Fredrich stared at Bryan for a moment before speaking,
“Sire, I would like to say, this is not what a king does… but you wouldn’t listen anyway.”
Fredrich scratched his head, then spoke again, “But is this wise, Sire? What if you lose?”
Bryan tilted his head at Fredrich, then spoke, “That is unlikely, but it would be an interesting outcome.”
Rharzar held back a lot and barely used any skills, but he knows less about how I fight.
Fredrich’s eyes widened; he then replied, “Sire, that would be terrible. The war has made others fear your power; losing here could embolden those who view you as an enemy.”
Bryan contemplated briefly, then spoke, “That is true, but I could deal with any repercussions.”
Potential downside… But the learning opportunity outweighs it.
Bryan then shrugged.
Yarek interrupted, “So you’ll fight him?... Oh, this I have to see… This day is the best!”
Fredrich sighed lightly then spoke, “I hope you win, Sire.”
Bryan gestured to Kaelor, who got up and walked over.
Will need to prepare a little.
“Do you have any of the orbs I charged and gave you left?” Bryan asked.
“Yes, we still have twenty or so,” Kaelor replied.
Bryan pointed towards the crowd, then spoke, “I’ll need you to use them to boost the shields protecting the crowd.”
“But they can already handle more than two level eighties could output,” Kaelor said, squinting at Bryan.
It is good he questions me.
Bryan looked at Rharzar, then spoke, “He has not shown any of his real power yet, and you know what I can do.”
Lord Kaelor shook his head and replied, “I’m so sorry I questioned you; I will get right on it.”
Kaelor then ran out of the viewing box as quickly as he could.
Bryan then walked out of the box, down the stairs, to see the large crowds glued to screens still showing Rharzar waiting in the arena.
Walking past them, he made his way through an arch and onto the field. He stopped opposite Rharzar.
Rharzar stuck his sword into the ground and stretched his arms back; audible cracks echoed through the arena, followed by a grunt of satisfaction.
“How long until we are ready?” said Rharzar while staring at Bryan with piercing yellow eyes.
“Just need to wait for the shields to be boosted; while waiting, I will fix the ground,” Bryan said before he knelt down and placed both hands on the ground.
Shape earth
The various piles of dirt and stone scattered around the craters began flowing across the arena floor like water, filling the holes.
After thirty seconds, the ground was flat and smooth again.
Best have a potion; I will need all my Mana.
Bryan stood back up, pulled out a Mana potion and drank it.
Rharzar rubbed the ground with his hand then spoke, “Impressive, I have seen this spell... but not on this scale or with such speed”
After a brief belly laugh, Rharzar spoke again, “Still don’t know if you live up to the tales, but this is a good sign”
Rharzar grinned, revealing his large fangs.
They waited several minutes in silence, the crowd murmuring amongst themselves.
Bryan looked up at the box to see Yarek taking money from others.
Are they betting on the fight?... odd.
Kaelor and three men came running into the arena, dragging a cart of orbs with them. He then proceeded to wave at the wall while chanting.
A glimmer as the shield went down; the men then placed orbs into all slots in the wall before he waved and chanted again.
Another shimmer as the shield reactivated, encasing the arena field; Kaelor and the others then exited in a hurry.
I will watch Rharzar carefully, interesting to see if he still holds back.
Appraisal: If accurate, he should be level one hundred…
The announcer stepped forward and spoke with the box pressed to his throat.
“Are we ready for this surprise match?”
The crowd cheered intensely.
“Our king… The Demon Lord Slayer… The One-Man Army… King Bryan!” the announcer said.
The crowd’s cheers grew louder.
“Facing Rharzar The Mighty!” the announcer said, throwing his hands up.
The crowd went wild, banging their feet, clapping and cheering.
“Without further ado, begin!” The announcer shouted while backing up behind the shield.
Both stood weapons drawn, not moving for a few moments.
I will test first, then.
Bryan dashed across the field, his sword slicing only empty air where Rharzar had been.
Before Bryan could turn, the flat of Rharzar's massive blade slammed into his ribs, launching him into the shield, creating a cloud of dust that spread into the arena.
