The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 380: The pre-competition Challengers (3)

Chapter 380: The pre-competition Challengers (3)

"Those in the yellow suits with the black stripes are from the Roaring Peaks. It’s a chain of mountains, which are part of the Endless Mountains but deviate from its main path. It lies east of Asterella, after passing Edune, and crossing a few more small cities, a desert, and a lake."

After they had their fun, Sterling turned into his usual lecture and know-a-lot mode. Hex didn’t mind. He needed the information. And the silver-haired heir did indeed know a lot.

"Are they a nation too?" He asked. The geography of the Continent was unknown in large parts to him. It was a weakness he discovered a long time ago. In the baron’s study he had rectified it a little but he only had learned about the neighboring countries and powers.

’To think I believed the world to be already so large. I thought it would take me years to even explore those places.’ Hex sighed inwardly. The adventures and incidents he got mixed into occured at a speed that exceeded his ability to fill the gaps in his knowledge.

"Not technically," Sterling replied. "They are more of a small faction, training and living in a certain way. They believe that nature nurtures the best warriors. So they live in an environment that pushes them to tackle obstacles placed by their environment. Their daily tasks can vary from gathering wood to surviving natural disasters. But I am not privy to more details. I only know their greatest warrior is ranked number six at the moment."

The ranking on the list didn’t speak to Hex. He had no idea how strong...or weak those people were supposed to be. But seeing they were all Refined Knights, he doubted whether someone could pose a challenge to him.

"Don’t look down on them," Gronke added from the side. He seemed to have guessed Hex’s mindset. "Remember, the people on these lists are only preparing and training themselves at the moment, while probing others. They are not giving it their all. More importantly, the competition isn’t restricted to battles only."

"He is right," Dolaire nodded. "I have heard about cases where one group went as far as sacrificing themselves to render a star player from the opposite team incapable of participating in the next round or in another mode."

"They are right. And we should be even more cautious with you," Sterling said. "You are participating in different modes. In fact, in some, such as refinement and the ones between Druids, you are our trump card. And I know for certain that the matches of different modes will be arranged in a manner that you can participate in all of them, if you have the ability, but with almost no room for breathers in between. You know what that means?"

"Hmm. I understand. If I am delayed even a little bit, I won’t be able to participate in the next thing on the list." It wasn’t hard to understand. At one hand everyone was able to participate in everything but by packing everything so tightly, the organizers forced people to prioritize.

’There might not be anyone who can do as many things as I can but there is no doubt a few who could do more than one thing. They are increasing the number of variables. And I think I know why.’ Hex mused as he glanced at Sterling.

"This is beneficial for the gambling houses, right?" He made sure only Sterling could hear him. The silver-haired heir of the Silver Serpens only chuckled. He didn’t get a reply out of Sterling but the meaningful gaze affirmed his suspicions. The more variables involved, the more chances the merchants had to earn money from foolish gamblers.

.......

Hex learned more about the challengers as time passed. He enjoyed learning more about the styles each person applied during their battles. Only through observing others, he gained further insights into the ways he could execute his attacks and apply elements.

He did question why people were openly displaying their abilities. It seemed an easy way to reveal all their secrets. But when he discussed a few insights with Gronke and Quid, he realized that not everyone could observe like he could.

He quickly realized why.

’They are not stupid. Gronke is extremely experienced and has plenty of guidance from others inside the Warlord faction. Quid has also received the best training money could buy. He is smart too. No, the difference is once again my Heart.’

It was like his mother had explained. Thanks to his completed circles, he could see the entire path. Despite still having to actually walk the path – in this case it referred to gaining more experience with the applications and limitations of each element – it provided him the vision to understand the Techniques of others almost as soon as he had seen them.

The other onlookers had to see, notice, realize, and only then understand the secrets behind the moves. He did so by simply seeing them.

’Damn. This thing is scary,’ Hex patted his chest lightly. He was done getting bored. Now, he wished to see as many battles as he could. In fact, he even regretted having missed a few days. Who knew whether any of the top ten would still participate. Maybe they had warmed up enough by now and were waiting for the competition to start.

’I bet those top ten could display stuff that is more interesting than what I am able to see now.’ He could still see their performance during the actual competition. He knew that. But it didn’t diminish the feeling of having lost a great chance.

Just as he cursed the Snakefolk and the Elders for delaying him, a small round of cheers attracted his attention. The spectators welcomed a group of people clad in blue robes with some kind of flower embroidered onto it.

"Trid Seachurn," Sterling mumbled as he hurried to call the servant taking the bets. Hex knew why. He didn’t know the man. But he knew the name. The name ’Trid Seachurn’ stood on the list, just beside the number three.

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