Niko Tuveri stands on a dais which was put there for a specific reason. He wanted to address his guests in a grand manner and introduce his eldest daughter, who was celebrating her 16th birthday, to all the guests. Niko loved his daughters and he wanted to shower her with attention and make her feel special.

The dais along with all the arrangements were done in their big garden inside their family villa. To make the evening even more alluring for his eldest daughter Kai, as well as all the distinguished guests, he had prepared three combat events for entertainment.

Niko, a well known trader of fish in the city's business circle, had established connections to everywhere in Raison over the course of years of doing business. It was due to this, he was able to lean on a connection in the Order to get his permit approved so fast.

He sent out his assistants to gather fighters for the three planned events and he authorised them to offer the fighters generous joining fees as well as a mouth watering winners pot. Naturally he couldn't be a miser on this joyful occasion and neither would Kai appreciate it.

Kai, his princess, just like everyone else in this city, loved the combat sport. She attended every major event and tournament and partake in the occasional betting. Apparently, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, Niko smiled while remembering Kai's reaction when she won her first bet on a combat match… she was adorable.

Kai's love for combat sports runs deeper than him. She was not content in just watching the professional leagues, she loved to watch the orphan league too. She was obsessed with watching and finding out the 'next big star' as she put it from the orphans.

Just the other day, she came running to him, practically jumping in excitement to tell him all about an orphan tournament held in the Sedow Grounds. She had gone there to watch the tournament with her friends and according to her, a new superstar had emerged and he was awesome. She also won big Rais because of this new 'superstar'.

So, he did what any loving father would do… made sure to hire the services of that 'superstar' as a surprise for his daughter. It was her true birthday present. Niko couldn't wait to see his daughter's reaction.

He delegated the task of setting up the matches to his personal assistant. Niko had more important things that needed his attention.

The sun was setting and it was time for the guests to start arriving.

Hemon waited at the entrance of the garden patiently. He was told to enter the garden after his introduction was finished. In the contract, it was written that he was to be a part of a three person team going against another three person team in an unarmed combat which meant they would engage in an old fashioned hand to hand combat. This meant wearing body and leg armour were prohibited unless mentioned in the contract. They were allowed to wrap booths fists, wrists and ankles with thick absorption cloth wrapping. He decided to wear shorts in place of his regular long pants for more manoeuvrability.

When he enquired about with whom he was going to team with, he was informed that he would know when it was time for the match to start. So, there was very little time to actually prepare a plan for the match ahead of time.

As the evening progressed, the garden became full with people. Niko's staff attended the guests and their needs to the fullest. Niko had ordered a big cake for the occasion and when the time was right, it was cut by his daughter to the wishes of everyone there. Now, it was time to entertain the guests and more importantly give his daughter the big surprise he had readied.

The fighting mound was constructed in the middle of the garden and was surrounded by a rope to mark its borders. Niko had put a few of his servant staff to guard the mound and to see the guests don't walk into it accidentally throughout the evening. Everyone of his guests along with his daughter was aware of the spectacle and was buzzing in excitement as time went on.

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Niko went and stood beside his daughter, who had worn a beautiful dress and in his eyes, twinkled like a star in the sky. Kai too was excited to see what her father had planned. A combat event within her own house and dedicated to her is a day she would cherish forever.

Her father whispered to her, "It's time my dear". Then he gave a nod to one of his assistants.

The assistant in turn gave a signal to another man who made his way onto the dais.

The man spoke once he was on the dais "Good evening, honoured guests. I hope you all are having a great evening.

Honoured guests, it's time… we make this evening from a great to unforgettable!"

There was cheer among the guests after hearing the man speak.

The man continued "My name is Wardho Klefin and it's my pleasure to announce today's special combat events.

There were three events planned for your entertainment. We will start with a team fight from the orphan class, then we will have a singles bout from the mid card class and for tonight's main event… a singles bout among two fighters who are within the top 10 fighters in Raison!"

