Chapter 169: Long Time No See (1/2)
”Quite the battle.” Miko's voice came from behind Arthur as the screen was covered with water vapor and lightning. He simply offered her some chips without turning her head.
”Yeah, she's a tough opponent.” Arthur smiled. ”Sadly, her runes weren't strong enough.” As the arena cleared, only Yurirl stood on stage and Mulan was on her knees.
”Arthur Silvera and Yurirl win!”
The host announced and Arthur stood up from his seat. He turned to Miko and asked her.
”Are the preparations ready?”
”Yes, although I doubt that they would be enough.”
”I know I haven't shown you my best before, but can you trust me on this one?” Arthur asked helplessly. ”If they're not enough, we can just run away.”
”Why don't we run away now?” Miko asked with a knowing smile.
”I… still haven't received my reward.” Arthur coughed in embarrassment. ”You should leave since Yurirl is coming over.”
”You're a lot colder than before.” Miko pretended to be upset and disappeared when a knock came on the door.
”Arthur, here you go.” Grandmaster Kiren came in and handed him a list. ”Choose one artifact and three materials. You can write your bank account number over here for the money transfer.”
”Greetings, grandmaster. Alright. How much money am I getting?”
”… You participated without knowing?” Grandmaster Kiren looked at him, speechless. ”It's fifteen million for the first place.”
”Woah.” Arthur was taken aback. ”The association is generous.”
Arthur went through the list of artifacts carefully. Each one explained the artifacts' consumption and function. These were genuine artifacts so the one he chooses is like learning a new rune.
Arthur spent five minutes before he chose the artifacts and the materials. The grandmaster who was waiting for him looked at him, speechless.
”Are you sure you want to take such a decision hastily? These artifacts are genuine, so they would help you in your research.”
”Yes, thank you for the advice. I've already had an artifact in mind, you see. When am I going to receive them?”
”After Mulan finishes the two challenges, the award ceremony should begin. Please sign here.”
Arthur read what he was signing and it was a confirmation of his choice. He signed the document the moment Yurirl came inside.
”Greetings, grandmaster.” Yurirl bowed. ”A pleasure to see you in good health.”
”Oh, little one. It's been a long time since I saw you. How is your master? Is he still as reckless?”
”Reckless, yes.” Yurirl laughed. ”Sadly, he's just as old now.”
”A bitter thing what happened to him. Who would've thought he'd run into a legendary-tier monster in Alka?”
”Yes, but my master says he'd beat its ass one day.”
Grandmaster Kiren laughed heartily before excusing himself. Only Arthur and Yurirl were left in the room.
”Congratulations on becoming the champion.”
”Thanks to you, Sir Yurirl.” Arthur exaggeratedly bowed. ”I'm sorry for all the trouble you'd have to go through.”
”Well, my master says publicity is good.” Yurirl touched his chin. ”He also says that my handsomeness helps.”
”Yurirl, I'm more amazed by the second with your ability to tell jokes.”
”… I wasn't joking.” Yurirl frowned.
”Sure, sure.”
The two sat again for the last time as they watched Mulan challenge Emma. In the end, Emma lost against Mulan and became third place. The ranking has been set as the following.
1. Arthur Silvera.
2. Mulan Keri.
3. Emma Agard.
4. Carlos Beva.
5. Leonard Leran.
6. Lily Green.
7. Abraham Galan.
”Everyone, the award ceremony will be starting soon! Please grab your best drinks and make yourself comfortable!” The host announced as the staff members ran to place a platform on the arena.
”This will be the last time we sit like this, Yurirl.”
”Yeah.”
”It was nice to meet you.”
”Why are you talking like one of us is dying?”
”I'm always prepared to die.” Arthur mimicked Yurirl's tone and face. Yurirl nodded with a pleased expression.