Chapter 49: It begins
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Chapter 49: It begins
Lucy flopped down on a straw chair and let out a long suffering sigh. She looked up at the dingy, stone ceiling above her, then grimaced at the bristly straw digging into her butt and back. She shifted around, trying to find a more comfortable spot and failing miserably.
Remind me why we have to live in the worlds ugliest and most uncomfortable hovel? Lucy complained, reaching for her mug.
It wasnt there. She pressed her lips together. It was never with her when she came home. For that reason alone, she would have done everything in her power to come back if it werent for one small detail, that is.
Because humility is a valuable trait that has been lost to most cultivators, a kindly voice replied.
A young man walked out from behind her, his blonde hair glistening in the dim light. His eyes were a brilliant blue and he wore plain cloth robes that would have looked like rags on anyone else, but somehow managed to look fit for a king on his body.
The straw covering the ground shifted and rose up, forming a smooth chair beneath him as he sat across from Lucy.
Could my chairs at least be as comfortable as yours? I know for a fact you arent getting poked in the ass by yours.
You lack respect for the world, the main replied with an easygoing laugh. Soon, Lucy. You arent too far, now. Maybe a few hundred more years, if you continue as you have been.
Lucy grunted. Sure thing, Rilu. How about giving me my mug back, then?This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
Absolutely not. Your liver might be immortal for all intents and purposes, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt give it the respect it deserves. Your body is part of the world. You should treat it better.
Bah. Dont push your crap on everyone else, Lucy said, rolling her eyes. This is why everyone hates you.
As far as I am aware, the only person that hates me is you. But, I suppose that is to be expected from a student. It is difficult to raise someone to be a powerful cultivator without building up a little bit of resentment. Was it the time I suspended you above the sea of lava?
We are not playing therapist today, Lucy said, crossing her arms. The movement caused her chair to prick her hard, and she cursed, swatting it. You know why Im here.
I do, Rilu admitted. How did it go?
At first, I thought you were full of it, Lucy said, rubbing her forehead. The boys arrival was so faint that it really did feel like he wouldnt be of any real importance.
Everyone is of importance.
Oh, shut it. You know what I meant. Lucy waved a hand dismissively and glared at Rilu. But the boy hes already a Rank Two, and on his way to reaching Three. He actually managed to learn my old fighting style as well, even though it didnt fit him perfectly.
I dont care about any of that, Rilu said. What of his personality? What kind of person is he?
Kind. Nave and desperate to keep others from learning too much about him, but kind. Hes also a terrible liar.
Rilu nodded thoughtfully. This is good. Were you the first to reach him? I would not imagine so, as the seal placed on Centurion means another cultivator had already been meddling.
I wasnt. I made the boy think I had no idea to avoid stressing him, but hes wrapped up with a very powerful cultivator. Yamish.
Yamish is involved? Rilus eyes widened and he leaned forward in his chair. You jest.
Dead serious, you sober prick. And I think hes more than just involved. The kids got a thick thread of Karma between him and Yamishs clone.
I never thought Id see the day, Rilu said, shaking his head in disbelief and leaning back. This is an omen indeed.
Chance nearly mentioned the Old City, but he kept his mouth shut. If Pete and his friends were dragged into his possible confrontation with Yamish, hed never forgive himself.
Dont look so worried, Yeo said, slapping Chance on the shoulder. Artifacts dont matter right now. We arent going to see anything that powerful until we either leave the city or get really, really rich.
I doubt its the artifact hes thinking about, Bella said. Dont fret over the tournament either, Chance. In the long run, it doesnt matter.
Scratch that, Yeo said. Were going for the top. No losing allowed.
Bella glared at him. That is not reassuring.
Chance doesnt need reassuring, Yeo replied. Hes got that new fighting style and can hold his own against both of us. Were going to do fantastic and Im going to win.
Keep telling yourself that, Bella said, shaking her head.
They reached the top of the golden pathway and walked through a several story tall archway. The foot traffic split off into two directions, with the majority of the people heading off to the right.
Several attendants stood along the entrance of the colosseum, directing everyone that passed by them. They wore sharp blue suits trimmed with gold and had badges with an embossing of Gleams skyline on them pinned to their lapels. As Chances group grew closer to the split, a woman nodded to them.
Participants?
These three are, Pete replied. Im just watching.
Kids to the left, youre to the right, the woman said.
Good luck. Ill be cheering you all on, Pete said, raising a hand and heading off with the majority of the crowd.
