My Soul card is a Reaper-Chapter 1025: Dreams of the Past: The World Tournament (Part-3)

Chapter 1025: Dreams of the Past: The World Tournament (Part-3)

"Okay, calm down, my Nephew," Shakuni said, grabbing his shoulders. His tone softened a bit as he explained. "Listen to me carefully. You have nothing to worry about. That false sympathy would disappear from people’s minds by the time you turn 16. As for Bheeshma, he might be living away from the throne, but he is still bound by the oath. He won’t be able to lay a finger on you or your father as long as your father becomes the King, the true King."

"What do you mean? How could my father become the King when Uncle Pandu is al..." Duryodhana furrowed his brows, staring at his uncle. In the next instant, a smile appeared on his face in realization. "Are you sure?"

Shakuni’s smile widened. "Just wait a couple of days."

A couple of days passed in a blur, and soon, the time for the Junior World Tournament had arrived.

Rael and his group made their way toward the Grand Arena of Hastinapura, a colossal structure made of gleaming white marble and adorned with banners representing the 18 competing kingdoms. The streets were packed with citizens, warriors, and nobles alike, all eager to witness the tournament’s grand opening.

The atmosphere was electric.

Eon, walking beside them, seemed uncharacteristically excited as she was enjoying the unique architecture of Hastinapura.

Then, she suddenly caught something. A girl in a dark blue uniform, standing among Ellondira’s representatives, her silver hair braided elegantly. "Catherine!" The girl suddenly called out, her usual demeanor cracking as she rushed forward toward Rael’s group.

For a moment, everyone tensed for a second as she charged at them with blurring speed, even passing through people in the way. However, Catherine stepped forward and raised her hand, her lips turning into a pleasant smile. "Hey, Nea!"

The elven girl threw herself into Catherine’s arms, her face lighting up. "You are here."

As the two embraced, Bheema leaned to the side and asked Beowulf. "Hey, are they elves?" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Beowulf glanced at him and shrugged. "Yeah."

"Woah, I never saw an elf. Only read about them in the books." Bheema commented, shifting his gaze toward Nea. "I heard Elves have different body constitutions and age groups. So, how old do you think she is?"

Beowulf once again glanced at him, this time observing his face. He saw that Bheema’s face looked like he was fascinated by the elves. The latter’s gaze was fixed on Nea. Sighing inwardly, Beowulf replied. "No, you misunderstood. Elves age just the same as us. They only stop aging once they reach adulthood unless they enter the 9-star realm in their teenage. From then on, they will stay that way for a couple of centuries, at the very least. After that, it depends on their soul realm."

"Oh, that’s fascinating." Bheema nodded, his eyes lit up in delight. And then the mood spoiler of the group, Eon, did her part with a comment. "If it was me, I won’t approach them. Elves always look down upon humans as lower life forms."

"Eh?" As Bheema was taken aback, Beowulf shrugged. "They are just a bunch of arrogant race, same as those Aesirs, Jotnar, Angels, or Tuatha De Dananns. All think they have a better constitution than humans, but ultimately, we rule this world."

Catherine then pulled away and turned to the group. "This is Nea. I was friends with her elder sister." She introduced her, although not forgetting to give a side glare to Beowulf for his comment. Beowulf averted his gaze, crossing his arms to the chest.

Nea bowed slightly. "It’s nice to meet you all. I represent the Kingdom of Ellondria."

"The Academy of Ellondria." Everyone’s mind clicked at once. They are in the same group. It means she is going to be their opponent. Eon and Rael narrowed their eyes instantly; their gaze fell toward Nea’s teammates, who were also walking toward them.

Before they could continue talking, a loud horn echoed through the city, signaling every team to attend the arena within an hour.

It was time. They couldn’t converse much and continued walking forward.

*

The Grand Arena of Hastinapura was beyond magnificent. Towering walls surrounded the massive battleground, while rows of seats stretched endlessly, filled with people from different kingdoms. The stage at the center was massive, a polished stone battlefield enchanted with protective barriers to withstand even the fiercest fights.

At the highest point of the arena sat the Royal Balcony, where the ruling figures of the Kuru Dynasty presided.

Seated at the very center was a man dressed in regal white and gold robes, his eyes covered by a silken blindfold. His presence alone commanded the attention of thousands.

