Chapter 19
"This crowd is huge." Ruth grumbled as he scrambled through the dense swarm of people.
Riftan strutted towards the amphitheater, weaving his way like Ruth. In front of the magnificent building, shining against the shimmering sand, there were lines of stalls and vendors, gamblers placing bets, and thousands of people who came to watch the competition.
As they somehow made their way through, he saw soldiers standing guard at the arch's entrance. Riftan presented his ticket and easily entered the building. Ruth, who was about to follow suit, was held back on the shoulder by the guards.
"Hey, are you also a contestant? Show me your ticket."
"I-I'm with that person..."
Ruth called Riftan anxiously from behind, but he continued to stride, pretending not to hear him. Guided by the soldier, he passed through a long, dark-shaded hall. At the end of it there was a large waiting room where men of burly physique gathered. As he entered, everyone's eyes flew to his direction. Riftan could feel their gazes scrutinizing him and gauging his skills.
He looked carefully at his competitors as well under his hood. About 30 mercenaries gathered at the left side of the room, while the knights resided on the right side, sharpening their blades and polishing their armors. After glancing at everyone in the room, he walked into a corner and plumped down to sit and the men's attention quickly departed from him.
"It seems that a lot of talented knights and swordsmen from all over the world came to compete."
"The prize is way too valuable, so it will be more competitive than last year."
"Tch, did you see the matches? We were treated like a side-show. It's a spectacle made specifically for the knights to shine."
Rfitan looked out the window, listening to the mercenaries grumbling. Thousands of people were packed tightly in the stadium, the benches surrounding the arena were all occupied. His eyes traveled around the stadium, looking for a trace of the girl. Then, a man who appeared to be a priest came inside the room with an escort guard.
"The competition is about to begin. Before we start, let me give you a few reminders. This competition is an event involving royals, nobles, and high-ranking officials from all over the world, as well as the Pope. Thus, it must be fair and square. Shall the opponent announce his surrender, the attacks must stop immediately. Using magical blades or weapons is not allowed. It is also prohibited to attack someone who is unconscious, injured serious enough that he can't defend himself, or kill anyone. Assaulting your opponent while he is unarmed is not permitted and excessive atrocities will not be tolerated. This competition was organized in commemoration of the spirit of Sir Uigru and the twelve knights. I hope that all who participate in this competition will show reverence."
After the priest pronounced the rules of the competition in a solemn tone, he placed the schedule of matches against the wall and exited the room. Riftan checked his turn and then sat by the window.
He would be competing in the fifth match. The knights would be competing only after the battle of the mercenaries, inducing a gossip that the nobles would only start spectating at noon. Riftan frowned despondently and ruffled his hair in frustration. He couldn't stop thinking about why he was doing something so stupid.
"The first match begins! Kyle Sevon, Dermed Eden! Enter the arena!"
Two mercenaries wearing a helmet over their heads walked over to the soldier who called their names and proceeded to the door that led to the arena. After a moment, ear-shattering cheers began filling the air.
