The party didn't last long before Ark managed to ruin it.

After the duke had left, Ark bailed on Silvia who was called by her friends from her order and he spent the rest of the luxurious party enjoying the chilling wind cooling off the heat he'd accumulated.

(As expected, I seriously suffer whenever I'm with her.)

He had some ridiculous thoughts outside. His actions were, in retrospect, a weird way for him to act. It just wasn't his style.

If he had wanted to get back at the nobleman, he could have used the event without a problem. There's also the option of winning in a verbal fight, which Ark was confident he could pull off.

Yes, he did something completely out of character—his real character, at that. This led to the duke approaching him, which could have gone badly at any moment.

Now the duke still hates him—his killing intent thick, thinly hidden—and is on alert. Not ideal.

"It's all Silvia. Stuff like this only happen when I'm with her."

Suggesting to be friend as Aria. Talking about his ugly desire for power. These two instances were mistakes he made that were directly related to Silvia alone. And now the dance...it only made him a target for annoying nobles. A mistake.

A slip.

(I'M NOT SLIPPING!)

More than ever, he wanted to avoid Silvia, who caused him to slip three times. He was willing to forsake his pettiness and grudges... just to avoid her breaking his mask.

Because if the mask breaks, it's game over.

It took him some more time to properly relax. His mask perfectly covering the parts he wishes to hide.

And it was just in time.

"Allow me to make an annoucement for everyone who honored us with their presence." King Alden opened with sonorous voice, making the silence spread like wildfire. "As you all know, the Royal Battle of Valor is an annual event where the winning team enjoys a fair reward, if I might say, for their efforts. This year, however, I decided to add a special reward for the individual who will make the most contribution to the victory.

A week earlier, a new dungeon was discovered near the port city Maim. In the near future, it shall open, and the winner shall be at the forfront of its exploration. In addition, depending on the details, any weapon found shall belong to the finder."

Everyone gulped.

Dungeons. Mysterious structures holding the knowledge of the ancient. Some claim it is God's creation, while others claim it's the ancients' divine technology beyond this era's humanity comprehension.

A newly formed dungeon contains treasures of unfathomable value: ores, devices, weapons. Even without it, dungeons provide infinite monsters and its materials, but the real value lay within the technology.

In particular, ancient magic is fundamentally different, sought after by countless magicians. It could cause phenomena simply impossible with the elemental magic that is currently known.

Although ancient magic is said to be impossible to physically use, it still has immense value in the technology it could be implemented to.

It is no exaggeration to say the first exploration team is bound to hit a big treasure.

(Mind Accelartion is an ancient spell that saved me countless times. If I can get another...)

...

Yes, Ark was capable of wielding ancient magic, said to be impossible just a moment ago. It was because the ancient magic contained unique, esoteric attributes that were impossible to wield by mages with normal attributes.

An example is the mind attribute spell Ark used.

Non-attribute meant any magic is potentially useable. Ark'd have been subjected to envy by all mages. It didn't matter to him, though, only that it was a source of new power he could use.

He had to win.

All the people in the room thought the same. Tension filled the air, you could practically cut it with a knife.

In the midst of such situation, Ark—

"Sigh."

He sighed!

Moreover, in a nonchalant manner, he walked over to royal family and bowed to Iris slightly. "Princess, I must apologize, for I no longer plan on following the agreed plan."

"...What?"

"Few good fights, then calling it quits. That was the plan, but now I have a different plan. His Majesty's prize it too good for me to pass, so—" Ark now spoke to everyone present, spreading his hands wide and flashing a rather charming grin, full of supernatural charisma. "I shall seize the victory, in a way no one could hope to deny! Nothing less than an overwhelming victory!"

A declaration of war.

Those participating made strategies among themselves, finding allies with common enemy, but not one had the courage—no, arrogance—to declare a war against hundreds of knights, without a single ally to his help.

Because it was a declaration from Ark that it held considerable weight others couldn't have. In their eyes, Ark is a rising star that accomplished their most yearned goals: defeating Silvia and slaying demons. Furthermore, he chose the fourth princess, and is alone in the battle. No one would come helping him. Thus, his words were stronger, more substantial than any others.

The effects were great.

Instantly, all the knights surged with strong fighting spirits. It was nearly visible.

"Retract your careless words this instant, Ark!" It was Princess Kierra, her eyes flaring with anger. "I warned against underestimating our kingdom's epiphet holders, yet you dare mock hundreds of knights? A single man cannot win against so many talented and powerful opponents."

