In the West Gate area of the Imperial Capital, the atmosphere was bustling with excitement. Countless soldiers clad in silver helmets and bright armor formed long lines, dividing the road in two.
On either side of the road, throngs of people jostled for space—men and women, young and old—most of whom were local residents of the Imperial Capital, with only a few outsiders who had come to witness the Peak Showdown.
Today marked the departure of several Judges from the Holy Light Academy, accompanied by nine students. This historic moment would be recorded in the annals of Crook Duchy, with Duke Habia personally seeing them off. The Ten Thousand Honor Guard played music as all the gathered crowds bid farewell to the nine young heroes of Crook Duchy.
“Brent, I’ve really sold myself to you this time. My family sent a few old dogs with messages these past few days, carrying my father's handwritten letter, ordering me to return home quickly and forbidding any further contact with you. It seems Gaia's death has made some old bastards restless.”
A clear male voice rang out. Following the sound, one could see at the end of the wide road leading to West Gate a row of lavishly decorated dragon platforms slowly approaching. Each platform was carried by twenty low-level palace servants working together.
The dragon platforms were boat-shaped, intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes, and coated in fine gold. At the front was a massive dragon head crafted from pure gold, roaring upwards in a lifelike manner that exuded an air of majesty. The tail end also featured a vividly crafted golden dragon tail.
The speaker was none other than Kalandor, a young man with golden hair standing atop the first dragon platform.
“Kalandor, are you really going to follow me to Dysia Kingdom? Aren't you afraid your father will be utterly disappointed in you and exclude you from the line of succession for the Arthur Royal Family?”
The golden-haired youth was indeed Kalandor, while the person he spoke to was seated on a large chair covered in white fur.
During this farewell ceremony, the main focus was on the Judges from Holy Light Academy and the nine young champions who had successfully secured student positions. The luxurious dragon platforms and high seats were prepared for them. Although Kalandor had participated in the Peak Showdown, he did not make it into the top ten; thus, his presence on the platform was due to his connection with this individual. Naturally, he would not have been assigned a seat otherwise.
For their journey to Holy Light Academy, each of the nine students had the privilege to bring three companions along. Those who stood out among thousands to earn student qualifications were rarely from humble backgrounds; most hailed from prestigious families as Young Masters of their respective factions.
With such high status now bolstered by their student qualifications from Holy Light Academy, it would be quite embarrassing for these proud individuals to travel without one or two servants or guardians accompanying them. Therefore, even if someone did not possess student qualifications from Holy Light Academy but was designated as a companion, they could still join them on this journey—though limited to three individuals.
However, when it came to this particular case, those limits were ruthlessly broken by this individual. Not only did he bring Wendy, Ivan, Locke, and Amy along with him, but he also included Kalandor. This family-style approach made it seem more like a leisurely trip rather than an excited journey to study at Holy Light Academy.
Had it not been for Reynold designating one person from his family to accompany him—creating an unspoken agreement regarding numbers—this individual's actions would have certainly drawn criticism from Beck once again.
“Hmph, Brent don’t look at me like that. Although I come from Arthur Royal Family, I have no interest in being part of that royal succession line. Those old dogs wouldn’t willingly let me inherit anything; my father only sees Gaia as his sole heir.”
“There are many legitimate children within the Royal Family who are my age and possess outstanding abilities; only Gaia stands out as he is the first among many brothers to reach Intermediate level. My mother comes from humble origins; I could be considered a bastard child—an existence that shouldn’t even be present within Arthur Royal Family. Among my father's children, none look up to me except for my cousin.”
Seemingly struck by Brent's probing words that touched his pride, Kalandor vented a torrent of emotions. However, when he mentioned his cousin at last, his previously agitated expression gradually softened as a hint of deep pain and sorrow flickered in his eyes.
Brent keenly noticed this change in Kalandor's gaze and began to form some guesses in his mind.
"Anyway, the hatred between me and Gaia cannot coexist. If you kill him for me, I will only be grateful to you and will not stand on the same side as my family. The Arthur Royal Family cannot accommodate me, and I have no desire to stay there. Going to the Holy Light Academy in the vast Dysia Kingdom is my best choice. From now on, you will be the boss of Kalandor."