Thanks! Chance called after him as they split off to follow the womans directions. They headed down a stairwell and through a long hallway. More Gleam employees stood along the doors, motioning the competitors on.
They passed dozens of doors until an employee caught their attention and gestured to an open room.
You three are a group right? In here. Youll find some numbers in the room. Press your thumb into the button beneath them to choose one. When that number is called, thats when youll be going up.
Understood, Bella said.
They headed inside and the man closed the door behind them. The room had four chairs lined up before a long window that provided a good view into the large arena floor just outside. It was just elevated enough to let them see everything that was happening without risking getting hit by any crossfire.
Like the employee had said, there were four metal plates along the wall, numbered ninety-two through ninety-five. Each plate had a small embossing beneath the numbers. Without hesitation, Yeo strode up to ninety-two and pressed his thumb into the hole. He yanked it back with a curse, revealing a tiny droplet of blood where it had been.
Little thing poked me, Yeo said, glaring at it.
Its probably how they know someones here, Bella said. You care which number you get, Chance?
Nah. Theyre all the same.
Chance took ninety-three, and Bella took ninety-four. They all glanced around the room, but nobody had given them any more instructions, so they just sat down in their chairs to wait. Chance fidgeted in his chair, but not for the reasons Bella and Yeo probably suspected.
Sure, he wanted to win the tournament. But it wasnt for the fame or feeling of success anymore he needed the money. It was the only way to get stronger fast enough to have even an inkling of a chance against whatever Yamish or the Old City might throw at him. The others were fighting for a rank, but he might very well have been fighting for his life.
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Chapter 49: It begins
Lucy flopped down on a straw chair and let out a long suffering sigh. She looked up at the dingy, stone ceiling above her, then grimaced at the bristly straw digging into her butt and back. She shifted around, trying to find a more comfortable spot and failing miserably.
Remind me why we have to live in the worlds ugliest and most uncomfortable hovel? Lucy complained, reaching for her mug.
It wasnt there. She pressed her lips together. It was never with her when she came home. For that reason alone, she would have done everything in her power to come back if it werent for one small detail, that is.
Because humility is a valuable trait that has been lost to most cultivators, a kindly voice replied.
A young man walked out from behind her, his blonde hair glistening in the dim light. His eyes were a brilliant blue and he wore plain cloth robes that would have looked like rags on anyone else, but somehow managed to look fit for a king on his body.
The straw covering the ground shifted and rose up, forming a smooth chair beneath him as he sat across from Lucy.
Could my chairs at least be as comfortable as yours? I know for a fact you arent getting poked in the ass by yours.
You lack respect for the world, the main replied with an easygoing laugh. Soon, Lucy. You arent too far, now. Maybe a few hundred more years, if you continue as you have been.
Lucy grunted. Sure thing, Rilu. How about giving me my mug back, then?This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
Absolutely not. Your liver might be immortal for all intents and purposes, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt give it the respect it deserves. Your body is part of the world. You should treat it better.
Bah. Dont push your crap on everyone else, Lucy said, rolling her eyes. This is why everyone hates you.
As far as I am aware, the only person that hates me is you. But, I suppose that is to be expected from a student. It is difficult to raise someone to be a powerful cultivator without building up a little bit of resentment. Was it the time I suspended you above the sea of lava?
We are not playing therapist today, Lucy said, crossing her arms. The movement caused her chair to prick her hard, and she cursed, swatting it. You know why Im here.
I do, Rilu admitted. How did it go?
At first, I thought you were full of it, Lucy said, rubbing her forehead. The boys arrival was so faint that it really did feel like he wouldnt be of any real importance.
Everyone is of importance.
Oh, shut it. You know what I meant. Lucy waved a hand dismissively and glared at Rilu. But the boy hes already a Rank Two, and on his way to reaching Three. He actually managed to learn my old fighting style as well, even though it didnt fit him perfectly.
I dont care about any of that, Rilu said. What of his personality? What kind of person is he?
Kind. Nave and desperate to keep others from learning too much about him, but kind. Hes also a terrible liar.
Rilu nodded thoughtfully. This is good. Were you the first to reach him? I would not imagine so, as the seal placed on Centurion means another cultivator had already been meddling.
I wasnt. I made the boy think I had no idea to avoid stressing him, but hes wrapped up with a very powerful cultivator. Yamish.
Yamish is involved? Rilus eyes widened and he leaned forward in his chair. You jest.
Dead serious, you sober prick. And I think hes more than just involved. The kids got a thick thread of Karma between him and Yamishs clone.