Standing up, Bryan brushed himself down before turning to see Rharzar waiting.
He is fast, Physical Enhancement Rank Five.
Bryan readied his sword as Rharzar charged at incredible speed, swinging the sword from the side.
Moving even faster, Bryan slid under the blade and punched Rharzar in the side with considerable force.
Rharzar lifted off the ground and flew into the shield, slamming into it. When he got to his feet, he had a wide grin on his face.
Could dodge again…I’ll try this… Bubble shield.
Rharzar dashed towards Bryan and swung hard, slamming into the shield before bouncing back.
Rharzar stood, smiling as he pressed a hand against the shield. After a brief moment, he leapt backwards several times.
Curious what his plan is here exactly.
Rharzar dashed again twice as fast, leapt into the air holding the sword above his head and swung downwards.
Bryan observed curiously, noticing the moment the shield cracked and the sword was coming down on him.
Fuck!... Blink.
A huge dust cloud erupted from the ground as a crater formed where the sword slammed into the ground. Rharzar stood back up only to be smacked hard by Bryan’s sword in the arm.
The impact launched Rharzar into the large shield again; once he stood back up, he wiped some blood from his arm and licked it.
He must be concealing his level… he definitely exceeds one hundred.
“Haha, now that is a warrior’s wound!” Rharzar shouted gleefully.
Rharzar then readied his sword again.
From the Box, Bryan heard Yarek shout, “Kick his ass, Bryan!”
Seriously?...
He will attack again now.
Bryan watched Rharzar, who seemed to be waiting.
I will test agai…
His thought was interrupted by a fist connecting with his stomach, launching him at the barrier with a crash that echoed through the arena.
The crowd audibly gasped.
Bryan stood back up, quickly looking for Rharzar, who was standing in the centre of the arena.
I couldn’t perceive that move at all… Physical Enhancement Rank Ten
Bryan quickly chugged a Mana potion.
He then dashed around the edge of the arena, launching Fire Bolts one after the other. Each one landed just behind Rharzar, as he ran.
Rharzar ignored the Fire Bolts, chasing Bryan until he reached the arena wall. Planting one foot against it, he propelled himself toward Bryan.
The blade came towards Bryan; he deflected it downwards with his sword. Rharzar landed, turned around and they both deflected blows one after the other.
This is using a lot of Mana…
Bryan’s blade slipped; the tip lodged in the ground. He just managed to raise a hand and put up a small shield before Rharzar’s blade hit him, launching him into the shield again.
Bryan got back up and dashed to keep away from Rharzar.
I will run out of Mana if I don’t end this soon.
Bryan ran straight towards Rharzar, who prepared a side swing. Bryan then slid onto his back to slide under it and punched upward with all his force.
Rharzar was launched upward towards the shield. Bryan blinked up and punched again; Rharzar cracked through the shield and kept moving upward.
Bryan blinked and punched three more times before blinking above him; they fell back towards the floor at a great speed.
Using Air Bolt Bryan propelled himself faster, landing more punches until they crashed into the ground.
Dust erupted from the ground, covering the arena.
Once it cleared, Bryan waited patiently in front of Rharzar in a large crater.
Rharzar stood up, coughed up some blood, which he spat on the floor.
“I will concede the fight… That was glorious!” Rharzar said before laughing.
He still held back… True outcome is unknown.
Rharzar patted Bryan on the back while grinning wildly.
“You live up to the tales. Thank you for that fight,” Rharzar said, before bowing to Bryan.
The announcer walked onto the field and spoke, “We shouldn’t be shocked… the winner is our King Bryan!”
The crowd went wild with cheers that drowned out all other noise.
Rharzar raised Bryan's arm before stepping away, the crowd cheering even louder.
After a minute or two the people had settled to a low clap. The announcer spoke again,
“Well, this tournament has certainly been eventful. Thank you all for joining us. Enjoy the food stalls on the way out; they will be here for the week”
Logically, I should see if Fredrich knows of any pressing issues.
Bryan turned and walked out of the arena, squeezing through the crowd. He made his way to the stairs that remained empty due to the royal guard in front of it.
