Chapter 76: A Challenge Accepted and a Favor Requested

The guards murmured at Illiyan’s words. Their eyes widened as they alternated glances between Hay and Stan.

“This won’t be much of a match.”

Stan remarked, a wry expression on his face. Hay silently agreed.

“The Elkynon’s favored one and the Judge?”

“Mr. Styles is bound to lose.”

It seemed they weren’t the only ones who thought so; the guards exchanged furtive glances and whispered amongst themselves.

It was hardly surprising. The position of Judge, held by Stan, was far more than that of a one-person judiciary.

It was said that in times of crisis, Judges also served as commanders leading the guards.

Furthermore, Stan was the First Seat Judge, the foremost among the fewer than ten Judges.

This implied he was the strongest.

In essence, challenging Stan was akin to challenging a general of a nation.

Even by rank, it was no contest.

Hay, as a mage, had just reached the Fifth Class, while Stan, as a spirit user, was at the level of a top-tier veteran.

“I don’t mean to insult Mr. Styles, but if he were to duel as he has with the other guards so far, then, yes, that would be the case.”

Illiyan cautiously studied Hay’s expression, wondering if his feelings had been hurt. As it was merely the truth, Hay had no reason to be offended.

“That’s why I propose this: how about you two spar using only close-quarters combat, excluding all long-range magic attacks?”

“Close-quarters combat?”

Stan asked, his brow furrowed.

“Whenever the Judge visited the training grounds, you always told the guards that mages should possess alternative offensive or defensive means, in case they couldn’t use magic.”

“Indeed, I did.”

Perhaps that was why every guard here was proficient in swordsmanship or martial arts. Jiwena’s skill alone was formidable.

She could easily achieve an A-rank mercenary status if she ventured outside.

Just as Arcavia, though a city of mages, wasn’t exclusively populated by them, there were also exceptional swordsmen and martial artists among the guards who couldn’t wield magic.

The vast majority of the city’s security force, excluding the guards, were not mages.

“While you might not be able to display your full power without long-range attacks, in close combat, you could demonstrate those alternative offensive methods you’ve always emphasized to your juniors, couldn’t you? What do you say? A match between the two of you.”

“What do you think?”

Stan asked Hay. Hay merely shrugged.

“Excluding long-range means only close-range magic is allowed, correct?”

“Let’s allow magic that utilizes both the body and weapons.”

After a moment’s thought, Hay nodded.

Illiyan offered a slight smile, as if he had expected this. Stan, however, wore a somewhat surprised expression.

“You’re really going to do it?”

“Why would I refuse? It’s a chance to beat you up.”

“You really want to hit me, don’t you?”

“That one punch last time simply wasn’t enough to satisfy me.”

“The labyrinth incident? You’re still holding onto that?”

Hay grinned. Stan shook his head, a look of exasperation on his face.

“You know, you might end up getting beaten up by me instead.”

“I’m a mercenary. If we’re talking about real combat experience, I’d say I have an edge over you, Stan.”

“As if I lack real combat experience.”

Stan let out a hollow laugh, as if utterly dumbfounded.

“So, shall we set up the match right away?”

Illiyan asked. Hay, however, waved a hand.

“I’ve just finished four consecutive matches, you know. I can’t possibly face such an esteemed Judge when I’m exhausted.”

“That’s true enough.”

“Why not just drink a healing potion and fight?”

“No, thank you. I’ll drink my healing potion before bed.”

Hay returned the canteen he was holding to Stan.

“Then how about we rest and do it in the afternoon?”

It was Jiwena who asked this time. She seemed quite excited by the news of Stan and Hay sparring, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“I can’t do that. I have a lecture.”

“Ah, right.”

Jiwena looked disappointed.

“Then there’s no help for it. Let’s make it tomorrow. Although, if word gets out, we might have quite a crowd of spectators.”

Hay’s eyes widened at Illiyan’s words.

“Spectators? Why?”

