Chapter 158: Yurirl (1/2)
The turtle flew them across the city until they reached an arena. The streets were bustling with people and as Arthur and the others got off the vehicle, cheers resounded from beneath them. They stood atop the platform that was connected to the arena's stands as the crowd cheered for them from underneath.
”Why not wave, our hero?” Emma jokingly elbowed Arthur. ”I bet they're here for the Ghost.”
”I'm sure they're here for their next queen.” Arthur jested. He wanted to go in quickly because of how many people were looking at him.
With grandmaster Venkov, Arthur and Emma walked inside the stand as they met one of the association's staff. With a respectful attitude, he led them to a cozy lounge where they met a familiar face.
”Grandmaster Venkov, a pleasure to see that you haven't died yet.” Grandmaster Kiren smiled with mockery.
”I'm not as weak as you are, Kiren.”
”Call me Grandmaster Kiren.���
”I'm your senior.” The old man rebutted and sparks of tension flew everywhere. As Arthur thought the two would pull each other's hair at any second, they suddenly laughed.
”Hello, Arthur.” Grandmaster Kiren smiled at him warmly.
”Greetings, Grandmaster.” Arthur bowed slightly in respect. The man in front of him has helped him on numerous occasions.
”I'm glad you didn't need the jade I gave you.”
”I would've helped if anything happened.” Grandmaster Venkov interjected. Before another round of fighting began, Arthur hurried to ask.
”Thank you for your concern and help, grandmaster. Are you also overseeing the last round?” He asked with some expectations. However, grandmaster Kiren shook his head.
”Someone else has taken charge. Venkov knows her, too.”
”Her?” Grandmaster Venkov frowned. ”Is it Jumana?” Slight dread could be heard in his voice. Grandmaster Kiren nodded with a sigh.
”Is something wrong?” Emma asked with bewilderment that Arthur shared.
”Nothing, she's just a crackhead, but in runes-related matters.”
”A what?” Arthur asked with amazement. This was the first time he heard a grandmaster being called like that.
”You'll see.” Grandmaster Venkov sighed and an announcement was issued.
”All participants, please gather in hall 33. All participants, please gather in hall 33.”
Emma and Arthur bid the two grandmasters farewell before going to the hall. When they got there, most participants were there. They wore their robes and gathered in their groups as they studied each other.
When Arthur entered the hall, all eyes turned his way. They were wary, nervous, and hostile. After all, Arthur was a black horse that emerged out of nowhere. His powers were clear to all in the first two regions.
”If stares could slice flesh, then you'd have been minced meat by now,” Emma whispered a gentle reminder.
The two of them walked and stood on the side, waiting like the others. As they stopped, someone was already walking their way. As Arthur looked at him, he remembered that it was the same person who finished second in the second region.
”Let the best man win.” The pale thin young man extended his hand to Arthur as soon as he reached them.
”Uh, sure.” Arthur took his hand and shook it with confusion. The man walked away as soon as their hands parted.
”The best 'man'? Really?” Emma stared at his back speechlessly. ”He doesn't even acknowledge the girls in the competition?” She snorted in anger at the young man's disregard.
”So, if he said person, would it be less weird?” Arthur laughed. ”The whole gesture feels like a scene from a drama show.”