159 Event, Start! (1/2)

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Raven woke up early and decided to wake up Elyion as well.

His worries from last night was already thrown in the back of his head. This isn't to be mistaken that he became careless because that's the exact opposite. In fact, it makes a lot of sense for him to remain calm and act like he didn't realize anything at all. That would prevent him from being noticed by the culprits of this whole mess.

If he could stay as low profile as he could, then he could find even more clues and probably think about a good plan to resist their forces.

Alert but not anxious, that's the tactic for now. In the end of the day, it all boils down to battle. He never had thoughts that he is infallible, but he had a great confidence about his fighting prowess even though he could only use vital energy.

Both of them then went towards the location where the event is taking place.

Because Elyion wasn't a participant, he cannot go where Raven could, so they went their separate ways but not before Raven gave him a discreet and solemn warning. After that, Raven proceeded to confirm his participation for the event and was given a badge that is numbered 117. An attendant then lead him to a room where they could stay for a moment before they are called on stage.

Raven found a corner for himself and took it. He sat down on chair provided and crossed his arms while tapping his feet on the ground constantly. He closed his eyes and concentrated, determined to analyze each frame that his tremorsense gives him.

His foot tapping has a rhythmic manner, he did this to increase the range of his tremorsense and also to make others think that he's just calming his nerves. Believe it or not, many people actually fell for it. After all, he was young and looked like someone who doesn't have any fighting experience at all. It wasn't just him who were doing this as well, the methods they use to relax themselves might be different but to majority of people, it all has the same reason behind it.

***

A large round arena was built in front of the Astral Observatory overnight, which obviously going to be used by the contestants of today.

There are tons of people who came here today to watch this event. However, due to the limited space, some of them are required to adapt. Just a turn of one's head and they will see that some people climbed up the roofs of houses nearby the observatory just to watch the event. Of where even sitting on ladders or trees, doing whatever they could just to witness this grand event.

Eventually, a sonorous and deep bellows of drums was heard.

From a room inside the observatory, the contestants came out being led by a personnel of the observatory. They were all seated on the seats provided to them until someone came up to the round arena and started the event.

”Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, to an exciting event that only takes place very rarely.”

An announcer stood in front of the crowd with an enthusiastic expression on his face.

”Today, you are gathered to witness many astonishing warriors with hopeful dreams of becoming the next big thing to our beloved Thorn City.”

He walked around the arena and glanced at the people who were watching him with rapt attention, his gaze also landed to the contestants standing not too far away from where he stood.

”The winner of our little event today, would have a chance to meet and be guided by our beloved, His Holiness Raul!”

As he said this, he pointed towards the top of the Astral Observatory where many heads instantly turned.

Raven who was listening, also turned his head up and took a good look.

All of a sudden, at the top floor of the Astral Observatory, a window opened and revealed a person draped in an all white attire.

Raven who was looking up, opened his eyes a little wider in attempts to get a closer look of this man.

Raul was a middle aged man. The corners of his eyes had wrinkles in the them but his gaze were warm and friendly. His back is a little bent already that's why he grasped a small golden cane which was held in by his left hand. His clothes represented purity and holiness, the outlines of his garb are sewn with golden threads that raises his holy aura even more.

He raised his hand from where he was and did a small wave towards the crowd.

Raven wasn't aware if Raul knows his effect to the crowd. The audience and even some of the contestants immediately burst into a fit of cheers and applauses. Some maidens and devotees cannot handle it and directly fainted on the spot, causing some small panic. Some people were crying and were raising handkerchiefs in the air and waving it towards Raul, as if trying to grab his attention.