Way of the Knights

Chapter 841: Bets

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The end of the week passed and the battlefield shrunk even more. It's only a portion of its original size. Only big enough to accommodate a village or two at this point.

Only three participants remained – the crowd's favorites: Kyle, Nina and Tori. 

Currently, they could see them walking towards the center of the battlefield, if they continued to their current direction, their paths will inevitably meet. 

The audience watched with rapt attention. Some were even holding their breath in anticipation for what's to come. 

The three of them walked at a brisk pace, slowly but surely arriving at their destination. Unbeknownst to the audience though, the three of them already felt each other's presence the moment they entered a specific zone so they're not surprised anymore. 

The audience were expecting a heated clash right away. Expecting them to fight as soon as they meet each other's eyes. They were expecting action…unfortunately, the three betrayed their expectations. 

When they met, instead of fighting, they got into a group hug. All smiles and giggling – a stark opposition of what's supposed to happen. 

Then again they remembered that these three are in a relationship so should've expected this to happen. 

"How have you been?" Kyle asked the twins. 

"Good but bored." Tori answered, detaching from the hug. "I expected more from this but oh well, can't have everything." 

"What she said." Nina replied as well.

"Good to hear." Kyle nodded, "You two aren't injured, right?" 

"No." The twins shook their head, then Nina asked: "You?" 

"I'm not. They can't even touch me." Kyle shrugged. "You girls hungry?" 

"Very." Tori nodded, "I haven't eaten anything in months, I'm dying." She cutely whined. 

"Shut your dramatic ass up." Nina snorted, "As if you needed food to survive." 

"Hey! Don't be mean to me!" Tori stuck her tongue out as her twin sister, "Food makes me happy. You should try some so that you'll stop being bitter." 

"I'm not bitter." Nina countered, "You're just annoying." 

"Alright, girls." Kyle chuckled softly, "Stop arguing. Let's rest for a bit, I'll prepare something to eat, yeah?" 

"Grilled meat, please?" 

"Sure! I'm craving for that too. How about you Nina?" 

"I'm good. I'll prepare drinks for us instead? Green tea with honey for you?" 

"Yes, please and thank you." 

"Ooh! I'll set up the table." Tori chimed-in. 

Sufficed to say, the audience were perplexed by this sight. 

Again, this went completely outside of their expectations. 

Here they were, expecting an explosive three-way battle from them yet what they delivered was the complete opposite of that.

Really? What's up with this domesticity? What is this warm and home-y atmosphere around them? Did they forgot about the event? Why are they doing this? 

Some people were already complaining about this display, yet their voices fell on deaf ears since Raven has no plans on hurrying them. 

Why would he when there's absolutely no need for it? The three of them know what they're doing. If the audience doesn't like what they're seeing, then they can stop watching for all he cares, he already achieved his goal anyways. 

And it's not like they broke the rules anyways. What they're doing is perfectly okay. They did not violate any rules or whatsoever so they're free to do this. 

The following hours went on like this – just the three of them enjoying a warm and delicate peace. They ate and talked about random things. They even played board games at some point. 

They spent this whole day to relax. No fights, just peace and quiet. Enjoying the company of one another just like how they wanted it. A day of normalcy, away from the shimmering lights and smell of blood. They displayed what normal people do in their daily life. 

To some people, this is boring, unwanted and irrelevant. 

But for those people who had seen enough of this world. Those who experienced the ups and downs of life. This display of warmth and peace was something that's made them feel nostalgic. It was reminiscent of their past. Back when they were young, had all the time in the world and had no responsibilities weighing down their shoulders. 

In the end, even this idle moment, being displayed by the three of the, hides a valuable lesson for everyone. 

The day passed by and they just watch the three of them being domestic. They even slept on the same tent, cuddling one another closely. 

Then came the next day and suddenly, the air changed. 

It literally changed the moment after they were done with their morning routines. 

Everybody felt this change right away. It was so obvious that it left them anticipating once more. 