The sadness reflected in Kalandor's eyes did not last long; he seemed reluctant to bring up the long-buried past. Facing Bu, he solemnly placed his hand on his chest in a gesture of respect. This was his first time acknowledging someone as his boss, and it would also be the last time in his life. If Bu did not betray him, he would not choose to abandon him either.
"Recognize me as your boss?" Bu was taken aback and turned around to see Wendy, the girl, hiding behind and giggling. Bu curled his lips and glanced at Reynold, who was sitting beside him in a feigned slumber, suddenly an idea uncontrollably formed in his mind.
"Reynold."
With Bu's push, Reynold opened his eyes in confusion and looked over. Kalandor seemed to have thought of something as well; his eyes brightened, and he unconsciously smiled.
"What’s wrong?" Reynold asked, somewhat puzzled. He had no interest in listening to the murmurs between Bu and Kalandor and was unaware of their current thoughts.
Bu suddenly stood up and pulled Kalandor over, smiling as he said, "We three came out of Sparta City together. We were once rivals, but after spending so much time together, we have developed a deep friendship. How about this? Today, under Senior Sean’s witness and everyone else's, let’s become sworn brothers. From now on, we will share both hardships and honors."
Bu's voice was loud enough to attract the attention of Locke and others who were behind the Dragon Platform, as well as Sean Sterling, who was examining an ancient book.
"Haha, I agree." Before Reynold could respond, Wendy clapped her hands joyfully and expressed her approval.
Reynold remained silent for a moment; his gaze was calm as it fell on Bu before shifting to Kalandor, seemingly considering seriously.
Bu and Kalandor exchanged glances; they were not anxious. They understood Reynold's character; his serious consideration proved that he was not being perfunctory or impulsive but genuinely respected their decision.
"Becoming sworn brothers is fine; sharing hardships and honors is natural for brothers who should trust each other wholeheartedly. However, if we are brothers, there should be a distinction between elder and younger. We will not determine this by age but by strength—whoever is stronger will be the elder brother. If you both agree, then let’s swear brotherhood right now!"
Reynold suddenly stood up with intense focus, gazing at Bu and Kalandor with fiery eyes filled with a competitive spirit.
"Whoever is stronger will be the boss?"
Kalandor was taken aback; he had thought that since Bu proposed the three of them becoming brothers, it would naturally mean that the oldest Reynold would be the boss. As for himself, being younger than both Bu and Reynold meant he would always be the youngest. He did not expect Reynold to take an opposite approach by determining hierarchy based on strength instead of age. Did this mean that if Kalandor surpassed both of them in strength, he could also become the boss?
"Oh, this is good! This is great!" The thought that he might have a chance to be the boss excited Kalandor instantly; he nodded vigorously like a chick pecking at rice.
"Uh... this might not be good."
Bu felt a bit shy; for the first time, he truly felt the aura of a protagonist surrounding him. Initially, he intended for the three of them to swear brotherhood with Reynold as the leader, but now Reynold had come up with such an idea. Wasn't this clearly declaring himself the boss? As for the future with the Crimson Lotus Incarnation as a powerful weapon, even if Bu wanted to slow down his strength progression, it would be quite difficult.
"There's nothing wrong with it. I think the second's suggestion is quite good. Ranking based on strength will also give me a sense of competitive pressure. Let's decide on this. Boss, are you hesitating because you're afraid that my strength will surpass yours in the future, making it hard for you to save face?"
Kalandor appeared overly confident and strongly supported Reynold's decision, even directly calling out the titles of second and boss.
"Alright." Bu rolled his eyes and then turned to Sean Sterling, who was watching from his seat, placing his hand on his chest and saying, "Senior, as our elder today, we three will swear brotherhood. Please witness this."
"Please witness this, Senior." Kalandor imitated him, feeling delighted inside.
"Please witness this, Senior." Reynold was sincere and bowed with his hand on his chest.
Sean Sterling's gaze flickered as he looked at the three before him. He nodded and smiled: "You share this bond and are willing to stand by each other through thick and thin. I am happy to be a witness. I hope you remember today's vow and become good brothers for life."
"Of course, good brothers for life." Bu laughed heartily, suddenly tearing with his left hand and splattering blood into the air with his right.
"Boss." Kalandor was filled with enthusiasm and also spilled blood to pledge. Reynold did not fall behind either; their blood mingled as they tightly clasped hands together, seemingly covering and suppressing the ground, their intentions connecting through their shared blood.
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