He walked up the stairs into the box; those inside stood discussing the match.
Yarek walked over to Bryan and spoke, “So, we bet on you in the box, but only Gregory bet against you… No one wins much”
Bryan shrugged and responded, “Why exactly?”
Yarek laughed, then spoke, “Sire, it is fun; that’s why. Less so, because we all expected you to win”
Yarek took a brief pause then carried on, “It was an awesome match though… I’m a gold rank, but I would have died in that arena” He then laughed before turning back to the others.
Well the fight was educational, but I could have learned more.
Bryan walked up to Fredrich and spoke, “Is there anything else I must attend to today?”
Fredrich turned to him, then responded, “No, Sire. We will need to meet in the morning. But you are free tonight”
Hopefully, more things to deal with then.
Bryan nodded at him, turned and walked out of the box and down the stairs.
Squeezing through the crowd, Bryan made it to the streets of the noble district that were packed with people.
The merchants likely make a lot with events like this.
Bryan got to the square with the large water fountain and looked around.
Children played in the water, splashing each other as they ran around it. People walked around holding honeybuns and buying trinkets from other stalls.
Walking past, Bryan made his way to the rest and ruin.
Opening the door, he nearly walked into a person and spotted Tessa rushing around serving customers.
The place looks quite busy, but I will check.
Bryan stood by the bar until a barman walked over to take his order.
“I’m waiting to talk to Tessa,” Bryan said.
The man nodded and went to serve another person.
After a short while, Tessa walked over and spoke,
“Hey me boy… I mean your majesty”
“How has business been?” Bryan asked.
Tessa smiled warmly and replied, “When trade with other towns stopped, it was rough, but since the tournament was announced, we have been packed”
She then gestured to two workers serving people before speaking again,
“I even had to hire staff to cope” Tessa then smiled, patted Bryan on the shoulder gently before turning and rushing off to serve people.
Well, this is a good sign… I should check in on Ricard.
Bryan turned around and stepped outside; he squeezed through the crowds to get to Ricard’s shop.
Once there, he could see Ricard unloading boxes into a side door of the shop.
Walking up to the side door, he waited a moment until Ricard came back out.
“Need a hand?” Bryan asked.
“I can’t make the king help me lift my goods,” Ricard said before laughing.
That doesn’t mean you do not need a hand.
Bryan picked up a box and started carrying it inside.
Ricard followed with another box.
“How is business?” Bryan asked.
Ricard smiled and then spoke, “The embargo would have been terrible if not for the port, and the war did not help”
He then scratched his head and spoke, “But since the war ended and with the influx of visitors. My new headache is keeping enough stock to keep up with demand”
Ricard laughed briefly as they placed the boxes in the back room.
“Though I would never complain about selling too much,” he said.
Bryan nodded at him. They finished loading the boxes into the back room; He then nodded at Ricard again and left the shop, heading for the palace.
Seeing the various shops and those I spoke to… Trade is doing well…
Bryan arrived back at the palace to find Clara waiting with an ale for him.
“Thank you,” he said, taking the tankard from her.
He drank it as he walked to his room; once he arrived, he opened the door and walked inside.
Shall see what I need to do tomorrow, but for now sleep.
Bryan stretched and groaned, and he rolled to the side of his bed.
Hmm, milk is already waiting on my side table…
He got up, drank his milk, got dressed and made his way down to the throne room.
Upon his entering, Fredrich bowed while holding a stack of papers.
Bryan walked over and sat on the throne.
“So what do you have for me today?” Bryan asked.
“Well, Sire. Now that the tournament has concluded, the foreign dignitaries will be arriving later,” Fredrich said, avoiding eye contact.
He seems a bit odd.
Bryan furrowed his brow at Fredrich before speaking, “Why are they coming?”
Fredrich held one hand behind his head before he spoke, “They are coming for the gala we will hold tonight, which you will be attending”
There was a moment of silence.
“Did you avoid telling me this so that I couldn’t object easily?” Bryan asked.
Fredrich shifted a bit in place, then replied, “Yes, Sire. It seemed the best choice”
Bryan shrugged then spoke, “Fair enough.”
