Unwavering, Kane stared back at the Zild’s furious eyes. “What?”
He was silent, then his murderous aura vanished. “Tell me, Kane. Why did you go such a length to obtain a victory? I knew you would be a lesson for her, but to think you would go that far… why is that?”
“Because I can’t afford to lose before accomplishing my goal,” replied Kane.
“What is your goal?” asked Zild again.
“I can’t tell you, sorry.”
“…”
“Ahem!” The referee then cleared his throat. “Sir, with all due respect, please do not interfere with the fight. We haven’t declared the outcome yet.”
Kane couldn’t help but notice the vast difference in the tone when the referee spoke at the Champions. The most obvious reason that Zild was a powerful person, even if his outer appearance didn’t show it.
“It’s obvious, is it not? The winner is Kane. Go ahead and announce it.”
“But, sir—”
“Was I not clear enough?” Zild narrowed his eyes, full of fury.
“ A-alright.” The referee came down, grabbed Kane’s arm, then announced, “The winner is Kane!”
The crowd was silent. Based on their faces, they were upset. Well, it wasn’t surprising at all. They might expect dirty fighting, but not an obviously stronger fighter losing against the weaker fighter, especially with cowardly strategy. Although to him, there were only two kinds of tactics: the ones that bring victory and the ones that bring defeat, as simple as that.
Of course, the audience couldn’t understand that. One by one, they jeered Kane, throwing various insults — from mild to harsh. At this moment, Kane changed his mind about being a pit fighter: it didn’t suit him at all.
As Kane was escorted back to his room, the crowd threw many small objects at him. He effortlessly avoided each of them. Glancing at his previous opponent, Giyori’s side received a complete opposite treatment. Zild was carrying her with his shoulders.
Upon entering the cell, Kane sunk himself in the bed once more. The pain aching all over his body. Every time he moved his limbs, it hurt. What a shameful display for an ex-saint. Yes, his current body was weak, but the thought still bothered him.
Then, Sharon drew closer and stepped inside, alone. He wondered why. Perhaps Ral also started to hate him. She then stared at Kane in silence before sitting down on the usual chair. Her expression was cold yet her eyes were somber. Her head rested against her hand on the table.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” asked Kane.
“No reason.” She exhaled. “Say, how do you feel after fighting Giyori?”
“I feel… jealous.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have as much strength as her.”
“Oh. I understand.” She nodded.
“So? Is there anything else you want to say?” he asked in a friendly tone as he could, expecting some righteous speech about honor and whatnot.
Sharon didn’t reply. Instead, she sat on the bed’s edge and inserted her hand inside the blood-stained clothing. A warmth coursed through his stomach yet it didn’t hurt.
“Raise your arms.”
“Why?” This time, Kane was the one to ask that.
“Just do as I say.”
Kane quietly followed her instruction. She then pulled the shirt and took it off. His battered torso was now exposed, riddled with bruises.
“Hmm, you’re not as muscular as I thought.”
“Ugh, did you just take off my clothes to only make that comment?” Kane rolled his eyes. He hated to admit it, but building muscles in his current body was difficult. Perhaps it was related to his aptitude talent.
Sharon chuckled. “I wanted to check your body condition; it’s worse than I thought. So, be a good boy while I heal you.”
A moment of silence descended between the two of them again. While Sharon cast a healing spell, slowly mending his injuries, Kane shut his eyes, trying to sleep. It lasted only for a while until she spoke.
“For your information, I asked that because I don’t want you to feel guilty about your… unconventional winning method. Personally, I think you’re doing perfect because you’ve won that tough match. Don’t let the audience affect you,” advised Sharon.
“Thanks, I needed that.” Kane curved his mouth a little. He wanted to tell her to not worry about it since he had experienced similar cases before, but that would risk exposing his real identity.
“But, there’s something I need to know: why are you so persistent on getting the Black Feather? Is it worth risking your life?” she asked, staring at his eyes.
“It’s not really about that. It’s about… my pride.”
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“So, you hate losing against females?”
“Not just them. I generally hate losing to anyone or anything,” he clarified.
“A very natural mindset, I suppose. Ral also hates that.”
“Speaking of him, where is he?” asked Kane.
“He went to challenge Zild, the old man who was talking to you in the arena.”
“Huh. Zild will wipe the floor with your brother, no doubt about it.”
“I know, right? That’s just the way he is. Ral always has been challenging anyone whom he deemed strong, no matter the strength disparity or the situation.”
“But, won’t he go picking a fight with other Champions?”
“I’ve warned Ral and other staff of him. If he causes trouble, he’ll get banned from this place.”
Then, quick continuous footsteps echoed throughout the hallway. It was Ral’s. When he showed himself, his attire was crumpled and stained with dirt. He could’ve been mistaken for a drunkard if not for his scary face.
“And the man himself showed up,” said Sharon.
“Huh?” he asked, dumbfounded.
Seeing this, both Kane and Sharon laughed together.
“How did it go, Ral?” she asked.
“Well… he won by just a tiny little bit.” He showed his index finger and thumb close together, almost pinching. “If only I brought my weapon, I would’ve knocked that old man into next week.”
Based on what Ral’s said, he was a weapon wielder — aside from his obvious exaggeration. No wonder his pugilist skill was unrefined. If Kane could guess which kind of weapon Ral used, it would be something large that requires two hands such as polearm or greatsword considering his strength.
He then looked at Kane. “You did great, Kane; but, the fight could be better if you didn’t run around.” His tone contained disappointment.
“I did what I could to win.”
“I know, and that’s why I praised you. But, if I were to face any opponent that keeps running away, I would never grant them a quick death. Get it?”