It was done with Ark in consideration. By common sense, his declaration is but a mere bluff. She is trying to help Ark save face when he won't be able to keep his outrageous remark.

But,

"It is insignificant."

"What?!"

"Powerful? Talented? None of this matters. I don't mean to disparage the knights, but the me right now... doesn't fear you in the slightest. I've already passed the point where I need to be threatened by humans, numbered or not. But words are mere words, in the end. Tomorrow, I shall prove my words true."

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Again, he turned to the crowd. "If I offended you today, then come at me and prove me wrong. That was my goal anyways."

The next day, Ark refreshingly got up in a good mood. He had used high language too much, so he was exhausted and collapsed instantly. But he got to express his true desire for this event, even if it was slightly troublesome.

Since today is such a big day, Ark was unusually excited.

(The plan is set. Now it's time to annihilate some arrogant weaklings.)

It seems he was excitedly waiting the part he could rampage. Such useless fool. Still, he managed to maintain a good temperament without losing energy from stress, yet warmed up without relaxation.

"Good morning, Ark. Ready for today?"

"Good morning, Commander. Of course, never been more ready."

They met near the stage. The participants are to go to the Aracnum Forest at designated points using teleportaion circles while the masses were to watch from afar via special communication magic.

"Sorry I didn't stop you yesterday. It seemed entertaining—I mean, you were freezing the world with your charms."

Ark was in such a good mood, he decided to fall deaf on the first part. "Thanks. You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to practice that behavior. I seriously feared I was just acting cringe."

A blatant lie. He never doubted himself during that time. He had practiced that eloquence and grace over the years, in hope to leave haughty nobles jaw-dropped. It wasn't natural, but Ark was confident in himself.

(Still, to think I managed to even make Commander admit it. I am proud.)

"Seriously though, are you a hidden nobleman?"

"Nah, just a hard worker."

Well, considering his mother's cooking skills, the thought came up not once or twice.

His mother...

Inexplicable emotions rose in his chest, making him frown.

"...I should get going now."

"Good luck. I connected the broadcast to the headquarters so everyone is watching you. Make sure to us your good side."

Ark flashed a wild smile. "That goes without saying. Just sit tight and prepared to be blown out of your mind."

He had the appearance of someone crazy. Whether it's true or not, today everyone will find out.

"Sir Ark, please step on this magic circle." At the location of the teleportation circles, Ark saw four magic circles. Three of considerable size, while his own only one meter radius. There was a cute girl standing in charge.

He flashed a smile. (Boy, I'm smiling so well lately.)

"Now, it's my duty to ensure sir understands the rules properly. Please bear with this."

"No problem. A quick remainder is never bad."

"Cough. I will start now... this teleportation circle leads to a random location within the stage. It is inside the forest at a place where a barrier was placed for several purposes. All participants must defeat the enemies so that only their side stands alone. Killing is forbidden. You're being tracked using the barrier, and upon being defeated, a red glow will appear as well as directions for the exit. It is determined by a mechanism implement to detect when the vitals are endangered. Needless to say, any breaking of the rules is strickly prohibited and will result in heavy punishment."

"I understand. No problem."

She looked left and right. "Is sir really going to fight alone? Won't it be tough? The other knight seem to target you."

Yeah, almost every knight got done in by his provocation and would seize the chance if given. It was obvious even to outsiders who knows nothing of what transpired yesterday.

Ark chuckled. "Let them come. Declarations and words were for yesterday. Today only actions will have a voice."

She looked at him puzzled, but Ark didn't mind. Crowd cheered from afar, and the teleportation circles had begun to activate.

(It's show time.)

The moment Ark landed and the event finally started, he lept into action.

He never planned to be idle, not for a second. Using Phantom to locate the closest enemy. The pace wasn't hasted at all, using merely physical ability without a hint of magic and spirit.

It was obvious everyone would employ the strategy of breaking into groups. The elites always tend to be reclusives, and it was also impossible to expect proper cooperation between knights of different orders without prior experience.

So Ark had simple strategy in mind: find a group, defeat them, head to the next group, defeat them as well. He planned to keep Silvia for last, but wasn't worried for anyone else.

"Here's the bastard!"

"Let's get him!"

"Yeah! We will show him who's the boss!"

Three knights rushed running at Ark. Their speed, fueled with either magic or spirit, was greater than Ark. Seeing this, the trio accelerated further and unleashed their respective attack.

"Wind cutter!"

"Vortex Style: Gust Fallout!"

"Five Rivers Style: Five Streaming Thrusts!"

(Two physical attacks with spirits, and a single magic spell. Piece of cake.)

