Unknown Royalty

Nature-Green Eyes

                               Milla

What 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 starting to think you might have foul breath. Because you never speak to us. I didn't see you—" I frowned at him, prompting him to shut the hell up.

"If you continue blabbering nonsense, I will make sure you will not be able to breathe even a bad breath." He pursed his lips and acted like he was zipping it. I rolled my eyes and focused on the fight in front of me.

I watched Nicholas throw a punch that landed on his opponent's jaw. Ryner staggered slightly, but Nicholas followed up with another punch combined with a kick to the side. Nicholas will certainly impress the audience. He was indeed fortunate.

The game was over in a flash. The second part will begin in 30 minutes, as announced by the Director. He told us to proceed to the combat area, where we could rest and recover our energy. Sataraia's entertainers kept the audience entertained. I even overheard some nobles betting on who would win.

"This is a competition, so beating up your opponent is only natural," Ryner said.

"But still," Nicholas scratched the back of his head, "I guess I got carried away."

My brow furrows, who in their right mind would apologize to their opponent? I'm not sure if he's insane or just a nice kid.

"Don't worry about it, man. But I admit that kick knocks the air out of me." They, except Hugo and me, laughed at his remark.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. These folks are unbelievable. In this competition, how can they be so nice and friendly? Are they even serious about winning? I decided to move to the opposite side of the area to relax for a while. The second round demands a lot of stamina, and I'm not going to waste any of it chatting to those imbeciles.

I was close to falling asleep when the delicious aroma of a sandwich hit my nose. I opened my eyes to see a man with nature-inspired dark green eyes, coffee-brown hair, a celestial nose, and perfect lashes.

"Here, it might help you recover some of the strength you need," he said as he handed me the sandwich and stood up. That was the first time I had seen him up close. I didn't say he wasn't appealing, it's just that his appearance reminds me of the nobles of Rendyl and the Hollien Empire, and I'm used to it. He's not your normal Sataraian guy, but he gives you the impression that he is.

I didn't even bother thanking Nicholas. I ate in silence as I thought of my family. I'm wondering if Molly passed the Academy exam. I miss my siblings, but I did what was best for them.

Once I had finished eating, I noticed Imelda conversing with Nicholas and when she noticed me, she motioned for me to approach them.

"How are you doing? Do you feel you can win based on your physical condition?" she inquired. I simply nodded as in answer. "Good. I hope to see you in the tournament's final stage," she says as she walks out of the area.

Imelda radiates an intimidating aura. She's well-known in Rendyl for being a cruel army commander, so I was astounded when she was appointed to monitor my training. If she were born in Rendyl, she would undoubtedly be a formidable mage.

"Best of luck," Nicholas said. I look him in the eyes before turning away and returning to my spot.

I have a rough idea of the second phase, but I still need to be ready in case something unpredictable happens. Outside the arena, the seven of us are standing five meters apart under the heat of the afternoon sun. The Sataraians appear to be thrilled about this, while in fact, it is just another training session here at the camp, but with a twist. This will not be easy.

"Once the gunshot is fired, each of you will begin running on the first stage," said the director.

I braced myself and waited for the gunfire. The deafening sound took over the entire camp, signaling us to run on the first challenge of the tournament's second stage.

I noticed various power measuring equipment waiting for us. The first device used was running equipment. I step on it and sprint at full speed. The next gadget assesses the strength of your punches and kicks. All I have to do now is smash and strike the targets that will appear at the strongest point. If I could only use magic, I could be relaxing right now. However, a device that prohibits me from using magic is activated. To end the first phase, I did a roundhouse kick.

I quickly race to the opposite side of the field, where the practice range is located. I grabbed the gun and fired at the five dummies in front of me. Next is the bow, which was a true struggle for me. I see Nicholas moved swiftly, as though he's used to every weapon here. When I finished hitting the target with the bow, I grabbed the sword and lunged at the approaching pieces of machinery. I wiped them off in a heartbeat, becoming the third person to reach the open area, where I saw Hugo and Liam running at full speed as arrows with fire and poison plummeted from the walls around us.

We need to be quick and alert to be able to dodge the arrows because there's no shield or other solid material to protect us from them. I took a deep breath and began sprinting in an attempt to evade each arrow that came my way. I can feel the arrow's heat passing through me. I was grazed on the arm by one, but I didn't have time to feel the pain. I keep leaping and sliding to avoid the arrows until I reach the opposite end.

Nicholas and Ryden were approaching at full speed when I quickly glanced their way. I immediately take off running so they can't catch me. 

The final part is the improvised tower. I had no idea what was on it until I saw Liam writhing in pain as he fell from the second floor of the tower. I try to identify the tower as I look up. It shifts from time to time, and I've seen various objects that prevent you from reaching the top.

I hear footsteps coming from behind me. Nicholas and Ryner have arrived—

I was surprised to see Nicholas jump into the structure and climb to the top without hesitation. Ryner is currently catching his breath alongside me. I won't be able to reach the summit if I just remain here staring at this awful thing. I began climbing the wooden ladder hanging on the lower portion of the tower and arrived on the first floor. A wrecking ball almost slammed into me as soon as I set my feet on it. I almost fell while trying to dodge it. This is more difficult than I anticipated. I took a deep breath and searched for the way to the summit.