Mana Suppression (2)

4

Jason's body trembled. His palms ached from being clenched so long, and his shoulders were tight and unyielding, like plastic that had melted into another shape. His skin was hot from the summer heat as he subtly kicked the sand beneath his feet.

He and the other "heroes'' were standing on the arena floor of the Royal Amphitheater. The structure wasn't anything as grand as the Roman Colosseum, and it was empty save for the most powerful people in the entire kingdom, but it was important. Today was the Golden Trial, the day when they'd show their talent to the kingdom's strongest and earn patrons who would buy them elixirs, body constitutions, magical artifacts, and other resources in exchange for a percentage of the treasure that they brought back from quests. It was a monumental moment for investment, and Sara wasn't there. The other twenty-three "heroes?" They were there. They were all there, sweating balls in the sweltering heat under the piercing gazes of potential sponsors. And where was she? No one knew. It was five minutes before the fucking Trial, and she was missing.

It'd be one thing if they could just continue on, but apparently, that wasn't possible. All the king and patrons seemed to care about was Sara Reece, the fraud of the Escaran Kingdom. They weren't even looking at him for a few seconds before turning their gaze back to the iron gates, endlessly curious whether she would arrive. And their teacher? She was making excuses on her behalf. Critical mission this, traveling with Edico that. Aelia Twilix was a heartless bitch that punished anyone who showed up late mercilessly during training, but she was laying it on thick for Sara.

And why? That was the question that Jason kept asking over and over again, playing back like a skipping disc. It was absurd.

Hadn't he earned that attention? He, the hero that could fight with high warriors a few months after arriving? He, who established the strongest core and had more mana than Edico and Aelia combined. He, who woke up and did sword swings before others woke up, ate healthily, practiced with concentration, made incredible strides with magic, and had the results to back it up? Even the sycounts were having trouble fighting him. Sure, he didn't have their sword skills, and that'd take years to gain an equal footing with. Skill was measured in years, not months. He knew that better than anyone. But his raw power was terrifying, and they feared what would happen if he started unleashing spells. His talent was beyond everyone's imagination—so why weren't they looking at him?

It just didn't make sense! All Sara did was swing a sword and practice language, and people fawned over her. Hell, Edico was obsessed with her swinging that goddamn sword. He was clearly a pedophile, watching her for five minutes at a stretch, thanking "Emenasa" or whoever these superstitious savages believed in, that she was technically an adult. Ultimately, that's what it was. Sara had breasts. He finally understood what other men were talking about when they said that women got everything for free. He never noticed because he was at the top, but the moment he came here, he finally understood. Swing a sword? Here's a promotion. Read some books? Let me give you personal tutoring.

Jason thought it was comical and wondered what men would do if he had some breasts. Priests would probably give up their god to try to assault him. That's what. Hah. Who was he kidding? He probably wouldn't get half of what she did. Sara was obviously sleeping with someone high up to get this level of attention, and he wouldn't debase himself like that. Jason didn't know what he ever saw in that slut, but he resented it. Oh, yes, he resented it. Even though he got over her months ago, she still had a hard-on for him. One look at Brandon made that clear. He turned to the teen, with his greasy black hair and strong body, a grin plastered on his face as he stood next to Emma. Sara gave that man everything.

A few days before, Jason had warned King Escar of Brandon Torres's behavior. The teen suddenly exploded in strength and his body was improving rapidly, and he was drawing arrays he found in books. The teachers took special notice of him after that, and ever since, he had been strutting around like God's gift, boasting of his strength and making women uncomfortable. The aggressive fucker still smelled like a homeless person who didn't wipe, and while his acne was disappearing, his smile was crooked and hadn't reset yet. In his mind, this world was a game, and he was going to become the hero and collect wives on his grand travels. The virgin had said as much. It was so self-centered. It was so dangerous. So Jason warned King Escar, and what happened? He told Jason that he knew he'd say that. Knew it. Absolutely knew it. Apparently, that cunt had seeded that he, HE was going to argue that the king shouldn't give the other heroes the Golden Core until they proved their intentions!

It was a great trap—he'll give her that. It was a perfect setup. Why? Because, of course he was going to say that! The kingdom had foolishly given a bunch of man-children power despite them having no hope of being a hero. Some wouldn't even leave their rooms and cried and cried and demanded things. They were just going to cause problems. And Brandon was living proof of that! But Sara said it was fine, blinding King Escar to reason. And for what? Selfish fucking gain, that's what! Sara set Jason up to seed distrust in him to King Escar so that she could continue her hellish tirade. It was disgusting. She was threatening everyone for her own gain, and she had dragged him through the muck in the process.

That cunt… oh, the things he'd do to her when he saw her next. When was that? No one knew! That day was supposed to be today, the day he was going to humiliate her senseless. But now? She wasn't even fucking there! She was holding up the entire fucking Trial!

"Bro. Chill out," Raul whispered, eyeing Jason up and down. "It's a good thing she's not here, isn't it? That means we'll get more resources."

Jason almost snapped at him, but when he considered Raul's words, his body relaxed a bit. Yeah… That was a good thing, wasn't it? He'd get resources and get even stronger. Sara would never be able to catch up. "Yeah, you're right."

The last remaining minutes ticked on for what seemed like an eternity, but the time of the Trial finally came—and Sara wasn't there. Suddenly, it felt like a great weight had been lifted from Jason's shoulders as he studied the look of disappointment etched into the faces of the Escaran Kingdom's most prominent. King Escar himself was practically fuming. The wave of vindication Jason felt at that moment was wonderful.

See? he silently laughed. Do you finally see it? That the person you've been fawning over was a fucking fraud? I hope you're happy!

While that vindication made him feel good at first, it only amplified his anger. He was finally vindicated—after Sara had thoroughly damaged his reputation. Now, everyone in the kingdom was staring at proof of her deceit and his innocence. But would they apologize? Say, Sorry, Jason. You were right about Sara and the cores, we should've listened? Of course not. This uncivilized country didn't even understand the concept of democracy. They had a dictator, and the dictator was infallible. King Escar didn't even know how to say sorry. In fact, it was strictly prohibited for him to do so! So that fucker was going to keep dragging him through the muck to protect his superiority complex and fragile ego.

But it wouldn't last long. Today, he would show them who they were treating like trash. And they'd be sorry. Oh, yes. They'd be sorry. Not today. Today, they'd shower him with gifts and praise, and he'd smile his greatest smile. But when he was the Hero, the strongest in the world, he'd change this archaic hellscape, and the people who brought him down would grovel at his feet for their jobs. But that was then. Right now, he needed to smile.

And so he did.

When the disappointed mumbling turned aggressive, Aelia shifted nervously. "It seems they have encountered trouble on the road," Aelia said. "I'd like to reiterate that this was a royal mission."

King Escar frowned. Jason's smile became genuine when he saw it. That's right, Lady "Tricks," he thought, co-opting the nickname the virgins called her, dig your own grave. Shame yourself in front of—

Suddenly, an ear-piercing voice cut through the amphitheater, silencing the restless patrons. The moment he heard it, an icy chill crawled down his spine. No….

"I'll repeat. My name is Sara Lenae Reece, Hero of the Escaran Kingdom and candidate of the Golden Trial. Now let me in at once!"