The three then found a nice little restaurant to dine in after Hael collected his compensation.
Since he was now the ultimate warrior, they received even more looks wherever they went. They were even able to dine in the restaurant free of charge because of Hael.
With their bellies full from a satisfying meal, the trio made their way to Anthanasia's home to rest for the night. As a skilled huntress who earned a good income from both her guild work and freelance hunts, her home was well-kept and comfortable. She had three available rooms: one for guests, another that had remained empty for some time, and a third that she used herself. The unused room contained only a single bed, but it was large and took up much of the space. Still, it was more than adequate for Hael, who wasn't particular about room size.
Though the bed was a bit small for his large frame, Hael made do with it. He slept soundly through the night, and that was all that mattered.
The following day, after a quick breakfast, the trio headed out to hunt. Hael, not having had much time for his usual exercises, felt somewhat restless. He longed for the freedom to move his body as he did back home. Aside from the Aphthonia Forest, there were plenty of other hunting grounds available, some even in distant countries where huntsmen traveled to capture divine beasts. It took Hael a while to adjust to hunting in this new land, but as the day wore on, he grew more comfortable with the process. He made sure to avoid harming the animals, catching them only to release them back into the wild unharmed.
Anthanasia watched with amusement as he worked. His character seriously doesn't match his appearance at all, she thought with a quiet smile.
They spent the morning and afternoon demonstrating their skills before heading back to town for a meal. Afterward, Anthanasia took on the role of tour guide, showing Hael and Loki some of the city's quieter, lesser-known spots, still stunning in their beauty. As they explored, she shared stories of her life and upbringing.
Hael listened intently, absorbing every word she spoke. He expressed his desire to learn everything about the land—the geography, its customs, and its rules. Anthanasia, with plenty of time to spare, was more than happy to share her knowledge, especially since Hael absorbed it so quickly.
They spent the rest of the day exploring, learning, and growing closer. Meanwhile, Loki could only watch from the sidelines as their bond deepened with each passing moment.
*
The highly anticipated day of the match was rapidly approaching, and both men could feel the excitement rising within them at the thought of facing one another. There had never been anyone who even came close to matching Ceremus' strength. He found most fights boring—beneath him. A single strike from the king could send a man to his grave in an instant.
But the idea that there might be someone out there who could potentially be his equal stirred something in him. As Ceremus reflected on this, the dream that had been lingering in his mind resurfaced. He had never stopped to consider that the mysterious man now occupying his thoughts might be the very one he was destined to meet. Even if he had, Ceremus knew he would never accept it willingly.
Now, with the day of the event finally upon him, Ceremus didn't have time to waste on such thoughts. The entire match was to be held in the largest amphitheater in the kingdom—an arena specifically designed for the nation's greatest fighters. Capable of holding thousands of spectators, it was more than just a place of entertainment; it was a sanctuary for the power of King Ceremus himself, a demigod rumored to have the strength to destroy mountains. Few had witnessed his might in recent years, and now, men, women, and children alike were eager to bear witness to this legendary battle.
As a crowd formed in the amphitheater, Anemone couldn't help shaking his head as he watched the people enter with glee and enthusiasm. "I still think this is a bad idea, Your Majesty." The advisor said as he returned to the room Ceremus was sitting in as they awaited the match to begin.
The King looked up from his cup of tea with raised eyebrows. "Why? Do you think I'll lose?" He asked the man who widened his eyes and immediately shook his head.
"No! Of course not Your Majesty! That's not what I was implying at all…I just mean that a fight of this magnitude could be dangerous… for the people." He tried to explain.
Ceremus put down his cup as he slumped into his chair, his hand supporting his head as he gazed at his panicked advisor.
"Relax Anemone, I'm just pulling your leg. As for the spectators, it's their decision to witness the fight is it not? For those who have even a semblance of a brain cell, they'll know not to get in the way. Besides, the amphitheater should be large enough to contain our power without causing too much destruction. I don't really think the fight will last more than a few minutes" He said, a cocky grin taking over his face.
That's precisely what I'm worried about. Anemone thought.
He had only seen the King fight all out once in his lifetime, and the scene he bore witness to still stayed with him till this day. He could already predict this fight being a destructive level bout, but there was nothing he could do or say to convince the King otherwise. He had already made up his mind, and so, the fight would be proceeding as planned.
Hael strode into the arena, and the crowd erupted in a frenzy at the sight of him. Unlike before, when he had worn a light cream-colored tunic that covered most of his chest, he now entered bare-chested, with only silver armor adorning his neck and wrists.
The spectators' eyes widened as they watched him move, his expression unwavering, even as the deafening roar of the crowd swirled around him. The armor he wore was no ordinary armor. In this world, armor could be categorized into three distinct types: the first was standard combat armor, typically worn by gladiators and basic fighters. It offered protection while maintaining the mobility needed for fast movement, covering the chest and head.
The second type was worn by huntsmen and varied depending on their specific role. Regular hunters wore simple, practical armor, focused on protecting their arms and hands. But the more elite huntsmen wore silver or gold armor that covered their chests, designed to withstand the divine beasts they hunted. These armors were infused with divine power, a safeguard for those brave enough to face such legendary creatures.
The third and rarest type of armor was reserved for those who possessed superhuman strength—individuals whose power defied the natural laws of the world. Though it appeared simple, even inadequate at first glance, this armor was crafted with the finest materials, charged with the purpose of containing and controlling the immense strength of its wearer.
Hael wore this very armor—the kind that was almost never seen on ordinary warriors. Known as a limiter, this rare armor was designed to suppress the powers of demigods and other extraordinary entities, allowing them to fight on the same level as normal humans. It was a precautionary measure, for without it, those with powers like Hael's could easily devastate entire arenas with a single movement.
"He's a demigod?" The crowd exclaimed as a frenzy of reactions erupted in the stands.
"But wait, he wasn't wearing the armour during the Battle Olympia!"
"Perhaps it was because he didn't register himself as a superbeing before. It doesn't look like he's a part of any guild or faction."
"Isn't that kind of unfair then? I mean competing amongst regular mortals? Of course the man would win!"
"No, everyone is allowed to compete regardless of status, gender or race. So he had every right not to disclose his identity." A person said.
"Why choose now to reveal himself? Is he being sponsored by a guild then? How can he have access to a limiter?"
"Maybe because he's fighting the King?"
As the citizens of Trojas discussed amongst themselves, the King finally made his entrance.