Chapter 51: Rivendell Tournament

As Xavier and Raiden conversed in the corner of the tavern, a sudden hush fell over the crowd. The door creaked open, and a man entered, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His demeanor was regal, and the faint shimmer of his noble attire told of his high status. His voice echoed through the tavern as he addressed the gathered warriors.

"I am Lord Benjamin, for those of you who do not know me," he began, his tone firm but not without a touch of arrogance. "To remind you all of the tournament that will take place tomorrow morning. It will be a battle to the death. Ten continuous fights—survive them, and you will be rewarded. But the true challenge lies in seeing if there will be a champion who can endure 100 bouts in a row, claiming 100 million silver coins. We shall see."

The tavern remained silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Many of the warriors seemed eager, others with a more cautious expression, but the promise of wealth and glory seemed to be a potent motivator for all present.

With that, Lord Benjamin gave a curt nod and turned, disappearing as quickly as he had come, leaving a lingering sense of anticipation behind him.

As Xavier saw the happiness in his disciples eyes he knew to stop him from daydreaming. "Listen Raiden, I forbid you from participating in that tournament you're not ready."

Raiden's smile faded slightly as Xavier's firm words settled in. His excitement turned into a mixture of confusion and disappointment, but he knew better than to argue with his master. Xavier's strength and wisdom were undeniable, and Raiden trusted his judgment completely.

"Understood, master," Raiden replied, his tone respectful but tinged with reluctance. "I'll focus on improving."

With those words, Raiden nodded, his respect for Xavier deepening. He knew that following Xavier's guidance was the key to his growth, even if it meant waiting for the right moment to step into the spotlight himself.

As Xavier and Raiden entered the Melody Inn, the atmosphere immediately struck them with its elegance. The soft melodies of a harp filled the air, and the walls were adorned with beautiful tapestries. The reception area had a kind, welcoming woman behind the counter, her gaze quickly falling on Xavier.

She noticed his confident demeanor, sensing the power within him. With a smile, she asked, "Are you here for the 100 Warrior Challenge, sir? I heard the contestants this year are formidable."

Xavier returned her smile, his charm effortlessly shining through as he answered, "Yes, I'll be participating. I plan to bring home the rewards."

Her eyes glimmered with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. She then slid a key card across the counter to him. "This room is on the house, as a special gift for such a brave warrior. We look forward to seeing you succeed."

Xavier took the key, giving her a polite nod. "Thank you. I'll make sure to leave a lasting impression."

With that, he turned to Raiden, who was watching with a mix of awe and envy. "Come on, Raiden," Xavier said, walking toward the elevator. "Rest up. Tomorrow's going to be a big day."

As Xavier drifted into his dream state, the familiar presence of Elior appeared before him. The ethereal figure seemed slightly more serious than usual, his golden eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"Xavier," Elior began, his voice calm but firm, "there is something you need to understand about this tournament. It's a trap. In the past, the entry fee for this challenge was one million silver coins—just to face the 99th opponent, a mystic rank warrior. The tournament itself is a stage for powerful figures to test warriors for their own gain."

Xavier listened intently, his mind already processing the weight of Elior's words. The stakes were much higher than just the rewards.

Elior continued, his tone even more cautionary, "Don't let your guard down. Do not expend all of your energy training Raiden before the final fight. This tournament is a test of endurance, not just power. Your opponent, the final one, will not be someone you can defeat through sheer strength alone."

Xavier's brow furrowed, his mind already running through the possibilities.

"You must also be strategic," Elior added, his expression becoming stern. "Raiden needs to bet ten million silver coins on you. It will increase the pressure on the tournament organizers. If you win, it will send a message. Do not fight this tournament without preparation, and do not let your strength go unchecked."

With that, Elior's figure began to fade, but not before his last words echoed in Xavier's mind: "Be prepared, Xavier. This will be your true test."

Xavier woke up, his thoughts swirling. Elior's warning resonated deeply with him. He knew the tournament was more than just a test of physical prowess. He'd need to be ready for whatever deception lay in wait, and most importantly, he couldn't let his guard down, not even for a moment.

