Chapter 24: Chapter 23

It was the first week of the spring season. Arlan, Marie, and Katalina returned to the Reeve’s Manor in Auron City. They were escorted by JD and the same nine Heracul Knights from before. Since Jocko was back in Galmora, JD was appointed to overlook the security detail of the Reeve’s Manor.

Arlan had noticed his core had improved to a fifth-tier yellow core. His mana lanes were routing much more efficiently. But Arlan was still perplexed on how he could awaken his power of the Ashra.

They had arrived a day before their classes would resume. It was three past noon and Arlan was in his room going over his preparations to start his class the next day. All four of Arlan’s maids had already arrived a few days prior. They assisted the young lion with unpacking his belongings once again.

Arlan decided it was time to go see Jovann at the Eastvale Trade Company Office. So he changed into his commoner brown cape outfit and he had JD do the same. The pair left through the Reeve’s Manor gate and disappeared among the many residents going about their days.

The familiar Auron City streets were much more crowded than Galmora. A town was only a fraction of what a bustling city metropolis is. Arlan and JD made their way to the market district which took them fifteen minutes. Auron City’s markets were the main driving force of its economy.

Arlan led JD to the Eastvale Trade Company’s office which was just on the edge of the market district. A warehouse connected to a quaint office building that was formerly a tavern was the extent of what Arlan had the Eastvale Trade Company.

Arlan opened the door to the office building and inside revealed multiple clerks processing their inventory before them. Arlan and JD marched past the main room and up the stairs. Since it was an old tavern that they converted, the extra rooms on the second floor served as offices for more senior members.

The young lion and his knight walked all the way down the hall to Jovann’s office and knocked on the door. Jovann’s voice could barely be heard through the door, “Come in.”

When the door swung open to reveal Arlan, Jovann smiled and pointed at the chairs. The two visitors sat on the chairs opposite Jovann’s desk. Piles of papers littered the room. Arlan knew that business would pick up during the spring season.

Jovann confidently said, “I was expecting you any day now. We managed to secure some intel reports you may want to read. As for operations, you can see that we’ve been growing quite a bit and I’m trying my best to meet the growth.”

“Good work, Jovann.” replied Arlan, “This is JD, my adjutant knight. We just arrived earlier today. I came so I can gather the intel personally and I’d like the Eastvale Trade Company to start a new division.”

“I’m listening.” declared Jovann.

“I’ve contracted a master rogue to train a clandestine division for the Eastvale Trade Company. You’ll thoroughly screen every recruit and the master rogue will train them into proper agents.”

“I figured you would eventually want something like this. I’ve already prepared a batch of recruits that are currently working as clerks and warehouse hands. They’re all between the ages of seventeen and nineteen. Both girls and guys alike. They’re all orphans with no family ties.”

Wow, this is a nice surprise.

“I’m quite impressed, Jovann. You’ve taken the initiative, it’s something I value deeply.”

“After what you’ve done for Onas and me, this is just the beginning. I’ll continue to meet or exceed your expectations. By the way, what will be the division name?”

I didn’t even think of a name yet.

“The clandestine division will be known as the ‘Umbras.’”

“You got it, boss. I’ll handle the logistics. The first four Umbras will be ready for orders in a month.”

“Excellent. Treat yourself, Onas, and the rest of the employees to an excellent meal tonight,” ordered Arlan as he left thirty silver coins on the table.

“I’ll make sure we’ll spend it all.”

Arlan departed from the company headquarters with several scrolls in his bag. JD followed his lord while maintaining his awareness of any threats or followers. Arlan felt it unnecessary though since his [Battle Trance] was now always active. The essence drained to maintain the ability wasn’t more than the essence he regained. This allowed Arlan to maintain the ability indefinitely.

The sun had started to set over Auron City signaling the nightlife to begin. The pair continued through the market district unnoticed as many adventurers and other travelers wore similar brown capes.

Arlan knew he could traverse the streets easily in this outfit without drawing any attention. As long as he wore the cloth face wrap and kept his lion sigil hidden, no one could tell it was him. The same applied to JD.

The young lion and his adjutant knight were returning to the Reeve’s Manor by using a different route in order to throw off any unwelcome followers. They moved through another section of the market district that was filled with antique shops.

