After arriving in Reidan, Goblin didn't even give Ian the chance to enjoy the sights of the capital before rushing him toward the royal palace. As they passed through the palace gates, Ian noticed a knight waiting for them. When they reached the knight, Goblin turned to him and said casually:
"How's it going, Siegfried? Old friend from last year, still standing tall this year too, huh?"
Ian's eyes widened in shock. That name—Siegfried Dragonea—was one he'd only heard in stories. This man wasn't just anyone. He was the Commander of the Royal Army, the younger brother of the current king, one of the Empire's high-ranking dukes, and once considered the strongest knight in the entire land—at least until Goblin had shown up.
Ian couldn't quite believe that Goblin was stronger than Siegfried. The two looked like complete opposites: Goblin, disheveled and eccentric, while Siegfried looked every bit the part of the Empire's mightiest knight. Even in his forties, Siegfried had an imposing figure, with striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes. He was known throughout Reidan as the most handsome man in the capital.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ian focused on their conversation.
Siegfried narrowed his eyes. "Goblin, as always, your manners are nonexistent. Is this the descendant of the Guardian bloodline you've been chasing after? I hope he's worth the time you've made us waste."
Goblin smirked. "You're right. I've got no manners. But someone weaker than me shouldn't question my choices."
Siegfried's face darkened, clearly holding back his temper. He looked ready to attack Goblin, but controlled himself and turned to Ian.
"Kid, follow that soldier. He'll take you to where the other candidates are waiting. Goblin, you're coming with me to meet His Majesty. You've got a report to deliver."
Ian nodded and followed the soldier. He was led to a large wooden door, and when it opened, he stepped into a massive hall filled with hundreds of people. As he entered, every head turned toward him.
But the attention quickly shifted when a commanding voice rang out:
"Attention, everyone! I am the Royal Mage, and I will explain the rules of the trial."
Ian was stunned. Mages were incredibly rare. Outside a few individuals in the capital, it was nearly impossible to find a human mage. In this world, humans couldn't freely use magic. They needed expensive artifacts and tools, which made becoming a mage something only the wealthy could afford.
The Royal Mage continued, "Here are the rules. First, whether you're a noble or a commoner, everyone is equal in this trial. Your strength will determine your rank. Second, there is a real risk of death in this trial. If you want to give up, now is the only time. Once the trial begins, there's no quitting. So I ask one last time—does anyone wish to withdraw?"
The room fell silent. Not a single sound.
"Very well," the mage said. "Now for the third and final rule: The final participants will be chosen by a joint decision between Lord Goblin, Commander Siegfried, and His Majesty the King himself. No one may complain about the results after two years. You've been warned."
The mage raised a large crystal orb from his cloak and began chanting.
"Stay in your positions. The teleportation will cover a long distance."
In the blink of an eye, everyone in the hall was transported from the palace to a vast underground cavern.
As Ian and the others looked around in awe, a booming voice shattered the silence:
"Everyone! Listen carefully!!"
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