The central plaza was exactly what you'd expect from a place as massive and lively as Haldrith.

  The road was the same smooth, cobbled texture as the rest of the city, yet you could still somehow sense occasional rough spots. It was like just seeing the sheer amount of people within made you realize how many times the road had been walked over.

  The road led to a central fountain that contained the statue of…….yet another winged snake, though, at this point, I’m pretty sure it’s just a dragon.

  The fountain was the place that I assumed everyone considered to be “the hangout spot”, since there was no way I would even be able to force myself anywhere near it.

  Around the fountain, of course, there were even more stalls lined up. With striped canopies, they formed a loose circle, offering everything from fire-roasted meats to enchanted wind chimes that somehow sang in harmony. Streamers zigzagged overhead, crisscrossing from balcony to balcony, while small lanterns bobbed gently like sleepy fireflies in the daylight, waiting for nightfall to glow.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Mom exhaled with a dreamy look settling across her face.

  “Yep,” I replied, not really paying attention, but still holding her hand as we stepped into the plaza.

  Arthur was already in full commentary mode, pointing at everything his eyes landed on and launching into excited, rambling descriptions that only he could find interesting. Elaine walked beside with a bored look.

  Dad lingered a few steps behind us, his eyes slowly scanning the buildings and decorations. He had a small smile as he admired the craftsmanship that went into building such a beautiful place.

  Mom’s dreamy look was shattered by the sudden burst of shouting near the fountain.

  A crowd had formed, parting just enough for us to catch a glimpse of the chaos.

  On a table that was literally on its last legs, Elder Alric and a similarly built but much younger man were arm wrestling.

  “Is that all you got, little bull?” Elder Alric bellowed, his arm bulging with effort, the table groaning beneath them.

  The younger man didn’t respond with words and instead just clenched his jaw and pushed back, his eyes fixed and burning with determination.

  His skin was a rich copper hue, smooth and unscarred, except for a slash-like scar above his right eye. Close-cropped black hair framed his exhausted but determined face, and his amber eyes burned with youthful confidence. A sleeveless, dark crimson tunic clung to his torso, made from………?

  Beast hide.

  “Thank you.”

  A cross-body harness of black leather held a pair of short, curved blades at his back and several pouches stuffed with survival necessities. His bracers, forged from obsidian-hardened iron, were wrapped tightly around his forearms. He wore combat trousers, stitched with patches of scale-plate along the thighs, which were tucked into dust-worn boots reinforced at the toes and heels with bone plating.

  Elder Alric looked much more presentable, with a more trimmed face and hair, as well as a charcoal-gray cloak that draped over his right shoulder. However, he still had his crimson headband keeping his hair straight and long, along with that green tunic of his.

  “No way, Demon King Alric’s losing?” Arthur gasped, his eyes going wide before he took off toward the fountain for a better look.

  Elaine let out a sigh. "Is it really that interesting?” she mumbled, but even she edged closer.

  At the center of the commotion, Alric and the younger man were locked in a brutal contest. Both were groaning, their faces contorted with effort, letting out deep, ragged sighs as they strained against each other, neither willing to give an inch.

  “Hey, is Cedric the Bastion finally going to win this time?” someone from the crowd shouted, their voice tinged with hope.

  “Yeah right,” another scoffed. “I’m still going all in on Alric. Man’s built like a fortress.”

  The momentum seemed to shift to who I assumed to be Cedric, the younger man, as he started to gain ground. Inch by inch, their hands tilted, his knuckles pushing toward victory. The crowd went completely silent, like the whole plaza had paused mid-breath, caught in the tension of the moment.

  And then—

  “Hah.” Elder Alric inhaled slowly, deeply, like drawing in the entire weight of the plaza.

  That’s game.

  With a sharp snap of his wrist, Elder Alric didn’t just slam the man’s arm down, but he hauled his entire upper body across the table.

  There was a collective gasp as Cedric’s large frame toppled over, crashing onto the ground in a heap of limbs and surprise.

  The crowd erupted with noise and shouts filled with laughter and disbelief.

  Arthur burst out laughing, “No way!”

  Elaine gasped before quickly covering her mouth, blinking in shock.

  Everyone else seemed to share Arthur’s reaction, a mix of amazement and amusement. Mom and Dad, however, barely reacted. There was only a slight nod from Dad, and a faint smile from Mom.

  Same with me. I wasn’t surprised. I mean, come on, it’s Elder Alric.

