Chapter 248 Edward's Announcement
"I have made a firm decision—I shall participate in the tournament to demonstrate my worth," I declare, sparking a resounding round of applause in the room.
However, I can't help but sense the artificial nature of their applause, which ignites a surge of anger within me.
"Remember, Your Highness, the tournament is scheduled to commence within the next three days," Hector informs before turning on his heel and retracing his steps alongside Bryce.
"Your Highness, if I may interject," a bald vampire lord raises his hand, standing up from his seat.
"I am Norris Bates, one of the esteemed lords of the East Province. I commend Your Highness for expressing your desire to participate in the upcoming tournament. However, since this event aims to identify the mightiest among the younger generation, wouldn't it be fitting for the first Princess to join as well?" Norris suggests, a repugnant grin creeping across his face.
"Nonsense! I have engaged in numerous tournaments, emerging as the victor each time. Why should I participate again this year? Lord Norris, you overstep your bounds. Have you forgotten that I am the one in charge during the king's absence?" Zamira retorts, rising from her seat and steadily advancing towards Norris.
As Zamira approaches, beads of sweat trickle down Norris's forehead, a visible display of his trepidation.
"I...I apologize for my impudence, Your Highness," Norris stammers, trembling with fear.
"If I were to slay you here, it would not be against the law, for you have dared to speak against royalty. Mere utterances from the patriarchs of the Sanguine and Freeman families do not grant a lowly fool like you the privilege of addressing me," Zamira mutters with an intensely wrathful expression, seizing Norris's throat in her grip.
"Ughh...Nhgh...Eeuk!!!" Norris utters a pained cry as Zamira tightens her grip around his neck.
Suddenly, she releases her hold, causing Norris to collapse onto the ground with a resounding thud.
"Unfortunately, I lack the inclination to take a life today," Zamira proclaims as she retreats to her seat.
"For some inexplicable reason, I have decided to participate in this year's tournament. It seems there are numerous formidable opponents emerging lately. Let us discover who can withstand ten thousand slashes from my blade," Zamira declares as she resumes her position upon the throne.
Her sudden declaration sparks a cacophony of conversation in the hall as vampires engage in animated exchanges. However, their discussions are promptly silenced by Edward's authoritative voice.
"The decision has been made. The Crown Prince and the First Princess shall participate—"
"Wait a moment, he has not yet ascended to the position of Crown Prince. I fail to comprehend why people insist on addressing him as such," Bryce interjects from below.
Hearing his words, Edward pauses briefly.
"Very well, duly noted. It has now been determined that... um, His Highness and the first Princess will participate in the upcoming World's Strongest Tournament. As we all know, this tournament takes place once every decade, and traditionally, only one victor emerges.
However, this year's tournament differs significantly from its predecessors. Instead of a single champion, we will determine the top five mightiest vampires. These top five shall then engage in combat among themselves, with their prowess being evaluated by esteemed officials from the vampire community—the former strongest vampires who currently reside beyond our realm, including the most formidable knight.
Currently, we remain unaware of the exact number of participating students, as some are yet to arrive and register. The reason behind selecting five victors is simple: the Galaxy's Strongest Warriors Tournament!
"The one held a hundred years ago was claimed by the dragon race, followed by the Asuras. What was most infuriating about the previous tournament was the Dhampirs' overwhelming strength, which enabled them to overpower the vampires whenever they drew near."
"However, before the king entered a deep slumber, he issued orders that we should not select vampires for the Galaxy's Strongest Warriors Tournament haphazardly. Instead, they must undergo thorough evaluation. Furthermore, the top five winners who do not have access to the blood moon fruits will be provided with them," Edward announces, punctuating his words with a small sigh.
The hall erupts into a lively buzz as vampires engage in animated conversations, their excitement palpable. Yet, amidst the commotion, my mind is preoccupied with several thoughts.
Firstly, I have always regarded the existence of Asuras as nothing more than a legend, a mythical race renowned for their immense power. I have heard tales of god slayers among their ranks, making them the greatest adversaries of divine beings.
To realize that they truly exist... I find myself inexplicably exhilarated. Given that I will likely become the primary target in the upcoming tournament, I must strive to ascend to the vampire lord stage. Failing to do so would render my body vulnerable to potential injury. My current state can no longer withstand some of my god-devouring techniques, such as the Trancedent God's Bane and Sanguine's Wrath. As a Protoss, possessing all the powers and techniques of the other originals, I am capable of executing their techniques flawlessly, just like their rightful owners.
From fragments of my memories, it appears that Sanguine stands as the strongest original after me, making him my second-in-command and most loyal subordinate. If not for that insufferable...
Sigh.
I managed to defeat Zamira by deceiving her into facing one of my most formidable attacks head-on. Engaging her directly in hand-to-hand combat would inevitably lead to the deterioration of my body.
Regarding my original techniques, I can only harness their full potential upon reaching the warlock stage and reuniting with the blood baby. However, my first priority lies in mastering Zamira's secret technique, swordcraft—which I assimilated during our encounter.
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