159 Event, Start! (2/2)
Raven smiled, but not because he was happy or anything. He smiled to create a fake impression and so that people won't become suspicious of him.
On their way here, Raven managed to sense a couple of non-humans blending in with the crowd. They might be acting normally but Raven could tell that they were investigating the people around them. He just wanted to make sure to not act suspicious in order to not create any other potential troubles for himself.
Raven's first impressions about Raul? Honestly, he himself wasn't even sure what to feel.
Somehow, his aura and his gestures were pure from his perspective, yet at the same time it was also incredibly weird and suspicious. From the rumors he heard about Raul, like that he was a benevolent and extremely strong man, the former part makes sense, he too could feel the benevolent aura emanating out of his body, as for the latter, he can't see it nor feel it.
Maybe it's because he was too far? Or maybe his fanatics are just over exaggerating because of their fanaticism. He's not sure. But once he had a good look at him, he should be able to tell.
”Well everyone. I know all of you are excited, I am too.” The announcer said passionately, ”So without further ado, let's start this competition!”
”There are a total of 120 contestants here. The premise of the first round, is to shave this number by a half. If we are to conduct the battles via one versus one manner will require a great amount of time, so the council decided to conduct a massive group brawl instead.”
”The rules are simple. All contestants will stand on the arena, to qualify for the next round, then stay in the arena for as long as you can. The first round ends if there are only remaining 60 contestants. Of course, all of you had to heed the previous rules mentioned by Loisa.”
”You can make someone admit defeat willingly, or throw them off the arena to disqualify them. Are there any questions?”
The announcer looked at the participants and waited if anyone will raise a question, no one raised their hand so the announcer took this as a sign.
”All right, since no one has any questions. Then all participants, please proceed to the arena. We will begin the first round shortly.”
The participants then moved towards the arena, Raven included. Majority of them were already glancing at each other, judging who they need to watch out for and creating tactics. Some even discretely whispered to one another, creating some sort of a temporary alliance.
As soon as everyone reached the arena, all of them maintained a safe distance against each other. Some were already glaring at their targets and were secretly moving closer so that they could eliminate them faster. Raven stood alone, back straight and hands clasped behind his back. There are no anxiousness nor nervousness on his face.
Once the announcer saw that everyone was ready. He raised his hand and yelled: ”On my mark…” he then made a long chop and continued, ”Round one, start!”
”Raaaahhhh!”
Chaos immediately ensued, the audience can't even properly see what was going on.
Majority of the warriors fought like caged beasts. Some betrayed their alliances and threw them out of the stage. Some were even more brutal and directly made other contestants faint due to their heavy blows.
”Are you going to step down on your own, or I have to hurt you first?”
A man asked while pointing his wooden sword towards Raven. He's wearing a cocky smile with his chin angled upwards, clearly looking down on Raven.
Despite of his arrogance, Raven merely smiled and asked: ”What's this old man? Feeling smug yet you're threatening a kid?”
His sneer was loud enough to grate on the ears of the middle aged man. The corners of the man's mouth twitched as he could feel his patience running thin:
”Hoh?” He said with an irritated tone, ”I see, it seems that your parents haven't taught you any manners.”
”Manners? Really now?” Raven laughed hard, ”Here you are, bullying someone who's probably isn't even half of your age and size, then you off teaching me about manners? Are you an idiot?”
His sarcastic remarks snapped the remaining patience the man has. Holding his sword tightly, he glared fiercely at Raven and asked in a gritted teeth: ”Are you, going down or not?”
But Raven wasn't shaken he flashed his canines and said: ”Make me.”