Emperor's Reckoning

"Alright!" shouted Sophia after a resounding clap.

With one instantaneous action, she got their attention just like so. Despite being pretty and powerful her leadership was no doubt a question to the commoners. One could only wonder if there were men out there that had the matching social status.

"Looks like it's time to begin!" shouted Sophia before she snapped her finger with a smile.

A rock similar to the one existing in Deo but a smaller version appeared floating on her right hand. With a light blew from her lips the floating rock descended down to the middle of the arena.

"Many of you has understood what this stone does but for the newcomers, I will explain," said Sophia before she continued.

"The stone will gauge or measure your strength! Sponsored by Treas Family of course! So come by to our auction! Many artifacts and the likes await for your hand!"

Lyon had black lines over his head as he thought (This woman just endorse her own business in the middle of explaining! Wait, that does not even count as explaining!).

"Alright, which academy should go first? Hmm? How about-"

"Hmm that would take a lot of time, I would propose that the aces of the five teams take the test to make things faster and of course brought the intense atmosphere."

The crowd turned their attention to one of the young men sitting on the bench from one of the five teams.

"Firion!" Reyes immediately turned around and cupped his hand to Sophia, "Please I ask for your forgiveness, the disciple of mine is still young and ignorant, please be lenient if you have to punish!"

Sophia waved her hand, "It's alright, there is no need to apologize. His idea is not bad so why not, let the five people gather on the arena!"

Her rally was answered with a resounding sound from a gong.

Firion, the black-haired youth immediately jumped and landed near the center before being followed by one of the twins, the one with the black earrings. With a loud laugh, Faust jumped to the center.

Chloe stood up and walked gracefully to the arena with crossed arms. Her eyes only opened halfway as she looked around the other two. The ice beauty was true to her name.

"Hurry up you fucking trash-es? Huh?" Faust was confused as she glanced at the Nostria team. The man he was about to brawl just a moment ago was already nowhere to be seen.

The crowd was also stunned by this development.

"Hey, where did he go?"

"He was there a moment ago?"

"Look in the center of the arena! His-?!"

Luna facepalmed again as she shook her head (That guy is going to get it after this is over!).

Jugen gulped as he noticed this 'sister-in-law' of his and could only pray for the safety of his big idol. That's if even God could save him.

Chloe's mouth was twitching as she muttered, "Do you want your nose to bleed again?"

"Well I certainly do but not from your fist, hehe," laughed Lyon dumbly.

The voice came from behind her in which the other three glanced in a surprise. They didn't notice when did he even creep up behind the ice beauty, especially in an open area like this. It was almost an impossible feat.

(There goes my surprise hug I guess) thought Lyon dejected before walked to an open spot with a loud sigh. He seemed to be not caring about the fact that he was the weakest among the five nor did the crowd's eyes of jealousy.

"You're fast for a tra-"

"Keep your mouth shut, are we here to compete to become the best, or are we here to compete to become a wife?" cut Lyon.

The blood almost spilled out of Faust's mouth before he gulped it down. The crowd was covering their face as they laugh, afraid to offend the little brother of the last champion.

"Hahaha!" meanwhile Sophia was bursting out laughing.

Old Dan furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at Lyon. This guy had been so brazen against the future grandson-in-law of his.

Van the beastmaster was facing away from both of them as his eyes formed tears while his hand covering his mouth. He didn't dare to burst out his laugh like Sophia else he would have offended the old man.

"Sorry, haha, alright, let's begin the test! All you have to do is punch or kick or headbutt or whatever as hard as you can to destroy the stone in front of you! Don't worry, the stone will regenerate by itself! Weapons are allowed as well as magic but don't take too much time!"

"Oh did I mention that this was provided by Treas family? Please come by and join the nearest auction, the artifacts are waiting for your hands! The betting session is also open! Go big or go home! The Treas will charge ten percent of the winning as taxes by the way, but you might win one hundred percent or more for your bet!"

Chloe held her chin as she mused by herself while Firion and one of the twins with black earrings did the same.

Argeon suddenly stood from his seat before the other four principals looked at him. Khafai smirked as he sneered, "What now Argeon? Are you going to complain again?"

"No," said Argeon as he slowly took off his spatial ring, "I'm going to be rich."

"Guys, catch!" shouted Argeon as he threw it away to his students, "Bet all of it for Lyon!"

"Hahaha! Are you crazy? Is the atmosphere too much for you?" sneered Khafai before he stood up and do the same, "Bet all of it for Faust! This is easy money!"

"Hmmm, Faust is nothing compared to Chloe," muttered Yozec before he did the same but bet on Chloe.

The other two headmasters didn't want to lose face so they also bet on their aces.

"My, my, I should thank you Argeon," teased Sophia.

Was that a sarcasm? Or was that a genuine gratitude? Argeon could only ponder for the answer.