Chapter 196 - Interesting Company Around the Arena

The next morning seemed like any other to Oli. He awoke, had an early meditation session, and left for the dining hall. Being one of the first people in search of breakfast, Oli received a fresh omelet from the chef and praised the man for his creativity with cheap ingredients.

Satisfied, Oli then left the Practor property as the sun peeked over the horizon. The streets were only starting to fill up so the broad young man had more than enough space to himself.

"Oliver!"

Looking to the side, Oli smiled and waved. "Morning, Keldon."

"Did you come looking for weapons?" asked the merchant. "You know weapons are allowed, right?"

But Oli shook his head. "They're allowed, but I don't need any. I'll be using only my essence hammers."

"Oliver, I get that you're strong and you'll do well with that. But you may need--"

"It's not that I'm overestimating my abilities, it's that I can't use a common weapon tomorrow. Using my hammer art is key to the technique that I'll be submitting."

"Okay… Well, I wish you the best then. Perhaps I can interest you in some information?"

"On my opponents?" Oli blinked, thinking for only a moment. "Is there anyone I should keep an eye on in particular? Anyone you think will outright beat me?"

"Not necessarily…" replied Keldon.

Oli asked, "Would you be able to tell me anything more helpful than what I can learn from watching my opponents?"

"I can tell you that this year's tournament is being run by the territory leader's best assistant, and will be overseen by the institute's dean," Keldon remarked.

"Then the territory leader won't be present?"

"That's usually the case. He's only ever shown himself when a tournament has a few rare talents expected to turn some heads. Then again, that's only when those rare talents are announced and hyped up by their sponsors to the point of attracting him," reasoned Keldon. "But nowadays no does that in fear of having their candidates seen through before tournament day."

"So I'll need to impress the dean instead, and maybe the assistant… Any tips?"

"Where were you headed? We can talk and walk if that's fine with you," Keldon offered, walking beside Oli like old pals.

Shrugging, Oli resumed his stroll through the commercial district. "I'm just checking out the arena that everyone mentioned."

"Then allow me to guide you, on the house of course," Keldon joked. "I'm delivering some merchandise to Assitant Lizbeth, so we may as well go together."

Chuckling, the two of them walked through the streets as they got more crowded than expected. The closer they got to the city square, the denser the streets become. Soon, they were forced to use Oli's size as a deterrent and squeeze past those crowding the city center.

"What's all this about?"

"Don't worry. The streets are only crowded around the seating area. Once we get to the next street, things will clear up," stated Keldon.

Just as Keldon implied, Oli was surprised to see an immediate and obvious change in the foot traffic. "How does that make sense? One street is packed tighter than preserved fish in a barrel, while there's no one in sight on this side?"

"Because that's the line for seating," Keldon answered, leaving Oli wide-eyed. "Here's where the competitors and sponsors come to register, or for businesses involved in the tournament come for meetings."

"And your business is involved?"

"Only slightly. I'm nothing special compared to them…"

As Keldon sighed and averted his gaze, it was too late for him and Oli to avoid being spotted by an approaching party of men on horseback. Their masked bodyguards made it all too obvious who they were.

"Keldon! Long time no see!" shouted the far-off merchant, kicking his horse to rush toward the traveling duo. He stopped directly in front of them and hopped off his steed, extending a friendly hand and a courteous smile. "I see you managed to land a contract, after all. That's great!"

"Thanks, but it's nothing special," stated Keldon.

"Come on, Keldon. It's quite an accomplishment for a solo merchant. I wouldn't be able to handle such a thing without the support of the guild."

"Well, since you know I'm busy handling my contract, can we make this quick? I need to make a delivery."

Nodding, the merchant replied, "Of course! I'm doing the same, so why not deliver them together. By the way, whose this strong young man beside you?"

"Just a new patron of the shop. We ran into each other and I offered to give him a tour of the arena for a low price."

"A merchant through and through!" laughed the man, patting Keldon on the back. "Then allow me to introduce myself to the strapping young man. You can call me Graent, the third manager of the Libarn Guild."

"Oh, you're the third now?" Genuine surprise flashed across Keldon's face. "What happened to--"

"Don't worry about him. After years of dedication, I've finally become one of the top dogs," Graent stated proudly. "What's your name?"

Unsure if he should act smart or play dumb, Oli scanned over the mounted merchant and their three masked bodyguards as they caught up to their comrade. "We may not have known each other for long, but Mertin should be able to introduce me."

"Oh? So you're the young man that Mertin was mentioned?" the second merchant asked rhetorically with a teasing gaze. "Mertin, you're welcome to remove your mask and introduce him properly."

Following orders, Mertin stepped forward and stored his mask for the time being. He bowed his head respectfully to the young man, surprising both Oli and Keldon. "This is Oliver. I don't know his family name but I know of his strength. He's quite capable and more than reliable when needed for a job."

"That's enough." As Mertin resumed wearing his mask and stepped back in line with the other guards, the second merchant puffed out his chest and tried to look down on the tall young man from atop his horse. "My name is Reginol Oprian, but you may address me as Mr. Oprian or Sir Oprian, whichever suits your tastes."