In one of the arena's few private booths, two men were engaged in a lively conversation.

"He was just lucky to run into a weakling. Aydor would have defeated that crybaby without even using sigils." - A bald old man with a hooked nose and tanned skin remarked haughtily.

"I do not doubt my son's abilities, but I think it is unwise to underestimate Cenn. He has inherited many of his father's traits." - A fit middle-aged man with long black hair replied.

"Your words would make sense if the old man had known to release his seed into someone more intelligent." - The old man sneered.

"Mizra, please stop bringing that up. Let's watch the fight." - The man rolled his eyes, this subject was clearly not to his liking.

"If I knew you any worse, I'd think that wench seduced you, too. The only question is whether she did it before or after the old man died." - But the old man couldn't stop now.

"I don't remember you being so bold in your speech when my uncle was alive."

"Watch your tongue, Velin. We may be equal in status, but I am your father-in-law, if that's worth anything." The old man didn't like the man's answer. "Sometimes I think you care more about Cenn than your own son." In response, the old man decided to press Velin's sensitive spot.

"As head of the family, I do what is best for the whole clan."

"Heh. Clan Bael is lucky to have such a wise leader. Too bad my grandson has such a bad father." The old man scolded his son-in-law once again. Not forgetting to praise himself. "But the good thing is that he has a grandfather who cares about his future."

The last words made Velin lose his temper.

"Don't get all saintly on me. As if you had a choice? Of all your children and grandchildren, only Aydor has shown a talent worth investing in."

When the old man heard this, his face turned green with anger, but he had nothing to say.

"That's not what I wanted to say, father-in-law. The main thing is that our families will have two talented cultivators in this generation. And our influence in the city will increase once again. Isn't that wonderful, dear father-in-law?" Velin said conciliatorily, realizing that he had touched a sore spot with the old man.

"Yes, it is indeed something to be proud of. But will they be able to help you run the family business? Or do you want to follow in Erteos' footsteps?"

The old man moved closer and continued almost in a whisper.

"I'm for it. These bastards have already forgotten what the word fear means. Every year they push us out of the market more aggressively. I'd like to chop off a few heads. But without a fourth-ranked master, it's just a fantasy."

Mizra stared intently into his son-in-law's eyes. There was not a hint of mockery in his voice. Only cold-blooded malice.

"You misunderstand me, father-in-law. I don't want another bloodbath. But when the boys grow up, our forces will be strong enough to take more new lands in the north."

Velin looked around carefully. Afraid that someone might overhear their conversation.

"Aydor's battle is about to begin, let's talk about it, dear father-in-law."

"Hmm. What is there to talk about, Aydor's victory is already a foregone conclusion. I'm sure he only needs one blow to finish his opponent." The old man said arrogantly.

"Are you so sure of his victory?"

Velin was well aware of his son's preparation for the tournament. But he couldn't resist the chance to distract the old man.

"Unlike you, I'm worried about Aydor's future. So after you got the spear for Cenn, I decided it was time for my grandson to get an artifact as well."

The old man's face beamed with pride.

"I contacted an old acquaintance of mine from Drenford, he has extensive connections among the local artisans. He was able to find the right ore for me quite quickly. As well as a blacksmith to work with it."

"What kind of ore?"

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"Stonesoul ore, the best of what can be mined in Tall Ridge."

Velin nodded approvingly with a smile.

"This sword will be part of my legacy. I'm sure Aydor will be proud to pass it on to his descendants."

Velin continued to smile, but sincerely. The old man's shamelessness made him laugh. Velin wanted to buy this two liang* piece of ore himself, but the old man beat him to it. This amount of elemental ore could only slightly increase the strength of an Earth Seal. Thus, the sword barely reaches the rank of uncommon.

"The next match will pit Aydor Bael against Erem Havnik! Contestants, make your way to the entrances of the arena." The referee announced the next pair of fighters.

"Now you'll see what he can do with that sword. Eheheh." The old man was eager to see his grandson fight.

"I think it's Garn's eldest son, I saw him fight last year. The guy relied too much on brute force. I think Aydor should be able to handle him." Velin replied.

"Believe me, that big guy won't stand a chance against Aydo."

…

"Let the fight begin." Monotone voice rang out over the tribunes.

The shaby doors at opposite ends of the arena opened and the fighters appeared before the crowd.

A tall young man with long dark blond hair holding a two-handed axe began to slowly move along the edge of the arena.

Seeing this, his opponent - a slightly younger boy with delicate features and short brown hair. Started moving in the opposite direction, trying to keep the maximum distance.

