Chapter 19: Blood Contract
Param arrived late in the morning at the Martial Club and was expecting a scolding, but was relieved when he was informed that the ceremony for the Blood Contract would take place in the evening.
Signing up for the Blood Contract required a special ceremony, and it was said that this ceremony was started by the First True Master Bharat Maurya.
The ceremony required special clothes, and involved taking an oath and drinking a special tea. When Param asked whether they would have to pay for that 'special tea', the receptionist looked at him with disdain and replied with a short 'No'.
Then he went to their instructor's office to inform them of his injury, as well as his desire to sign the Blood Contract. He also showed his instructor, Shining Frog the letter of appreciation from the police department.
The Combat King's son was surprised at the troublemaking ability of this young brat. In just three days of holiday he managed to get stabbed by a Civil Uprising rebel and become their enemy!
He praised Param a little and then went to his father to allow him to sign the Blood Contract. Because of his injury he was given a special leave, and could start his Rapid Foundation Training Program after he'd healed up.
This was a large concession, as later the instructors would have to guide him individually again.
Param returned to his dorms, and spotted all of his dorm-mates reading a letter.
"What are you guys doing?" he asked them as he took his daily medicine. The medicine had sleep inducing effects, and he would feel sleepy for a while after taking them.
"These are the instructions for today's Blood Ceremony." The one with the fierce face, Aaron Stone said. With his fierce expression, Param thought that this guy's letter had instead brought him the news that his mother had ran away with the neighbor uncle.
"Your letter is on your bed." He added after a pause.
Param slowly climbed to the upper deck, which was above the bookish looking Joy Nice, and casually read through the letter.
The letter informed the Martial Artists about their schedule, how the ceremony would take place, the pledge to be said during the ceremony, etc.
Param began to feel sleepy and he threw the letter away and jumped into sweet dreams.
A few hours later, his dorm-mate Joy Nice shook him to wake him up. The uniform for the ceremony was provided by the Martial Club, and they quickly changed into it.
The uniform was based on the spirit of the ancient martial arts, which consisted of a simple white colored vest and pants, followed by a white colored belt. The vest had no buttons, and instead needed to be tied using strings present to the left of the vest, just like how the ancient martial artists wore it.
When they finished wearing their clothes, they assembled at the entrance of a hall, and slowly walking inside in two rows. Their steps were guided by the beating of drums, and they went inside with a uniform motion.
"What the hell is this?" Param said softly. He hadn't expected the ceremony to be so high leveled.
When they walked inside, there were small tables placed in two rows. The new batch quickly stood behind the tables. Near the table were small pillows, on which they could sit.
At the end stood the owner of the Leaping Frog Martial Club, Combat King Red Frog, who had reached the third level, the Blood Awakening level of the Mortal Stage!
He glanced through the entire new batch students and spotted Param and gave him a subtle nod.
Param was surprised for a moment but nodded back.
The Combat King made sure that everyone's attention was on him and spoke.
"Please sit down."
The students sat down on the pillows and continued looking at the Combat King.
"Please take a note of the items on your table. One is the collection of sheets of paper, which is the Blood Contract! Beside it you are provided with the necessary stationary. You get ten minutes to read it, after which we'll begin the ceremony. If you do not want to sign the contract, please inform us before we begin the ceremony."
"Beside the Blood Contract is a special type of tea, known as the 'Warrior's Blood', which is made from a mild type of Light Tea plant. This is one of the few Light plant which can be consumed before the seventh level, the Light Devouring level of the Grandmaster Stage!"
He paused before he added. "And it is damn expensive, so make sure you savor it!"
The students laughed at his joke and they began to read the contract. Param similarly glanced through it and as he read, his brows furrowed.
The terms of the contract were very heartless, and signing it meant that one would be entering a lawful lawless world.
To reach the apex of Martial Arts was there really a need to be so vicious? He pondered.
Ten minutes passed and time was up. The Combat King who'd closed his eyes for the last ten minutes opened them and spoke in a booming voice.
"Those who disagree to sign the Blood Contract, step up!"
His voice was laced with a unique energy, and resounded throughout the vast hall. Param cursed the Combat King for shouting so loudly; his ears were ringing and he felt like they would bleed soon.
Would anybody dare to step up after hearing such a voice?
The Combat King looked around and was pleased that nobody wanted to step up. It seemed like his tactic was successful once again!
The ceremony was about to begin, and he once again ordered in a booming voice.
"Sign the Blood Contract!"
Following his order the students picked up the pen on the table and signed in the necessary places, followed by stamping their fingerprints.
* (sfx) THUP THUP THUP*
Thumb prints appeared on papers, and the Blood Contract fulfilled!
"Now we'll take the Ancient Pledge!" the Combat King announced.
Hearing this, Param's face paled. Ancient Pledge? What Ancient Pledge?
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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