Hundreds of carriages were parked in front of the Royal Academy. Some of the vehicles were lavishly ornamented, and the horses in charge of pulling them were powerful magical monsters rather than ordinary horses. Some of them appeared to be ordinary, and the wagon wheels were caked with mud. They seemed to have just arrived.
The crowds gathered at the Royal Academy’s entrance were considerably larger. According to a preliminary estimate, there were no fewer than 100,000 individuals, and the number continued to grow.
Watson and Christina had just arrived at the Royal Academy’s entrance when the crowd mobbed them.
“Those two individuals are Sword Saint Academy participants. Lady Christina is one of them. Lady Swordmistress is only 20 years old and is already a platinum-tier elite. She is also a popular candidate to win this competition because of her outstanding strength. The Royal Academy has even made an exception to recruit her regardless of her age! The second person is the Astrologer and the Sword Saint’s disciple. He is only 12 years old. Even though I don’t know how strong he is, he is definitely not weak.”
Some people gestured toward Watson and Christina, while others stood in front of them with zealous looks.
“Young Master Watson, please give me an autograph.”
“Lady Swordmistress, may I shake your hand?”
The winner would be eligible to marry the princess and become the next King if they compete in the tournament. In such situations, anyone who had a chance of winning was someone they wanted to know. It was highly possible that once they became engaged with such a person, they would brag about it for the rest of their lives.
Even if they did not win, the King would value them, and they would become a celebrity in the future if they performed well in the tournament. A little autograph might be worth a hundred gold pieces at that time.
In response to the enthusiastic greetings of the onlookers, Watson was in a hurry to deal with them. On the other hand, Christina, who was at the side, was very familiar with the circumstance. It seemed like she often dealt with similar situations.
“I can’t believe you have such strength, Watson, but you’re not used to being in this kind of situation?”
Christina peered to the side as she casually shook hands with a few admirers, watching Watson scribbling a crooked name on a piece of parchment that was given to him. She smiled despite the sweat on her brow.
“I can’t believe how enthusiastic the people of the capital are.”
“That most likely has something to do with your status as the world’s greatest genius. The citizens would never treat others in this manner.”
A yell of surprise erupted from the crowd around Christina and Watson during their question-and-answer session. “Young Master Augustus from the Campbell family’s team is here, the so-called favorite to win the title. Please move to the side.”
The mob around Watson and Watson dispersed one by one after hearing the voice. Amid the mob, a blazing red carriage appeared. The carriage was pulled by an earth dragon with two horns and a body completely engulfed in flames. The deadly eyes of the Earth Dragon examined its surroundings. Wisps of flames erupted from its wide nostrils, causing the people in the area to flee.
The earth dragon was as powerful as a gold-tier elite, and it was surrounded by red-armored guards. There were 50 people, all of whom were wielding long spears. The surrounding air was thick with tyranny the minute that massive group came.
The carriage door opened as the earth dragon’s carriage arrived in front of the Royal Academy, and a golden-hot carpet rolled forward. Armand, the Campbell family’s patriarch, alighted from the carriage, followed by Augustus, who was dressed to the nines.
After alighting from the carriage, Armand first scanned his surroundings, revealing an elegant smile unique to noblemen. Then, he saw Watson, who was not far away. His expression was slightly stiff, and his white beard trembled. Very quickly, he turned his head away, deliberately not looking at the younger man.
On the contrary, Augustus, who was beside him, had a flash of coldness in his scarlet eyes when he saw Watson. The corners of his mouth curled upward as he walked straight to the other man.
“Oh, Lady Swordmistress and Watson? We meet again.”
Augustus appeared to be a little different than he had seen at the King’s feast a few days before. He was slightly taller. Then, even though it was a hot day, Augustus was dressed in tight clothing. His palms were covered in black gloves, and he had an oversized scarf over his neck. Except for his face, he had almost no visible skin at all.
“Tina, it’s almost time for the competition. Let’s go in.”
Watson grimaced slightly, sensing a new sense of danger from Augustus, but he had no intention of dealing with Augustus. He turned around and prepared to walk with Christina toward the Royal Academy.
However, before he could enter, Augustus flashed more than ten meters forward at an astonishing speed and stood before him.
“Watson, it is not proper etiquette for a noble to turn away when someone is talking to you.”
“Young Master Augustus, may I know why you are stopping me?” Watson asked, calmly staring at Augustus.
“Watson, I have no intention of doing anything to you. After all, the Royal Academy’s competition has yet to begin. I’m merely here to provide you with some advice. I’m hoping you’ll be able to give it your all at the tournament later. Don’t be so ready to dismiss others before meeting with me. If you are eliminated before me, I will be extremely disappointed, as I will be unable to defeat you personally.”
“Don’t worry, Young Master Augustus. I won’t lose so easily. Like you, I’m looking forward to our fight.”
“Is that so? Watson, it appears that you’ve realized that I’m not the same guy I used to be.” In the past, losing to Watson was a source of embarrassment for him. Watson had stated that he wanted to battle with him, indicating that he had realized his strength. Even if he didn’t want to believe it, being acknowledged by the guy who had previously lost to him was extremely helpful to him.
