The Monster King's Legacy

Chapter 35 Tournament II

The crowd winced, but Krez waved off their concern, struggling to his feet with a pained expression, a deep cut on his scalp.

"Stop the match," Lance called, stepping into the ring.

"I'm fine!" Krez protested, though he clutched his side.

"You're not," Lance said firmly, kneeling beside him. He already noticed that blood had started leaking from his skull and soaking his hair.

Placing his hand on the young goblin's head, Lance used his healing magic, or rather, ability. A soft golden light enveloped the injured goblin, and the tension in his face melted away as the pain vanished.

The crowd murmured in awe as Lance helped Krez to his feet.

"Take a break," Lance said, his tone gentle but firm. "You've done well, but there's no shame in resting."

Krez hesitated, then nodded, his expression filled with gratitude. Well, in the end, he would have to heal the other goblin who was Krez's opponent, if not, the match would not be fair.

By the time the final match began, the air was electric with anticipation. The two strongest warriors in the tribe, at least, amongst the younger ones, were about to showcase their strength, Rikka and Dran, squared off in the center of the ring, their wooden weapons raised.

"Begin!" Rynne called for the match to begin as she stepped back.

Rynne leaned toward Lance, her smirk widening. "This should be good."

This match was not at the same level as the previous one. It was going to represent the strength of the two tribes that had now become one. In their earlier meeting, Dran had lost to Rikka because he underestimated her and was unprepared, so he too was more than motivated to prove himself.

The match began with both parties charging at each other fiercely. While Rikka wielded two daggers, Dran wielded a sword. A classic showdown between swords and knives.

The crowd erupted once more.

...

Later, as the camp settled into the quiet of the evening, Lance sat by the fire outside his tent, relaxing and just taking in the view for once. He noticed Rynne approaching, her figure unnaturally attractive to him more than usual.

'Huh? What is this?' Slowly, the feeling faded, leaving Lance a little confused.

"Feeling motivated enough to start training more?" Rynne said, dropping down beside him.

"Thanks, but I just need a little more time, there's no way I don't have any talent for magic," Lance said, hiding the subtle pain in his voice.

"Sure, sure. Even then, I still expect you to improve your body and fighting skills, mana is not infinite. When you run out of it and don't know any other way to fend for yourself, you're cooked. I can understand if it happens to be Lina or Mira in that situation, it would be really sad if you're the one, wouldn't it?" Rynne said, a rather thoughtful look on her face.

Lance understood her very well, and honestly, he still planned to train himself physically, he just needed more time to figure out this magic situation he was in. "You're right. I just want to see what I am capable of with magic, then I'll return to training seriously." Lance said.

"If you say so. Just don't get comfortable and end up taking too long, comfort, can sometimes be detrimental, you know?" She said.

Listening to her, Lance felt a little bit of happiness and content from within. He could see that she truly cared for him and wanted the best for him and his future. He already knew this, but moments like this where it shows in a clearer form, made him happy to be with her and the others. More than anything, it was filling and empowering.

"Huh? Is that Kaeli?, she looks rather awful," Rynne said, looking over to the side.

Before Lance could comment though, Lina called for Rynne and she had to leave while Kaeli walked up to him looking almost like a ghost.

"Hey, Lance..."