At this time, an old man on the tribune was indignantly addressing either his grandson or his son-in-law.

"Come on, attack him. Why does he run away from him?"

"Father-in-law, be patient, this is his first fight in the arena.”

Meanwhile, the axe man decided to change his tactics, and instead of moving along the edge of the arena, he headed straight for Aydor.

Seeing this, Aydor stopped and stood up in a defensive stance.

"You can't win a fight if you don't attack. Remember what I taught you, strike first!" The old man insisted, trying to shout to the boy.

Aydor saw Erem's lips quiver and immediately after, he was slightly bloated from the energy overflowing from his body. From a relaxed walk, he smoothly transitioned into a run.

Aydor didn't hear what kind of Sigil his opponent was using, but it was obviously one of those power increasing ones. He took a few steps forward so he wouldn't be pinned against the wall and was within striking distance.

The axe came right at Aydor's head, but was blocked by the sword.

One more blow, this time the axe came from below, aiming for his torso. The sword blocked the blow again, but Aydor's hands were numb from the collision. If this continued, defeat would only be a matter of time for him.

Aydor held his opponent back with a swift sword stroke and shouted.

"Roots!"

Instantly, several tree roots burst out of the ground, entangling his opponent's legs.

Seeing that the spell had reached its target, he jumped back, waiting for the moment to strike again.

Erem tried to pull his leg out of the roots, but failed. All that remained was to cut the roots at the base.

Swing.

Strike.

The right leg was free.

But at that moment, Aydor came at him from the left, bringing his sword over his head and slashing at his rival.

The axe blocked the blow at the last moment. But Aydor continued to press the sword with his whole body, hoping to bring his opponent to the ground.

Suddenly, Erem leaned toward the axe and looked into his eyes.

The distance between them had shrunk so much that Aydor could feel his opponent's breath on his face. Something was wrong. But before he could react.

"Roooar!"

Aydor's eyes went dark for a moment and he seemed to lose his balance. He took a few steps back and began to come to his senses.

"Damn it, that bastard used the Lion's Sigil sneakily! What a slippery rat!" Mizra grumbled on the tribune.

Wasting no time, Erem cut off the remaining roots and charged at Aydor, hoping to finish him off before he regained consciousness.

Aydor, seeing his opponent impulsively lunge at him, realized this was his chance.

He staggered backward, pretended to lose his balance, and dropped to one knee, his left hand resting on the ground.

A familiar voice shouted from the tribune: "Get up! Get up!" - It was his grandfather's voice. But Aydor did not listen to the old man's words. The fight had decidedly not turned in his favor.

One more step and Erem could strike. The last blow of this fight.

As soon as Erem's foot hit the ground, Aydor activated the sigil in a whisper.

"Soil."

The Qi in the young swordsman's body began to move. Three palm-sized stone pillars emerged from the ground where Erem's foot had stood, rising sharply to human height and launching the axeman into the air.

The unexpected trap caught Erem off guard. All he had to do was regroup, hoping to land successfully behind Aydor's back.

But Aydor gave him no such chance. As soon as the trap was set, he drew his sword with both hands and plunged it into Erem's thigh as it flew over his head.

"Aargh!"

Landing on the ground, Erem cried out in pain from his wounded hip and couldn't stay on his feet. He dropped the axe from his hands and grabbed his leg, trying to stop the bleeding.

"The match is over, winner Aydor Bael." Tired voice announced the end of the fight.

"Ehey, that's my boy!"

The old man was overcome with emotion, as soon as he heard the referee's announcement, he broke from his seat and ran into the arena.

Velin only had to follow.

"Grandson, well done, you beat the big guy."

When he reached Aydor, the old man embraced him in his strong arms.

"You did not dishonor your grandfather's name, well done."

"Grandpa, that's enough, you're breaking my ribs."

The old man loosened his grip and released the boy, just as Velin approached them. He patted his son gently on the shoulder.

"Great fight, son. Congratulations."

A smile appeared on Aydor's face.

"Okay, we should go. Your mother has prepared a feast in honor of your victory. So we must hurry. The whole family will be there to congratulate you. I can't wait to tell them how hard you fought."

Mizra took his grandson under his arm and dragged him toward the exit of the arena.

"Old man, why do I find out about the feast planned in my house later than you?"

"Did I say we were going to your house? Remember, Aydor is representing my family in this tournament, so we'll be celebrating at my place. It's just that Valtira has volunteered to help with the cooking, as well as your servants, hehe."