Chapter 429 - The Latias Grand Prix (Patreon)

“My lady! I've been so worried!!”

“Arrggh! I’m fine but you're crushing me to death…”

The Crimson Capital of the Latias Kingdom was awash with a festive fever. The highly anticipated Grand Prix that opened once every several years had arrived. At a stadium as grand as the Colosseum; seats were already packed by spectators. The main cast, youths from far and wide, carrying their hopes and dreams in their breasts, gathered at the starting venue. 

One of those youths was Ciel Valentine, the only child of one of the ducal houses of the kingdom. When she arrived, a very muscular woman about 190 cm in height gave Ciel a bearhug.

“Where were you for two days? I even went to the Countess and she denied having knowledge of your whereabouts! As did Prince Croix!” The muscular maid Level 4 said aggrievedly while Ciels bones creaked.

After the Emerith Grand Ball, Ciel followed Croix’s group back to the Countess’ manor. The maid would have met her there if Viers hadn't invited Ciel for a little Council of Elrond two nights ago.

“Technically, it was one day and two nights. I was with my beloved, enjoying each other’s company,” replied Ciel after struggling free and straightening her breaths.

Gasps and eyes went to Viers. An unmarried lady shouldn't be alone with another man at night. What Ciel just said in public was very scandalous and unbecoming for a high-class lady.

Avel, or rather, Viers, sighed. Another tiring thing he had to put up with.

The maid stood before Viers, towering over him by a head. “We have not been properly introduced. My name is Tinade, a caretaker of House Valentine. I’ve been taking care of Lady Ciel ever since she needed her diaper changed.”

Disregarding Ciel’s embarrassment over the subject, Viers replied. “Avel of Javia. Presently Prince Croix’s vassal. Greetings.”

“Young man, I’ll tell you this just once. If you’re not prepared for what lies on this path, the sooner you back away the better. It will be a grueling ordeal.”

Viers took a moment to process the words of wisdom that were given in good faith before he gave his reply with a small, confident smile.

“My purpose lies even beyond this path, Miss Tinade. No matter the ordeal, I’ll conquer it.”

“...I pray you can back up those words,” Tinade said and stepped back. She, Eugene, and a couple of knights sworn to House Valentine made up the security detail exclusively for Ciel.

The Duke and Duchess of Valentine were very protective of their sole child, but the girl grew up quite rebelliously. She even joined the Silver Legion whose job was to battle demons and other threats to the world. Tinade held similar worries.

There were a couple of hundred people in the venue. Unlike at the ball two days ago, they didn't wear gowns and suits. Tensions were in their smiles and greetings during their minglings. They were all rivals and the first round was made known to be a battle royal. Viers ignored Theus’ gaze of hatred.

In the middle of this, Croix’s countenance was dark. Viers didn't blame him.

***

Earlier, once they arrived at the venue, a man dressed in attire reserved for those who served the crown said to Croix someone would like to meet him. Croix had no choice since refusing was too strong of a defiance. Along with his team plus dragon plus Alfred, Croix followed the messenger.

A man was waiting for them in the elite branch of the building, as this man certainly was.

Chancellor Soren.

With the absence of the King, this man basically held the highest power in the current government. Of course, the nobles rallying behind the banners of the four duchies meant his power in Latias was not unchallenged.

He looked like a man in his fifties but he had served the crown since the days of King Luthor, Croix’s grandfather. The man was not a Level 5 but a Level 4. Quite odd for a man of his status. Still, he didn't seem to be in any danger. Besides the bodyguards, the man had at least twenty life-saving items at Level 5 grade and at least one Divine grade protection.

“Ah, the dragon prince. Well met. And Valentine’s young lady.” 

Croix and Ciel were addressed but not the rest, as if they weren't important enough to warrant his attention. He had a warm and kind face but Viers felt the man’s smile hid a lot of meanings behind it.

After brief pleasantries, the Chancellor asked the rest to clear the room save for Croix as he wanted a private talk. Croix wished to keep Alfred beside him. Viers and the others left and waited.

When Croix returned, his expression was of anger. The Chancellor was nowhere to be seen.

“Avel, I need your counsel.”

Croix, Alfred, and Viers gathered in a separate private room.

“Alfred, tell him what the Chancellor told us,” Croix said while holding back his anger before he erupted.

The Level 4 loyal knight did so in the same bad humor as Croix. The knight still had white hair because of overtaxing himself by taking on Prince Marvin’s blow in the past but thanks to the treatment of the elves, his vitality was no longer leaking at the seams and had recovered greatly.

“The Chancellor wishes for the Prince to lose the Grand Prix, refraining from achieving any major feats. If he doesn't comply, he implied the repercussions would be suffered by Lady Giselle, the Prince’s mother.”

Viers furled his eyebrows.

The mothers of the Princes and Princesses of Latias, the women that King Lahar the Lustful took, were being kept in the palace. On house arrest in all but name. It was the doing of the Chancellor, not officially, but it was his doing. Many surmise it was to control the Princes and Princesses so they wouldn't get out of line once they came of age.

“He gave me a letter,” Croix said. “Handwritten by my mother but the words of the Chancellor. It said the same thing as what the slimy man said!”

The implication of that was severe. How much control did the Chancellor have over Croix’s mom? Croix was shaken. Alfred who originally protected Croix out of loyalty to his mom was the same.

“So he’s wary of you because of Falmerion,” Viers said. 

“I thought so too…” Croix gnashed his teeth. “I asked if he gave Princess Celestine the same warning. He said no, but that’s because Celestine’s mother has already passed away, years ago.”

“I see. So, what does Your Highness wish to hear from me?” Viers asked.

