The moment his words fell, the already quiet courtyard fell intoplete silence.
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The middle-aged host gave a small nod to the crowd, then spoke with calm authority, "First, allow me to wee all of you to tonight''s event. To ensure our esteemed guests are all on the same page, let me briefly exin what''s about to take ce."
"Everyone here knows that each family who attended Lorne''s banquetst night received three rmendation slots for the Hundred-Man Unit.
However, not every family has enough capable descendants. Some, even after scraping together three names, are well aware their candidates don''t stand a chance of actually making it into the Unit."
"In order not to waste these precious spots," he continued, "the heads of the families have reached an agreement: the positions will go to the most qualified. As of now, each family has selected three candidates and ranked them ording to strength."
With that, he stepped aside and gestured toward the tall white curtain behind the stone tform. "Please, turn your attention to the screen."
As soon as he finished, the screen lit up, revealing rows of names-Regalhold''s top-tier families, their three chosen candidates, and each candidate''s warrior rank.
Raven gave the list a cursory nce.
Because she had personally added the restriction that only warriors twenty-five and under could apply, the majority of candidates were at Mid-ss Warrior level.
A few were still Base-ss, and only three had managed to reach Elite Warrior status.
The host resumed, "Any warrior present tonight who was not rmended by a family may issue a challenge to one of the listed candidates. If they win, they will rece the candidate and inherit the rmendation slot."
"Of course, this isn''t a free pass. Anyone who wins a slot must agree to assist the family in times of crisis. This is the price of the opportunity."
As his wordsnded, eyes throughout the crowd lit with hunger.
Though everyone here came from powerful families, even within those, not everyone was equal.
Some who couldn''t even get a foot in the door at home might be top-tier talent in another house.
And now, they had a real shot-one fight, one victory, and they could earn a ce in the legendary Hundred-Man Unit.
For them, this wasn''t just an opportunity. It was destiny.
The host raised his voice once more. "Candidates may also challenge one another. In the end, the strongest will be named champion among all contenders and receive an exclusive honor jointly awarded by the five great houses. That''s all for the rules. If anyone wishes to challenge-begin."
Across from Raven, K turned her head slightly and offered her a soft, polite smile. "From the way Edric addressed you earlier, I assume you''re a warrior too? Why not give it a try?"
Raven nced at her, her voice calm and unmoved. "Not interested."
K''s smile only deepened, though it carried a tinge of mockery now. "Not interested, or... not capable?"
Before Raven could reply, a voice from the crowd suddenly rang out.
"I''ll go first."
Heads turned.
Caleb stepped out from the crowd, each stride slow, steady, deliberate.
11:00 Tue, 22 Apr 0
He didn''t bother masking his aura, and the moment it radiated outward, everyone present felt it.
"Mid-ss Pinnacle Warrior?"
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Gasps rippled through the audience in this world, warriors were divided into Base ss, Mid ss, and Elite, each with five internal ranks. Caleb had reached the peak of Mid ss-five stars.
Just ten days ago, he''d been a Mid ss three-star. But after being forged under Raven''s hellish training, he now stood tall,manding, and entirely
reborn.
"A Mid-ss Pinnacle at his age? That''s... impressive."
"Whose family is he from? Why isn''t he on the candidate list?"
"He doesn''t match any of the families with three strong nominees. Judging from that aura, he might be from the military."
"Whoever he is, the next few challengers are going to have a tough time following that act."
Murmurs of admiration and awe echoed throughout the courtyard.
In Regalhold, family power was built on fists, and strength earned respect.
Many families operated on might makes right-it was tradition.
Across from Raven, K''s gaze flicked toward the stage, a rare sh of surprise crossing her eyes.
She''d ignored Caleb earlier, assuming he was forgettable. But now, seeing him up close, radiating such raw talent, she reconsidered.
She''d originally thought about pushing Raven and Caleb together to keep Raven from clinging to Cassian. But seeing this? There was no need.
No matter how powerful Raven''s background might be, without strength, she was no match for a man like Caleb.
As if confirming her thoughts, Caleb stepped onto the stone tform and casually selected the third-ranked candidate from one of the weaker families-
a Base-ss Pinnacle Warrior.
The candidate''s legs were already shaking as he climbed up.
Less than ten secondster, he was kicked clean off the stage.
From the crowd, a chorus of squeals erupted.
"Oh my god, he''s so handsome!"
"Does anyone know which family he''s from? Is he single?"
One girl clutched her chest, gasping, "Do you think... maybe I could marry someone like him?"
Another girl rolled her eyes. "With your rank? Please. Guys like him don''t just want beauty. They want power. We''re lucky if we even get to drool from
afar."
The host''s voice echoed from the stage, sharp and clear.
"The Cox family''s Enrique Cox-defeated."
Caleb stood tall on the tform, the rush of victory burning in his veins. Ten days
of humiliation under Raven''s iron rule-finally released.
All the admiration, the cheers, the reverence-it was his.
This was what Caleb deserved.
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At that moment, he fails invincible Me felt like king
Not even Raven scared him now
Given enough time he''d surpite her He was sure of it
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Mis paze swept the crowd and forked onto one man Corey
He remembered the promise he made at the gate
And now drunk on power and glory, he wasn''t done yet
He pointed toward Raven and said voice booming "Commander Corey has seen
my worth and given me the chance of a lifetime fot jo aver spat in his face when
he offered you the same"
"I might''ve let that slide if I didn''t know But now I do And I can''t ignore it
His voice sharpened. "So here''s your chance if you''ve got the gutse up here.
I''ll teach you how to behave