Chapitre 27: Next step

A week had passed since the unexpected events in the arena, leaving both civilians and top authorities in shock. No one ever expected the legendary Gaius's defeat or a mere prisoner wielding the power of the Seven they worshipped like gods.

Activities in the arena were halted for reconstruction due to the clash's effects, which means no battle of any kind will hold for the time being. After the burial of the deceased, life resumed its normal pace as people returned to their routines to support their families.

While everything appeared normal, much was happening behind the scenes, with plots and schemes unfolding in the shadows with one figure orchestrating everything, yet unknown to most and known to some

Dan had fully recovered from his injuries in a week and immediately resumed his training. He felt the need to get stronger, anticipating future adversaries like Gaius.

In a room filled with training equipment, Dan sat sweating, catching his breath. Mr. Handsome, who was also training with him, practised sword swings with a wooden sword, his swings were fast, precise and neat. Their training styles were distinct; Dan focused on body strength and punches, while Handsome honed his swordplay.

After a few minutes of rest, Handsome approached Dan. Dan, still resentful over an incident involving Naya, scoffed, "What's your deal?"

"I will not apologise for what happened the other day. We all have duties to perform as Champions," Handsome replied, his tone clear and expression stoic.

Dan was shocked, expecting an apology. "How are you so prideful?" he asked in a weary tone, Dan was not afraid of Handsome, he was just so terrified wondering how one can retain such emotionless expression.

"That is not pride, That is just a sense of responsibility and by the way my name is Shawn," Handsome said, extending his hand.

"I'm Dan," Dan stuttered, shaking Shawn's hand.

"I already knew your name. Right now everybody knows who you are after all defeating the legendary Gaius the man-eater was no ordinary joke"Shawn remarked

"What's going on here? Don't leave me out of the introductions!" Scary barked as he approached. "I'm Barnabas," he said with a disturbing and disgusting smile, one that will make someone throw up.

Dan wondered how someone could be so ugly, attributing it to nature's cruelty.

Shaking of the thoughts Dan looked around, "I thought there were four male champions. Where's the other one?" Dan asked.

"Oh, that kid has little or no presence. No wonder he survived the battle royal," Barnabas replied, stroking his chin.

As they had their moment introducing themselves, two guards entered the room. "Champions, the head chief requests a meeting with all five of you in thirty minutes," one of the guards announced before they left.

"What a downer. I'm tired of these meetings," Barnabas whined.

"Come on now, we should not keep the head chief waiting," Shawn said, leaving the room.

"He gets on my nerves. He's such a goody-goody, bleugh" Barnabas remarked to Dan while pointing at Shawn.

***

Minutes before the meeting, the champions, except Naya, were present in a big hall waiting for the High Chief. Dan found it odd but dismissed the thought, assuming it was a mission for male champions only.

The head chief, Lucien, entered with his daughter Ella and the minister of public affairs, Cornelius. Lucien and Ella sat in large chairs while Cornelius stood beside them.

"Sorry for the short notice, but there are currently urgent matters that need to be taken care of," Lucien began, glancing at Ella. "Due to the death of the sixth realm's chief, an urgent meeting is being held on the sixth realm tomorrow. Normally, I would attend, but due to some unforeseen circumstances I cannot make it there myself. Therefore, I have selected my daughter to go there as my representative, and I need a capable bodyguard to protect her." Lucien announced making everywhere go silent for some seconds

"But isn't that against the law? Champions serve all nine chiefs, not any chief in particular," Shawn interjected.

"Yes, it is. Think of this as a request rather than a command," Lucien clarified.

The hall fell silent as the champions contemplated Lucien's request. This was a big deal in front of them so hasty decisions will be crucial dreadful

"I'll do it," Dan declared, surprising everyone. "You're the head chief right, so that means you are above other chiefs, and this is your daughter we are talking about . So what's the big deal?"

Lucien stifled a laugh, while Barnabas laughed loudly regardless of the presence of the head chief. "What's with this kid?"

