The day Vel returned to the capital news of king launching investigation in the Flame family circulated around the capital.

“So, Liz was the daughter of the Flame family” Vel thought as he heard the news.

Well, Vel was gathering information he also heard rumors of a dragon appearing in the north, a nearby kingdom plans to wage war, and few other pieces of information but what caught his attention was that the princess was holding a contest to see who the strongest with a secret prize for the winner.

“It might be interesting to enter the contest” Leigh said as he watched Vel practice his new technique which is combing Echo Hammering he learned from Jotol and Ghost Steps.

“How would it be interesting” Vel asks as he fell to the ground from failure.

“Think about if you win you have a chance to form a connection with the royal family” Leigh said as watched Vel fall and fall again.

“But that only assuming I’m going to win” Vel mumbled.

“Here a word of advice ‘You don’t know until you try’” Leigh said.

“Then teach me something so I know I can win” Vel shout as he failed for 236 tries.

“But you have the basics skills all you have to do is apply them and you getting closer to creating your technique” Leigh gave smile laugh.

“Where am I going wrong with this” Vel shouted out in frustration.

“You're putting to much power into your left leg causing them to be unbalanced” Leigh said causing Vel to glare at him for not telling him sooner.

“What you never asked” Leigh just shrug his shoulders.

Vel continued to practice and made great progress with mastering his technique when he realized his technique can be improved upon and being the foundation for more techniques in the future.

“Vel you better go sign up for the event” Leigh said.

“On it” Vel exited the training ground and headed towards the castle as that where the event being held.

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As Vel continue getting closer to the castle he noticed many buff men trying to show off and a group of women surrounding them.

“I would like to sign up” Vel asked the man doing the sign in.

“Kid are you sure you want to sign up we aren’t responsible in case of injury or death” the man said in an uncaring voice as he seen all kind of people show up.

“Yeah, I want to sign up” Vel asks.

“Do you want to be signed up in the weapon side or the unarmed side” the asks.

“Why are there two sides” Vel asks.

“Well some are expert in weapons while others are skilled in unarmed combat” the man said.

“Can I sign up for both” Vel asks.

“You can but you be fighting more matches than other over the next three days” the man said with small surprise on his face.

“I would like to sign up for both and when does it start” Vel ask.

“Here your number and your first match is in an hour” the man hands Vel number 156 and pointed to the waiting area.

When Vel entered the waiting area he looked at the other contestants but was disappointed as most didn’t look strong outside of having big muscles.

“Hey kid did you go to wrong place” a big hairy man blocked Vel path.

“Bear” was the word that came to Vel mind and accidentally said causing other to laugh but the big man to turn red from anger.

“George, don’t cause trouble unless you want to be disqualified” his friend said from the side.

“Kid you better quit before you meet me in the ring” George said as he stomps off.

“What his problem” Vel said as he found his spot to sit when the announcer went onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the contest of strength” he said causing to crowed to roar in excitement.

“The first round is soon to begin contestant number 1 and 156 come to the stage”

“Oh I’m up” Vel said getting up heading to the door.

“Look like it one-sided match” many in the crowd though when they saw Vel come out.

Vel opponent was a man to be in kung-fu outfit and to be in his early thirties.

“Back out if you don’t want to be hurt” he warned as he took his stance.

“I be just fine” Vel said taking his ready position.

-Princess POV-

“Father why is there a boy around my age down their” I ask.

“Maybe he wants to be famous or want attention” he answers back.

I got the feeling he special and I want to meet him.

“Can I meet him if he wins this match” I ask.

“Sure but why” mother asks.

“I got the feeling he more then he appears” I said causing them to take interest in him.

“Begin” I hear the start and watch as they launched toward each other but suddenly the boy looks like he took a kick to the head but his figure disappeared only to reappear next to the man grabbing his leg and tossing him out of the ring.

“Number 156 wins” and the crowd is silent with wide eyes not believing their eyes.

“Go and bring that boy to me” I hear father said to nearby knight causing me to smile.

“See I told you he be interesting” I said with smile laugh.

When the knight came back he was followed by the boy who looks to have a fair amount of muscle but not overbearing that restricts movement like the other contestants.

“What can I help you with your majesty” the boy kneels before us.

“I want you” I suddenly said not realizing that I said that out loud.