Way of the Knights

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"Well, with that match over, the battles of today are concluded. Michelle Valentine don't get to fight due to uneven numbers." Albert commented after watching the conclusion of Floyd and Ryan's battle. 

"Did they decide that by drawing lots?" Raven asked. 

"Pretty much…" Albert replied. "I don't exactly remember but I think that's close enough. I also don't know if that gets her a free win. During yesterday and the day before that, it was that Jason guy who didn't get to fight. Seriously, his luck is just annoying. Anyhow, Floyd remains undefeated and currently he's at the top rank. Ryan's next due to his defeat just now. He's followed by Jonathan, then Jason, Nelson, Mira, Pyra, Michelle and then Juniper who's at the dead last."

"Oh, I see." Raven nodded, not really showing much interest about the current rankings. 

"Still, the fight just now was exciting. Although I was rooting for Ryan to win, Floyd was just a monster." Albert was slightly dazed as he remembered the fight just now. 

Those two were seriously formidable. The arena was completely demolished by their clash, even the protective array wasn't able to contain the impact from their battle. Albert already branded them as freaks of nature, even he was threatened by the amount of power they released, and that's on the fact that Albert's cultivation realm is higher than them. He was confident that if they fought on even ground, he wouldn't be able to endure a few exchange from them. 

"Yeah, that battle was something else. But it's also weird…" Raven said in almost a whisper. 

This inevitably caused Albert to look at him strangely and ask: "What's weird about it?'

"You see, Ryan could've seriously done better than that…but he didn't. Even Floyd himself noticed that." Raven informed while frowning. 

"Really? How could you tell? Oh right! I forgot about your inhuman senses! What did you find out?" Albert asked curiously. 

"If I'm not wrong, Ryan's mastery over his Pale Moon Umbral Ice Essence, should be somewhere around 30-45%. Which means that he could've released an even greater potency of his Ice Laws during their battle. Floyd gave him many chances to do so, but he only released up to five percent of its total power. Which is extremely strange." Raven informed, shocking the daylights out of Albert. 

This also got Albert into thinking, "Maybe it's sealed?" 

"It is not." Raven shook his head, "If it was, then I would've known about it. There wasn't any trace of seals within him. Ryan could completely control it, its just that he didn't even released more than five percent. Which makes this really weird."

"What makes this even weirder is that, Floyd was really trying to get Ryan to release more of his power. Judging from how he acts, I think Floyd's a battle maniac and wanted to truly experience a good battle against Ryan. In fact, Floyd was also hiding most of his strength just now, much like Ryan was. The only difference is that, Floyd was willing to use his as long as Ryan used his but the latter didn't do so."

"If you can see Floyd's face as the battle ended, you'll see he's extremely disappointed. Strange isn't it?" Raven looked at Albert, who's once again shocked by this revelation. 

Unlike Raven, Albert couldn't see the battle as detailed as his friend could, therefore he was bound to miss out on many nuances of the fight itself. In fact, he could even confidently say that aside from old freaks hiding amongst the crowd, no one else could see and analyze the battles as clear and as detailed as his friend could. 

"Eh, Ryan must've had his own reasons." Albert scratched his head since all of these mysteries were giving him a headache. "We're in no position to question him on what he should do anyway." 

Hearing this, Raven let out a soft chuckle and said: "Yeah, you're right."

"Well, what do you plan on doing then?" Albert asked. 

Since Raven didn't join the tournament, he had some free time to spend. The battles for today were concluded, most of the crowd were already dispersing and they'll probably go back tomorrow to watch. 

"Relax of course." Raven said as he leaned back on the couch. "It's not much but I'll take it. By the time that all of this is over, we will go to the sect and it'll probably get more hectic by then. Since that's the case, I'll take advantage of what little time I have to unwind."

"Alright, you do that then." Albert said, him along with Raul and the rest stood up. "As for us, this is a good opportunity to widen our connections. You won't take it against us if we use you're status won't you."

