บท 9: The Hundred Schools Tournament

Galen was strolling in his empty dojo with a gloomy face. "Ah, there you are."

"What happened, Master Galen?" June asked.

"Xiang Tzu took all of my students to the Herald's school."

Fei Yu…. He left too? Her heart sank as she wouldn't be seeing him around anymore.

"How could I continue my legacy in the tournament? Furthermore, if I don't have any students, my school will be closed by the board." Galen's voice pulled her to reality and made her feel guilty.

"You still have one student left…." Only June's voice could have this much compassion.

Red was confused for a moment. Whom was she talking about? June or her?

Master Galen turned to her.

"Master, can you teach me a good Dynastian weapon?" The girl read the sign.

"How about a chain knife?" June spoke with glee. It was her signature weapon.

"My dear, you can fight with any style you want, even Legion's. Fights throughout the whole world will be participating."

"No, Dynast's style… would be fine."

June could read between the lines. She knew Fei Yu as he was a son of a minister.

***

June left her for training and went out with Itu to find the Emperor and the Sphere. In her words to gather information. Meanwhile, Galen taught her how to dance with Sabers.

Moving with a lighter weapon was easy and it could make combo attacks. If you get one hit, get ready to accept the upcoming four or six hits too.

Red enjoyed participating in the tournament and punching the faces of the Dynasts. She overcame the first phases of the tournament with no difficulties.

"Congratulations!" They heard Kibo's voice behind their back while celebrating Red's victories. "I'd love to see you in the finals." Kibo left with a cool gaze and a faint grin.

"She meant 'I'll break your back and dance on your grave'," June explained to the girl. "Can't believe she is participating too."

June and Kibo were childhood best friends. Red thought when we are immature, we can be friends with any sort of people. How absurd these two girls were friends once. Kibo had always been sour like this or the Dynasty ruined her?

Red wondered about how her childhood had been and if she had friends too. Where are they anyway? Did anybody know her?

Itu was a tall guy with a long ponytail in his sleek black hair and stubbles on his face, who was in his mid-twenties. But the seriousness in his face made him look like an old man in his fifties. Though he had lightened up a lot. He was now helping Red to understand the Heralds and how to compete with them in the tournament.

Galen was already showing gratitude and seemed very cheerful because of the fame he was getting on account of her.

She kept herself busy training and fighting and shoved away the thought of Fei Yu. That night was a mistake, and she could live with that. She was now truly dreaming of being the champion of the tournament.