The morning sun cast golden rays across the stone-paved paths of the ancient village. The ceremonial grounds were buzzing with energy as people, old and young alike, made their way toward the large arena in the distance. Amidst this crowd, two figures walked quietly yet with purpose—Vanfred and his disciple, Kaiser.
"Follow me, Kaiser," Vanfred said, his voice steady but firm. "We have to get to the ceremony. These people here will soon leave too."
Kaiser glanced at the villagers around them, noticing how many were excitedly chatting, some even pointing toward the coliseum-like structure ahead. He turned to his master and asked, "What do you mean they'll leave? Where are they going?"
Vanfred didn't slow his pace as he answered, "They're going to the ceremony too. People here love watching fights, especially when it's between fresh blood."
Just as they approached the main entrance, a calm yet powerful voice interrupted their conversation. "So, this is your disciple?"
Kaiser turned to see a man dressed in deep purple robes, accompanied by a boy who looked to be about his own age. The man's presence was undeniable—his stride confident, and his eyes sharp like a blade constantly drawn. The boy beside him had a proud expression, chin slightly raised as though the world beneath him was undeserving of his gaze.
"Who is he, Master?" Kaiser asked, narrowing his eyes.
Vanfred let out a short breath and replied, "He is known as the Sin of Pride. He's too prideful to ever back down from a fight. Even when he knows he's going to lose, he'll fight to the end... fight until he dies."
The Sin of Pride smirked, his arms crossed. "So, you found your disciple too. Never thought you had it in you."
Vanfred raised an eyebrow. "Neither did I."
The Sin of Pride gestured to the boy beside him. "This is Adriel, my disciple. He's strong—already learned six verses of the North Sword Style, Wind Form."
Adriel stepped forward with an arrogant swagger. His eyes scanned Kaiser from head to toe, and it was clear that pride wasn't just his master's sin—it was his own.
Before Kaiser could respond, another man walked up to the group, his voice loud and tinged with disdain. "Your disciples are so common."
Kaiser's patience was already thinning. "Who is he now?"
Vanfred's tone dropped an octave. "That is the Sword King, Hanz."
Hanz waved a dismissive hand and grinned. "Come now, Vanfred. No need to use my title. You know you can just call me Hanz. After all, since you don't have a title, it would be rude of me to show off mine."
Vanfred glared at him, teeth clenched. "Like I need a title."
"No need to feel ashamed," Hanz said mockingly. "You're the only one among us without one, after all."
Vanfred stayed silent, but his clenched fists spoke volumes.
Hanz turned to introduce his disciple. "This is Clara. She's mastered seven verses of the West Sword Technique, Sand Form."
Clara gave everyone a cold, judgmental look, her face etched with disdain. She didn't speak, but her eyes said enough. In her view, none of them were worth her time.
"And what about your disciple, Vanfred?" Hanz asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "How many sword techniques has he learned?"
Vanfred took a step forward. "His name is Kaiser. He has a Qi Factor and has mastered two verses of the Central Sword Style, Earth Form."
"Only two?" Hanz scoffed. "Five verses are required just to qualify for the ceremony. Do you really think he'll even be allowed to participate? He might be kicked out before it even begins."
Vanfred's jaw tightened. "He has a Qi Factor. That alone may grant him the chance."
Hanz smiled darkly to himself. If I don't make sure he's disqualified, my name isn't Hanz.
The group walked through the tall arched gates into the heart of the ceremonial grounds. Thirteen other elders had already arrived with their disciples, and the area buzzed with anticipation. Everyone was given a short time to rest before being told to proceed to the arena.
As the crowd settled, the vast stadium erupted in noise. Thousands of villagers filled the seats, the excitement palpable in the air.
Kaiser looked around, stunned. He wasn't kidding. The whole village really did come to see this.
On the uppermost platform, three elders sat upon a stone pedestal. Their presence was commanding, each radiating an aura of immense power and authority.
Before anything official could begin, Hanz stepped forward, raising his voice for all to hear.
"Elders! Audience! We have an unqualified disciple here!"
Gasps echoed through the arena like a wave.
The third elder, a stern man with a sharp gaze and iron aura, narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean, Hanz?"
Hanz pointed toward Kaiser and Vanfred. "This disciple of Vanfred's has only learned two verses of the Central Sword Style. He does not meet the qualifications."
The third elder stood, his tone cold and threatening. "Is this true, Vanfred?"
Vanfred took a step forward. "He possesses the Qi Factor."
"Rules are rules," the elder snapped. "How dare you try to bend them? We will not allow this child to participate."
Kaiser stepped up, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Are you afraid?"
A wave of killing intent surged from the third elder as the crowd went silent. Only Kaiser remained unfazed because Rei's gaze, which he had endured for years, was sharper than the third elder's.
The elder's voice was low and dangerous. "What did you say?"
Kaiser grinned and stared straight into his eyes. "I said—are you scared of me? That I'll beat your so-called prodigies and prove you all wrong?"
The silence thickened. Even the elders felt it—the pressure in Kaiser's gaze. It wasn't arrogance, it was conviction.
The elder raised his hand, ready to strike, but was stopped by the booming laugh of the first elder.
"This is a first. A disciple not afraid to stand up to an elder," the first elder said, smiling with interest.
"I've lived with someone scarier than him," Kaiser said, unmoved. "That person keeps people like him in his pocket."
The third elder's face turned crimson with fury, but the first elder remained amused.
"Very well. We'll let him participate—but only if he wins his first match."
The third elder protested, "But he's arrogant and disrespects elders!"
The first elder waved his concern away. "And so are many of the disciples here. Take the Sin of Pride, for instance. If fate brought this boy to us, perhaps it's worth seeing what he can do."
Vanfred, still frozen in disbelief at Kaiser's brazenness, remained silent. His mind raced with conflicting emotions—shame, fear… and pride.
"We will now commence the ceremony," the first elder declared, rising from his seat.
The crowd roared as the stage was set for a battle none of them would forget.
And Kaiser? He just smiled.