Friendly Contest?!

Van Wade entered the banquet like a storm rolling into a calm sea.

The lively conversations sputtered out like dying flames, and heads turned almost in unison to watch him.

His steps were slow, deliberate, and confident, each one clicking against the concrete floor with a sharp sound that echoed across the vast courtyard.

It was as if he carried an invisible weight, one that demanded attention and respect.

People began to whisper, but even that felt like a risk. No one dared speak too loudly.

Van Wade had that kind of presence—the kind that made people straighten their backs and hold their breaths without even realising it.

As he walked past James' table, he didn't even glance their way. It was as though they didn't exist in his world. James, however, was unfazed.

He sat there calmly, reaching for his goblet of juice. He sipped it slowly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he observed Van Wade.

"This guy," James thought, "has that aura. He's not just some noble flexing his family name. If I'm right, he might be a hidden boss of this region."

Hidden boss. The phrase sent a chill down James' spine, but it also stirred something in him—a mixture of intrigue and caution.

Hidden bosses were rare, and they didn't advertise their power openly. They weren't necessarily the richest or the loudest. No, their power came from subtle control.

On the surface, they might look like anyone else—a merchant, a noble, even a seemingly irrelevant figure.

But behind the scenes, they pulled the strings. A hidden boss wasn't just strong; they had influence that could topple kingdoms or control entire economies.

If Van Wade was one, it meant he had both power and connections—enough to make him a dangerous player in this game.

And he was going to be his target.

Van Wade reached the head table, where the Forgemaster sat like a king on his throne.

"Father," Van Wade said, bowing respectfully. His voice was calm, steady, and carried across the yard despite its softness.

The Forgemaster smiled, pride evident in his expression. "Come, sit beside me," he said, gesturing to the empty chair on his left.

Van Wade took the seat gracefully, his every movement exuding control. James, still watching, turned his attention to the head table.

There, the major players of the banquet were gathered. To the Forgemaster's right sat James' father, Caylus Voss, the Head of Merchants for the entire state.

James didn't much about his father other than the fact that he was a man of immense power, known for his shrewd mind and ruthless negotiation tactics.

Beside Caylus sat James' mother, her beauty striking even among the elite. But her eyes—sharp and calculating—revealed she was no mere ornament.

Beside her sat a veiled woman whose face was hidden behind fine silk, but her regal posture and the faint aura she emitted marked her as someone important.

James had only just discovered that she was the Vanguard Representative for the state.

To the Forgemaster's left sat Van Wade, and next to him was an empty chair. James narrowed his eyes, wondering who was meant to fill that spot.

The thought barely had time to settle before the room fell silent again—this time, utterly silent. Not even a whisper dared to break the tension.

A group of masked warriors strode into the hall. Their black robes flowed like shadows, and their faces were hidden behind sleek masks.

Their aura was suffocating, like the weight of an impending storm. Behind them walked a figure who seemed to command the darkness itself.

The person was covered from head to toe, wearing a deep purple mask marked with three white stars.

They moved with an eerie calm, their presence sending chills through the room.

The masked figure walked straight to the empty seat beside Van Wade and sat down without so much as acknowledging anyone.

Not a word was spoken.

One of the teens at James' table leaned in and whispered, "So that's the Shadow from the Shadow Guild."

James' brows raised slightly, his interest piqued. He had no idea what this Shadow Guild was or what they did, but he knew they had to be powerful if they were allowed to sit on the same table with the Forgemaster.

'Another potential hidden boss,' he mused. 'Looks like this region might be crawling with them, afterall.'

Meanwhile, at the head table, the atmosphere was charged. Caylus Voss and Van Wade were locked in a silent battle of stares, their calm expressions hiding the tension beneath.

It was the kind of tension that could make lesser men sweat. The Forgemaster, sensing the brewing storm, chuckled. His laughter broke the silence like a hammer striking an anvil.

"Ah, it seems my son has returned with all the presence of a general returning from war!"

Caylus smirked, his words dripping with subtle challenge. "It's always impressive to see such confidence. But confidence without substance can be... fleeting."

Van Wade smiled coolly, his voice smooth. "True, but sometimes confidence is simply the result of knowing the outcome before the game even begins."

The exchange drew the attention of everyone at the head table. Even the veiled Vanguard Representative tilted her head slightly, intrigued.

Caylus' eyes glinted. "Well, perhaps we should put that theory to the test."

Van Wade's smile didn't waver. "Why not? In fact, I have the perfect idea. Both our sons awakened their soul weapons today, did they not? A friendly contest between the two would surely add some excitement to the banquet."

Caylus' smile widened. "A contest sounds like an excellent idea. Let's give the guests a proper show."

At James' table, he was back to half-listening, his mind already planning the week ahead. He had a lot to do in a short time, he was rapidly making plans.

Suddenly, the Forgemaster's butler cleared his throat and called for silence.

"Honoured guests, the Forgemaster has proposed a contest to showcase the talents of this year's soul weapon awakenings. The chosen participants are Kaelan Voss and Trent Wade!"

James froze mid sip, his juice almost spilling. "Wait, what?"

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Oh boy, anyone excited?!

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Power stone Goal!

20 PS - 1 Bonus chapter

50 PS - 2 Bonus chapters

100 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.