The Frugal Mage

Nara simply chuckled, seeing how Rayven left to check on Miki.

"I'll ask for details later…" She muttered to herself as she still had another round in the competition.

Just like that, when her turn came, she heard Miki and Rayven cheer for her.

She felt motivated, but unfortunately, despite her strong sword style and desire to win, her opponent's sword technique completely outpaced her defense. Furthermore, she was overpowered…

'I guess it's not enough…' Nara thought, referring to the Essence Convergence Elixir or the potion they needed in order to absorb the Beast Core's energy.

She really fought well, but after just two minutes of struggle, she too was forced to bow and step down from the stage.

Still, many people applauded her performance. It was not an embarrassing defeat as they saw her impressive sword technique.

Nara then laughed softly at herself, shook off the numbness in her arms, and joined the others in the gallery.

There, Miki, still disappointed yet comforted by Rayven's words, sat alongside Thyruz and Shane.

'She's not normally that vulnerable…' Nara thought before she dropped herself into the seat beside them, stretching out her arms.

"That's a good fight, Nara."

"Yes… It's awesome! Your opponent is just too strong. I heard he's from a renowned family in this city."

"You should've used my Enchanted Sword. I think they're using special swords as well."

Rayven, Miki, and Thyruz said after seeing Nara.

Looking at her face, she didn't look that disappointed either.

"Well… that's that…" Nara sighed as she watched the next round unfold. "Guess I'll just be a spectator now."

They may not have stood out as champions in this tournament, but each one of them knew they had gained more than just bruises.

They had observed dozens of sword styles, countless forms of footwork, and subtle techniques that could not be taught in manuals.

As they watched the other duels, Miki and Nara's loss had turned into a learning experience…

"I guess we'll continue working as adventurers." Miki suddenly said as she looked at Nara.

"That's true. Our rank didn't really progress because we're too busy with our sword training." Nara replied.

The two then revealed that they were both Iron Rank adventurers…

Rayven only knew that they were also adventurers aside from being sword practitioners. However, he didn't know about their rank or the reason for not caring about their ranks as adventurers.

"Well, our master just told us to become Iron Rank since it is convenient when entering cities and easy to earn money for travelling allowance…" Miki explained.

"But since we're basically done with our training, there shouldn't be a problem working full-time as an adventurer." Nara said with a smile.

Of course, Rayven was happy to hear this, knowing that they didn't have to separate after this event meant that he could get more allies for his future plan.

***

By the end of the day, the atmosphere grew tenser, as the top youths, those who remained undefeated, were brought forward to the center stage.

The moment they stepped forward, the crowd cheered for their favorite practitioner.

"Seoryun! You're too handsome, marry me!" A young girl screamed, drawing laughter around her.

"Glory to the Hender Clan! They've raised another genius! You're awesome, Androw!" It was shouted by an older man as he looked at the only halberd user of the event.

"Blair! You're the pride of your family! Don't forget us when you become famous!"

Just like that, several youths, unable to hold back, cried out their admiration.

"One day I'll defeat you, Seoryun, just you wait!"

"Good match!"

"Seoryun! I'll name my son after you!"

The arena continued to be noisy as the seven practitioners waited on stage.

Apparently, there was no ranking among them. There was no need to pit them against each other further. Instead, a pair of officials stepped onto the platform.

One bore the crest of the City Martial Governance Bureau. It could be easily recognized from the robes he was wearing.

Beside him was a gray-haired dignitary from the Continental Martial Union, an organization known for regulating martial practitioners and keeping peace between academies and clans. Their presence alone silenced the crowd.

Then, the city official spoke.

"These seven have proven themselves to be this year's shining youths. Though not all victories are the same, their skill, perseverance, and spirit have marked them as true candidates to shape the martial path of our generation."

The older dignitary from the Martial Union nodded and added, "Let this be remembered. Strength is not merely for triumph or oppression in battle, but for the responsibility it carries. From today, these seven will be recognized as the rising stars of our region!"

The crowd cheered in approval as the seven youths stood, smiling proudly…

The officials then raised their hands, and attendants from the city soon carried forward a velvet-covered tray. On it, seven small pouches gleamed faintly, the sound of coins clinking inside.

"As proof of their accomplishment, each of the seven will receive fifteen gold coins. It is a token of the city's gratitude for their efforts and for the inspiration they've given to us all."

Fifteen gold coins were no small sum; for most practitioners, it could fund a year of training that includes tonics, equipment, and travel.

The dignitary from the Continental Martial Union continued.

"Furthermore, these seven will be honored at a banquet tonight at the Azure Pavilion…"

There was no need to explain further what would happen in that pavilion.

For sure, they will dine with officials, clan representatives, and envoys of various guilds. It would forge their connections, and of course, if they came into agreement, they could also be recruited.

As the announcement ended, the seven bowed and thanked the official. The Competition had officially ended.

Rayven may not have earned any money from this event, but he learned a lot about this world.

Soon, Rayven and his group had already left the arena.

Thyruz yawned and stretched his shoulders, clearly exhausted from the long day. Miki and Nara walked side by side, talking quietly about the sword styles they'd observed.

Rayven, however, was silent.

His mind was no longer on the tournament or on the banquets that others would enjoy. His thoughts were already drifting toward tomorrow's duel against, Cedric the Adept Mage.