Upon their return, the Heracul Knights immediately allowed them entry as if they were servants coming for their night shift. The pair returned to Arlan’s room in order to read over the intel reports. They discussed through the evening and lost track of time. Jeanette knocked on the door and announced, “Young Master, dinner will now be served in the dining hall. Do you wish to have dinner in your room?”

“No, Jeanette,”  answered Arlan, “We’ll come down now.”

Both of the young men immediately left for the dinner service. A savory aroma lured them in, teasing their appetites. Upon entry into the dining hall, Marie and Katalina had already started. JD and Arlan sat at the table and the maids laid out plates before them.

Ever since JD finished the Knight’s Academy, he had been accompanying Arlan on his missions. With his adjutant knight by his side, Arlan felt less lonely. He now had his most trusted friend and a capable ally with him wherever he went. Since JD knew of Arlan’s secret, the bond between them strengthened.

Katalina inquired, “Where did you two go?”

“I tended to some business,” answered Arlan, “It had to do with the supplies regarding my fief.”

“You’ve always been so dedicated to your duties,” stated Katalina proudly.

“The Tetrasan Tournament is soon,” added Marie, “Arlan, are you planning to enter?”

“I wasn’t going to,” answered Arlan, “but the Headmistress will likely force me to.”

Marie continued, “Well you are the next strongest student next to Hector. It’s natural that the Headmistress wants the best of Lancel High Academy to participate.”

“Well, I’ll do my best,” Arlan assured Marie.

They continued on with more small talk throughout the dinner but retired to their bedrooms for the night. JD continued on with his duties as Arlan's Adjutant Knight while Arlan finished going over his intel reports from Jovann. The night ended uneventfully.

 

The next morning, Arlan, Marie, and Katalina were back at Lancel High Academy. Many students were all exchanging stories of their winter break and were glad to be back at their school. The atmosphere was much more united than it had been four months ago. The efforts to equalize the treatment of commoner students and nobles helped create a much more welcoming environment.

Arlan met with Tebald in their dorm room and exchanged a quick greeting before they headed to their classes. The young lion noticed students handing out brochures regarding the Tetrasan Tournament.

As usual, the morning classes didn’t interest Arlan and he zoned out of each class until the afternoon lunch break. Arlan entered the dining hall and met with Iris and Tebald. They were joined by Katalina and Marie shortly after. The reunion of friends was short-lived by a staff aide delivering a summon to Arlan.

The Headmistress summoned Arlan and he was to be excused from his swordsmanship class with Instructor Dink. As the young lion entered the same private classroom that he had studied during his first semester, the Headmistress was already waiting for him there.

“Come, sit,” directed the Headmistress, “I’ve received the most peculiar letter last night.”

Arlan sat opposite the Headmistress and said, “And may I ask what the letter has to do with me?”

“This letter was sent by King Richard himself. It was enchanted to burn after I read it. You told the King about your past and now he wants me to ‘persuade’ you to join the Tetrasan Tournament.”

“I can explain-”

“No explanation is necessary, you will join the tournament but that’s not the only reason why I’ve called you here.”

“Headmistress?”

“I’ve summoned you here because I’ve discovered something from the Grand Archives in Oreta during my visit. A story tucked away regarding the Ashra, I believe we can use it to awaken your powers.”

Really now?

“Lady Dafni, how are you sure it will work?”

“I’m not sure. We just have to hope it does.”

 

A few weeks went by and Iris noticed Arlan was never at the swordsmanship class they shared. Whenever he showed up to the dining hall, he was already exhausted from his sessions with the Headmistress. His entire schedule had been dedicated to preparing for the tournament. But he assured her it was necessary. Their sparring sessions continued despite Arlan’s fatigued state.

The Tetrasan Tournament was now only two days away. The tournament was hosted by Auron City this year and would rotate between the four different school cities. The tournament was a Midland tradition that the kingdom celebrated.

All four of the prestigious academies would send three of their best students, each from a different year to compete. Normally, the brackets would be separated but this year, winners of each bracket would face off against each other in an exhibition match.

The politics behind the Tetrasan Tournament were more important than the tournament itself. The seven great houses would use this as an opportunity to show off their youths as a show of power. The Midland Royal Court would also recognize the participants and scout them for military or court positions.