The atmosphere was so tense that you could cut it with a knife. It was weird since just a few hours ago, they were still being sweet and cuddly together, then all of the sudden, they were acting as if they just met their worst nemesis. 

They stood several meters away from each other in a triangle. They didn't look at each other for now and busied themselves loosening their joints. 

The things they used the day before were now tidied-up. What remains were just traces of their activities earlier but those are going to be forgotten once they start.

After warming-up their muscles, they stared at each other. 

No, they didn't glare. Their gazes were measured. As if they were estimating their enemies' strength. Just from a single glance, it was obvious that their senses were primed. The moment someone moves, they'll respond in kind. 

"…if I win this, you two will give me a massage everyday for a whole month. If I'm the first one to get eliminated, I'll do the dishes for a month." Tori declared.

"If I win, I'm going to force you two to attend Master Avant's Calligraphy Class next year." Nina smiled as she witnessed the pained smile of her sister and her lover, "If I'm the first one to get eliminated, then I'll eat Master Keller's full course Exotic Cuisine right in front of you." 

"Ooh, damn!!" Kyle chuckled, "So feisty. I love it." 

Even the audience couldn't help but admire Nina's competitive spirit. The conditions she stated were awesome. Master Avant's is a famous expert who specializes in Calligraphy and Numeracy, he's actually watching this event live too. He's a strict guy and wouldn't hesitate to bite someone's ear off if they can't follow his simple instructions. Kyle and Tori dislike him, only Nina doesn't because she's a rare breed. 

Meanwhile, Master Keller is a Spirit Chef, specializing in Exotic Cuisine – bugs, worms, roaches, entrails…basically, his full course menu is something that could make a grown-man squirm at its mere sight. Master Keller is notorious for forcing people to eat his stuff but in the end of the day, he's a chef and a chef makes good food. 

He's just has a few screws loose in his head but it's all good. 

Right, he's also watching this event live as well and currently clapping like a seal in delight. 

"Well, ah geez how can I top this?" Kyle scratched his head. "Uh..wait…ah!! I know!"

He cleared his throat and said: "If I win, we'll head to the Bizarre Great World and we'll stay at the House of Madness for a whole month!"

"Oh my god, this boy is a devil." One expert from the audience exclaimed despite himself. Those who knew and experience what the House of Madness offered visibly shuddered upon hearing its name. 

"You are mad!" Tori gaped at him. 

"What is wrong with you? Why do like that place so much?" Nina groaned in frustration. 

"Hehe." Kyle just grinned at them, "If I lose, then I'll do the things you two will do if you lose instead. Meaning, I'll do the dishes fora month and eat Master Keller's full course menu. How does that sound?" 

Nina and Tori looked at each other, shrugged then spoke at the same time. 

"Deal!"

"Okay!" Kyle feral grin returned. "Ready?"

The three of them summoned their weapons and began glaring at each other. Kyle looked at the twins, feeling his heat thumping on his chest as he roared:

"Go!!"

*Boom!!*

Three enormous flares appeared. Each one representing their aura. Tori was Dark Golden, Nina was Pale Silver while Kyle was Velvet Violet. 

The sheer intensity of their aura shook the very fabrics of space itself, leaving it crumbling in their presence. The ground shook, the air howled and the skies darkened. 

The audience bursts into an uproar. They all gaped at the sheer display of strength. Just from this sight alone, it was clear that three weren't holding back anymore. They were geared to kill each other and it made them tremble in their seats. 

A moment of silence ensured before all of a sudden, the three of them disappeared from where they stood. 

What comes next was blurry of shadows, streaks of light, sharp screeches of weapons clashing, disgruntled groans, sparks, the ground exploding all over the place. 

The space shattered again and again. The whole battlefield was quaking under the weight of their clash. Some people can't even see things clearly but they could still feel the sheer intensity of the fight. 

This went on for a couple of hours before suddenly, a victorious silhouette appeared right before them.