Another round of cheers from the crowd were heard. Kai, standing beside Niko, was already jumping in excitement.

Wardho went on "So… it's time to start with our orphan class team fight.

Let me introduce to you the first team, composed of young upstarts who are making their name in the orphan tournaments. In a short amount of time, they have progressed to four finals of orphan team tournaments, winning three of them.

Please give applause for… Free Hawks!!"

From one side, the guests parted and three bare chested fighters walked out among them to a mild applause from the guests.

The three of them started stretching once they walked on the fighting mound.

After giving the crowd a few moments to gaze at the fighters, he continued on with his introduction.

"And their opponents for tonight… We have gathered for you three rising single stars from the orphan class who are going to team together for the first time.

First, from Raison, she participated in four consecutive finals of orphan class tournaments, she is a tenacious fighter and will surely make a name for herself in the professional class in the future. Let us welcome…Sasa Vernad!!"

Sasa walked out from the crowd and entered the mound with a big applause from the guests. She had wrapped her fists, wrists and ankles with cloth for protection. She had come out wearing a short to free her legs and a short, tight clothing wrap around her chest revealing her athletic physique and rock hard eight pack abs. A common attire worn by women when fighting in a hand to hand bout.

Kai was smiling wide with happiness. She was happy her father had brought one of her favourites to fight on her birthday.

"As for the second member of the team, in a short amount of time, she had made her mark in the orphan class and made history. The first woman to win three consecutive orphan events in history.

From the prominent areas of Raison, due to her mastery in spear, she is known as the Spear Princess… Give a big round of applause for Charlot… Simp!!!"

Charlot made her way through the guests and on to the mound. The guests applauded longer for her indicating the reach of her name. She had opted to wear a full length pant, tight wrapping around her chest and in addition with cloth tied around her hands, wrists and ankles, she had also tied it around her elbows as well. She had tied her long blonde hair tightly in a ponytail.

Kai was jumping up and down in happiness. She had wrapped her arm around her father's arm and tugged him in joy.

"Father!!! You brought her as well!!? I can't believe it!!! Best present ever!!" Kai claimed while Niko stood there and enjoyed his daughter's excitement.

On the mound, Sasa had a scowl on her face.

Charlot walked up to her and asked with a smile "What's with that look Sasa? Aren't you happy you get to team with me?"

Sasa replied with venom "I'd much rather cut off my arm than team with you bitch!"

"Oh don't be rude Sasa. Think about it this way, at least now, you'll get to taste your first victory by teaming up with me" Charlot said while she laughed a little.

Sasa had her hands made into a fist and was seriously considering punching Charlot at that moment while Wardho continued his introduction.

"And as for the third and final member of the team, a true rising star. A man whose origin is unknown but his recent deeds had made a big wave among the combat community.

The first one to break the winning streak of the Spear Princess, Charlot.

The only fighter to win a rumble match as well as the singles tournament in one night!

And still… undefeated in orphan class… Hemon!!"

A loud cheer came from a certain section of the guests, specially the younger guests.

Kai had both of her hands covering her mouth as she stood in shock. Her eyes fixed at the place where the guests were parting one by one, revealing her favourite… Hemon.

On the mound, Sasa was cackling like a mad woman while Charlot had a deep scowl on her face.

"Now aren't you happy Charlot! You get to finally team with the one who choked you out bitch!!"

It was Sasa's turn to gloat and she did it with some vengeance.

Hemon slowly made his way through the crowd. He felt as if all eyes were on him. He breathed a sigh of relief after watching Sasa was on his team but immediately felt nervous when Charlot walked out. He was worried if they could work as one for the match and was doubly annoyed that the announcer had tagged the line of him being undefeated so far at the end. It was a gross misrepresentation of his actual record.

But when he stepped on the mound, all his worries faded away and his mind became clear. He had come to win and win he shall.