Chapter 582 - Day MMCXXXIX, Part IV

The AI head popped above the destroyed arena.

- I would like to also announce... - It started translating.

- Be quiet - hissed Katri Xel Avakadaisu.

This caused the widget to disappear, and the sound was cut short.

- It's mistranslating anyway - explained Atri. - I will translate batter. He said that you are the winners of this tournament, and after submitting the results to the High Queen herself your race will become a part of the glorious Ixan empire. He also said that he will advocate for Sabhetani patronage over your race for your quick development and further expansion through the cosmos and many worlds. He congratulates you for a wonderful display of power, unshakeable resolve, even despite shameful mistreatment from the Dispurian empire, showcased in many instances through petty tricks on the battleground. He says that it's the first time he saw such a display, and he would be honored to support such an amazing species.

She recited, and then took a deep breath to continue.

- He also congratulates Will for his astonishing display of skills that would be acknowledged even by the High Queen herself. And he gives his condolences to the deceased warrior named Boris, who has great manners, and an even greater spirit in the arena. His fighting skills were superb, but sadly he became the victim of Dispurian greed and lack of ability to acknowledge a race that clearly has its place among the glorious Ixan empire, even when the emperor himself sees it in front of his eyes. It's a shame that it happened, but there is no way of turning back time.

Ashal Kal Anur bowed slightly to show respect and then left the arena. The passage behind him was completely destroyed so he just flew, which took me by surprise.

Zor'xal was so furious he was trembling from all the emotions trapped inside his body. His chair just took him somewhere before the emotions somehow escaped. Which for sure happened somewhere else.

Katri Xel Avakadaisu looked at people around, still processing what happened. She stood up.

- Congratulations - she said with a shy smile on her face. - I never thought I will witness such a thing, but I just did.

She laughed to herself shortly.

- It's an incredible feat you just achieved - she continued. - I'm not sure you can comprehend it, because you don't know the history of the Ixan empire like I do, but let me tell you it has been a very long time. Congratulations. 

- Congratulations on what? - asked Will as he just entered the room. - On my victory? Thanks.

- Will the fucking winner! - shouted Nil.

The cheers just erupted around, and people from Arc were first to surround him. He got picked up against his will and tossed in the air a few times, while they chanted his name.

- Will, Will, Will!

I watched with a sad smile on my face. We indeed have won this whole thing, but there were people who sacrificed their lives for it. 

The celebration quickly died down, as the paladin himself kept insisting on it.

- I believe it would be best if I let you back to the warp gate - said Katri Xel Avakadaisu as it became a bit quieter. - The emperor might have some stupid idea, so before it happens let just get you back to your homeworld. Follow me.

She led us outside, where the assistants and officials who came with them were already waiting. They kept chanting Will's name, but Atri interrupted them.

- You will have time for that later. Please follow me! - she shouted to breach through their combined voices.

They got immediately silent, and some facial expressions showed concern, but as the two groups, theirs and ours, combined, there was an opportunity to explain everything.

The Atri let us to the closest underground communication station, and we boarded the vehicle, to quickly be on our way. Will quickly got surrounded and just flooded with questions, which he tried to answer a bit, but because of the high speed of our means of transportation, he managed to only do so with a few of those.

We got out in the same spot we departed from the beginning of our journey in the royal district. Although I was able to figure that out only when we got outside. The garden was just as magnificent as it was back then, and the local sun was shining strongly. With all the time spent underground, it was quite painful for the eyes, but we got used to it before reaching the gate.

The guards stopped us there, but Katri Xel Avakadaisu quickly talked with them, and we could pass through. Then we boarded the flying vehicles. Will squeezed into mine, just like Gavriil, Adam, and our alien guide.

She spoke with the onboard AI and all of the means of transportation started flying one by one.

- Good fight - I finally said to Will.

- Thank you. Thank you for everything - he nodded. - I wanted to get better revenge for Boris, but he was just too strong. I had to almost go all out.

- It's fine. I doubt he would care about it anyway.

- I know - he admitted. - But in my place, you would strive for the same.

He was right. I would, and there was no hiding it. I also wouldn't be able to contain myself as well as he could, and end up attacking the frog. My blood was still boiling when I thought of that dirty alien smug of the local emperor. One day he was going to get what he deserved.

- Now we will have to deal with Irina -  he said. - I hope we survive that.

Bot Gavriil and Adam looked at him curiously.

- His wife - explained Will. - He had a wife and a son. They probably saw what happened it was transmitted, but we will still have to face them.

- That will be a tough thing to do - said Semenov. - Good luck.

- Yeah - said Will, and looked through the window outside. We went into a tunnel so there was not much besides the darkness outside, but he still kept looking. The taste of victory was surprisingly bitter.