Raven laughed and said: "Just make sure to not overdo it. If they ask for proof, you know how to contact me and where to find me." 

"Good! We'll leave you to rest then." He laughed and exited the room along with Raul and their entourage. 

Raven didn't mind Albert's words at all. In fact, he even welcomed it if it means that it would truly help them build more connections with other sects. Raven was aware that during events that are as grand as this, banquets and gatherings are very common. It is not strange for people to take advantage of it and have some exchange with others in order to forge stronger connections. 

In fact, some political marriages are formed from these kinds of events. The Highlander Clan of the Blue Marble Planet were Raven's benefactors. He received a warm welcome from them and helped him during his time of needs, if they truly decide to use Raven's name in order to forge connections with other sects, he wouldn't mind it. In fact, he'll even support it. 

Shortly after Albert and rest left, Raven also left the VIP room. 

Upon exiting, he shocked some people due to his appearance. No, it isn't because of Raven's otherworldly looks or anything, instead its because of the maroon uniform he's wearing. 

Raven mostly remained indifferent even though he could hear their private discussions clearly. Almost everyone was surprised to see the one guy who decided to not participate in the tournament. 

His name was already known to many due to the fact that, even though he isn't participating, his name is included at the list of those who passed. What these people were discussing was about his strength. 

They were trying to find out how strong he was, but what he mostly heard was that according to some people, he was weak in terms of both strength and will, which is why he didn't participate at the tournament. 

Raven almost wanted to roar in laughter as he heard these discussions. Nevertheless, he couldn't be bothered to explain himself to them. These people are completely irrelevant to him, why should he explain anything to them? He doesn't owe them anything.

As he walked back into his dwelling, more people spotted him and discussions within them turned into rumors, which Raven didn't pay attention to any longer. 

Before he could return to his dwelling however, he noticed that some people were standing in front of the door. He frowned and could pretty much tell who they were even though their backs are facing him. 

It was Jason along with the twins Pyra and Mira. 

Raven walked towards them and stopped, he then announced his presence by saying: 

"Why are you standing in front of my room?"

"AAAAH!" The twins shrieked along with Jason, who probably get carried away due to their reactions. 

"Holy shit dude! Don't do that! It's bad for my heart." Jason said while clutching his chest. 

"Yeah, right." Raven rolled his eyes, as if he'll believe something like that. "Answer the question will you?" 

"A-ahem, you see…uh…" Jason stuttered, he was fidgeting while looking back and forth at Raven and the twins. Raven raised a brow and had a bad feeling. "Uh, it's like…uh…"

"Hey you! Since you know this guy, then give it back!" The violet haired Mira yelled at Raven, causing the latter to be confused. 

"Yeah. Give it back." Pyra, the red haired twin repeated.

"I'm sorry, give what back?" Raven asked, "And just to be clear, I don't know this guy at all. I don't have friends who looks as shady as him."

"Bro!" Jason exclaimed, looking incredibly offended by Raven's words. The twin glared at him and he piped down, looking like a defeated pup. 

The twins then looked at Raven once more and glared at him, but Raven remained indifferent, bored even. 

"Are you sure you don't know who this guy is?" Mira asked once more and Pyra repeated her words after. 

Raven sighed and said: "Yes, I don't know who that guy truly is. Like I said, I don't have any friends who are as shady as him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to enter my room and rest." 

He didn't even wait for them speak another word and walked past them to enter his room. The three could only stare blankly and watch as the doors closed in front of them. 

Jason who's standing meekly behind the twins, sighed and said: "I told you it won't work. He even denied that he knew me. Can I go now?" 

"Hmph! Away with you useless man." Pyra glared at Jason one more time before he obeyed without saying anything back. 

"What do we do now?" Mira asked her twin sister. 

Pyra held her sister's arm and said: "Don't worry, we'll have more chances in the future."