“It’s a duel between the First Seat Judge and Elkynon’s favored one. I imagine other Judges and Inquisitors will come to watch.”

****

“Here, take this.”

They were on their way back to Stan’s house after leaving the training grounds.

Upon reaching the wide main street that led to the entrance of Akashandra, Stan handed Hay a golden necklace.

“What is this?”

“It’s a Judge’s token. You said you wanted to visit that idiot, didn’t you? I’ve already spoken to the prison, so if you show this, they’ll let you in.”

“Ah, thank you. When should I return it?”

“As soon as possible. It would be best to go today or tomorrow.”

“I’ll go right after lunch.”

“Do as you wish. I’m off then.”

Stan waved dismissively and turned towards Akashandra.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m having lunch with my mother today. No doubt she wants to discuss work, as usual.”

“Stan, have you seen Lorelai?”

“I go every day.”

“That’s when she’s asleep at night. I mean, have you seen Lorelai when she’s awake?”

“Our schedules unfortunately don’t align.”

Stan replied indifferently, waving his hand. Hay was about to say more but decided against it.

They weren’t children; they could handle their own affairs. Hay turned in the opposite direction from Stan.

After a long walk back to Stan’s house, Hay found Renki asleep, sprawled across the table. At the sound of the door opening, Renki stirred, rubbing his sleepy eyes as he got up.

“You’re back? How was your morning training today?”

“Four matches, three wins, one loss.”

“Wow, you won three times?”

“Actually, I could have won them all, but I made one mistake and lost.”

“That’s a shame.”

“I’m sparring with Stan tomorrow. Want to come watch?”

“With Master?”

Renki asked, surprised. Hay nodded.

“Of course I’ll go!”

On one side of the table was a type of bread Hay hadn’t seen before. Renki must have bought it. Filled with plenty of corn, it looked delicious, so Hay tore off a piece and ate it.

“Mm, where did you get this?”

“Healer Noy gave it to me. I met her just outside and helped her with her luggage.”

“Healer Noy?”

Hay repeated the name, then quickly recalled Richen Noy.

“Ah, you mean the woman I saw at the clinic.”

Hay pulled a bottle of water from the cooler, drank it, and then casually draped his outer garment over a chair.

“I’m going to wash up.”

“Shall I prepare your meal right away? But Master isn’t here yet.”

“He’s having lunch with the Archon today.”

“Then we can just eat by ourselves. I’ll get it ready immediately.”

Hay didn’t reply, heading into the bathroom. Stan’s house, having been neglected for quite some time, wasn’t as comfortable as Saila’s Inn.

Still, it wasn’t exactly squalid. He quickly washed up and emerged, drying his hair, which had grown considerably in the two months since his last cut, with a gust of wind.

The books that had been on the table were cleared away, replaced by a meal: bacon, soft-boiled eggs, and bread. Hay quickly devoured it.

“How is Lorelai doing?”

Hay had been wondering when that question would come. Renki inquired about Lorelai’s well-being every single day.

“She’s fine. Getting better. Though it will still take some time.”

“But there isn’t much time left. Will she be cured in time?”

Today was the sixth day of the Water Rising Moon. Only fourteen days remained until the end of the lecture series and their scheduled departure. Hay wiped his mouth casually and cleared the dishes.

“How would I know? If it doesn’t happen, there’s nothing we can do. We’ll leave as planned.”

“Will I be able to see Lorelai before we leave?”

“You want to see Lorelai?”

“I haven’t been able to see her once since arriving in Arcavia. She was so good to me all this time.”

Hay thought for a moment, then nodded. Lorelai had generally been good to him, except for getting him entangled in troublesome affairs because of the Crimson Jewel.

Despite the various incidents, he now felt it had been a good thing to come to Arcavia.

After facing Philly, he had realized the limitations of training alone, and now he had the opportunity to freely spar against mages.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take you to Lorelai before we leave.”

Having cleared the dishes, Hay immediately grabbed his outer garment.