Xavier got out of his bed and looked out his window for the first time ever he was entering a tournament he didn't think was possible to win. He knew he could make it to the 99th fight with no problem but if they really had a mystic rank warrior waiting in that spot would he be able to survive. Shaking his head he let out a big yawn and walked over to Raidens room.

Xavier's presence in the room woke Raiden, who stirred groggily at first. Upon seeing the serious look in his master's eyes, Raiden quickly sat up, concern growing on his face.

"Raiden," Xavier said, his voice calm but firm, "I need you to bet ten million silver coins on me. You'll use this money to ensure that the pressure is on, and that the tournament organizers know I'm not just some ordinary contestant."

Raiden nodded, still processing the weight of the request. He didn't question Xavier, understanding the trust his master had in him. Xavier handed him the ten million silver coins, and Raiden pocketed them without a word, knowing the significance.

After that, Xavier quickly gathered his things and donned his gear. His mind was focused, and the earlier advice from Elior echoed in his thoughts. The 100 warrior challenge wasn't just about strength—it was a game of endurance, of strategy, and of preparation. Xavier knew it was time to step up.

Without any further words, Xavier headed toward the tournament sign-up area, his steps firm and determined. The air felt heavy with anticipation as the grand event loomed closer. Raiden followed closely behind, a mix of excitement and anxiety running through him, but he remained silent, trusting his master's judgment.

As they arrived at the sign-up location, Xavier could feel the tension in the air, warriors from all walks of life eyeing one another, sizing up their potential opponents. He stepped forward, ready to claim the challenges that lay ahead.

Sarah Blain a young beautiful woman looked up at Xavier as he approached, her eyes taking in his calm demeanor and sharp features. There was something about him that set him apart from the other participants—he wasn't entranced by her beauty like most others. Her curiosity piqued, she set down the quill she was holding and studied him with a mix of amusement and intrigue.

"Not many people walk in here without being at least a little distracted," Sarah remarked with a light laugh. Her voice was smooth, almost melodic. "You must have nerves of steel to stay so composed."

Xavier met her gaze without flinching, a slight smile crossing his lips. "I've seen and done much worse," he said simply. "I'm Xavier York. And I'll be entering the 100 warrior challenge."

At the mention of the 100 warrior challenge, Sarah's interest only deepened. Her eyes sparkled with surprise, then amusement as she studied Xavier more closely. The 100 warrior challenge wasn't for the faint of heart; only the most confident and skilled entered it, and most participants knew it would push them to their absolute limits.

"Xavier York, huh?" she repeated, as if testing the name. "I've heard of you. You've got quite a reputation. It seems you're not here just to play, are you?"

Xavier's expression remained calm, but there was a subtle shift in his eyes, a glint of determination. "I'm not here to lose," he replied, his voice steady and firm.

Sarah smiled, clearly impressed with his confidence. "I can respect that," she said, reaching for the registration book. "I'll sign you up then, Mr. York. The tournament's about to begin, and I'm sure you'll make it interesting."

As she wrote his name down, Sarah's eyes met his once more. "I'll be watching," she said softly, her tone carrying a hint of challenge. "Good luck." She said as she blushed. "Oh and one more thing. It seems like I was the one distracted. The entry fee is one million silver coins."

Xavier handed over the one million silver coins to Sarah with a steady hand, his gaze unwavering as he completed the transaction. Sarah's eyes flickered with a mix of admiration and curiosity at the ease with which he handed over such a substantial amount.

"One million for the entry fee," she said, accepting the coins and scribbling the final details of his registration. She glanced at him once more before handing him a small token, a badge that marked his participation. "Good luck, Mr. York. You'll need it."

Xavier nodded sharply, taking the token without a word, his focus entirely on the task ahead. He then turned to Raiden, who had been standing nearby, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"Raiden, after the challenge starts, go quickly and place your bet. Don't let anyone see you—keep it discreet. Bet the ten million silver coins on me. I'll handle everything else," Xavier instructed, his tone firm but calm.

Raiden, still in awe of his master's confidence, nodded quickly. "I won't let you down, Master!" he replied, his voice filled with determination.

Xavier smiled slightly before turning toward the tournament arena, the air buzzing with excitement as more warriors gathered for the challenge. He moved with purpose, making his way toward the entrance where competitors were preparing to face the first round. He had no time for distractions.