“After all, fighting you would save me a great deal of energy. It will allow me to take another step toward becoming the champion.”
“Watson, you!”
Augustus was furious. His body emitted an increasingly dangerous aura. The scarf around his neck and the thick clothes covering his body floated in the absence of wind.
Augustus had assumed that Watson knew that he had changed, but he had not expected Watson to humiliate him on purpose. He was unable to control his rage due to that—he was close to attacking Watson in public before the competition. He wanted Watson to be aware of his power. However, his actions were halted before he could do so. A terrible chill had caused that.
Along the path, the frigid air spread. A thick layer of pitch-black ice had formed on the ground. Nia, dressed in a purple outfit, was walking on the ice. Nia had Charlotte by her side, assisting her in dragging the clothing. A carriage bearing the Saint Laurent family’s symbol and a few senior members of the Saint Laurent family were behind her. The elders kept a safe distance from Nia.
“Move aside, Augustus. You’re blocking the road.” Nia did not stop after walking behind Augustus and spoke rudely.
“Nia, the road is so wide. Why do you have to walk through me? Are you deliberately picking on me?” Augustus berated Nia. When Nia did not give in, he glanced at Watson and clicked his tongue. “Two annoying fellows have gathered. It’s alright. I’ll deal with you both in the competition. Just you wait. ”
Then, Augustus turned around and left. Nia nodded at Watson. “Last time, I was unable to buy the sun gem in your hands, and I feel very regretful! But Charlotte told me that it was because you didn’t want me to spend 1.5 million gold coins to buy it. You tricked Augustus, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Watson subconsciously acknowledged her by raising his brows. Nia walked past him and entered the academy. That made him uncomfortable. Who in their right mind would turn around and walk away without waiting for a response? Nia also stated that Charlotte instructed her to do that. Was she thanking Charlotte instead of him?
Watson noticed Charlotte giving him a regretful look and followed Nia into the academy just as he was perplexed.
“This year, the Royal Academy is overflowing with geniuses. Augustus, the Flame Consul, and the Ice Demoness from the Saint Laurent family, have arrived—the Twin Prides of Ice and Fire. Then, there is also the Sword Saint’s and the Astrologer’s disciple. It’ll be a fascinating competition.”
Many people gathered after the members of the Saint Laurent family arrived; they were discussing it fervently.
“It’s not just the Saint Laurents and the Campbells. I heard that the members of the Ptolemy family are also here. Now, the geniuses of the three archdukes are gathered in one place! But I heard that the Ptolemy family doesn’t have any outstanding people compared to the other two families. The main family’s Casey is a useless young master, while Lana is weak and sickly.”
“You don’t know about that? A few days ago, those two young masters and young ladies of the Ptolemy family had somehow risen to gold-tier status. Furthermore, someone said they saw Young Master Casey displaying a platinum-tier weapon in front of a certain weapon shop. With the help of such a powerful weapon, it’s tough to say whether they will win or lose.”
“Other than the children of the great noble families, some geniuses from the common families have also come. I heard that they include the son of the leader of the famous adventurer group, steel wings, Arthur, and the young archer, Nero, nicknamed Sun-chasing Bow. Arthur’s father was a famous gold-tier peak elite in the capital and the provinces. Arthur is only 15 years old this year and is already a gold-tier elite. As for the archer Nero, she is even more powerful. The young girl is an abandoned orphan. A magical beast raised her since she was young, and she has a vision that is different from that of a human.”
Amid the surrounding discussions, a golden-haired Arthur walked toward the academy under the escort of a group of burly mercenaries. During that time, he shook his hair. Coupled with the massive sword on his back and his resolute face, it caused several young girls to cheer. The young girl named Nero rode on a giant gold-tier storm eagle and descended rapidly from the sky, stirring a gust of violent wind.
“Those are the elites in our kingdom. Before the competition, His Majesty sent out invitations to the whole world, inviting foreign envoys to watch this grand event. The Winter Nation even sent their elites to participate in that competition. Look, those people are from the Winter Nation who are participating in that competition.”
Someone made a gesture toward the direction of the horizon. Everyone looked over, following that person’s finger, and saw a snow-white polar bear-like magical beast on the ground. Three men and one woman stood next to the mystical beast, wearing huge fur coats. The leader wore a long beard as if he were a savage—only his wild stare was visible. His fur coat was not wrapped around his torso like the others but instead was open, showing the same thick hair on his chest.
The other two were not particularly tall. The man wore a monocle over his right eye and had short silver hair. He was quietly looking at everything around him while holding it in his hand. The woman was in good shape. She had wavy sky-blue hair and wore a crystal crown in addition to her hefty fur coat.
“Douglas, it appears that the Holy Dragon Kingdom’s so-called geniuses aren’t that powerful. Can I kill them all later?”
The hairy barbarian looked around and spoke in a low voice in the direction of the Winter Nation’s three-person squad.
“Harold, you must keep your cool. On the one hand, His Majesty sent us here to see the King of the Holy Dragon Kingdom, and on the other hand, to test the might of their geniuses! After all, the Dragonspine Snow Mountain had crumbled a while ago, removing the obstacle to invading the Holy Dragon Kingdom. In that regard, the Holy Dragon Kingdom’s king is a complete moron. It’s one thing to conduct a competition like this, but he also invited visitors from other kingdoms. Did he want to reveal his kingdom’s strength?”