I never thought Id see the day, Rilu said, shaking his head in disbelief and leaning back. This is an omen indeed.
Chance nearly mentioned the Old City, but he kept his mouth shut. If Pete and his friends were dragged into his possible confrontation with Yamish, hed never forgive himself.
Dont look so worried, Yeo said, slapping Chance on the shoulder. Artifacts dont matter right now. We arent going to see anything that powerful until we either leave the city or get really, really rich.
I doubt its the artifact hes thinking about, Bella said. Dont fret over the tournament either, Chance. In the long run, it doesnt matter.
Scratch that, Yeo said. Were going for the top. No losing allowed.
Bella glared at him. That is not reassuring.
Chance doesnt need reassuring, Yeo replied. Hes got that new fighting style and can hold his own against both of us. Were going to do fantastic and Im going to win.
Keep telling yourself that, Bella said, shaking her head.
They reached the top of the golden pathway and walked through a several story tall archway. The foot traffic split off into two directions, with the majority of the people heading off to the right.
Several attendants stood along the entrance of the colosseum, directing everyone that passed by them. They wore sharp blue suits trimmed with gold and had badges with an embossing of Gleams skyline on them pinned to their lapels. As Chances group grew closer to the split, a woman nodded to them.
Participants?
These three are, Pete replied. Im just watching.
Kids to the left, youre to the right, the woman said.
Good luck. Ill be cheering you all on, Pete said, raising a hand and heading off with the majority of the crowd.
Thanks! Chance called after him as they split off to follow the womans directions. They headed down a stairwell and through a long hallway. More Gleam employees stood along the doors, motioning the competitors on.
They passed dozens of doors until an employee caught their attention and gestured to an open room.
You three are a group right? In here. Youll find some numbers in the room. Press your thumb into the button beneath them to choose one. When that number is called, thats when youll be going up.
Understood, Bella said.
They headed inside and the man closed the door behind them. The room had four chairs lined up before a long window that provided a good view into the large arena floor just outside. It was just elevated enough to let them see everything that was happening without risking getting hit by any crossfire.
Like the employee had said, there were four metal plates along the wall, numbered ninety-two through ninety-five. Each plate had a small embossing beneath the numbers. Without hesitation, Yeo strode up to ninety-two and pressed his thumb into the hole. He yanked it back with a curse, revealing a tiny droplet of blood where it had been.
Little thing poked me, Yeo said, glaring at it.
Its probably how they know someones here, Bella said. You care which number you get, Chance?
Nah. Theyre all the same.
Chance took ninety-three, and Bella took ninety-four. They all glanced around the room, but nobody had given them any more instructions, so they just sat down in their chairs to wait. Chance fidgeted in his chair, but not for the reasons Bella and Yeo probably suspected.
Sure, he wanted to win the tournament. But it wasnt for the fame or feeling of success anymore he needed the money. It was the only way to get stronger fast enough to have even an inkling of a chance against whatever Yamish or the Old City might throw at him. The others were fighting for a rank, but he might very well have been fighting for his life.
Chapter 49: It beginsLucy flopped down on a straw chair and let out a long suffering sigh. She looked up at the dingy, stone ceiling above her, then grimaced at the bristly straw digging into her butt and back. She shifted around, trying to find a more comfortable spot and failing miserably.Remind me why we have to live in the worlds ugliest and most uncomfortable hovel? Lucy complained, reaching for her mug.It wasnt there. She pressed her lips together. It was never with her when she came home. For that reason alone, she would have done everything in her power to come back if it werent for one small detail, that is.Because humility is a valuable trait that has been lost to most cultivators, a kindly voice replied.A young man walked out from behind her, his blonde hair glistening in the dim light. His eyes were a brilliant blue and he wore plain cloth robes that would have looked like rags on anyone else, but somehow managed to look fit for a king on his body.The straw covering the ground shifted and rose up, forming a smooth chair beneath him as he sat across from Lucy.Could my chairs at least be as comfortable as yours? I know for a fact you arent getting poked in the ass by yours.You lack respect for the world, the main replied with an easygoing laugh. Soon, Lucy. You arent too far, now. Maybe a few hundred more years, if you continue as you have been.Lucy grunted. Sure thing, Rilu. How about giving me my mug back, then?This chapter was first shared on the Nvl1n platform.Absolutely not. Your liver might be immortal for all intents and purposes, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt give it the respect it deserves. Your body is part of the world. You should treat it better.Bah. Dont