Way of the Knights

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Raven and Elyion woke up the next day and went out to see more of Thorn City.

They went somewhere to eat first while Elyion endlessly gushed about the flourishing civilization of humans in this city. 

Elyion seemed to have not noticed that Raven was barely paying attention whatever he has to say and closely inspecting each and every human he encountered secretly using tremorsense. Because he had just learned about this technique, wearing shoes somewhat weakened it's effect, Tremorsense worked best when he was barefooted but this should do for now. Plus this some form of training for him as well so he didn't mind it that much.

Tremorsense had found nothing wrong in any humans that he had encountered so far. He even found out some shape shifters like Elyion through it but he decided to leave them alone as to not gather unnecessary attention for themselves.

It also dawned on him that for some reason, no one deliberately doubted their identity just yet. Well, of course the guards at the walls had little to no chance of making things difficult for them since the sheer mass of people who venture outside the walls and came back was just way too many, keeping track of who's who would prove to be a massive headache for them so they could only do their best.

But both of them just stood out, specially Elyion. They had met tons of humans around here but Raven has yet to see anyone that has any vibrant coloring on their hair. There are people that had brown hair but that was it, Elyion had a glaring white hair, even his brows and lashes were white. Raven was mildly surprised that Elyion wasn't turning heads because of his appearance.

As Raven was in the middle of his stupor, he suddenly heard some commotion near them.

"Brothers! Sisters! Hear me out! A huge event will take place soon!" A man shouted on top of his voice. Many people were gathered around him, clearly curious about the news that he had. Elyion of course was intrigued as well he went closer with Raven behind.

"There will be a gathering for the strong in the Astral Observatory. Everyone's free to join, although I can't really confirm it, I heard that the winner will have a chance to experience communion with His Holiness!"

The crowd immediately went abuzz when they heard this. Almost at is seems that a strange fanaticism surfaced in their hearts making it hard for them to remain calm.

"Sir! Sir! This is a fantastic news! I highly suggest you go! With your strength, trouncing on your opponents should me simple, if you win you'll be able to meet His Holiness!! What an exciting event!"

Elyion uttered with a highly fanatical voice, though his voice was hushed, it still contained that excitement and imploring tone. 

As for Raven, he actually felt this a bit suspicious. He leaned on Elyion's ears and asked: "Who's this Holiness that you're talking about?"

Elyion was shocked but he remembered that Raven was in fact, not a local so he had no way knowing who this personage is.

"Let's talk somewhere private." Elyion mysteriously said as he tugged Raven's sleeve. They then went into somewhere uncrowded and he then he started explaining.

"Thorn City had been a human settlement for the longest of time, due to its location if everyone has a disagreement, then no matter how intelligent they are, chaos was bound to happen. Every pack has a leader, and this applies to humans as well."

"His Holiness' name is Raul Newdawn. He is the current elected leader of Thorn City. Not only he was strong but he benevolent too. The only reason why the beast race hadn't been eradicated yet was because of his mercy. If it weren't for the fact that a shape shifter had once betrayed his trust, there is no way that you'll find a trace of us here."

"Though he had forgiven the betrayer, his followers, humans of Thorn City won't forget about his deed. That's why up until today, we are still being hunted like degenerates."

Elyion's introduction to Raul piqued Raven's interest. He then asked him.

"Have you met this person before?" 

"Yes." Elyion nodded, "Though I only sneaked a glance. I was afraid that to raise any alarms so I didn't dare to look at him for longer periods. But that's enough for me to believe what everyone says about him."

Raven was a bit baffled, was a glance really enough for someone to be convinced about the general opinion? He would've believed him if cultivation was a thing in this city, but it wasn't! He had scanned tons of people already and he hadn't met a single one that fits the mark. Without cultivation, how can one gauge someone's strength? It shouldn't be based on physical now is it?

The more Raven think about this whole thing the more suspicious he got. In the end, a gut feeling told him that he had to join in order to find out about all of this…

"The event's taking place at the Astral Observatory, yes?" Raven asked, to which Elyion nodded. "Let's go then. I am rather interested in meeting this person."

***

The Astral Observatory, arguably the fanciest and tallest building that stood in Thorn City. 

It was a narrow tower that has a triangular roof, there are several windows on each side of the tower which also serve as tool for anyone to freely observe the heavenly bodies at the skies, well that's on the premise that someone is allowed entry inside.

By now, several people lined up at the entrance of the Astral Observatory. 

These people are the ones who must've heard the same guy making the huge announcement back at the plaza. They too were hopeful of their chances, no matter how small, to meet His Holiness Raul Newdawn. All of them were gathered in this place to confirm if the announcement was real and to register to the event if it was.

In the middle of this line, Raven could be found, but not in his usual attire. Because his transfer here was rather unexpected, he was teleported in this place wearing his school uniform. A very different outfit compared to the ones people wore in this city, therefore he brought some newer clothes and deliberately chose the same design as most people wore.

Of course, he also brought some clothes for Elyion. He even made the effort to purchase some temporary dye for his hair to make him less 'obvious', and it worked wonders actually. Now both of them looked just like the rest of the humans who lived here as well. Elyion even thanked him endlessly for doing this, he said that he never felt closer to becoming a real human until he did this. Now he was full of confidence that no one will think that he's a shape shifter.

While Raven waited on the line, Elyion was out somewhere, probably doing something he never did before. Raven gave the kid some jadestones and allowed him to do as he pleases, after all he could only do this during the Red Moon Month.

"Everyone! Please listen to me!"

A woman's voice suddenly sounded out and caught the attention of the crowd. When it was sure that everyone at the observatory gates were looking at her, she cleared her throat and spoke.

"I am Loisa, one of the caretakers of the observatory. I know that most of you came because someone was out there was making a huge fuss about some event." Her words were crisp and clear, allowing one to hear her even if there were far away.

"No need to be nervous." Loisa chuckled, she saw some people paled, probably thinking that she will denounce their chances. "I am here to confirm that yes, whatever you heard from this person is true."

The crowd suddenly burst into loud cheering. Some fanatics even had tears falling from their eyes and kept on thanking some gods because of this lucky chance.

Loisa smiled and calmed down the crowd. Once everyone's attention was back to her, she then continued speaking.

"Now I want to provide you with more details for this event. Please remember that rules were already deliberated with His Holiness around, which means that's it final. Don't be saddened if it turns out that you don't qualify. It might not be today but surely in the future, you will have your chance." She paused and allowed everyone to properly digest what she just said.

"First rule. Only those from ages 13 to 25 years old are allowed to participate in this event. So those who aren't within this age bracket, please make way. And don't force it people, we have a way to check you're skeletal age."

"Second rule. This event is a battle so the participants are bound to get injured in some shape or form.. Under in no instances that any of you are permitted to kill! This is an ironclad rule from His Holiness himself, and if any of you broke this rule, then we will be forced to exile you away from the city."