The man named Douglas pushed up his monocle and analyzed it calmly.
“A person who has the potential to become a ruler cannot be stupid. Douglas, before you conceive an issue, you have to analyze the other party’s conduct and also their identity as a whole. The conclusion will not deviate in this manner.” The woman, who had been silent the entire time, spoke up.
“Yes, Your Highness.” The two individuals respectfully addressed her. “Let’s get started. Whatever the Holy Dragon Kingdom’s king has in mind, we only have one goal in mind when we are here. Let’s just get on with it and do what we’re meant to be doing.”
The three-person team’s antics drew the attention of a large number of bystanders. Some people’s gazes rested on the three individuals before settling on the hairy man in the lead.
“That leader’s beard is too thick!” Even though those three were foreign candidates who were exempted from the Royal Academy’s regulation, only individuals under the age of adulthood are allowed to compete.
“He appears to be in his 30s. No, he’s already 40 years old, I’m afraid. Is there no one left in the Winter Nation to send a group of adults? Also, the weather is so hot right now, but those people are wearing such thick fur. Isn’t it hot in there? That’s why they’re all barbarians; they don’t even know how to dress correctly.”
“Hey, who are you calling a barbarian? Do you want to die?”
The three people from the Winter Nation were mocked by one of the observers. The so-called barbarian suddenly moved forward and vanished from the scene as soon as he finished speaking. Harold went to the bystander and hauled him up.
“Also, you said I look like I’m 40 years old? Are you blind? I’m only 14.”
Harold grabbed the bystander with one hand, and with the other hand, he pushed aside the thick hair and beard on his face, revealing a young and tender face.
“Help! Help! The people of the Winter Nation are trying to kill someone!”
When the barbarian grabbed the bystander, the latter’s voice trembled as he screamed, catching the attention of several people around them. Watson was also there. Watson and Christina were about to enter the academy when they heard the commotion. When they turned around, they were confronted with that scene. They frowned.
Those three people did not appear to be from the Holy Dragon Kingdom based on their attire. Only inhabitants from the northern realm, the Winter Nation, wore fur clothing, according to Master Antonio. Fur coats were made from magical beasts. It served as a status and strength symbol as well as a means of keeping them warm. Those three people were certainly not feeble, based on their fur coats.
“Everyone, this is the capital of the Holy Dragon Kingdom’s capital. Please stop. Otherwise, even if you are guests from the Winter Nation, I will immediately strip you of your eligibility to participate in the competition.”
Within a few minutes after the bystander screamed, a teacher from the academy walked outside and stopped Harold.
“Okay, I will let him go.” Harold laughed. He put the bystander on the ground. Well, to be precise, he smashed them onto the ground.
The bystander lay on the ground, clutching his broken right hand. He was in so much pain that his head was covered in a cold sweat. Harold laughed out loud. “I let him go, but I didn’t expect that person’s body to be so weak. His arm was already broken even before I exerted any strength! That’s why you people are weak. In terms of physique and combat strength, you can’t compare to the people from our kingdom, who have experienced many hardships.”
Those were the words that the bystanders had mocked him with, but he had modified them and used them to ridicule them instead.
The people from the Holy Dragon Kingdom were furious; flames appeared in their eyes. They clenched their fists.
As if sensing the anger in their eyes, Harold laughed even more savagely. “I heard that the winner of this competition will get the right to marry a princess. Look at how weak you all are! If I win this competition, doesn’t that mean that your princess will be my wife? What should I do? Even though I’m not interested in weak women, I can still try the princess. I worry that I am too strong and your princess won’t be able to take it. If she dies on the bed after a few days of marriage, that would be my fault.”
“Who gave you the courage to make fun of our princess? A mere barbarian dares to talk nonsense here! I will teach you a lesson before the King arrives. We’ll teach you the etiquette in the Holy Dragon Kingdom.”
After hearing Harold’s statements, the instructor who had walked out of the Academy could not handle it any longer. He sprang forward, his right hand coated in a layer of ferocious fire-elemental combat aura. The combat aura condensed into a roaring lion’s head that scorched the air in a ten-meter radius. He slammed his fist into Harold’s face.
That punch had a lot of force behind it. If hit, even steel would melt into dregs. Harold, on the other hand, did not avoid the punch. With a muffled crash, he let his fist rest on his torso.
Harold appeared to be at ease as he stared down at his chest. His chest hair was not messy in the least. “Is that the Holy Dragon Kingdom’s so-called etiquette? One isn’t enough, so I’m going to beat up on another. You people are extremely welcoming.”
“How is that possible?”
The academy teacher looked at his fist in bewilderment. He did not have time to recover from his horror when he saw Harold raise his right leg and tumble toward him. A dozens-of-meter-long crack formed on the ground, accompanied by a muffled sound. The crack opened up and swallowed the teacher. Everyone there saw the man fall into the gap. Then, there were panicked screams and curses all around them.
