Rowan found himself once again on stage, his gaze fixed on the opponent standing opposite him. The battle ended as swiftly as it had begun, with Rowan achieving a smooth victory.

The conclusion of the first half of the day signals a temporary hiatus, with spectators dispersing from the stadium for a much-needed break. The battles are set to resume in the afternoon...

Rowan followed a path within the stadium and spotted K waiting for him at the end of the hallway.

“Mr. Davis? Are you waiting for me?” Rowan happily questions him

Seeing his eagerness K smiled at him with the utmost friendliness, “Of course, I hope my presence doesn’t inconvenient you Rowan”

“OH no no no, not at all Mr. Davis! I’m thrilled to meet you. I’m just shocked that you would want to see me” Startled by K's words, Rowan swiftly rebuked his question

K laughs at Rowan's startled appearance, “My friend, I’m only joking around… Would you care to join me for lunch?”

Rowan nodded in quick succession, “Yes sir, yes, I would love to”

“Splendid, Let's head out, my friend. I know of a particular place that serves very delightful meals” K happily brought Rowan along as he joked around

“Call me Davis from now on, there is no need for formality between friends” K jokingly mentioned as they walked away toward the exit

Rowan hearing this awkwardly replied, “Okay Davis” He showed a slight smile of delight as he said so

From an outsider's perspective, they appear to be great friends who have known each other for years.

That was exactly the impression the members of the 4 Pillar family had when they attempted to invite them for a quick afternoon meal. Initially, they had considered inviting them separately, but now...

K was well aware that the members of the 4 Pillars would likely pursue them individually, just as he would have done in their position. They inadvertently elevated their value astronomically by showcasing the strong bond between himself and Rowan.

After all, if they’re so close, wouldn’t it be fair to assume that if one of them were enticed to join a faction, the other would follow soon after?

K let out a wry smile at their tail as his plan came together smoothly, and soon the two arrived at a normal yet crowded restaurant and not a luxurious one.

As soon as they reached the entrance, they became the center of attention. With the battle broadcast across the Empire, it was only natural for all eyes to be on them, having reached the final.

“Have a seat, my friend, I’ve heard that this restaurant serves quite a delicious meal, have you ever tried any of it before?” K's friendly demeanor made Rowan feel at ease

“No, I’ve never been here in all my life. I hope their food is as good as you’ve said” Rowan awkwardly scratched his head as he answered, his awkward smile never ceased to amuse both K and Davis

“I can’t believe someone could be so… Narrow-minded,” Davis said as he watches

Hearing his words K mockingly mumbled, “You’re one to talk”. Of course, Davis heard it and burst out in anger, “ Shut up!”

After looking at the menu they placed their order, Rowan looked left and right like a toddler looking for their toy.

“Rowan? I don't believe we've had the chance to formally introduce ourselves. Allow me to begin. My name is Davis Edwelt, as you already know. I hail from the Avalom Empire, and under the guidance of my family, I aspire to become the strongest magician on the continent. Quite the aspiration, wouldn't you agree?” K joyfully laughs as he introduces himself

No, certainly not. You have a very grandiose dream, and I respect that. I, once had a similar goal, so it would be hypocritical of me to scoff at your aspirations," Rowan replied with an understanding smile, though a poignant stare lingered in his eyes.

K raised his eyebrow as he questioned Rowan further, “What made you stop believing?”

Rowan hesitated for a long moment, and Davis, sensing the tension, understood that they shouldn't involve themselves any further. He implored K to cease, but instead of relenting, K doubled down on his manipulation game.

My friend, I deeply apologize for prying into matters I shouldn't have," K smoothly transitioned from a jovial demeanor to one of contrition, his acting skills shining through.

“Please don't worry, Mr. Davis," Rowan reassured, his voice gentle and understanding. “It's something that happened long ago. Please, do not misunderstand.”

K's expression became even sadden after hearing this, letting out a remorseful sigh K continues his acting, “I see that I have upset Rowan to the point that you started to use formal words again…”

After saying so, K rose from his seat and bowed respectfully to Rowan. “I don't wish to be an upsetting reminder of your past, Rowan. I hope that by leaving this place, I can begin to atone for my mistake.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

With a heavy heart, Rowan watched as K departed, feeling saddened by his inaction. Acting quickly, Rowan rushed to intercept K, waving frantically and offering to give an explanation he successfully halted K from departing.

K turns with hopeful eyes, he asks, “Really? You don’t blame me for my mistake?”

“Yes, I promise you, Davis. I've never held you accountable for something you didn't do in the first place,” Rowan reassured earnestly, his sincerity evident in his words.

Hearing this K smiled delightedly and gave Rowan a warm hug, he then thought to himself, “Likewise Rowan,”

They resumed their seats, and Rowan began narrating his story. However, K's attention was divided; while he listened to Rowan's tale, part of his focus remained on the figures that had been trailing them since they left the stadium.