Well, based on my behaviour, it was safe to assume I would try to avoid it.
“You are not mad, are you, Sire?” Fredrich asked.
Bryan shook his head and replied, “No, it was clever. What else is there?”
Fredrich pointed at the balconies above the throne to the left and spoke,
“First, you will address the visitors with a royal speech the day after the gala. The three galleries to your left will hold Stoneford, Northridge and Greenvale. Those to the right are for Harrowmere, Vaelmar and the foreign representatives from the Great Elmare Forest and Ackmari Plains.”
Speeches are both tedious and pointless, but he was correct about the tournament.
Bryan shrugged in response.
Fredrich looked through the papers and then spoke,
“There is increasing unrest among the refugees, clashes with guards and our citizens.”
Bryan stood up and spoke, “Let us have a look at the camp.”
They both exited the throne room and headed for the market district.
Once there, they walked up the stairs and stood on the wall looking out to the east.
A lot of tents near the wall.
Fredrich turned to Bryan and spoke, “I think the issue may be they are restless with nothing to do.”
Bryan thought for a while, looking over the camp.
Some have tools, pitchforks, hammers and other such things.
“They will need housing and jobs logically. You will need to do a survey to find out the distribution of skills,” Bryan stated to Fredrich.
“Ok, it would be good information, but to what end?” Fredrich asked.
Bryan pointed to the fields and spoke, “Well, if our population is to increase, we will need more food; some of the new people may be farmers.”
He took a brief pause before continuing, “Others may have skills in construction, and they could aid us in expanding the west wall to house them”
Fredrich nodded “It’s a good idea, Sire.”
Bryan rubbed his chin before speaking, “It will help, but it isn’t a perfect solution…though without an excess of empty homes, it is our best option”
They stood watching for a few more minutes as children in the camp played and others cooked food in large pots over campfires.
Not something that will be fixed quickly…
Turning around, Bryan made his way back towards the palace with Fredrich following.
Once they opened the door to the throne room, Clara was waiting with an ale.
She has become rather efficient at her job.
Bryan sat on the throne and rested his head on a hand.
“We have various meetings to attend to before the gala,” Fredrich said.
Bryan sighed, then spoke, “Ok, let’s deal with those then.”
They held meetings with the guards, some merchants with issues and some nobles wishing Bryan to attend their birthday events.
Tilting his head side to side, Bryan cracked his neck before standing up.
I always find that tedious, Doubt the gala will be much better.
“Guess I will go to my room to get ready before the gala,” Bryan stated.
“Good, glad to hear it, Sire. I had an appropriate outfit laid out for you,” Fredrich said with a smile.
Bryan walked through the corridors and up the stairs to his room.
Clara followed him and opened the door as he approached it.
A fancy tunic, trousers and cape were laid out on his bed.
There is no way I’m wearing the clothes… the cape will have to be good enough.
Bryan picked up the cape and examined it.
“These are highly impractical things to wear; the chance of them getting caught on things is too high,” Bryan stated.
Clara looked up at him and spoke, “I think it will look lovely on you; people will like it, I am sure.”
He threw it over his shoulders and attached it to the pauldrons of his armour.
Clara walked behind him and was straightening the cape when she spoke,
“Sire, it is nice that you are doing this for the people. I hope you know we all appreciate everything you have done for us.”
I have increased efficiency a fair bit, but the cape is for Fredrich.
“I am doing it because Fredrich believes it will improve diplomacy,” He stated bluntly.
Clara smiled. “Of course, Sire.”
A sharp knock at the door, and Fredrich walked into the room.
“Sorry to interrupt, Sire. I just got word the Stoneford Duchy won’t be attending the gala,” Fredrich said in a hurried tone.
Bryan turned and looked at him before speaking, “Ok, is this a problem?”
Fredrich frowned, then responded, “Technically, no. But politically speaking, they just lost a war. Deciding to not attend last minute is concerning.”
One less group to deal with.
“If an issue arises, let me know, but for now it is not actionable,” Bryan stated before turning back around.
Fredrich shifted awkwardly but responded, “Ok, we will keep an eye on the situation”
One absent delegation changes little.