Chapter 250 - Celebratory Send-off

"I know! You've been wondering so many things as of late while I and many nobles have been active in secret…" Rhyner teased the crowd, pulling them to the edge of their seats. "Now, we'll finally inform you what will change Trighton forever!"

Another pause hung in the air, letting the crowd murmur and mumble to themselves.

"But first, allow me to finally congratulate this swordmaster as he deserves! Please join me in celebrating the long-awaited ascension of Hurman Practor, Trighton's greatest living swordmaster!"

Cheers and cries exploded from the crowd! Rounds of applause burst out of the front rows, where the nobles stood and clapped for Hurman's long-doubted ascension. 

"But this changes Trighton in ways you don't yet know…" Rhyner again teased the crowd, letting their curiosity gradually drown out their cries. "Whilst the Practor Family would normally join the leading nobles of the territory, that won't be happening today. Instead, they will be embarking on something new, something yet to happen in Trighton until today… But I won't be the one announcing that. Allow me to introduce someone I greatly respect and someone who represent's Trighton's newest ally. But don't be afraid. His appearance and strength are only proof that he and his territory are worthy allies!"

While the crowd was growing more and more confused by the second, some began to notice the shifts in Rhyner's shadow. It swayed unnaturally and even fell in a different direction than Hurman's. But the proof as to why only now came to light.

Confusion was instantly replaced with astonishment and fear as a massive, feline beast leaped out of Rhyner's shadow for everyone to see. But the beast wasted no time introducing himself.

"My name is Vloz and I represent a distant territory, the Iron Territory!" Vloz called out with telepathy. "After much consideration and debate, Iron Territory has agreed to ally with Trighton and has become linked via teleportation formations, many thanks to Dean Jarrit. Also, we'll be accepting the Practor Family as our newest nobles as a sign of peace and diplomacy between our territories."

Everyone was speechless, including the nobles. They knew that something strange was going on between Hurman and Rhyner but they never would've expected something so radical. 

Vloz continued, "The teleportation formations will be open to the public on both sides, however only for a fee and proper registration. Anyone who dares to travel through the formations, on either side, without being doc.u.mented and approved will be treated as a hostile threat to both Iron and Trighton. 

"But that is only to protect the merchants willing to trade between the two cities. While Iron Territory is still growing, its trade has already become a pivotal piece of the neighboring territories. Trade between our territories is highly beneficial to the both of us!"

There were mixed feelings among the crowd. Most were still shocked to see a giant leopard on stage as the territory's newest ally. Many were confused about what this meant for the future of Trighton. But the merchants among the crowd all felt their hearts skip a beat. However, spotting Keldon among those surrounding stage almost pulled them out of their daydreams, immediately explained what his strange deals were all about.

Vloz then stepped back, allowing Hurman to assume the spotlight. Sighing and admiring his robes once more, Hurman looked to the man below that had left the nobles speechless. "People of Trighton… I'm both joyful and sorrowful to address you today. Thank you for praising this old man that took too long to ascend, and thank you for respecting our many efforts to further swordsmanship across the territory!

"It will be sad to leave this territory, my family's only home… But to share Trighton's influence with another territory and teach our swordsmanship to even more people, that's something I can't turn down. And I must also thank Master Vloz and Iron Territory for the help that they offered my family, helping my son finally come to and resume his cultivation. With the support of both Iron and Trighton, my family and I will be leaving. But we'll be sure to visit and accept visitors all the same. Thank you!"

Another round of applause burst out of the crowd. Nobles led the crowd in cheers while some even offered Hurman bows, including some of the Forell and Whizek families. 

"No, thank you, Hurman!" Rhyner added, bowing to the patriarch. "You'll be missed, so much so that some nobles may still pay visits for private classes. Be sure to never forget where you came from, and that Trighton will always be open to you."

"Thank you, Master Rhyner."

"Now, we'll be sending off the Practor Family and others before their trek to their new home!" declared Rhyner, pointing toward the distant institute.

"I'll make sure to represent Trighton well!"

That familiar voice startled Rhyner. The territory leader turned and lifted a finger to call out his subordinate but suddenly stopped, as if someone or something had grabbed Rhyner's wrist. Yet no one was there.

"You're coming as well?" Hurman asked.

"Of course! Someone needs to make sure Trighton has a powerful representative that Iron Territory can lean on in times of need!" Nixt's booming laughter left the crowd dumbstruck. "Right, Master Rhyner? Who better than me?"

As much as Rhyner wanted to reject the notion, he felt another hand rest calmly on his shoulder. "Yes… Make sure to represent Trighton well. You'll be our contact, making decisions on Trighton's behalf in scenarios of emergency and will make routine reports of how Trighton and Iron Territories can best support each other…"

"Of course, Master Rhyner!" Bowing deeply with an even deeper grin, Nixt hopped onto the stage and stood between Vloz and Hurman. "Please, take care of me and I'll do everything I can as Trighton's representative."

"Of course…" Vloz nodded, caught off guard by the sudden change in plans. "I'm sure our territory leader will accept you with an open hand, as well as a closed fist…"

"Just how I like it!" Nixt laughed, catching Vloz's mumble at the end, meant only for those on stage.