The three students from Lancel were third-year Hector Hawkwell, second-year Nicolas Stonemar, and first-year Arlan Reeve. The entire school felt confident that they’d win with such an impressive roster. Even Godbert cheered for Arlan. Godbert knew that if Arlan beat a strong opponent from another school, then his defeat would be forgiven, and cheering for Arlan could net him some respect back.

Auron City was packed more than usual in preparations for the tournament. The Lansleys erected temporary camps outside the city limits for the extra merchants, workers, and soldiers necessary for the event.

Arlan divided his time between training under the Headmistress and sending out his own letters, orders, and instructions to Jovann and Galmora. The young lion was able to keep up with training his banner, the development of Galmora, growing his trade company, and training his body.

It was the fifth of the seven days in the week. Arlan would normally still be on campus until the sixth day when he was able to return home if he wanted but he requested the day off from the Headmistress and was given special permission to do as he needed for the next two days.

Arlan was on his way to Alcazar, the Lansley’s castle overseeing Auron City. It held luxury in mind more than defenses but it would still be a tough shell to crack due to the massive lake that it was built on. There were only two white marble stone bridges that connected to the fortress. Arlan was in a carriage on the west bridge while the east bridge was in his sights.

While on his dark stygian, JD was leading the security detail that escorted the young lion. The security detail consisted of four mounted Heracul Knights and two servant drivers. Duke Louis arranged for Arlan to meet with the Duke of House Lansley, who requested to meet with Arlan.

The Reeve carriage was allowed through by the guards and continued through the courtyard until it stopped at the front steps of the main hall. A servant driver opened the door for his lord and Arlan emerged from the cabin. The young lion wore the same expensive outfit as the one from the night of his celebration. Arlan figured it was important to dress nicely for the richest House of Midland.

It was important to leave a good first impression to build rapport with the Lansleys. The alliance between House Reeve and House Lansley was the main driving force in keeping the rebellion from emerging. King Richard’s influence at court was waning due to the faction led by Duke Osmund Kaiser. So having the Lansleys support the Reeves was the most important variable.

Arlan was escorted through the giant double doors into the main hall. An extremely long and wide red carpet paved the way toward the audience chamber within the main hall. Elite guards with halberds and golden armor lined each side. As much as power garnered money, money can also buy power.

A thin black-haired nobleman sat on a golden throne at the end of the red carpet road. He was as old as Duke Louis but was much frailer. He stood up and welcomed his guest, “Your reputation precedes you, Baron Arlan Reeve.”

Arlan and his party knelt while Arlan replied, “I have arrived at your request, Duke Frank Lansley. Your castle is the most beautiful bastion I’ve set foot in.”

“Yes, the Alcazar is my greatest work yet. Please rise,” commanded Duke Frank as Arlan and his party rose to their feet, “I see you’ve been attending my prestigious academy. It’s a shame that I’ve been too busy to meet until now. When your father came to see me before winter, he spoke highly of you.”

“Duke Frank, I am undeserving of your praise and my father’s praise.”

“Nonsense, don’t be so humble around me, boy. I won’t tolerate it.”

“I apologize,” said Arlan as he quickly bowed.

Duke Frank waltzed forward from his golden chair and stood before Arlan to say, “Young lion, I’ve summoned you today to discuss an important matter regarding the Tetrasan Tournament. Everyone except Baron Arlan, leave the hall now.”

On cue with Duke Frank’s commands, everyone left the hall. Not even any of the elite guards remained. It was just Arlan and Duke Frank.

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I can’t get a read on what he wants from me. Duke Frank is a close friend of my father but I should still proceed with caution.

Duke Frank broke the silence, “Arlan, this enchanted ring I’m wearing allows me to keep our voices between us. Even if someone in this hall was standing right next to us, they wouldn’t hear us scream.”

That enchantment is insanely powerful. I’ve never seen such an artifact. Even my [Battle Trance] is seeing a mana presence that’s stronger than Lady Dafni within that ring alone. It has to be at least a sixth-tier mana enchantment.

“Duke Frank, if you’re willing to take such measures to talk to me, I’ll have to assume this is life-threatening.”

“You're as sharp as your uncle, Count Emile. And yes, what I’m here to discuss with you can decide the fate of Midland. Are you ready, boy?”