Due to studying his mother's research, Dan became very knowledgeable about Ryo and some other stuff related to it, but when it comes to topics like government and politics, even natural studies, Dan knew nothing about those.

"Excuse my bad manners," Lucien chuckled softly. "It has been decided then, you are to prepare this evening, first thing at dawn you will depart for the sixth. And lastly…" Lucien walked up to Dan "Thank you for volunteering, we are dismissed"

With Dan's acceptance, the meeting ended, and everyone returned to their quarters.

***

In a small room with a wooden table and two chairs, Dan and Cornelius had a private meeting.

"That was nice of you. I see you're following the plan," Cornelius chuckled.

"As long as Naya stays safe," Dan replied sternly.

"Of course. Now, back to business. Tomorrow, there will be an attack on Ella," Cornelius whispered, leaning closer to Dan.

"How are you sure about that?" Dan asked.

"I have informants in all realms. I know everything that happens."

"So what do I need to do?" Dan inquired.

"Protect her at all costs. Our goal is to earn her trust, and if this ends up successful, you might even gain the trust of the Head Chief," Cornelius assured him.

"And what if it doesn't work?" Dan questioned.

"Worst case scenario, the lady dies. But let's not think about that now. No matter what, you need to make this work for all of us," Cornelius said, standing up to leave. "Who would have thought you could use the same power as the seven? But as far as I'm concerned, the name Valerie does not exist here," he added, leaving the room.

Dan wasn't concerned with convincing Cornelius anymore; his focus was on finding the missing chip and returning to the outside world, and he had a hunch that following Cornelius will eventually lead him to whoever took the chip.

***

Meanwhile, in the female quarters, specifically Ella's bedroom, Ella was seated on her bed putting on her nightgown. Her skin was very fair, almost pale. Her slender body highlighted her feminine features, mature and well shaped breast with nice curvy hips. After putting on her gown she sat on the bed as if she was waiting for someone

Knock knock

"Yes! Come in," Ella called out.

Naya peeked in before entering the room. "Good evening, my lady," Naya said, bowing her head.

"No need to be formal. Come, sit down," Ella patted the bed. As Naya sat, Ella grabbed her hand. "So, Dan will be coming tomorrow," she said, piquing Naya's interest.

"Really?"

"Yes, surprisingly he volunteered and I was ready to pick him if he didn't, but either way you need to get his attention tomorrow, it is now or never. Let's dress you up nicely," Ella said, rushing to her wardrobe.

"But that's not why we're going to the sixth realm," Naya began to explain, but Ella interrupted.

"I know, but it's Dan we're talking about."

"Yeah, but..." Naya hesitated, rubbing her hands together.

"Less talking, more dressing," Ella said, pulling out several outfits and laying them on the bed. They began trying on each one.

***

The following day, Dan and Naya prepared for their departure and waited for Ella in front of the Head Chief's mansion. Dan wore a dark turtleneck shirt and dark trousers, covered by a long ash coat that crossed his knees covering almost everything. He packed his long hairs together with a rubber band leaving two bangs covering his right eyes.

In contrast, Naya wore a white hooded cloak that extended to her knees, paired with dark fitted trousers and brown leather boots. Her attire diverged from Ella's initial plans, as it became evident that Naya was not suited for the "princess treatment."

After a few minutes of waiting in silence and awkwardness, Ella emerged from the mansion accompanied by Lucien. She entered a horse-drawn carriage piloted by a coachman.

Lucien approached Dan and Naya, bowing as he spoke, "I entrust my daughter into your hands."

"We will protect her with our lives," Dan and Naya responded in unison, bowing their heads.

"Well then, I wish you all a safe trip." Lucien said

Dan and Naya entered the carriage, and they departed. This was Dan's first time leaving the prison and the arena, marking his initial experience with the culture and people of the realms. Will it be a pleasant and dreadful experience, well you can only find out by reading the next chapter.

[NEXT: PAIN AND REGRETS]

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