NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: Safe
"Master, can I ask something?" said one of the young men with a voice as piercing as steel.
"What do you wish to say, Esmond?" the Second Elder asked softly as he glanced at the young man named Esmond.
"Isn't it compulsory for every member of the faction to be in the Sky Realm in order to become eligible for the Golden Crown Tournament?" the young man asked solemnly. "Doesn't Claude have to reach the Sky Realm first in order for us to guarantee a spot in the tournament? If our goal was to participate in the Golden Crown Tournament, isn't the selection of Claude into our faction even before he reached Sky Realm slightly impulsive?"
Although the Second Elder's expression remained unchanged, there were some faint movements in the eyes of the students as they started to make all sorts of calculations.
"Although I do agree that Claude has enormous talent and potential, as well as for participating valiantly in the inner disciple competition, if we want the Flying Sword Faction to have a chance in participating and even winning the championship, wouldn't it be best to bet on someone who had already reached the Sky Realm, instead of someone who might reach it in the future?"
Esmond's words made the Second Elder nod his head in agreement. What the young man had said was true. Statistically speaking, it would indeed be more of a safe bet if he had chosen someone who had already reached the Sky Realm. Although most inner disciples had already joined a faction, there were still a few that were on the fence about it, like Hayden Fleming, one of the top ranking inner disciples who still hadn't joined any factions.
Although the Second Elder's expression did not change, his voice sounded determined as he said, "What you said is absolutely true. And I understand what you mean. In normal circumstances, I too would've done the same."
The Second Elder was silent for a moment before he replied in a powerful voice, "However, when I first met Claude, he was only in the fourth rank of the Earth Realm. He didn't have any particular skill, and his talent was mediocre. In fact, the only thing that made him worthy of my time was his mastery of the Invisible Sword Technique. And yet, for some reason, this young man told me that he would win the Inner Disciple Contest and make me pick him. And he said that with absolute confidence. I couldn't see a hint of doubt within his eyes."
The Second Elder kept talking. "Back then, I did agree to his request. But only because I thought it was interesting. Nothing more, nothing less. Just for my own amusement. But he did it. He won the Inner Disciple Contest. Just like he said he would. So when you ask me whether or not betting on someone who had already reached the Sky Realm, was better than someone who might reach it in the near future, then I'd say yes. It is in fact better to pick someone who already has the qualifications necessary to join rather than someone who might achieve it in the future. Definitely. That's the more reasonable and safer option."
"But I never once said I picked Claude because he was the safe option, did I?"
The Second Elder set his eyes on Claude and asked, "Claude! Tell me, did I make the right choice in picking you for my faction?"
Claude, who had been listening to the conversation, smiled. He exchanged a quick glance with Esmond, before answering the Second Elder's question. "You did. In fact, I'd say it's probably the best decision you've ever made."
When the other faction members heard his shameless proclamation, they were left speechless. This young man was extremely arrogant!
The Second Elder smiled faintly. He nodded his head and said, "And are you confident that you'll be able to reach the Sky Realm in less than a year?"
"I am, master! I don't need a year to get to the sky realm!" Claude said straightforwardly.
"Good," The Second Elder waved his hand as he spoke, "No need to argue over this any further. I have chosen the young man, and he'll prove me right. Besides, what's so bad about a little optimism?"
Although Esmond wanted to continue, when he saw the Second Elder's determination, he chose to endure.
The hall fell silent after these words left the Second Elder's mouth.
"Now that we've got that out of the way," the Second Elder paused for a second, studying everyone's expressions, before continuing. "In half a month's time, the Sherfield City's yearly 'Prodigy Summit' will begin. This year, the event will be hosted by three factions; Golden Avarice Academy's Flying Sword Faction, Trinity Academy's Dark Chariot Faction and Silver Moon Academy's Black Pearl Faction. As there can be only five participants per faction, I want the juniors to enter the competition, to represent the Flying Sword Faction. It might be an opportunity to gain experience."
Prodigy Summit!
Claude's eye's flashed with surprise and expectancy. He had only heard of the Prodigy Summit. This was a rather small event for the inner disciples of various factions to come and spar with one another.