"The winner of this match! THE BOSS-" The match official announced with fake enthusiasm as he raised Leo's hand with visible distaste.
*Clap*
*Clap*
*Clap*
The audience appreciated his victory by showering him with claps, cheers and whistles as even Jerome clapped for Leo, as he amiably shook hands with him after the match was concluded.
"Yeah, I think my father was right. You're definitely a generational talent worth recruiting, I'm not even close to you in terms of skill-" Jerome said as he shook Leo's hand and candidly admitted that Leo was the superior fighter between the two of them.
While Leo's superiority was no longer a debate after how convincingly he defeated Jerome, he still found the other party's humbleness in admitting it to be admirable.
"Thank-you young Duke" Leo said, as Jerome shook his head and gave Leo a folded paper scroll.
"This is the initial offer that the West Duke Family is prepared to offer you should you come work for us.
Think about it before tonight's banquet dinner.
My father would be keen to discuss it with you- " Jerome said, as Leo clutched tightly to the paper that Jerome handed him and nodded.
"While I still don't think you can win against my best friend, you're definitely the second best fighter I've come across in our generation.
Anyways, since the royal guards are here to escort you, I can't chat much...So, Congratulations on your win, and I hope to hear your reply over dinner tonight" Jerome said, as he took a step back.
As soon as he moved back, a group of royal guards with massive shields and weapons at ready covered Leo from all directions, as they completely concealed him from any hidden attacks that might be launched his way.
"Congratulations on making it to the quarter-finals, contestant. I'm Captain Denver Willow and I'm here to escort you safely to the royal palace" said a short man, who was the only one inside the protective cover that the other royal knights had prepared around him.
"Please lead the way," Leo said as he was slowly escorted out of the North Park Arena and led into a horse carriage waiting for him outside that was guarded heavily by royal guards on horsebacks from all sides.
************
( Ben's POV )
Up until Ben found out that the Arena that Leo was to fight in was the classic pillar arena, he felt a bit anxious on whether or not Leo could make it to the quarter finals.
Having given up on the scouting mission yesterday night, Ben felt guilty of failing Leo as a master, as dark thoughts clouded his mind about Leo losing his fight because he did not have prior information about the arena like his opponent did.
Although he had complete faith in Leo as a fighter that he trained, he could not help but worry about him for the overprotective master that he was, however, his worries vanished once he took his place amongst the audience members and witnessed the layout of the pillar arena.
Ben knew immediately that while Leo could have lost the fight in an arena unfavorable to him without having prior knowledge about it. If there was one arena that Leo was never losing any fight in, it had to be the pillar arena that was so close to the dark forest where he and Leo trained daily.
With so many shadows to hide in and so many obstacles to vanish behind, Ben knew that this was the ideal arena for Leo to fight in as regardless of what his opponent pulled off, there was no way Leo was losing a fight here.
Eventually, as the fight began, Leo dominated the fight from the start to finish just as Ben had anticipated, as amongst the cheering and clapping audience members that enjoyed Leo's performance, Ben became one of them as well, as he clapped silly when his student won.
'He does have what it takes to become the champion of this grand tournament' Ben thought as he genuinely felt awestruck by the talent of his disciple that he had chosen on a whim.
He wanted to go and congratulate him, however, he could not, as after his round of 16 win, the royal guards swarmed around Leo, escorting him to the royal palace.
When he saw Leo being escorted by the royal guards, Ben had a flashback of how things used to be different back in the day, when he had just won his fight in the round of 16.
Back then, it was his father, the chief of Virex Black Ops, who alongside his closest friends protected him when his round of 16 fight ended.
Ben still remembered clearly as to how there were several nefarious forces who wanted to hurt him after his round of 16 win, especially the noble houses who felt threatened by the talent of a commoner, however, the aura of his father and his reputation as the Virex Chief was so strong that nobody dared to raise their weapons against him.
While he could not provide the same level of security and warmth to his disciple, today Ben felt genuinely proud of everything that his student had achieved as a small tear formed in his eyes.
'Take care of yourself, the place you're going is much more dangerous than any battlefield-' Ben murmured to himself, as he hoped that Leo would find his feet in tonight's royal gala just like he did for his tournament fights.
**********
( Meanwhile Leo )
Sitting inside the luxurious Royal Carriage, Leo was awestruck by its beauty and functionality.
On the outside, the carriage was inlaid with inscriptions that protected it against surprise attacks from arrows, battle rams etc. While also providing smooth suspension for a bump-less ride.
Just these inscriptions alone made the carriage more valuable than a semi-legendary Armor set, however, the inscriptions were only the tip of the surface as the real grandeur was in its interior.
Crafted from polished cherry wood, its interior gleamed under the touch of the sun, adorned with intricate gold leaf patterns that danced along the panels and window frames.
The seats were made with plush velvet in a deep crimson color that cradled him comfortably, while a group of delicate crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling swayed gently with the motion of the ride, casting prismatic light around the lavishly decorated interior.
As the carriage rolled out from the north arena, it made its way toward the Royal Palace nestled at the heart of StrongHaven City, with Captain Denver and Leo being the only two individuals inside the carriage, while the others followed from the outside.
The journey was a spectacle in itself as people lined the streets wherever the entourage passed, their faces alight with excitement and curiosity.
Children tried to catch a glimpse of the victor by jumping up, while adults clapped and waved, some shouting encouragement and praises.
The route to the royal palace was meticulously guarded, with checkpoints manned by guards in gleaming armor, scrutinizing each passerby with vigilant eyes, ensuring the safety of the procession through the bustling city.
If there was any doubt in Leo's mind as to how seriously the empire took the safety of the quarter-finalists, they were dispelled now, as he became acutely aware of just how serious the empire was about the safety of these contestants.
Let alone a night guild, even if an entire invading army tried to take down this procession, they would have a hard time in doing so with how many armed checkpoints there were enroute to the palace.
Somehow, this incredible treatment made Leo feel special, however, when he thought that nothing else could blow his mind like the grandeur of his carriage, upon approaching the palace entrance, the grandeur only escalated.
Massive gates, wrought from iron and gold, slowly swung open, revealing the splendor of the Royal Palace's gardens, which were a vivid mosaic of colors, thanks to meticulously maintained flower beds and ornate sculptures.
If before the scent within the carriage was like that of dirt and soot, the scent in the air as they entered the palace bounds changed to a rich one of blooming jasmine and rose, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere as Leo's carriage passed under archways of blooming wisteria.
Looking out of his window, Leo observed the Royal Palace up-close, which in itself was an architectural marvel, a testament to the kingdom's power and artistry.
Towering spires reached towards the sky, each capped with golden domes that reflected the sunlight brilliantly with the main structure being constructed from white marble that shone like a beacon, with tall, stained glass windows that depicted the valiant history of StrongHaven's rulers.
Every inch of the building spoke of luxury, from the sprawling courtyards with their elegant fountains to the grand balconies that offered breathtaking views of the city all around.
As Leo stepped out of the carriage, he was met with a sight that was at once awe-inspiring and intimidating, a palace designed not just as a home to royalty, but as a fortress that had yet to be conquered by any enemy.