“Yes! I’ll keep that in mind.” Kane nodded. He too shared the same dislike, though he already had thought of several ways to deal with that. “Anyway, do you two have info about my next opponent?”
After hearing that, their facial expression became frozen. They glanced at each other, probably arguing about which one should tell him first without saying anything.
“In the next two days, you’re going to face… a monster,” said Sharon as Ral nodded in agreement.
“What?”
“I mean, he is technically a human, but… he no longer resembles that. You were truly lucky to not face him first, Kane.”
“Tell me more about him.”
“He’s known as Seifer, a 17-year-old male. His height was at least the same as Ral’s. Every opponent he faced had crushed into red paste. That’s the gist of it. I’d prefer to not describe his appearance.” She then proceeded to explain his combat ability, fighting style, etc.
Ral added, “Y’know, unlike before, I get it if you don’t want to fight it, especially in your current state.”
“Wow, I never thought you would say that,” Sharon remarked.
“Do you think I’m that stupid? It doesn’t take a genius to see him seriously wounded. I also won’t fight anyone when I’m in bad condition.”
While they were talking, Kane contemplated his decisions. Should he continue fighting? Was it worth getting the feather back by betting on his life? What would be the best tactic to fight that? He kept asking those questions back and forth. There was one thing he was sure of: winning against Seifer was impossible — if Sharon was telling the truth.
However, that didn’t mean Kane would give up finding a viable solution. If he had no chance to win by normal means, then he should opt for shadier ways. Perhaps he could sneak in some hidden weapons; unfortunately, that was also impossible since the warden inspected him in each match. Too risky.
He probably could bring mundane small objects that could also function as effective weapons, such as needles, keys, pens, and… rings. He then immediately thought of the dwarf he fought before. It could work. So, Kane decided to ask a certain woman who was wearing several rings.
“Sharon?” he called.
She turned her head. “Yes, Kane?”
“I have decided. I will keep fighting for the final match.”
“You sure are reckless, Kane. Do you wish to die early?” said Ral unironically.
“I don’t wanna hear that from you,” dismissed Kane. Of course, he wouldn’t say that if he had no confidence in winning.
Sharon stared with cow-eyes and then bit her lower lip. “Are you sure about this? Even with the healing team and potions, you’ll be at half of your prime condition at best when the time comes.”
“That doesn’t affect my decision. But, I need to borrow one of your rings. Preferably the biggest one,” he requested.
“This one?” Sharon showed her thumb that had the family crest ring. “What for?”
“I’ll use it as a weapon.”
“Oh, like a knuckle duster? Very interesting!” Ral cocked his head.
“I know one or two accessories are allowed, but, is this enough?” asked Sharon, concerned.
“It’s better than none, for sure.” Kane shrugged. “Besides, this gem is made of diamonds; that’s enough for me.”
“I don’t think that matters… Oh well. Here you go.” She hesitated before taking off the ring.
“Wait!”
Ral interrupted, causing both Kane and Sharon to look at him. “Use mine instead.” He reached his breast pocket and presented the ring to them.
“I see you didn’t lose it again this time,” remarked Sharon.
“I’ll have you know that I’ve learned my lesson. Every time I wear something in my fingers, the itchiness makes me throw it away! So instead, I always keep it in my pocket.”
“Well, as long as it’s made of the same gemstone, I’m content with yours.” Kane had no idea the reason behind Ral preventing Sharon from giving him her ring, but that wasn’t his concern.
“Catch!” He tossed it.
The ring landed on Kane’s stomach. Taking a closer look, it was engraved with texts that he vaguely recognized. They somehow resembled… demonic letters? However, several differences separated the ring’s text from that language. In addition, translating the text resulted in merely gibberish even with his knowledge he learned from Bokar. Perhaps they both had the same root, but who knows. He was not a historian. Definitely suspicious, but Kane decided to not ask for the same reason as before.
When Kane put on Ral’s ring, it dangled on his finger, as he expected. Trying the ring on his thumb also yielded a similar result.
“It’s too large; it won’t fit,” said Kane.
“A girl once said that to me,” answered Ral, grinning.
“Who?” asked Sharon before realizing his joke. She stood up and punched him on the shoulder. Kane, on the other hand, turned over to face the wall and tried to contain his laughter. To his defense, he had to maintain his 13-year-old boy appearance.
“Ahem!” Sharon regained her composure. “Should you use mine instead?”
“No, it’s fine. The size doesn’t matter anyway,” Kane intentionally replied with that.
“Oh, it does, actually.” Ral made another joke and laughed.
“Stop with those immature gags, Ral!” flustered Sharon. “Kane, don’t listen to him, okay? And be careful with your diction.”
“Was there anything wrong with what we just said?” asked Kane, trying to sound as innocent as much he could.
The siblings quietened before chuckling at the same time. To this date, Kane never felt so left out. He wanted to laugh too. If only he was in his previous body. Nevertheless, it was also a good cover to make them underestimate him.
“You’ll understand them sooner or later,” said Sharon, smiling.
---
Later, Sharon and Ral bid goodbye to Kane and left the cell. Traversing the same hallway, Sharon asked, “Why did you give your ring, Ral?”
“Because I don’t want you getting scolded if he managed to lose yours. As for me, losing them is normal,” he said.
“Hm, that’s very thoughtful of you.” She whipped her hair. “Although, your ring has that engravings on it, right? Won’t Kane find out anything about our family?”
“Nah, he won’t.” Ral shook his head. “He’s strong, but I don’t think he’s part of them. A little boy like him won’t understand it.”
“I hope so.”