He deliberately chose a crowded restaurant, having reserved a table in advance for himself and Rowan, ensuring that their pursuers wouldn't be able to follow them inside. Furthermore, by orchestrating his little charade, he successfully reinforced his friendship with Rowan in the eyes of their stalkers.

Peering in from the outside, their pursuers were left to construct their own narrative. The most plausible storyline they could concoct was that Davis and Rowan had engaged in a heated argument, resulting in Davis storming off in sadness. However, Rowan's swift intervention to stop Davis's departure added a twist to their assumed tale.

Indeed, the situation benefited K in two distinct ways. Firstly, it underscored the notion that in their friendship, Davis held more value than Rowan, evidenced by Rowan's swift intervention to stop K from leaving even after a heated argument. Secondly, it reinforced the facade of camaraderie between K and Rowan in the eyes of their pursuers, further obscuring their true intentions.

Additionally, K's ability to extract Rowan's side of the story provided him with valuable insight and leverage for potential future use. This newfound understanding of Rowan's perspective could prove advantageous in navigating their relationship and influencing Rowan's decisions down the line.

After comprehending the full story, several key elements came to light. Rowan once harbored a dream of becoming the sharpest blade in the Empire to protect his family. However, tragedy struck when a monster broke out of a rift, resulting in his mother's death. Overwhelmed with guilt, Rowan's father succumbed to despair soon after.

Rowan's aspiration to become the sharpest blade in the Empire was shattered when he was placed in the Empire Orphanage following the tragic incident. The only reason he attended the Academy was due to the Empire and other sponsors funding the Orphanage. However, recent budget cuts have led to a significant decrease in the Orphanage's funds, adding further pressure to Rowan's already difficult situation.

K gives him an understanding nod, “I'm sorry to hear that!” Rowan was even more saddened by this but to K he already said enough.

“WOW! what a great consolation from you!” Davis, upon hearing K's response, expressed his disappointment with a sarcastic compliment.

“Great interjection, terrible expression. Might I suggest saying it with a bit more… Anthusiam in the future” K laughs internally as he gives a sarcastic suggestion

“He goes out of his way to tell you his sad story, and all you can say is 'I’m sorry to hear that?” Davis scolded K in anger.

K take that as an insult and retorted in anger while still smiling, “And what the fuck you want me to do? Give him a standing ovation for telling me that?”

Davis rolled his eye and replied, “Just said something that at least sounds like it came from the heart and not some cheap ass consolation”

K reluctantly gave in, He then spoke with an aura of wisdom surrounding him, Rowan, what happened to you is tragic, but dwelling on the past won't change it. Instead of lingering within it, learn from it and prepare for the future. You had a dream, and that was to protect those around you. You may feel like you've failed, but that's not true."

"Right now, the Orphanage needs you. Even if you can help them get past this crisis, what will you do afterward? A dream without a goal will remain as a dream. You're strong, don't run away from your past, and don't hide from the truth, it will only bring you down further. Instead, try to embrace it, learn from it, and be better.” With a soothing voice, K offered words of advice that surprised even himself, "What the hell am I saying?" he wondered silently to himself.

With that, the meal arrived and K spoke nonchalantly, “Rowan, back then you were alone but now you have friends and I’m here for you if you ever needed an audience.”

K then proceeded to eat his meal in a seemingly normal manner, unaffected by his strange sentimental behavior.

Even Davis was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. K's response sounded so genuine that Davis couldn't help but wonder if K refrained from delving into such sentiments because he, too, had experienced something similar.

Unbeknownst to K and Davis, K's words sparked a new insight into Rowan's future. He had never considered his situation from that perspective before. With K's words echoing in his mind, Rowan found himself gaining a new understanding of what he needed to do moving forward.

Rowan turned his head towards the unsuspecting K, who was enjoying his meal and offered him a grateful smile. In his mind, he silently expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, my friend."

After finishing their meal, they made their way back to the stadium. Their actions puzzled those who had been tailing them all this while. Walking along the bustling street, they engaged in lively conversation, exchanging jokes and laughter with an air of friendliness, as if their earlier altercation had been nothing more than a fever dream.

Once they arrived at the stadium, they headed straight to the announcement board to discover their assigned opponents. K noticed with a hint of surprise that Kane and Rowan would be facing off against each other after his battle with someone he had never heard of before.

Before long K was called out as it was his turn, seeing his friend walking out into the arena Rowan gave a few words of compliment, “Davis, good luck on your battle”

K gave him a reassuring smile and wave, “Don’t worry Rowan, I’ll win”

On stage standing across another enthusiastic mage, he smiled and murmured, “Alright, let's get this over with. I’m dying to figure out Rowan's secret”

As he promised, K approached the battle with renewed determination. Despite a few exchanges of spells, he emerged victorious with a smooth and triumphant win.

K entered the waiting room and casually found a seat. With a thrilled smile, he muttered to himself, "Come on, Rowan, don't let me down." Top of Form

He watches with a wry smile at Rowan and Kane, but then he turns to the audience and notices a familiar aura, “Was that… Satan?” He thought to himself

But after a blink the aura disappeared, leaving K to wonder, “What was that?”