"Tell me, do you know about the annual event, the Hunters Championship Clash?"
"Of course, it's a tournament held every year, every Sanctuary has their own version of it. In our Sanctuary, I know each Guild can select seven Hunters to participate in the competition, and the Union can select four Freelance Hunters to round out the numbers-...oh. Ohh," I realized as it clicked.
"Exactly, we'll have you participate, it'll be the perfect stage to announce yourself! Usually, only Aces and K-Ranks participate, but I've abused my authority plenty already, so what's the harm in pulling a few more strings?
And besides, it's not like there are any rules barring lower-ranked Hunters from participating."
"Even so, it's probably at least something of an unspoken rule, right?"
"Yeah, but that's fine. Every year, the Guildmasters meet with me and we discuss the tournament, specifically who should participate...usually, it's made up of the best Hunters in the Sanctuary, most of the Aces and then a bunch of K-Ranks to make up the numbers.
But in years where there are a number of talented rookie Hunters, we make an exception and most of the more experienced high-ranked Hunters sit out the tournament to give the next generation a chance at the spotlight, though a few still participate.
Incidentally, the Freelance Hunters selected by the Union rarely do well, Guild Hunters tend to be a lot more capable since they're used to higher level raids. But if you participate, I'm willing to bet that'll change. So, what do you think?" She inquired, a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
She sure does love her theatrics, doesn't she? Well, I suppose I don't particular hate stuff like this myself, I'd be lying if I said I didn't find the idea appealing.
"Yeah, alright. Sounds like fun, count me in."
"Great! Then, let's go with that! The tournament is scheduled for the 25th of May, so there's little over a month left. The participants will be set by the end of this month, I'll make sure your name is on the roster.
I'm sure the Guilds will agree to let the rookies participate this year. You and Ariella Velle aside, there are also a number of talented new K-Ranked Hunters this year too."
"Wait, really? Didn't most of them decide not to become Hunters?"
"No, that was only in your class. There were two other classes at the Academy, remember?"
Oh, right...yeah, there were around sixty students total, divided into three classes of about twenty each. There wasn't any overlap or joint sessions between the classes, so I kinda forgot about that whole thing.
"A tournament, huh? And you said a few of the more experienced high-ranked Hunters will still participate even if it is decided to let the rookies be the focus of the competition, right? Any chance Rex will be a participant?" I asked her.
"Oh, definitely not, he hasn't participated in a single edition. His lack of motivation aside, his Magic makes him basically unbeatable in one on one combat.
Well, not anymore, I suppose, thanks to you. But I'm sure you remember how he declared with absolute certainty that he'll never fight you again," She reminded me with a wry smile.
"Yup, I remember. That's too bad, I had fun sparring against him, it was a nice challenge," I sighed wistfully.
"Unfortunately, he didn't share that sentiment," She laughed in response.
"Yeah, a shame. Alright, with that settled, I'm gonna get going now. I'm still pretty worn out from the last raid, at least mentally, so I'd like to get some rest.
I know there's still some time, but...thank you for everything you've done for me, Chairwoman, I really appreciate it," I smiled gratefully, as I stood up and bowed my head respectfully.
"Oh, you don't have to do all that...but I suppose it is nice to hear. You're most welcome. Oh, wait, before you go...head down to the basement, the sheath you asked for fit your blade is ready, so pick it up on the way out," She informed me.
"Wow, already? That was fast," I responded in surprise.
I only made the request the day before my last raid, I thought it'd take longer since it's a custom job and all.
"Well, since we measured the length, width and curve of the blade, the rest was easy...normally, we would've gotten it to you within an hour. But since your blade is unnaturally sharp, the material we normally use would've gotten damaged by it. So, we needed a bit more time to get some stronger materials," She explained.
"Cool, thanks, appreciate it. I'll pick it up before I leave," I replied, before adding as I headed for the door, "See you later, Chairwoman, take care."
"Yes, you too," She nodded with a smile, as I stepped out and shut the door behind me.
I made my way through the building and down to the basement, heading through the corridor as I got to the bottom of the stairs.
I stopped in front of one of the doors and knocked on it, before opening the door and entering, shutting it behind me as I stepped into the room.
It was a large space with a bunch of equipment for creating weapons and gear, it was used to develop and experiment with new prototypes and improve existing items.
There were a couple of people in here, working on some gear. They glanced up as I entered the room, one of them standing up and approaching me.
"Hey, how's it going? I'm here to pick up the sheath I requested a few days ago," I greeted him politely.
"Yes, it's ready, right here," He replied with a smile, reaching under a nearby table and taking it out, before handing it to me, "Here you go. Check to see if it's the right fit, in case we need to make any adjustments."
Wow, it looks great. A pitch-black sheath with a purple pattern across the sides, it looks awesome.
Quiet, you.
"Let's see...," I muttered, taking Desecrator out and putting it into the sheath, the blade sliding in smoothly.
Nice, it's firmly in place, the opening in the sheath is the perfect size. No trouble drawing it out either.
"How does it feel?"
"No complaints here, it's a perfect fit. Thank you so much," I smiled, as I placed my newly sheathed blade into Treasury.
I'd rather not have to draw Desecrator out of Treasury during the tournament, don't want to reveal too much, after all.
So, this'll make things a lot more convenient, it'll definitely be faster than having to chant to open Treasury every time I want to draw it out and put it back.
Anyway, with that settled...time to go home and kick back, I wanna laze around for a few days after that exhausting raid.