Way of the Knights

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'So that is what's going on.' Raven thought to himself as he watched the head of the lion slid from it's body.

The whole arena was silent. No one spoke since they were too terrified, first because a shape shifter managed to get in their city without anybody realizing it and second, Raven used his bare hands as a sharp object to behead the lion. Even the announcer became extremely wary, he had no doubts that this child is extremely dangerous, even more dangerous than the shape shifter.

Raven was completely aware of what he did and how the people are reacting right now but he couldn't be bothered by it. In his mind, there's only a solemn thoughts of realization.

He hid his thoughts with an indifferent expression. His gaze met the announcer's eyes and he saw him flinch. Raven then asked: "I won't be punished by killing him right?"

The announcer was speechless for a bit before looking back at the members of the council. Apparently, the members of the council also heard his question so they shook their heads, which gave confirmation for the announcer.

"The council had no qualms, in fact we should thank you for this meritorious deed." The announcer bowed towards him.

The audience heard their words and so some of them also bowed towards Raven and started looking at him favorably. In their eyes, Raven was another individual who carried their god's blessings and devoted his life in service, an emissary. This means that they are looking at the next possible leader of the Thorn City.

Meanwhile in the audience, Elyion had a very down casted expression as he looked at Raven.

From the way Raven treated him during these days that they came inside the city, he thought that this guy was different from the citizens here. Elyion thought that he didn't discriminate between humans and shape shifters, he thought that Raven understood their pain and had no animosity towards his kind.

Even though Elyion constantly said that he sided with humans, it was mainly because of their power and status. Humans were the true rulers of this place and he genuinely looked up to them, so much so that he wanted to become a human so bad . That being said, this doesn't mean that he forgot his roots.

He was still a shape shifter in the end of the day. It's impossible for him to just disregard his kind or not be saddened to personally witness the death of his kin. It's just a pity that he didn't notice that the brown haired man was a shape shifter before even though he should've. If he had noticed this earlier and said something to Raven, then the ending might be different.

Deep down, he was hurt. He didn't know if he should continue staying by Raven's side or not. Elyion was of course aware that Raven fit all of the qualifications to become the next leader of Thorn City. He's strong, he's smart and he's a human through and through.

Even a juvenile like him could tell that the whole intent behind this competition. His Holiness Raul isn't getting any younger, soon he had to nurture an heir and what better way for him to find one other than doing a massive event right?

Elyion could already see the bright future of Raven. Considering all of this, even if everyone knew that he wasn't a local, who cares? He's a human and he's strong, in his leadership the Thorn City would just flourish even more so no one would sweat that details.

There is no need for an abomination like him to stay by his side. He's only going to endanger himself by being close to him. Who knows what happens if he stayed? There's a possibility that he will meet his end in Raven's hands. He's a human after all.

Elyion smiled sadly when he thought of this. He then decided that he will just watch until this event was finished and he will disappear.

"What about this event? Do I still fight them?" Raven asked the announcer while pointing at the winners of each batch previously.

The announcer understood what Raven was trying to say. This child doesn't want to bother with formalities anymore.

Everyone knew well that the previous batch winners doesn't have even the tiniest chance of beating him, and Raven himself didn't want to bother with pointless actions anymore so he asked this question.

The announcer looked back at the council members once again but saw them deliberating, he gestured for Raven to wait as he himself was waiting for the decision of the council. Eventually, the announcer saw one of council members beckoning at him so he went closer. He leaned forward to listen for their orders and he nodded his when they were done instructing him.

He made his way back in front of Raven, but instead of talking to him, he looked at the previous batch winners.

"Do any of you want to compete with contestant number 117 for the championship of this tournament?"

His question fell onto the ears of the previous batch winners and without even missing a beat, all of them shook their heads in unison, directly admitting defeat and forfeiting their chances.

No one mocked them nor made fun of their decision. If they were to be placed on their shoes, they would probably do the same. In the end of the day, cunning tricks and flashy moves would be trampled by absolute strength. On top of this, Raven had every qualifications to become this city's next leader. Doing this is like making him owe them a favor which might be paid later, and even if he didn't acknowledged this, at least they didn't get into his bad side.

"Then it's concluded! The Thorn City Strength Tournament is concluded, our winner is contestant number 117! A round of applause everyone."

The whole event's place erupted with cheers and applause as the announcement was made. Everyone made sure to remind themselves about how this child looked like since his name is still unknown. Some felt envious, Raven was young and lucky enough to be blessed by the heavens, now he even had the chance to meet His Holiness, how could they not feel any jealousy?

But with that jealousy, there's also deep admiration. At least they witnessed the next in line candidate of this city's leader.

As for Raven? He felt no joy about this. In fact, he could care less about what everyone thought of him. His mind has only one goal.

"Are you prepared to meet His Holiness?" The announcer asked with a deep respect in his voice.

"Not right now, I'll have to take care of somethings first. I'll be here the same time tomorrow." Raven didn't wait for his reply as he turned around looked at the crowd.

He roamed his eyes and locked gazes with Elyion who was trying his best to avoid his gaze but failed miserably. He gestured using his eyes and walked off, leaving the audience somewhat dumbfounded. Needless to say, no one blocked his path. He walked like he was touring his yard.

Elyion sighed despite himself and thought: 'He could even find me so easily. In end, I cannot escape huh?'

After he left the crowded place, Elyion caught up to him while looking at him warily. Raven frowned since he noticed that Elyion was acting weird but he was reminded of what happened earlier. He realized what's happening and sighed.

He didn't bother looking at him since he knew Elyion would follow him. Nevertheless, he also knew that he needed to give him an explanation.

"If I told you that I killed him in order to set him free, would you believe me?"

Elyion was startled, he wasn't expecting that Raven would even bother to explain his actions at all. A pity that he did not understand.

"I would find it unbelievable."

"It's fine." Raven said, "I'm guessing that you would also find it unbelievable that the announcer was a dead man walking. Much like that sweet old lady at that store, the innkeeper, the adorable old man who gives toys to kids and he meat supplier. All of them are not humans. But they appeared one so it's really hard to believe it."

Elyion was completely lost. He can't follow Raven's line of thinking. Instead of explaining matters to him, it was more like he was talking to himself instead.

"I kill Elyion." Raven said in a ghastly tone, "Specially those who went against me or threatened the safety of my family. In this case however, it's better for that lion to die in my hands instead of dying at their hands."

"If I killed him, at least his family knows that I'm the one who killed him. They could extract revenge anytime they see me since I'm the one who killed their loved one. But if he landed at the hands of those people, no one will know how he died and no one will even have an idea who killed him."

"Much like you Shape Shifters had no idea that you were once Humans as well."