away as Kevin pointed his spear at the fallen man's throat.
"Thank you, Senior Brother, for your guidance," Kevin said with a polite smile, withdrawing his spear and helping the man to his feet.
Then, Kevin turned toward the rest of the crowd. His gaze swept over them, and he tilted his head slightly, smiling again.
"Who's next?"
The silence that followed was deafening.
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