“What’s your take on this?”

“Do you wish to resign now?”

“Of course not! But my mother…”

Croix’s mother was in this very city but he couldn't visit her. Croix hated it. 

“We keep our eyes on our objective, which is excelling at this Grand Prix. I’ll convey this to the Countess. Do you remember what she said? She will take care of her sister’s matter. Trust her,” Viers said.

“...Avel, I know you have interacted with Aunt Grace more than me since my departure to Sinclair. Is this the source of your confidence?”

“Hmm,” Viers neither confirmed nor denied it. “She’s a woman I can respect.”

***

Back to the present, Viers gave Croix who was lost in his thoughts a nudge.

“Duke Crowe has arrived. Focus, Highness, or else you’ll stumble in your first steps.”

The Level 5 gave off a larger than life presence but Croix didn't even notice, showing how far gone his mind was. Falmerion similarly pushed Croix using his snout from the other side. The pony-sized young red dragon also sensed the turmoil of his partner.

“This time’s Grand Prix is for young blood like you,” the man addressed. “You who will shoulder the future of this nation, show the people of Latias what you’re made of!”

“OOOOOOHHH!!!”

Hundreds of voices shook the venue. Duke Crowe waited until it subsided before continuing. He moved his hand and an image appeared in the air. The image of a landscape crawling with black insects all over the place.

“This is a Biome rich in resources. However, it has been overrun by an invasive species of monsters. Currently, there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions of them infesting the Biome. In the first round of the Grand Prix, your objective is to cull these monsters.”

Opening his hand, the duke showed a badge.

“93 groups, 372 people gathered here. Only the top 16 groups will advance to the second round. This badge will be given to each of the team leaders which will then record the number of the monsters your group kills. The stronger the monster, the higher the score you’ll receive. Furthermore, if you lose your badge or it is taken, it means disqualification.”

There were murmurs among the contestants.

“What you're thinking is correct. A rival team might eliminate you by aiming for your badge. Since only the team leader can hold the badge, the rest of the group should keep their leader’s safety in mind. If you break another team’s badge, half of the score the opposing team gained will be transferred to you.”

“I’ll add that even if there are only 16 slots for the next round, if your team doesn't possess the minimum score, you won't be eligible to pass. The next highest scorer among the eliminated team will substitute you instead.”

Viers guessed this minimum score rule existed so the competitors wouldn't be consumed by fighting each other and disregard the monsters instead. It was clear that Duke Crowe wanted to use the contestants as free labor to cleanse the Biome. His Biome.

“For your benefit, each group will be accompanied by an observer. To keep neutrality, we employ the aid of the Church. In the Biome, they will only interfere if your life is in danger, only to save your life. Other than that, they will only observe the proceedings and report illegal activities. Do note that if you have to get saved by the men of the cloth for whatever reason, that individual will be disqualified and must exit the Biome. If the disqualified person is not the leader, the group may continue the hunt in the Biome.”

Viers found it amusing. At this level, to save lives, the so-called observers should be at least at Level 4. 93 Level 4s were a very significant force. Why would the Church get involved in an event like this to this extent and mobilize such massive manpower? Why else? Money. 

The Church needed money for its operations. For disaster relief, feeding the poor, repairing towns, funding orphanages, and raising Pathseekers, all cost money. It wasn't pretty, but reality often is. Duke Crowe definitely gave the Church a tidy sum.

With the existence of the safety net, many contestants' faces brightened up with relief.

“This incursion also provided ample opportunities. Whatever resources you find in the Biome belong to you. The monster core, the Power Spots, loot from other teams, or any other treasures. Furthermore, the score you accumulated during the three days window this round, can be used to trade things from House Crowe’s massive treasuries. Other than those 16 who pass the next round, those who fall short or are disqualified will also be able to utilize this feature. Their score is counted before their elimination occurs, so before their score is cut in half in case their badge is taken by another team.”

Picking up the scent of riches, the blood of the contestants was boiling. All Pathseekers are hungry for resources. Their need, insatiable. With this, it was assured the bug monsters would be hunted down by a pack of hungry wolves.

“Lastly, to those who call themselves Prince and Princesses of Latias, there’s an extra requirement for you to pass. Your group must at least slay one Rank 4 monster!”

There were some voices of discontent caused by that line.

“The decision is final,” Duke Crowe emitted a pressure befitting that of a Level 5, making most of the contestants flinch. “The road to the throne is long and arduous. This little thing is barely a bump on the road. Conquer it. In one hour, the gate to the Biome will open. Make your final preparations. Before you enter, the badge will be given to you by your observer. Children of Latias, godspeed.”

The people here already made preparations for months but the last period of one hour was a welcome one. Some left the venue temporarily and some remained.

Croix’s group went to meet up with Countess.

“I have no advice to impart. This moment has been a long time coming. If you pass, it means you are qualified. If not, you're not qualified. As simple as that. The four of you, go forth, and follow your Path of Power.”

After Croix’s group left, Countess Grace Weiss looked at the palace from the window. Her sister was there.

“Soon…”

Croix, Viers, Boram, and Ciel used the remaining time to discuss strategy. When the hour came, there was a portal in the middle of the venue that wasn't there before. 

“Prince Croix’s group? My name is Breiz. I’ll be your observer,” a man wearing a white robe said. As expected by Viers, he was a Level 4. “This is your badge. May the Goddess smile upon you.”

“Thank you, Priest Breiz. I’ll be counting on you when the worst happens,” Croix said while accepting the badge.

“Greetings, senior,” Ciel bowed to the older man who reciprocated with a nod.

When the time came, Croix’s group of four and one dragon entered the portal along with the other 92 groups.