“Yes, Duke Frank. I am prepared to do what I can to keep Midland peaceful.”

“Admirable resolve. The entire kingdom is aware of your candidacy to marry Princess Emmeline. Because of that, you’re now quite the target during the tournament. Warmane Academy, Storm Coast Academy, and Maginus Academy have first-years who are all targeting you. Their hopes are that if they beat you, they’ll be chosen to marry princess Emmeline.”

“They won’t beat me.”

“Oh, I’m quite aware that they won’t. But that isn’t what I’m worried about, Arlan. It’s your love for the Heiress Iris Hawkwell. Don’t pretend that no one knows.”

He’s right, I can’t believe I didn’t think about how our current relationship could be easily seen by everyone. This is not like me. Is it my heart going against my logic?!

“I apologize for my lack of discretion, but I still don’t see how that can affect the tournament.”

“Because at the Tetrasan Tournament, you will publicly claim that you intend to marry Princess Emmeline.”

“Duke Frank, with all due respect, I don’t intend to become the King of Midland. And I fail to understand why I should declare it.”

“Because if you show yourself as a viable candidate for the King, it will persuade most of the smaller houses to our side and it will tip House Stonemar to side with us as well. This is the only way we can win against the rebellion.”

I understand now, it isn’t necessarily about becoming the King, but more along the lines of garnering support from the House Stonemar and the smaller houses. This would greatly tip the balance in our favor when the rebellion happens.

“I understand now, Duke Frank and I apologize for not having the capacity to understand your true intentions.”

“The fact that you understand it now, shows how wise you are for your age. You will not only need to remain undefeated through the Tetrasan Tournament, but you will declare your intention to marry Princess Emmeline by winning for her honor. As for whether or not you’ll actually marry Princess Emmeline can be discussed after we’ve crushed the rebellion. No one else can know of this secret. You’ll have to be so convincing that even your closest retainers will believe your resolve.”

Oh… It makes sense, Iris is a Hawkwell, she is betrothed to Luther Kaiser, the Heir of House Kaiser. It could be bad if she knew I was faking it but this will break her heart… Either way, this was going to happen eventually.

“Duke Frank, may I tell my Adjutant Knight? I trust him with my life.”

“He may know but only him. The only people aware of this charade are you, your father, your two uncles, and Lady Dafni. No one else can know.”

“Then I will accept your proposition, Duke Frank.”

“Arlan, if you can convince King Richard to announce the marriage between you and Princess Emmeline, we may even be able to prevent this rebellion from starting. Now, even though I know you’ll win the Tetrasan Tournament, I have a gift for you. I hear you’ve been looking for a specific blacksteel weapon to be made.”

Duke Frank has definitely been spying on me. I wonder if he’s behind all the spies back when I was in Galdo City.

Arlan stated, “Yes, I been looking for a skilled bladesmith but I have been unable to find one.”

“I’ve contracted a master bladesmith from Oreta to create the weapon you’ve inquired about. And it’s already finished and in my possession. It’ll be yours now but can you really wield such a weapon?”

Arlan grinned, “Yes, Duke Frank, I can. If you bring it to me, I can show you.”

Duke Frank retracted his mana from his ring and yelled, “Guards! Allow everyone back inside and bring me the gift for Arlan.”

Just as the duke ordered, all the guards, servants, nobles, advisors, and Arlan’s party returned to the audience chamber. Within a minute, a massive elite guard struggled to carry a blacksteel greatsword almost the length of Arlan from head to toe if it stood straight up.

I can’t believe he actually had it made. I didn’t think it was possible. I thought it would take me another few months to find a master bladesmith. The elite guard was struggling to carry the blacksteel greatsword and he’s a fourth-tier red core.

As the massive elite guard laid the weapon down before Arlan, Duke Frank introduced his gift, “It’s been made to your exact specifications. The blade is four feet long and the hilt is about a foot long. This adds to the five feet specifications you requested. The blade width has been widened from two inches to four and a half inches. And the blacksteel has been folded over numerous times as you requested. It took over twenty blacksteel ingots to create this concoction. Four times as many blacksteel ingots as a normal greatsword. And since it’s blacksteel, it's the heaviest sword I’ve ever seen in my life. After it was finished, it weighed two hundred pounds.”