The current acting ruler of the Kuru Dynasty, one who is said to possess the combined strength of a thousand giants in his arms, The Blind King, Dhritarastra.

Despite his lack of sight, his voice was strong and clear, amplified by magic.

"Warriors of the world!" he began, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. "You have gathered here today not as mere students learning in academy but as representatives of your kingdoms. The Junior World Tournament is not just a battle of strength but a test of honor, discipline, and resilience. This is the path to true greatness."

The entire stadium erupted in cheers.

Rael furrowed his brows as he felt a strange chill run down his spine. There was something about the king’s presence—it wasn’t just regal. "Was it an inborn skill?" He couldn’t help but wonder.

The king continued. "Remember, this tournament is not just between teams from all over the world but a proxy war between the kingdoms in order to lessen unnecessary bloodshed over territories and wealth. You do not fight for yourselves but for your people. Remember to put everything on the line to win the battles. Don’t take it as mere experience. Give your best and make those who were counting on you proud."

While Dhritarashtra’s speech was a bit unconventional, asking children and teenagers to put their lives on the line to win battles and saying that this is actually a war, the listeners looked motivated. For a moment, even Rael involuntarily clenched his fists.

The speech concluded with thunderous applause, although bringing many murmurs of displeasure from experts in the stands, before another figure stepped forward.

This man was lean, dressed in robes of royal blue. His gaze was piercing, his aura heavy with wisdom. It was Vidura, Prime Minister of Kuru Dynasty.

Vidura’s voice was calm but authoritative as he took over the speech from the King. "This year, 18 kingdoms participate in the Junior World Tournament." His eyes scanned the gathered warriors. "The competition is divided into three categories: Solo, Duo, and Team battles. To win a match, a team must claim victory in at least two out of three categories."

Rael nodded to himself. So strategy was important. You didn’t have to win everything—just the majority.

Vidura continued. "The rules are as follows:"

No external items can be used—no potions, no charms, nothing. Only the warrior’s strength and skills will determine victory.

Stepping outside the battle platform means instant elimination.

For solo battles, being knocked out means defeat.

For duo battles, as long as one remains inside the barrier, the team stays in. But if one is thrown out, the match is lost.

For team battles, the match continues until all members are eliminated. If time runs out, the team with the most fighters remaining inside the barrier wins.

Then, he moved on to the rewards.

"Only the winners shall be rewarded."

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

Vidura nodded. "As per tradition, all those who advance to the knockout stage shall receive a participation reward of 10,000 gold coins. Those who fail to qualify shall receive nothing."

There was silence.

No second place. No consolation prizes.

Win, or gain nothing.

Vidura’s gaze sharpened. "The ultimate champion will receive the following:"

A Rank-7 Custom-Made Set (Weapon, Armor, Helmet, Boots, Bracers, and a Storage Ring).

1,000,000 Gold Coins.

And a unique Skill Scroll contained the spell to invoke Indrastra—a powerful skill that will rain down the enemies with a bunch of thunderbolts, although one needs to be atleast rank-7 to invoke this spell, though.

Gasps echoed through the arena.

Others might not know, but the citizens knew about the powerful astras and their effects, which was basic knowledge in Hastinapura. They were aware of what would happen if Indrastra used on enemies. Hence, many deemed it too risky to give it away, although some opinioned that the hosting kingdom was confident that they would win and keep the skill scroll.

Rael whistled. "That was a prize worth killing for."

Eon, standing beside him, grabbed his hands and sent a telepathic message. "If we win, Nuada would take away that skill, Bro. He has the lightning element."

Rael replied. "We’ll see about that, sis. There are three rewards and three categories. Based on the number, that piece of set equipment most likely will be divided among the team. Money could be given to the duo, and the unique skill scroll will be taken by the solo representative."

"Eh? You want to battle solo?" Eon was surprised.

Rael chuckled. "No. We will obviously battle in the Duo category and get the money. But Nuada won’t be representing our team solo. The instructor will either put Beowulf or Qin Shi Huang. Neither of them had a lightning element, and both of them were too proud to use a skill scroll. We just had to trade the skill scroll for something else."

Eon argued. "But Qin Shi Huang is even wealthier than us. Whatever he wants, he can get it. What could we even offer him?" After a brief pause, she added a mischievous comment. "Wait a second. I think I know what to do."

"What is it?"