"Careful!" I heard Imelda's loud voice. My opponent lunged at me with an insane speed. I jumped aside dodging his attack then jabbed his back with the other end of my spear. He regained his stance and tried to attack me again."Don't just defend Nich!" Imelda's voice sounds frustrated, and I can hear it. The quickness of this person makes attacking him difficult for me. He attempted to strike my leg with his lance, but I managed to leap back. "This distance should be enough," I mumble to myself as I channeled 70% of my remaining energy into my spear. Aiming it at my opponent, who was ready to launch another strike, I swiftly let go of the spear. He attempted to suddenly change his position from offensive to defensive while concentrating on my approaching weapon.I ran after my weapon, causing him to turn to look at me briefly as he continued to ignore my spear. After disabling his defense with my weapon, I smirk. I pounced on him and kicked the hand holding his lance, which made him l

My brief vacation was quickly over. And now I'm returning to the training camp. I've spent the last days training, assisting my mother, and even teaching Tania some basic self-defense because she said it might come in handy.I've been also thinking about my uncle. Why hadn't I predicted this? Of course, as the King's vassal, he'll be there to watch the tournament."Nicholas? Is there something that bothers you? You've been zoning out since yesterday." My mother asks with concern.She has no idea what I have in mind. She is unaware that I already know our true identities. She won't like everything, therefore I've hidden it all from her. She kept her family information to herself. I put on a front that I was not interested in any of them, but when I was 17, I started to wonder why it was just my mother and me. Who are my relatives, where did we really come from, and, most importantly, who my father is?"I'm fine Mom. I'm just thinking about the tournament." I reassure her with a smile.

MillaWhat an idiot. I thought as the two trainers took the insane girl out of the stadium.I witnessed the Director sincerely apologizing to the King for what had happened. Maybe the energy affected the girl's brain, affecting her ability to think rationally.As soon as the next and final match was announced, I noticed Imelda's champion approaching the center. I once witnessed him engage in combat with the other trainees whilst Imelda was watching. I often saw him working out by himself. I never saw him not practice, whether it was with a weapon or simply his bare hands."Nicholas is fortunate. Ryner isn't that challenging," a guy named Liam said. I didn't bother looking at him since I didn't really care. He isn't the only one who has attempted to strike up a conversation with me. But I have no intention of befriending anyone from here. I may have been exiled from my homeland, but that does not mean I will instantly live like a Sataraian."You know, I'm

"You finally wake up," a familiar voice said as I opened my eyes to find myself surrounded by a wooden wall. "You were asleep for two whole days because you lost too much blood during the tournament," Mr. Hans explained as he handed me a glass of water."Sir," I said, struggling to get out of bed. "What happened when I passed out?""Obviously, Milla Bryson won. After you passed out, Milla was the only one who remained conscious." I exhaled, dismayed."I know how upsetting it is, becoming the champion is within your grasp but has suddenly become out of reach, this means that you have something more important to do than be the champion. Learn from what happened and try to figure out why it happened.""I'll go tell your trainer you've regained consciousness," he adds as he walks out of the room.I drank the water Mr. Hans had given me while staring out the window beside my bed. The event has been over for two days, and I'm curious what kind of awarding ceremony took place. I sighed and d

A high-ranking noble. It's been five days since we went to the Count's house and since I knew that information about my father. I kept my silence and did not dare ask my mother about it. Days passed by quickly and I just did my routine every day. Tania's joining me on my morning practice, and then I'll help my mother with her chores throughout the day like, going to the market and cleaning the house. Sometimes Reiss visits me asking about my final plan but most of the time bragging about his lover."Are all your belongings ready?" My mother asks as she checks the boxes full of personal stuff which I will bring to the capital tomorrow."Yes, Mom.""Nicholas, try not to involve yourself with the Royal Family too much or any other nobles. They are all dangerous, and no one but you can protect yourself from those of power." My mother said worriedly."Mom, I can protect myself and I promise I'll just do my job to teach the Crown Prince, nothing more." She nodded. I understand why she kee