The People Are With You
After the first round was over, the next began with five stages occupied by group C members and another five by group D members, Asher's group. Unlike the first two members of the Seven Pillars who came on, Asher was facing a renowned opponent. It was the direct descendant of a marquis who ranked 21st in the entire third-year division of the First Dawn Academy. What's more, the young mage was from a family based in the capital, which meant that he had a home-ground advantage in terms of support.
"Young master Mischael!"
"Young master Mischael!"
Cries from the spectator stand blasted into the air shocking some of the students who were on the stage.
Although Asher might be from one of the top Duke families, the Arnhaunt family, their influence wasn't notable in the capital. It should be recalled that prior to Asher's involvement, the Arnhaunt family didn't have much of a presence outside their region. They only supervised the trade of the Red maples and didn't directly engage in it. Even for the magic crystals they harvested, they were mostly sold to merchant groups in Red Maple province who then sold it outside the province. In summary, the Arnhaunt family was only recognized as a great family but didn't have the influence not popularity to match one.
The Von Maeur family, however, was a Marquis family with a long heritage in the capital. They were closely tied to the Castellans, albeit not as much as the Agares, so they had a villa and even a small territory in the capital province. Apart from that, they engaged in trade, philanthropy, and many more so they were also quite popular in the capital.
As the tournament was hosted in the capital and among the participants of the second round there was only Mischael as an indigene of the capital, it was natural that the home support would tilt towards him. Only those who hated the Von Maeurs, were non-denizens of the capital, or preferred the Arnhaunts, supported Asher. Even then, they were quite few when compared to those who supported Mischael.
"This is one thing I hate about this tournament." Aaron, who had arrived for the second day of the tournament, alongside Ol' Fang, Luther, and Isabella, commented.
"What?" Isabella asked.
"In a real life and death battle, there is no such thing as crowd support or what you're seeing right now. However, it is so in this tournament. Although it may seem like it doesn't matter, the chants can affect one's focus, morale, and confidence negatively or positively, depending on the target. This negates the entire point of a fair duel between students especially if your opponent has the home's support." Aaron explained.
"True, but do you think that kid cares?" Ol' Fang chuckled, but inside, he was quite worried.
While he always admired and expected a lot from Asher, Ol' Fang never forgot that he was still a fourteen years old child. Asher might have experienced lots of things and even taken a life, but in a battle where the dominating voices are against him, it would be difficult for him to focus.
Meanwhile, on the main stage which happened to be where Asher was placed with his opponent, the white-haired Arnhaunt stared around and took in the sight. To those watching, as well as his opponent, it seemed like Asher was being overwhelmed and irritated by the voices. However, only he knew that the reason for his glancing around was because Asher was looking for something or someone.
'Found you.' Asher's eyes flashed as he stared in the direction of a part of the arena.
Over there, a group of people with banners were yelling their voices out, but compared to the drowning noise from the others in the arena, it was hard to pick them up. On the banners these particular spectators carried, there were all sorts of things written on them. However, the biggest had a clear sentence written on it:
Red Maple's Son, we love you.
When Asher's eyes caught sight of this sentence, something in his heart seemed to melt.
In his past life, he was a Celestial Emperor, a man above the heavens and the earth, but one thing he lacked was a family. Although his people and citizens loved him, part of that was because he was powerful and provided them shelter. To that, Asher didn't have a problem and took in their care and respect.
Now, in this somewhat unfamiliar land he had breathed on for fourteen years, Asher experienced similar care, respect, and admiration. However, it wasn't from the highest position in the world, nor was it because he sat on a throne above the heavens or such. Instead, it was merely because they just loved him.
True, Asher was the duke's son, but he occasionally visited the people of Red Maple, a tradition his father, Darius, had taught him to abide by. Even some of the actions he had carried out, maybe due to his own selfishness, had in turn bettered the lives of the citizens of Red Maple province.
For example, the clearing of bandits from the Panama Road, opened a new path to trade for the citizens of the province and also comforted the people by reminding them that there was a power protecting them from harm. There was also the creation of the White Maple Chamber of Commerce, which thanks to the discounts offered by the Arnhaunt family, increased trade in the region. Whether it be the increased purchase of products subsidized by the Arnhaunts, or the passage of caravans that wanted to enjoy the reduced tax on Arnhaunt roads offered by the chamber of commerce, all of them had bettered the lives of the citizens considerably. There was also a recent comforting programme organized to relax the minds of the citizens who were bothered about the scuffles at the barrier. It involved giving out free food, items, and a small carnival, which made the people relax and clear their minds from the stress that had been piling up out of fear.
Improved security, increased trade, and many more. When the denizens of the Red Maple province found out that the figure behind this was their young lord, their admiration for him went through the roof. Their respect towards Asher no longer had to do with just him being Darius' son, but for what he had done for them.
As such, even though it cost a lot, even though it took weeks to reach the capital from Red Maple province, the citizens shouldered the burden just to support their young lord. Some of the merchants even offered free rides with their caravans just to show their support. Some had constructed banners and support items for free, which they distributed to the travelling citizens.
The citizens wanted to support their young lord; Red Maple wanted to cheer their son.
"Young master, we believe in you. You've got this." One of the denizens of Red Maple and a supporter of Asher roared, standing atop his seat. Even though his voice was drowned by the others cheering for Mischael, he didn't seem to care. All he could see was his most respected young master as he waved his banner out cheering non-stop.
The White Fang's Successor, we believe in you.
Some others waved their banners with various inscriptions written on them, but all in all, their gestures had the same meaning: Young master, we are here to support you!
A tear dropped from Asher's eyes as he could feel the emotions of his people.
At that moment, Asher swore to himself that he would not only fight for himself, his parents, and those close to him, but his family and most especially his people.
'I am Asher Arnhaunt. The pride of my family and my people.'
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Tengu_of_Old
Tengu_of_Old This was my favourite chapter writing for this mass release. I hope you enjoy it.
4/5
The final chapter would take some time as I just came back from my internship work.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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