Way of the Knights

Chapter 424 - Start!

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It was the day. 

Just as when everyone was about to go towards the Twin Star Academy in order to participate for the Ancient Elysium Sect's disciple recruitment. Something happened that shocked the entire Azure Sun City. 

*Weng!*

A massive and alarming fluctuation of energy swept through the entirety of the Azure Sun City. Those who carried the badges felt that the item on their hands emitting a strange heat. 

Without any further warnings, all badge owners who were at the city were then transported by an irresistible force. Many people panicked at this scenario but the surprise was just starting. 

After the disappearance of every badge owners, a solemn and dignified voice echoed across all corners of the city. 

"In the name of I, Heavenly Sword War God - Henry, announce that the disciple recruitment of Ancient Elysium Sect has now formally started."

"Friends and family of those who owned the official badges, please do not worry. All of them are safe and sound. They are now gathered into a designated place for them in order to finalize their participation. Those who wanted to watch how their children, disciples or companions perform, please enter the Twin Star Academy. There are people waiting to receive you and they will bring you to a place where you can see their performance."

Hearing this message pacified the paranoia caused by the sudden disappearance of participants. Due to this assurance, people that has connections with the participants are now going in droves towards the Twin Star Academy to watch the tests. It was then that Henry's voice suddenly echoed once again. 

"The number of those who possess the badges are 100 people. All of them were fated and earned the rights to participate on the tests we prepared for this event. However, this doesn't mean that they are already disciples of our sect."

"As facilitators of the exams, we know that the number of badges are exceedingly scarce. Majority of you arrive at this place after going through a lot things, it would be a pity to send you home without giving you a chance. Therefore, we will give those who doesn't own any badge, a chance to participate with the tests."

As soon as Henry said this, everyone felt the ground shaking. After that, a large tunnel covered by a curtain of light suddenly emerged from the ground. This tunnel was located near the entrance of the Twin Star Academy. Many eyes were attracted by this tunnel, most of them were confused but Henry started explaining once more. 

"A tunnel emerged near the entrance of the Twin Star Academy. This tunnel leads towards where the official participants are located and it will only stay open for five days. Those who wanted to participated can go inside and try their luck. If you can manage to arrive where the official participants are located, then you'll be given a badge and thus allowing you to participate with the exams."

"Remember, this tunnel will only remain open for five days. Once the five days are over, it will collapse on its own. Enter at your own discretion. Us and the official participants will wait until the last contender appears. Once everyone is gathered, the next stage of the exams will begin."

***

'Oh dear. I hope Albert doesn't get too hyped up and participate with that chaotic arrangement.'

'Well, he already has the Martial Emperor Sect behind him, and he's already a Saint Knight so I don't know if he will/could still participate but even so, I hope he wouldn't join.'

This is what Raven's thoughts were after hearing the words of Henry. 

At first he was surprised by the sudden changes around him. Even though he remained on-guard, he still felt that irresistible force that transferred him here. When his vision adjusted, he found himself standing inside a wide and open hall filled with a hundred people including himself. 

All of them were still reeling at the fact that they were transported without any warnings when they heard Henry's voice. 

Raven's first thought was to prevent Albert from participating from such a chaotic event. Unfortunately, it seems that this hall has no exists aside from a portal nearby which he presumed where the additional participants will come through. He tried sending a message to Raul using a messaging talisman but found out that they weren't working. Therefore, he can only hope that Raul will prevent Albert from participating. 

His senses already swept through everyone here and saw that all of them are Champion Knights. Which somehow gave him an idea that Saint Knights aren't allowed to participate but even in the smallest chance that they were allowed, he still didn't want Albert jumping into the fray.

That arrangement of Henry was bound to extremely chaotic. The amount of people who would want to participate reaches hundreds of thousands of people. In front of an alluring prospect, the ugliness of human nature was bound to surface. Disputes and betrayals were surely bound to happen. Many people will lose their lives inside that tunnel and even though Albert is strong, he's alone. He's not like Raven who, with the help of Spacetime Laws, could come and go as he pleases. Therefore, he didn't wish for him to participate in that chaotic mess. 

Sighing in helplessness, he could only hope for the best. He then walked to a corner of the hall, sat down and rested. They still needed to wait five days before the next stage of the exams, and they have nothing to do so Raven chose to relax. 

He took out a soft mat and rested on it while leaning onto a nearby wall. He was reading a book whilst drinking tea from a gourd. 

Unbeknownst to him, his actions were witnessed by some people. Some snorted in disdain, some were interested, some chose to copy him, while the others remained indifferent from it and minded their own business. 

Even though he wasn't aware that he caught the attention of some people, he could still feel their gazes on him. He ignored their stares and also minded his own business. 

Time passed just like this, after a few hours, the first batch of people finally emerged from the tunnel. 

Raven's senses swept through then and saw that Albert was none of them, so he relaxed. He no longer paid any attention to them and returned his attention back to the book he's reading. Minutes later, someone disturbed his serenity…

"Excuse me brother…" 

Raven's lifted up and saw a rough looking man flaring his clean set of white teeth at him. He then raised a brow and the man spoke once more. 

"Very sorry to disturb you, I just can't help it." The man scratched the back of his head and continued: "You see, I was caught extremely surprised by the sudden transportation. It left me unprepared, therefore I have nary a jug of water with me. I was wondering if you have some excess and are willing to share some with me."

Raven briefly inspected this man. His ocular technique activating for a brief second before deciding. He then took out another gourd from his spatial ring and passed it to the guy. The man then laughed and happily received the gourd, he even intruded Raven's personal space and sat down in front on him while taking large gulps of liquid from the gourd. 

The man then let out a surprised gasp after drinking…

"Good water! I wasn't expecting to taste the waters from a Pure Life Spring. And its even contained in a bottomless gourd! Nice. Thanks a lot brother!"

A smile suffused Raven's face as he replied: "You're welcome."

"Oh right!" He man exclaimed, scratching his head full of short black hair. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Jason Sigmus. Can you tell me yours brother?"

"Raven Valorheart." 

"Ah, so it's Brother Raven. Nice to meet you." Jason laughed as he happily drank from the bottomless gourd once more. 

*Bang!* *Crash!*

Sounds of things breaking and strong fluctuations of energy suddenly erupted from the hall. Startling everyone inside. 

"The hell is your problem man!?"

"I don't like the way you look. That's my problem."

"Are you fucking serious?"

"Yeah I am. Which also why you have to die. Pretty boys should just die."

This weird interaction caused the people inside the hall to exchange glances and react in different ways. Some people watched with interest while the rest shook their heads and no longer paid attention to them, these people included Raven. 

"Haha, what a dude." Jason watched briefly before shaking his head and returning his attention to Raven. "I don't what's their deal but they might be in a lot of pain if they continue."

Raven looked at Jason with interest and said: "Oh? How can you tell?"

Jason smirked and pointed at someone. "See that guy over there?" 

Raven followed where he pointing and saw a man who's quietly meditating on his spot. He then nodded his head towards Jason. The latter then said:

"If they continue clashing like that, then that guy will surely kill them."

Hearing his words stunned Raven for a brief moment.. An interested expression appeared on his face as he focused on the events that will happen next.