  Name: Alric Porter

  Race: Human

  Age: 63

  Class: Juggernaut

  Strength: 3,206

  Speed: 2,302

  Stamina: 2,961

  Endurance: 3,011

  Durability: 3,115

  Mana: 2,451

  Soul Rank: Stable

  Soul Color: Blue

  Despite the loss, and the frankly undignified way he’d hit the floor, Cedric could only grin as he picked himself up.

  “Still as rough as ever, Master,” he said, brushing himself off. “I see you haven’t let age slow you down one bit.”

  Elder Alric let out a booming, satisfied laugh. “Like I’d ever lose my touch.”

  He reached out, and Cedric took the offered hand. The two clasped wrists in a firm, respectful shake.

  “You’ve grown a lot, Cedric,” Alric added, his voice tinged with pride.

  Cedric let out a breath. “Yeah, but I’m still nowhere near your level.”

  “Obviously,” came a sharp voice from the side.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  The two turned to see a young woman standing nearby with her arms crossed.

  She reminded me of Elaine, with sharp, brown eyes and a moody expression. Her stormy blue hair was pulled into a tight braid, and around her neck hung a single fang on a cord. Her sleeveless ash-gray combat top, cut just above the midriff, was crafted from a similar material as Cedric, being also reinforced with subtle plating along the ribs. Fingerless leather gloves extended halfway up her forearms, studded with gems that flared lightly. A sword waited tightly around her waist, while fitted charcoal trousers went down to her high boots, reinforced at the shin and heel……….Huh.

  I didn’t really notice her.

  “Did you really think you could beat Master?” Merilda asked Cedric, a sly grin tugging at her lips.

  Cedric shook his head with a content smile. “Of course not, but it was fun trying.”

  “Was it fun getting humiliated like that?”

  “It’d be more fun if it was you, Merilda.”

  “What’d you—”

  Before things could escalate, Elder Alric stepped between them. “Hey, hey, let’s take it down a notch. It’s festival time. Let’s just focus on having fun.”

  Hah, fun, he says.

  “Exactly. How’s he going to talk about fun when he’s the same guy who almost made me die doing those demonic exercises?”

  Elder Alric’s expression shifted. It tightened as if someone insulted him right to his face.

  “Something wrong?” Cedric asked.

  “I......I sense someone insulting me.”

  Wait, what?

  My heart practically flew out of my chest as Elder Alric’s gaze snapped toward me.

  Sys basically evaporated into a puddle right on my head.

  With a glint in his eyes and a menacing smile, Elder Alric waved right at me. “That reminds me, I haven’t introduced my newest pupil to you two yet.”

  I glanced at Mom.

  She gave me a gentle smile.

  Then, without warning, she nudged me forward.

  Mom, that’s not exactly what I wanted.

  I stiffly walked over to them, feeling the silent but deadly stare of Elder Alric burning into me. I was pretty sure if I ran now, I’d have to run even further as punishment.

  When I reached them, Elder Alric slapped my back hard and pulled me in close.

  No escaping that grip.

  “This is Beric Bome,” he said, introducing me.

  They both stared at me, curiosity mixed with skepticism.

  “This is him?” Merilda asked, suspicion thick in her voice.

  “Isn’t he a bit…....young?” Cedric added, raising an eyebrow.

  “Don’t let his age fool you,” Elder Alric said firmly. “This young boy here has the potential to be great. He might even grow into someone who puts my whole history to shame.”

  Their eyes widened.

  “Are you serious?” Merilda pressed.

  Elder Alric grinned. “Well, that’s up to Beric here.” He looked at me expectantly. “Right?”

  I swallowed hard. “Sure.”

  He slapped me on the back again. “I’ll take it.”

  “Master, do you know exactly what you’re implying?” Cedric asked, disbelief written all over his face.

  Elder Alric pretended to think it over. “Let’s see…...” Then he grinned at them both. “It means you’ll have to keep a close eye on him, or he’ll surpass you before you even blink.”

  His surprisingly kind words made me feel good for a moment, until Merilda shot me a glare sharp enough to cut steel.

  Sys leaned in next to my face and whispered, I think she doesn’t like you.

  I almost punched him.

  “Such provocative words for such an unappealing child.”

  Woah, hold on. Why was she angry at me? Elder Alric was the one who said all that.

