"So what about it, child? Do you want to be my student?"

Xavier's eyes glistened after listening to the proposal of Lucy, sure enough, he was actually looking forward to being "free" from the grasp of the Chaneian Kingdom for quite a while now.

Lucy's proposal for him to become some sort of an apprentice under the tutelage of the Wolfenstein Kingdom was timely and what he was exactly waiting for.

Although he was thankful that the 'Chaneian Kingdom' had been something that had guided him to the path he was taking right now. It was still of bitter ends.

Truth is, he was an orphan, not from the Chaneian Kingdom, but one of the nearby towns around it that do not belong to its territory. It was still clear in Xavier's memory although it happened over 10 years ago.

He was still a child back then when the soldiers of the Chaneian kingdom attacked and seized control over their village. It was something he could not easily bear, but he did everything just to survive.

Xavier did not have a family within the village, but he had grown quite fond of the people within it. He was unsure how he ended up there in the first place either, but the village chief had taken care of him very well at that time, and he was thankful for it.

"I would gladly be one… Although."

Doubt started appearing in Xavier's head, although he was crystal clear on his upcoming decision, he was unsure if the Chaneian Kingdom would 'let go' of him that easily.

It was purely just because he was skilled that he was even included in the party of representatives this year; This opportunity that is being offered to him only appears every 5 years!

"Oh? What is it that you're thinking about? Do tell. Hmmm… Is it about the terms of being some sort of "follower" when you accept this? If so then don't worry about that, you're talented enough to be respected around here." Lucy replied sincerely as both of them started walking outside the arena.

"It's not that I am worried about that madam… It's just that, I do not think that the Chaneian Kingdom would allow me to do so…" Nervously looking towards the area where the leading representative of the Chaneian kingdom was seated, Xavier honestly replied.

"Hmmm… Is that it? Ah, you don't have to worry then! Our king is the best when it comes to negotiation. I'll let him know about this, He'll easily take care of it for you." Lucy cheekily replied as he escorted Xavier, not back towards the Chaneian Kingdom's seats, but on the Wolfenstein's side.

Lucy casually glanced towards the leading representative of the Chaneian Kingdom, although one could not make up the expression behind her dark helm; One could feel a certain level of contempt from that 'look', it was eerily terrifying.

***

The first part of the afternoon's event ended way too fast. It was still 1 but it has already concluded. Everyone is hoping that the second part would not be as one-sided as what happened to the first one.

Those that participated in the Elite stage aren't allowed to join the group battles, which made the other kingdom hopeful to take the win this time.

Feihren stood up from where he was seated and repeated the specifics for the second part of the event…

The rules were simple;

There would be a maximum number of twenty people (although some could have less) battle against the other twenty of another kingdom.

The last team or individual to stay on the stage, or who has the most members within the stage by the end of the 30-minute timer, wins the round.

Killing the opponents intentionally is highly prohibited.

All participants would be provided temporary blunt weapons, although they could use their own as long as they weren't for lethal purposes.

A kingdom could use anything within there power that would make them have an advantage, i.e. they could use magic spells (as long as it is not used for the intent to kill) and other ways to improve their strategy. Treating this 'training exercise' as some simulation of a real combat.

Having these rules announced thoroughly, Feihren calmly sat back as he waited for the second part of the event unfold. He was pretty confident about the line-up that he had prepared. It's not like Lucy is the only one who could actually fight within the Wolfenstein.

***

"Hmmm… Seems like the kid is willing to be under our tutelage, but why does he look so worried?" Feihren inquired after he had settled back on his seat, standing beside him was Lucy.

"Ah, my apologies, your Majesty, but it looks like the kid is pretty worried that the Chaneian Kingdom would not allow him to 'freely' choose said option." Lucy calmly answered as she continued.

"But, A small kingdom such as the Chaneian shouldn't be shackling such precious talent, it wouldn't grow if it stays within their grasp."

"Hmmm… I doubt that would be the case? There should be someone within the Chaneian Kingdom that is formidable enough to be the teacher of that young man? Enough for him to grow to what he is right now?" Feihren replied as Lucy answered his queries.

"I beg to differ your Majesty, but, if he does really have such teacher, then that man should be here and would be spectating on his student's growth, but as far as I could see, there is none on that side that emits an aura of someone formidable..."

Glancing towards the people of Chaneian, Feihren started scanning the status pages of each individual, sure enough, none were actually powerful; as a matter of fact, nobody within their group has a higher level than Xavier!

"Hmm… It seems that you're right, well, leave it to me then, I'll do the bargaining."

"I know you would your Majesty, I have told the child about it earlier."

***

The different kingdoms then gathered their soldiers that would be participating. The sides of the stage were then crowded with over a hundred participant as the picking began.

What attracted the crowd the most was that each kingdom really did prepare something to make sure they win this part of the event. Besides the first day's afternoon event, none of the other events were as rewarding as this, literally. Aside from the pride and the bragging rights, it had been the culture that the host kingdom would prepare rewards for the winners of both the Elite stage and the group battles.

For this grand meeting, Feihren had tasked Marvin and his father for the preparation of the rewards.

Twenty sets of dwarven-made armors and equipment were up for grabs for winning the battle! Although the Wolfenstein soldiers weren't exempted from all these generous rewards as they were participating, they had to keep it fair and not include themselves from this reward; Besides, their equipment was already dwarven-made…

The drafting was then finished as the first battle was then decided; It was the Chaneian Kingdom against... The Wolfenstein Kingdom.