Arlan smiled while his arm glowed just a little. Everyone in the room except JD was shocked to their core to see a fourteen-year-old boy effortlessly pick up the blacksteel greatsword with just one hand.

Duke Frank said, “You amaze me, Arlan.”

 

It was now the morning of the Tetrasan Tournament, important figures from all over Midland had arrived the day before. Duke Louis, Count Emile, Countess Vivia, and Count Daxton had arrived the day before also. They all stayed at the Reeve’s Manor and were excited to see Arlan compete.

The young lion was in his room being fitted with his blacksteel armor by two Heracul Knights. Duke Louis erupted through the door and was smiling proudly at his adopted son. Despite all that he was told at the night of Arlan’s celebration, he was unwavering by the fact that his adopted son was from another world.

“My son, are you ready to honor House Reeve?” asked Duke Louis.

Arlan nodded, “Yes, father. I’m ready as ever.”

The father and son departed the room for the three different carriages that awaited them outside. The first carriage was Duke Louis, Baron Arlan, and Knight Adjutant Jan Derva. The second carriage was Count Emile, Countess Vivia, Baroness Katalina, and Lady Katherine. The final carriage was Count Daxton and Lord Commander Jermaine. They were escorted by twenty Heracul Knights and several servants and maids.

The caravan of carriages lined up outside the massive coliseum that was going to host the Tetrasan Tournament. It was large enough to fit sixty thousand spectators and other amenities. It was lined with different academy banners and magical protection enchantments were placed by the Lansley mages.

There were thousands of spectators filling inside while many nobles were given special balcony rooms. One particular balcony room was meant for the Midland Royal Family.

Since there were only six balcony rooms for the Great Houses, the Lansleys and the Reeves shared a balcony room. Spectators who could afford an entry ranged from wealthy merchants to middle-class residents. The entry was quite an expensive purchase so not many commoners were allowed in. Students from the Academies were given special seats for free.

After Arlan got off the carriage at the main entrance, many onlookers cheered for him. Red, pink, and yellow confetti orbs rained from the sky. A simple enchantment spell cast on a wide scale by the Lansley mages to add more to the atmosphere. Arlan was in his blacksteel armor and his red cape. His helmet was under his left arm while his new weapon was slung over his back at a slanted angle. He left his mithril longsword at home.

While Duke Louis and JD were ushered to the balcony room, Arlan was ushered to a different path. The young lion walked for a minute while the sounds of the crowd cheering grew louder and louder. At the height of the crowd’s cheer, a massive gate that was already opened revealed the center Arena.

Despite being used to this kind of attention, Arlan actually felt a small hint of nervousness. He walked through confidently anyway and after his appearance, the crowd erupted even louder. Lady Dafni, the Headmistress, walked over to Arlan while wearing her ceremonial Arch Mage robe.

Lady Dafni then said, “My little pupil, you’re the last one from our school to arrive. And it looks like you’re a crowd favorite. Come, join Nicolas and Hector at the Lancel High Academy seat facing the center Arena.

Arlan followed as he turned to see the large platform they would fight on. It was being enchanted by more Lansley mages. They were casting runes to stop any projectiles from leaving the platform and any attacks that would fly out of the platform would be absorbed and redirected straight up.

The other three schools were also seated similarly. Lancel High Academy was seated at the northwest wall, Maginus Academy was seated at the northeast wall, Storm Coast Academy was seated at the southeast wall and the Warmane Academy was seated at the southwest wall.

Arlan looked into the student section for his school and waved. The entire student body of Lancel High Academy was cheering for him now. He then looked up at the Reeve's balcony and saw his family cheering him on as well.

This is going to be interesting.

More cheering could be heard, especially from the Storm Coast Academy student section. They were cheering for someone who had just arrived. Arlan turned to the entrance he had just come from earlier and saw him for the first time, Baron Luther Kaiser, Storm Coast Academy’s rank-one third-year.

Arlan used [Battle Trance] to scout out Baron Luther Kaiser. The young lion was shocked at what he saw. He was a sixth-tier yellow core.

He’s stronger than me? How is this possible? The intel said he was only a fourth-tier red core. Unless he’s absorbed a rare monster core within this last week.