****

Stan placed the Crimson Jewel on the table with a sharp clatter. He set it down with such force that one might worry the gem itself would crack.

Grena glanced at the Crimson Jewel, then sliced open a soft-boiled egg with her knife, letting the yolk spill out.

“How long do I have to keep this? Isn’t the sealing box ready yet?”

“So impatient. It’s still being made. It’ll take a few more days.”

“Why is it taking so long? It’s been over two weeks!”

“Do you think Sakaleta has nothing better to do? Do you know how much the Tower Lord chewed me out when I commissioned the sealing box? I got an earful for bringing more work when they’re already swamped.”

Grena grumbled, dipping a piece of bread into the egg yolk. Stan rolled his eyes, as if it were none of his concern.

Grena shot him a glare, then placed a bundle of papers on one side of the table beside him.

“Mr. Bait sent in a report this morning.”

Stan picked up the bundle of papers with a sullen expression. It was a transcript of Hay’s records.

“There’s no decoded version.”

“They say it’s undecipherable.”

“That’s strange. So there are even characters Mr. Bait can’t decipher. What happens now? Lorelai is still in that condition, so she can’t use The Book of Truth.”

“Precisely. In her current state, if she touched The Book of Truth, she might burn it to ashes.”

Grena set down her cutlery, took a sip of wine, and leaned back against the chair’s backrest.

“Weren’t you planning to track Hellheim’s whereabouts through both of their records?”

“Only if the records revealed the whereabouts of that foolish elf. But it seems that method has failed.”

“Is there no news from the dispatched Judges?”

“A few days ago, I received a report that they had contacted Hellheim in cooperation with the wolves. However, he managed to escape using a portal scroll, which cut off the pursuit.”

Stan frowned.

“And where did he get that? Only a handful of people can create portal scrolls.”

“We’re looking into those who sell portal scrolls, but it seems there hasn’t been much progress.”

“The rabbit we almost caught just vanished.”

“That’s Hellheim for you. More importantly, when will you officially return to your post?”

“I told you I’d return the year after next.”

“You know there’s constant talk about the First Seat Judge position being vacant for so long, right?”

“It may be called a leave of absence and a vacancy, but have I ever failed to carry out my duties while I’ve been outside? What is it? Are the elders complaining again?”

“Well, you’ve been away for a long time. To appease the elders’ discontent, you’ll need to achieve another feat this time.”

Stan glared at Grena with a sullen face.

“You want me to go after Hellheim, then.”

“Precisely.”

“I apologize, but I still have work to do in Cheap. It’s inconvenient.”

“Then you’ll have to give up your Judge position. At least until you return. That should silence the elders’ complaints. They’ve been bothering me for nine years straight; I’m exhausted.”

“It doesn’t concern me, but who do you plan to fill the vacancy with? There’s no one among the other Judges who could take the First Seat. Unless it’s Alexandra.”

“I plan to appoint Aksham.”

“Mr. Bait’s grandson? That fellow didn’t want to be a Judge, did he?”

“He seemed quite pleased once he heard that becoming a Judge would allow him to venture into the outside world.”

At that, Stan made an understanding expression.

In Arcavia, one had to be at least twenty-three years old and pass difficult examinations to qualify for venturing into the outside world. Aksham could pass all the tests, but he was only twenty-one, falling short of the age requirement. Since becoming a Judge exempted him from the age restriction, he eagerly accepted the position, even if he disliked it.

“So, when should I return the Judge’s token?”

“You can return it before you leave. Oh, speaking of which, you entered Akashandra today without your token, didn’t you? I heard you called Chesaya.”

Chesaya was the name of Grena’s aide. Stan had to summon him to enter Akashandra today.

“I lent my token to Styles.”

Grena blinked.

“Why the token?”

“You know that idiot who was imprisoned two months ago for entering the forbidden zone?”

“You mean the young mage Lexa brought in?”

“Yes. He said he wanted to visit him.”