Free Web NovelChapter 17: Challenge Accepted
If there was anything Tony didn’t expect, it was the fact that he would see some external figures in the Monarchs Guild vicinity, not to mention they were both coming out of the same room.
The man who had caught his attention, or rather called for his attention, was dressed in a white coat, and although currently unbuttoned, one could tell that at the stomach-center of the coat was the drawing of the head of a white tiger.
He had short yellow hair and glistening golden eyes that seemed to look at its prey with harmless cuteness.
This fellow happened to be coming from the White Tigers Guild.
In that case, it means that the other guys flanking his left side, from the look of the badge on the pocket side of his coat — a scarlet crown surrounded by deep yellow flames — was from the Vermillions Guild.
"It’s absurd," Tony verbalized before he could stop himself, though not loud enough to be heard.
Normally, even if these guilds were to organize a meeting of any sort, it was only natural that the hosting guild should be the top-ranked guild which is the Vermillion Guild.
And...
’Where’s Sandra?’
At the thought, he kept his eyes fixed on the door from which the duo had come out, but it didn’t seem like any other person was coming out.
"Hello?" the young man who had called his attention waved in front of him, the suddenness causing Tony to step back a bit.
"Huh? Are you afraid? I heard you were the highest awakener of your set, so why don’t we have some fun," the young man continued to speak, regardless of whether Tony paid attention or not.
Tony regained his composure.
At that same moment, the bustling hall gradually quieted. Conversations died down one after another as heads turned toward the counter where Tony stood.
Within seconds, the entire venue was silent, everyone’s eyes widening in utter amazement.
"Isn’t that him?" a girl sitting just next to Kratos said.
"Yes, that’s little brother. He didn’t tell me he was this popular. Damn."
"No way..."
"I heard that after accessing his class, it was revealed that his class was ranked Legendary."
"His girlfriend was the biggest girl last year, and now, it is him this year."
"What about that Rain Indigo girl?"
"To think that Tony of then could be someone like him now."
"Lol. Didn’t you also hear he has no skills," a bulgy man said, folding his hands across his chest in a carefree manner.
Just like that, the whispers continued to grow louder as more people realized who was standing before the counter. Before now, they had all minded their businesses and didn’t consider those who entered the hall.
Tony listened to all their comments and couldn’t help but let a one-sided grin spread across his left cheek.
"Tsk, news does spread so fast," Tony said with an indifferent calmness.
"I know right? It shows you’re popular. Well, you can know me as Marcus Marcus," the young man introduced himself, extending his hand forward for a shake.
"And beside me, is—"
When Marcus looked to his right side, he saw that the representative from the Vermillion Guild had left amidst the commotion caused by Tony’s presence.
"Oh well, he doesn’t matter. So Tony..." Marcus’s expression turned serious. "...I challenge you to a duel!"
Marcus announced, purposefully saying it loud so that the audience gathered in the hall could hear him well.
The hall fell silent once again.
"What? Out of the blues?"
"Is that a problem? I just heard you now mention that you are ready to challenge the tutorial grounds," Marcus said, clenching his fists against each other.
Tony exhaled tiredly.
He had heard of Marcus Marcus, the famous A-rank Player who had awakened the Void class and was luckily chosen by the White Tigers. His achievements were nothing to write home about.
Was it pride? Or was... why would someone of that caliber even think of challenging him to a duel?
Some pieces are off, and Tony is yet to get a grasp of which pieces are those. That is also why he couldn’t quite explain what was happening.
Just what is happening since today?
"If you reject the challenge, then I guess it means the Monarchs made a useless choice after all. Well, what am I even expecting?" Marcus scratched his head. "What do I expect from someone without skills? Your class and its rank is just useless without those."
Kratos instinctively rose from his seat at the mention of those words, his hand slightly moving to his side where he had affixed his sword.
Those around him, especially those who had heard him call Tony his little brother, didn’t know what to make of this reaction.
An invisible pressure seemed to spread from his body. Those around him, who had clung to him up until now, shifted their stances on their seats.
Their minds somewhat became clear now to notify them that they hadn’t seen this being before, so why were they even obsessing about him?
Noticing a change of pressure in the air, Tony turned towards where Kratos stood and smiled at him.
Understanding the intention behind the smile, Kratos loosened the grip on his sword and let himself be free.
"Oh, sorry for that beauties," he shoved at the girls with a smile. "I almost forgot little brother can handle that proud guy."
"Proud guy? Do you know who you just called that?"
Kratos didn’t care to ask for clarification. For all he knew, someone of that caliber didn’t require even a drop of his attention.
In all that was happening—
A system materialized before Tony’s eyes.
[You have received a Quest.]
’Another one?’
[Side Quest: Defeat your challenger gloriously.
Time Limit: 1 hour.
Objective: Teach him humility.
Reward: 1 Free Pull; +10 EXP; +1,000 FGP.
Failure: None.]
The rewards were spectacular, he could get a free pull by just kicking the butt of this young man before him.
Now that Tony glanced through the rewards, he reminded himself that he should ask the system what the Fate Gacha Points would be used for during his free time.
However, even though there was as yet no punishment for failure, it was not an option.
In that case, his eyes glittered ever so calmly, and with a defeated sigh, he answered:
"Challenge accepted."
Tony’s answer came so casually that it took a moment for everyone to process it.
Marcus blinked. He hadn’t expected his opponent to accept the challenge, especially since he should know who Marcus Marcus was.
Then a grin spread across his face.
"Good. Good. I see what your ego is doing there."
Before anyone could speak further, both young men stepped out of the auditorium, heading for the Guild’s battle ground.
The audience followed; their enthusiasm was going to turn them into spectators of this moment.