Baron Luther Kaiser strolled through the Arena toward his seat in the southeast corner. His short cobalt hair was complemented by his shiny mithril full plate armor. He tossed a condescending glance at Arlan. The young lion was able to return the gaze. Within a few seconds, Luther returned to waving at the audience and confidently waltzing to his seat with his school, the Storm Coast Academy.

The participants from the Maginus Academy arrived last. The Warmane Academy was already there, they were the first ones to arrive. The Maginus Academy students were all prodigy mages while the Warmane Academy were all students from military backgrounds. The Storm Coast Academy was Lancel High Academy’s rival from the southern regions of Midland.

Ten minutes after the last student arrived, basic mana-ball spells of different colors raced into the sky and exploded into smaller particles. It was fireworks being cast by Lansley mages. This signified the start of the opening ceremony. King Richard appeared at the largest balcony. He was accompanied by Queen Margaret, Duke Frank, Arch Minister Elric Hans, and an unrecognizable noble girl with crimson hair. She wore a red dress with gold-lined trimmings and her eyes were red as well.

She must be Princess Emmeline.

As King Richard started his opening ceremony speech, Princess Emmeline stole a glance at Arlan and their eyes met for a few seconds before she returned to looking around at the crowd.

I think she knows.

King Richard continued, “A beautiful day to celebrate our brightest and most talented youth from these academies. This tournament has shown even more promise than any tournament in history. The winners of the tournament will receive special rewards, bestowed by me. Now, I’m proud to announce the start of the Tetrasan Tournament!”

A loud cheer answered the King’s final words to begin. The Tetrasan tournament was divided into four events. The first event is an exhibition match with first-years against a mana-infused golem. The second event was a series of duels between the schools, separated into brackets based on their year. The third event is a match between the first-year champion and second-year champion. The final event is a match between the champion of the third event and the third-year champion. The duels held the same rules, 

The young lion was now unsure of how he’d win now. His opponents were all at least fifth-tier red cores and almost as strong as him. This power spike was something completely unexpected.

The Maginus Academy first-year mage was the first to take the stage. He was first against the mana-infused golem. His mana lanes were efficient enough to cast fifth-tier magic spells while his core was that of a fifth-tier red core.

Hector and Nicolas both had fifth-tier white cores with efficient mana lanes, allowing them to cast fifth-tier magic spells. Hector had an incredible amount of battle experience as well.

On paper and by numbers, Arlan was actually the weakest one here. His mana lanes weren’t efficient enough and his core capacity was barely a fifth-tier orange core.

The Maginus Academy cheered on their first-year as he started channeling spell after spell to buff his casting speed and a kinetic barrier. The mana-infused golem was a fifth-tier red core, similar to the first trials.

The golem attempted to smash its fist into the first-year mage but he was too quick. The first-year chanted a lightning-based spell called [Arc Shock]. The amount of mana firing out from the arm was twice that of what Arlan could manage. The young lion understood that he could lose if he took this tournament lightly.

The first-year's [Arc Shock] continuously fired from his hand to the mana-infused golem with red thunderbolts. It was already over in twenty seconds. The golem had collapsed.

I’ve never seen a mage fight like that, even in melee, he was completely in control. That may be a problem later if I fight him first.

The other two schools proceeded to demolish the golem in under fifteen seconds. It was finally Lancel High Academy’s turn and Arlan took center stage as it magically repaired itself from the previous battle. This was done by the Lansley mages who were guiding the tournament along.

Arlan readied himself and drew his new weapon. This was his first test with the blacksteel greatsword. The crowd watched in awe as the small fourteen-year-old boy held such a massive claymore, a blacksteel claymore on top of that, which was four times the weight of regular steel.

The whispers exchanged between many were confused as to why Arlan changed his weapon to blacksteel from mithril. It was a downgrade in terms of strength, mithril was much stronger than blacksteel.

The young lion merely grinned at the mana-infused golem that stood before him. Arlan started to glow a dark-black red. This was the first time anyone except Lady Dafni had seen this. Arlan merely swung his blacksteel greatsword overhead at the golem and it was easily cleaved in two in one smooth attack. The crowd was also surprised.

Nicolas was stunned and asked, “Headmistress! What was that?!”

Lady Dafni answered, “The Warlord’s Regalia, one of Arlan’s new powers.”

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