The King's Memo

I was training with Evelin when we heard a loud whistle, we saw an entourage of soldiers marching with the flags of Celion, standing behind a man whom I assumed to be the King's messenger.

Once he had everyone's attention, he started reading the scroll in a loud clear voice.

"Greetings from the King Of Celion, let me start by congratulating the staff at warrior's academy for producing a long line of renowned warriors who have been of great help to the kingdom.

However, it has come to our attention that there has been a steady decline in the quality of graduates produced by the academy which presents a dilemma for the realm.

While the warriors are skilled fighters, it seems that they lack certain virtues that are a vital sign of great warriors and heroes, attributes like honor and the need to improve in one's craft seem to be declining.

Therefore, after consulting with my council, we have decided to introduce a new system for ranking our prospects through a grand tournament that will be held in the Royal Capital with the King and Crown Prince in attendance. Certain rules shall be put into practice so only the most deserving candidate will be granted the prestigious title of 'Warrior'.

The tournament rules are as follows:

1- The candidates will be divided into 5 categories; The Dragon Class, The Lion Class, The Wolf Class, The Boar Class, and The Rabbit Class.

2- Candidates will be ranked according to their ability to complete tasks that require skills, creativity, strength, intellectuality, tolerance, and resilience.

3- Every 2 weeks candidates that rank on the lowest level will be disqualified from the tournament.

4- Candidates will be disqualified and punished if found guilty of unjust killing, foul play, or maiming competitors outside the match.

5- The winner will receive the title and 10,000 gold coins.

Further rules in regards to the categories will be left with the tournament organizers so there are no queries left unresolved. We look forward to meeting the contenders soon, Good luck to all the candidates!"

With that, the men-at-arms left, as abruptly as they had arrived. The apprentices were left in a state of shock and bewilderment, we looked at each other and finally at the instructor for an explanation so we could make sense of the situation.

He snapped back to reality and yelled, "What are you looking at? Back to your stations."

As I rushed to my place, I bumped into Felix.

I glared at him, "Watch where you're going."

I was about to step away when he held my wrist and said, "Meet me at the roof after the session." He walked away without waiting for my response.

Who does he think is? I am neither his servant nor his friend. Just because he's a noble, he thinks he has the right to order everyone around? Besides, if he thinks that he can embarrass me in front of everyone and show up after weeks of acting cold and arrogant. He has another thing coming!

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I was packing my stuff when someone yanked my wrist, I turned and saw Alex standing there with a scowl.

"What's up?" I asked as I zipped my bag.

"Cut the crap and tell your friend to stay away from me." He fumed.

"Why? Are you scared? Don't worry, she's actually very sweet." I winked at him.

"So you're the one who's behind all of this. You better clean up this mess" He pointed his finger at me.

"Woah, someone woke up on the wrong side," I said teasingly.

"Stop messing around Flair, I'm not in the mood to listen to your stupid jokes."

"Hmph...You always act like a grumpy old lady." I mumbled.

"What was that?" He asked.

"Nothing and I'm not your messenger, you should talk to her yourself."

I was just at the exit when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. "Alex, seriously you are pissing me off! Can't you...Felix?"

Felix stood there with an amused expression.

"What do you want?" My tone completely changed from exasperated to cold.

"Didn't I tell you to meet me at the rooftop?"

"I am not interested in talking to you, so leave me alone."

"I didn't ask you, I told you to meet me there." He said seriously.

"What the heck?! Look man, do not test my patience, I don't care if you are a noble, I will not hesitate to ruin your pretty face."

The next thing I knew, I got dragged to the rooftop. I yelled and kicked but it did not seem to affect him. He finally let go of my wrist and I spit on his face.

"I hate you." I glared at him.

"The feeling is mutual." He wiped his face.

"Then why did you dragged me here?"

"I wanted to ask you that do you really think, that day if I had not beaten you, Edward would have let you go easily without a punishment?" He raised his eyebrows.

"I am not stupid, I know he would have done something much worse to me than what you did, and I'm not angry about the fact that you beat me."

"So why are you mad at me?"

"You didn't need to insult me," I said as I looked away.

"I know it was wrong of me to do that but I wanted to test your limits." He leaned back.

"Then do you think that I deserve to be here?"

"That remains to be seen." I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "So what do you think about the tournament?"

"I think it will be interesting and refreshing for everyone, I mean yesterday, we all were wondering when will we be approved as a 'warrior', at least now we know that we have a chance to become that 1 person who will make his/her dream come true. But what about you? What do you think?" I asked while he looked up at the sky.

"I am thinking that it will be one hell of a ride." He sighed

"What do you mean?"I frowned.

"Just be careful, I am sure that they packed a lot of surprises for us."

"Do you think something bad will happen?"

"Who knows what they have planned for us, better to be safe than being sorry." He left while I gazed at the stars and sent a silent prayer.