Chapter 161: Shinva (1/2)
Only fifty remained and the competition was in full swing. During the two hours, the remaining participants, along with their partners, were escorted to a dining hall where they could eat or use any facilities like bathrooms, games, and massages.
As they walked toward the hall, Yurirl and Arthur chatted idly. When the genius divine swordsman meets with the genius rune apprentice, their conversation must be one that would enter history.
”You mean… raisins are just dried grapes?” Yurirl asked with confusion as if the secrets of the universe were unveiled to him, but they weren't to his liking.
”Yup,” Arthur nodded and continued to explain. ”The amount of time differs by the grapes type, but most are dried in almost a day.”
”But they're much sweeter?”
”Well, yeah.” Arthur frowned. ”I think it's just because the sugar is concentrated because it's smaller than the grape?”
”Hm.” Yurirl went into deep thoughts.
The staff member that listened to their conversation wondered if he was hearing right. Were raisins that mystical that these geniuses talked about them so feverishly? He decided to feed his children raisins every morning.
When they entered the hall, Arthur spotted Emma immediately. She was surrounded by the members of high-society, Nera included.
”Tag along, I'll introduce you to my friend.” Arthur pulled on Yurirl's arm and the young man obediently followed. The crowd parted around them as they walked by. There were murmurs regarding the duo of geniuses, but there was little disapproval.
The reason for this is that even if Yurirl was strong, he was limited by the association to the rei-rank and he simply was as a substitute mana source to generate the cards. Of course, some people thought it was unfair that Yurirl paired with a champion candidate, but they were helpless.
Since they were here to socialize, many of them tried to chat with the two geniuses as they passed by. However, both Yurirl and Arthur showed little interest in maintaining a chat.
”Greetings, summoner.” Arthur joked as soon as he stood in front of Emma. Some nobles frowned at his casual tone but Emma's response dismissed them.
”Greetings, young hero.” She said with a smile. Her eyes turned toward Yurirl who was grabbed by the arm. ”And greetings to the divine swordsman, too.”
”A pleasure to meet you, Miss Emma.” Yurirl nodded at her. The noble's attention shifted toward Yurirl, who looked unbothered even with Arthur pulling him by the arm.
”Well, I guess you two already know each other.” Arthur shrugged and let go of Yurirl. ”Did you have lunch already?” He asked Emma who shook her head. ”Fine, let's go eat something. I want to hear about your rune.” Arthur said with a smile.
The nobles slightly shifted, seeming to have planned the lunch to be theirs. However, when Arthur invited Yurirl as well, they found it hard to step in.
Yurirl was known for his distant character and coldness. He didn't care about connections and only had training in his mind. He turned down the son of the Sun Emperor once, greatly affecting the empire's relationship with God's Blade.
”Sure, I'm hungry as well.” Yurirl's response stirred the crowd further, making them see Arthur in a different light. However, it wasn't all favorable as some held caution.
”Alright, let's go then.” Arthur grinned and Emma excused herself from the crowd. She walked beside Arthur as she whispered.
”I need to invite Princess Nera. I can't leave her alone, you know that.” Emma said in a low voice that only Arthur could hear.
”Whatever you say, boss.” Arthur laughed lightly and the trio found a table to the side.
Emma then went ahead and invited Princess Nera, who beamed at the gesture. Together with Tin Rasan and Nera's partner, the group suddenly doubled in number.
Nera's partner was a young noble from the Yalveran Union. He introduced himself as soon as he sat down.
”My name is Roland Hivway, a captain from the guild Everlasting Stream.”
Arthur's eyes sharpened at the name of the guild. It was the same guild his father worked for and also the one that chased after his family for their possessions. This guild has called his father a thief and tarnished his reputation, so he couldn't help it when his composure was almost broken.
His manablood went wild for a moment, creating a slight ripple in the air. This was one of the side-effects of assimilating the mana into one's body, as it would be affected by his mood from now on. That's why many awakeners practiced meditation.