push your crap on everyone else, Lucy said, rolling her eyes. This is why everyone hates you.As far as I am aware, the only person that hates me is you. But, I suppose that is to be expected from a student. It is difficult to raise someone to be a powerful cultivator without building up a little bit of resentment. Was it the time I suspended you above the sea of lava?We are not playing therapist today, Lucy said, crossing her arms. The movement caused her chair to prick her hard, and she cursed, swatting it. You know why Im here.I do, Rilu admitted. How did it go?At first, I thought you were full of it, Lucy said, rubbing her forehead. The boys arrival was so faint that it really did feel like he wouldnt be of any real importance.Everyone is of importance.Oh, shut it. You know what I meant. Lucy waved a hand dismissively and glared at Rilu. But the boy hes already a Rank Two, and on his way to reaching Three. He actually managed to learn my old fighting style as well, even though it didnt fit him perfectly.I dont care about any of that, Rilu said. What of his personality? What kind of person is he?Kind. Nave and desperate to keep others from learning too much about him, but kind. Hes also a terrible liar.Rilu nodded thoughtfully. This is good. Were you the first to reach him? I would not imagine so, as the seal placed on Centurion means another cultivator had already been meddling.I wasnt. I made the boy think I had no idea to avoid stressing him, but hes wrapped up with a very powerful cultivator. Yamish.Yamish is involved? Rilus eyes widened and he leaned forward in his chair. You jest.Dead serious, you sober prick. And I think hes more than just involved. The kids got a thick thread of Karma between him and Yamishs clone.I never thought Id see the day, Rilu said, shaking his head in disbelief and leaning back. This is an omen indeed.Chance nearly mentioned the Old City, but he kept his mouth shut. If Pete and his friends were dragged into his possible confrontation with Yamish, hed never forgive himself.Dont look so worried, Yeo said, slapping Chance on the shoulder. Artifacts dont matter right now. We arent going to see anything that powerful until we either leave the city or get really, really rich.I doubt its the artifact hes thinking about, Bella said. Dont fret over the tournament either, Chance. In the long run, it doesnt matter.Scratch that, Yeo said. Were going for the top. No losing allowed.Bella glared at him. That is not reassuring.Chance doesnt need reassuring, Yeo replied. Hes got that new fighting style and can hold his own against both of us. Were going to do fantastic and Im going to win.Keep telling yourself that, Bella said, shaking her head.They reached the top of the golden pathway and walked through a several story tall archway. The foot traffic split off into two directions, with the majority of the people heading off to the right.Several attendants stood along the entrance of the colosseum, directing everyone that passed by them. They wore sharp blue suits trimmed with gold and had badges with an embossing of Gleams skyline on them pinned to their lapels. As Chances group grew closer to the split, a woman nodded to them.Participants?These three are, Pete replied. Im just watching.Kids to the left, youre to the right, the woman said.Good luck. Ill be cheering you all on, Pete said, raising a hand and heading off with the majority of the crowd.Thanks! Chance called after him as they split off to follow the womans directions. They headed down a stairwell and through a long hallway. More Gleam employees stood along the doors, motioning the competitors on.They passed dozens of doors until an employee caught their attention and gestured to an open room.You three are a group right? In here. Youll find some numbers in the room. Press your thumb into the button beneath them to choose one. When that number is called, thats when youll be going up.Understood, Bella said.They headed inside and the man closed the door behind them. The room had four chairs lined up before a long window that provided a good view into the large arena floor just outside. It was just elevated enough to let them see everything that was happening without risking getting hit by any crossfire.Like the employee had said, there were four metal plates along the wall, numbered ninety-two through ninety-five. Each plate had a small embossing beneath the numbers. Without hesitation, Yeo strode up to ninety-two and pressed his thumb into the hole. He yanked it back with a curse, revealing a tiny droplet of blood where it had been.Little thing poked me, Yeo said, glaring at it.Its probably how they know someones here, Bella said. You care which number you get, Chance?Nah. Theyre all the same.Chance took ninety-three, and Bella took ninety-four. They all glanced around the room, but nobody had given them any more instructions, so they just sat down in their chairs to wait. Chance fidgeted in his chair, but not for the reasons Bella and Yeo probably suspected.Sure, he wanted to win the tournament. But it wasnt for the fame or feeling of success anymore he needed the money. It was the only way to get stronger fast enough to have even an inkling of a chance against whatever Yamish or the Old City might throw at him. The others were fighting for a rank, but he might very well have been fighting for his life.