  She stepped closer, lowering her head slightly. “I’d have thought Master lost his touch, judging by how he sees you.” Her fingers tightened on the hilt of her sword. “But I suppose I can judge for myself.”

  Before I could even question why she was preparing to attack a small child, I braced to dodge an attack. However, there was no need.

  Elder Alric raised a hand, stopping her. “Relax, little viper. You won’t be fighting him.”

  I let out a breath of relief. Even Elder Alric knew when to be mature.

  “You’ll have to wait until after the tournament.”

  What?

  I studied his face. Behind the calm exterior, his eyes gleamed with something else. There was a burning desire to see his star pupils spar.

  “He’s not ready now,” Alric said, “but after the experience he gains in the tournament, I’m sure he’ll give you a good challenge.”

  He’s setting you up.

  That seemed to settle Merilda somewhat.

  “I doubt he’s worth the time, but we’ll see what the tournament reveals,” she said, then turned and walked away.

  ………………????? What’s up with the people in this world and trying to hurt kids?

  “Sorry about that, Beric. Merilda’s not exactly great at talking to people,” Cedric said with a sheepish laugh.

  Oh really? I couldn't tell.

  “It’s fine,” I murmured.

  He cleared his throat. “Anyway, she’s just excited to see you fight. Since we’re both students of Master Alric, we want to see his newest pupil in action. I’m sure you’re going to do great here, right?”

  I hope so. “Yes.”

  He smiled, clearly liking my answer. “Good to be confident.” A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. “So, think you could beat us?”

  Hell no.

  Name: Cedric Hall

  Race: Human

  Age: 26

  Class: Sentinel

  Strength: 2,461

  Speed: 2,052

  Stamina: 2,511

  Endurance: 2,693

  Durability: 2,783

  Mana: 1,872

  Soul Rank: Tarnished

  Soul Color: Green

  Dude, how’s a non mage have higher mana than you?

  “Shut the hell up.”

  If that wasn’t bad, then there was her.

  Name: Merilda Yun

  Race: Human

  Age: 22

  Class: Assassin

  Strength: 2,173

  Speed: 2,841

  Stamina: 2,634

  Endurance: 2,532

  Durability: 2,103

  Mana: 2,041

  Soul Rank: Stable

  Soul Color: Green

  The one that I was supposed to fight. Elder Alric wasn't being serious, right?

  Elder Alric not being serious about something relating to fighting? Do you hear yourself?

  “Man, you’re right.”

  Then, should I injure myself during the tournament? Maybe I can get out of it that way.

  Relax, dude. Alric surely wouldn’t pit you against her if he didn’t imagine you have at least somewhat of a shot at beating her.

  “Or maybe it’s to punish me for badmouthing his workouts.”

  You said that in your mind.

  “And like you said, it’s related to fighting.”

  Damn, you’re right.

  Elder Alric suddenly slapped my back again. “Well, as of right now, probably not. But like I said, give him some time to level up during this tournament, and he’ll be able to give you a run for your money.” He looked me right in the eye. “Isn’t that right?”

  I awkwardly laughed and nodded.

  “Master, maybe you shouldn’t pressure him too—” Cedric started.

  “This tournament will be the perfect place for you to master your own fighting style.” Elder Alric’s tone turned serious. “However,” he added with a grin that bordered on sinister, “prioritize winning over everything. I refuse to let him beat me.”

  I was about to ask what he meant, but Cedric’s nervous glance warned me to hold my tongue.

  “Anyway,” Elder Alric said after calming down, “you should go ahead and warm up. The tournament starts in a few hours.”

  Already? Dang, I don’t even get a chance to rest after that long-ass ride here.

  “You can practice in the arena that’s being used for the tournament,” Cedric added, pointing in a certain direction.

  I thanked him and started walking that way, though honestly, I wasn’t planning to warm up. Instead, I wanted to explore the city. This was too good an opportunity to waste—

  “I know you’re going to skip warming up and explore instead,” Elder Alric said with a knowing glance.

  I stopped dead in my tracks.

  Sys shook his head in a mockful, disappointing way.

  Read your ass like a book.

  What was he going to do? Make me run laps? Because I really didn’t want to do that.

  Elder Alric sighed. “I’d prefer you warm up, but if you really want to check the place out,” he said with a bright smile, “then at least enjoy it to your heart’s content. It’s not wise to stop an adventurer’s simple desire.”

  Oh.

  I smiled back. “You got it, Elder Alric.”