Did she already know what I would ask her for?

If you want to support, you can at: https://www.patreon.com/finlegost

There, you can find 18 chapters in advance. Thanks to my patrons and to those who comment on the chapters. It means a lot to me and motivates me to continue this hobby of mine.

And, of course, thanks to everyone who reads this novel.

*************************************

 

A large stage stands in the center, surrounded by thousands of soldiers.

They are all performing an orderly formation, with rows and rows of soldiers observing the stage from different directions.

"The heroes on the stage will be remembered forever. I would be very proud if I were in their position," one man said with a gentle smile, understanding that only the strongest can be there.

"They all have a great future ahead of them. I suppose that as soon as they step off the stage, they will be immediately recruited by the big guilds." On the other hand, others were envious. After all, only God knows how valued these heroes will be from now on.

"Haa... The higher their position, the greater the fight among the guilds to recruit them." Others sighed, knowing that their own talents aren't even in the same category.

Thousands of conversations like that were heard around everyone with an opinion on the matter. The only similarity between them was that they would be willing to do anything just to be on stage.

"Because of his achievements in the war, Sacred Sword is ranked 97th. His outstanding sword performance impressed everyone who witnessed it..."

On the stage, 10 people are arranged in a row, standing with a bit of nervousness at being watched by thousands of spectators. In front of them stands a general who introduces each of them by their nickname and praises them for their performances in the war.

"Let's give a round of applause to these great war heroes who put their lives on the line for the welfare of the Castemira kingdom," said the general solemnly.

*Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

The next second, there was a great applause, and the people on stage were about to cry from the emotion. This moment will be remembered for the rest of their lives.

Emir: "..."

'My Holy God Solus... What religious sect did I get myself into?! These guys seem willing to kill me to be in my position, and I don't even want to be here!'

I'm currently backstage, witnessing everything that happened through a curtain. But I am not the only one in this place. There are exactly 90 people behind me. They all carry an aura of dignity, implying that they are the elite among the elite.

All of us present are those who performed a great feat in the war and who were appointed to be in the ranking of the top 100.

But no one knows what position the other will have; that is a top-ranking secret.

"Ha! That commoner can't even keep his cool. He came here by mere coincidence, for sure."

I stopped looking through the curtain only to realize that a man was mocking me. He appears to be 24 years old, with sharp eyes and golden hair. It doesn't take much thinking to realize that he is a nobleman.

''Who the heck are you, do I know you?' I wanted to answer him like that, but I remembered that I am now the Golden Archer, and I let it pass. So…'

"Keep your words to yourself. No matter where we come from, everyone here deserves respect," I said with a serious and cold look.

"Ha! You speak well for a commoner. But the fact that you wear quality clothes doesn't fool me; I can spot phonies like you from miles away!" he laughed in a mocking manner, inciting hatred.

'Because of my clothes, huh? This reminds me of Yair.'

He acted similarly in the knight's test. But after passing it, every clue indicates that an impostor took his place. As if he had been evangelized!

"But, well, there is reason in what you say. Everyone deserves respect. For that reason, I will not continue and give you the honor of knowing my name" He lifted his chest proudly and said, "I am Fire Rapier! And I will be in the top ten! Remember that!"

He was about to continue bragging when a clerk appeared behind the door and interrupted him.

"The following are: Infernal Axe, Fleeting Sight, Impenetrable Shield..."

The clerk continued mentioning the talented men who earned a nickname in this war, and after naming nine people, he said the name of the last person to make up the top 90 group.

"...Fire Rapier."

Fire Rapier: "..."

'Look at his face! Hahaha! In the top ten he wanted to be! Hahaha! But I am the Golden Archer. I must continue with my role until the end.'

Without giving this nobleman any more importance, I walked beside him without any expression on my face and sat on an armchair to wait for my turn.

"The ten people I just named, please follow me. You will go on stage in a few minutes. Please have your weapons and armor ready to present yourselves to the audience. They will make a greater impression if they appear to be ready for war."

Although Fire Rapier wanted to retort, he reluctantly fixed his hair and unsheathed his rapier while advancing behind the door. Something similar happened with the others. Everyone wants to look their best so that the portrait they make will represent them as they are.

Outside, professional artists will be in charge of portraying them in order to publicize their name and face throughout the Castemira kingdom. It is a simple way to invite people to enlist in the war and thus gain honor and fame for fighting against the enemy.

'That is, of course, if they don't die trying.'

The minutes passed slowly to the point that I began to move my right foot to pass some time in the meantime. While I'm not someone who is impatient, this time it's special, and I want to get out of this trouble as quickly as possible.

"Nervous, huh? Don't worry." The man shook his head and smiled kindly.

'Hm? Ah, apparently he took the movement of my foot as proof of nervousness.'

The man who spoke to me looks 40 years old. He is bald and dark skinned. He has the calm expression of a man who has seen it all in his life.

"Once you've lived as long as I have, you will understand that the opinion of third parties is nothing when compared to putting your life on the line in a fight." He held out his hand to me and said, "I am Blood Fists... Ah, but despite my nickname, I actually use a greatsword, as you can see" He pointed with his hand.

Next to him, is a greatsword that is practically the same size as him.

"The way I got this nickname is something very special. Not to belittle you, but I'm sure I'll be here to see you off."

I was just about to reach out to him when the clerk entered the room and named the next group.

"The following are: Untamed Edge, Silent Steps... Blood Fist."

Blood Fist: "..."

'Ah, apparently I will be the one to see him off. Should I wish him luck?'

All of the named persons, including Blood Fist, donned their armor and unsheathed their weapons. Once ready, they advanced through the gate.

With this, I found myself with nothing to do again.

The minutes again felt eternal, to the point where I closed my eyes to rest.

"You dare to sleep in this place!"

I opened my eyes as I realized that someone had criticized my action.

"I am Ice Eagle, and I won't allow someone with no first and last name to disgrace-...." He was interrupted by the employee.

"The following are: Ice Eagle..."

Ice Eagle: "..."

'Can I sleep now?'

I wanted to answer him like that, but there is some reason in his words. So I kept quiet in my armchair so as not to be bothered by stupid things again.

"Look at him! That guy can't even move out of fear!" Someone sneered.

'God! What more do you want from me?! Well, well. Apparently, if I don't make myself respected, these guys will think I'm easy prey. They have used me three times already to increase their reputation. Only to end up being brought back to reality by the employee. This time I won't let the clerk rob me of the opportunity to answer this guy myself.... but with my fists!'

"You want to fight, huh? Fine! I, Thousand Sabers, will teach you the strength of the top ten!"

As soon as he finished introducing himself, the employee entered the room.

'You again!'

If I don't act fast, the clerk will again demonstrate the power of the staff. I must beat this guy before the clerk steals my rights to defend myself!

'Activate [Agility] Profile!'

Even before the employee opened his mouth, I punched Thousand Sabers in the face. My fist traveled at such a speed that he couldn't react and fell to the ground with some of his teeth flying.

"Next are: Thousand Sabers..."

Thousand Sabers: "..."

Why in the face and not in the balls? Simple. Once he's portrayed, his smile will be swollen and toothless. Now, in a few seconds, he has passed from the best day of his life to the worst.

'It will hurt him more than his balls, I'm sure.'