At a moment's notice, Ark activated his spirit and Ventus Potentia. With light steps, he punched the two warriors on the face and collides with the mage using the momentum. Of course, he had stolen their mana during this brief exchange, and the trio all start glowing red.

It was an easy victory. A good start. But—

"Come out."

No respones.

"What, 34 men loosly hidden with clumsy wind magic? You gotta try harder if you think of ambushing me."

Drawing Silverstar, Ark gripped the handle in one hand as 31 men revealed their presence.

One more noteable, a guy with slick long hair and bangs covering his eyes snarled at Ark. "Look what we have here, the Storm Breaker in the flesh. It's a pleasure, Ark. I've wanted to defeat you personally. Unfortunately, as you may know, my sword is my wits, nothing else."

(What a haughty brat. Does he think his petty tricks work on me? I should play along, though.)

The guy tried to engage in conversation in order to buy time for the mages to chant. Still, even after knowing, Ark was calm.

"You!?"

"Yes, it is I—"

"Who are you again?" Ark tilted his head in confusion. It wasn't a bluff, he seriously had no clue who that guy was.

"I-I-I am Dain Barbatos! The Chess King! A master strategist guaranteed to become feared by many with my wits alone! I aim to prove that the pen is stronger than the sword! Surely you know me!" The man—Dain—distraughtingly says.

Chess King, Dain Barbatos. He was an epiphet holder, one who made a name for himself by demonstrating academic ingenious and strategic mind befitting a general. His nickname comes from chess being his favorite game.

"Ah, the guy who can't defend himself and cries over a punch to the face."

"Y-You dare!"

The aformentioned punch was delivered by Silvia. Dain had annoyed her too much as he played games using students in the academy, and with some circumstances, a solid punch hit his face. It was such famous story even the town's recluses knew it by heart.

"Well, I'm not interested in a guy who think himself so smart all while being half-baked. Not that it matters, you'll be disqualified soon enough."

Dain flustered with anger, then calmed down and gave off a smirk. "Arrogant guys sure fall fast. Now!"

The group started a bombardment of magic. They had surrounded Ark using the time he leisurely held a conversation with Dain, and the barrage consisted of only intermediate spells of all four attributes, which is fairly impressive.

Surely, even Ark would become flustered and have difficulty defending himself. Dain became convinced of his own victory.

"Haa, Cladding Vortex... Release."

With a casual sigh, strong whirlwind swirled around Ark with fierce momentum. Then, with even faster winds, the vortex exploded. 30 or so spells were taken in, reflected or exploded.

"Ho, so you had a barrier spell prepared beforehand? Not cool. Everyone else, even those hiding got done in by their own magic."

33 men glowed red, lying unconscious. It was a baffling scene where a single man stands unscathed in the midst of chaos.

"H-How!? Cladding Vortex is an intermediate magic. A single spell against over thirty... impossible!"

"That's why I said chess is not a good analogy for a battlefield. You lack serious understanding of humans' psyche."

"W-What?"

(He sure statters a lot.)

"Let me explain it to you nice and simple. These guys were subconsciously thinking: we have to perserve some mana for later. They held back, just a little, but enough for me who didn't hold back to counter all their spells in one fell swoop."

Know thy enemy, know thy self, and you shall be ever victorious.

Ark knows himself best. What he is capable of and what not. And he understands his opponents. Reading intent allows him to see through all tricks and ploys, then he breaks it thoroughly.

But Dain wasn't like Ark. He didn't try to understand his opponent on a deeper level. It was easy to see Ark had relatively small mana capacity, he didn't hide that, nor his use of ambient mana, so Dain thought a preemptive would render Ark useless. He ignored the opponent in front of him, so confident of his victory.

"You're still immature. If you want to grow beyond second-rated strategist, look at others, and look at yourself."

Demons are becoming active, Ark felt the impending danger. A good strategist is going to be essential against the crafty Immortal Dark Star.

"I-I..."

"You don't have to like it." He felt the strong aversion Dain had from others, feeling himself superior. "Prove superior by knowing their moves at the battlefield. Hate it. Loath it. But never avoid it."

The eyes of Dain shined with enlightenment. He seemed to understand something important.

(A pain in the ass that you are, you may just as well be useful in the future.)

Ark also rarely enjoys interacting with others. For different reason, but still. Growing tired with this conversation, he shattered the barrier.

"For now, I will go for the face." And he punches Dain in his face.

It held an incredible satisfaction to it.

Thus, Ark had cleared the first group with ease. The masses watching him saw his fight and sang praises from afar.

But that was child's play.

The real hurdle has yet to come.