"Among the line, Kael stood silently, feeling a strange prick at his ear. He rubbed it absentmindedly and muttered. "Is someone cursing me?"

Vic, standing close by, gave a low snort. "My Lord, there are plenty of people who might be cursing you. Especially those from the evil groups." His words were blunt, but his eyes carried a sharp edge of truth.

Handle gave a slow nod, his expression thoughtful. "I don't understand how it always turns out like this. Every opponent you face somehow ends up tied to those evil groups." His tone carried both confusion and resignation.

Hearing them both, Kael could only shrug his shoulders. His face was calm, almost innocent, as he answered. "I am totally innocent." His words held no weight of guilt, only a simple declaration, as though the matter was out of his hands.

Adriana's voice cracked in panic as she screamed, her hands trembling as she clutched the edge of her cloak.

"I think we should put aside that matter and talk about why in hell we are participating in this shit."

Her eyes darted to Kael, with disbelief flashing across her face. She never wanted to be part of this, nor did she sign up for it, but Kael had dragged her into this mess.

"This is too much…" she shrieked, her body shaking from nerves.

Beside her, Seraphina's face was pale, her lips trembling as her eyes swept over the sea of people gathering around the arena. "Also, why am I here?" she asked with shock in her voice.

"This is going to be a bloodbath, so why are we fighting for royals?" Her tone held both fear and confusion.

Kael, in contrast, wore a small, steady smile. His eyes flickered with calm amusement, as if he had been waiting for those questions. "Now that's a good question. A very good question," he said, his voice deep yet unhurried. He let the words linger before continuing.

....

Hours earlier, before Kael left the estate, he had received a visitor. As he stepped outside, he stopped mid-step and blinked in surprise at the sight before him. A green-haired woman stood there with elegance, her presence strong and commanding.

Kael frowned but quickly composed himself and gave a respectful nod. "Greetings, Princess Martina," he said firmly, his tone polite yet cautious.

Martina clicked her tongue. "Tsk. Why are you behaving like a stranger now?"

Kael's lips curved slightly. "No, I was just surprised to find you here at this time. Shouldn't you be preparing for the war right now?"

Her smile deepened, and she answered without hesitation. "Yes. That's exactly why I am here."

Kael felt a cold shiver run down his spine. His instincts screamed danger at her words. His voice grew tense. "You mean…?"

Her eyes gleamed. "Yes. I came here to invite you to participate in the Crown Games."

Kael's face darkened with hesitation. "Sorry, but can I refuse? I don't want to be a part of this mess."

Martina tilted her head.Her strange smile widened into something eerie. Her expression alone sent a chill through him.

"Uff…..That's creepy," Kael muttered under his breath as he shivered.

"Did you forget that you owe me a favor for saving your maid?" Martina's voice was soft, but the words cut deep.

Kael froze, swallowing his protest. He clenched his jaw as silence settled between them.

Martina saw his face and pressed on. "Also, your sister is participating from Brother Rein's side. You can't miss this opportunity to fight her. Just think about the prospect."

"You can beat her without worrying about consequences.Also,it will take place in a virtual realm so even if you kill her there won't be any problem."

Kael's eyes narrowed and his heart skipped at those words.

His thoughts ran wild.It would be a lie to say that he wasn't moved.

'This is a good opportunity. Who knows how long it will take before I can fight her properly… Yes, this is the best chance I'll get.'

In fact,Kael had been itching for a battle but with the condition being not in favour,he can't kill her openly.

His eyes lit with determination. After a long pause, he nodded firmly. "Okay, I agree."

"That's great." Martina clapped her hands with delight. "So, see you there."

Back in the present, Kael stood before the group, and explained to them the reason.

"So that's the reason I agreed. "

Adriana looked at Kael and said,"In that case I refuse."

Kael frowned seeing her face."Is there a problem?"

Adriana looked at Kael's expression and pressed her lips.

'Should I reveal a bit..'

She hesitated but then shook her head.

''I think I should stay back.There is a lot of uncertainty here and there.So if a mess arises,I can be of some help."

Kael rubbed his chin thinking deeply.He looked back at the stand and saw Ramos glare.He also spotted Lyria surprise look and Elfie flying inside the room.

"Okay…Then you and Seraphina stay here.Make sure to protect Lyria and Chris well in case of trouble."

"OHHH! Finally!"Seraphina sighed in relief waving her hand.She really didn't want to be part of this shit.

Also Kael's rivalry with Adele meant nothing to her.

Adrina nodded and gave a salute.

"Don't worry.I will make sure to protect them "

Kael smiled and patted Adriana causing her whole body to freeze.

"Not just then.Make sure that you are also safe.Don't push yourself too much.In case of trouble just run.You have been doing great but sometimes it's good to relax a bit."

With that Kael turned around to walk towards the remaining leaving Adriana stood there in disbelief.

For a moment she couldn't help but mutter.

''For some reason it felt so good,so warm and so soothing..''

....

"ARGHHH!MY Lord this is cheating!"Vic shrieked and stomped his foot.

"How can you let them go.They are essential firepower."

"Now, don't be pessimistic. We are not alone out here." He raised his hand, and a signal cut through the crowd. "Hey, guys!"

A moment later, a familiar group emerged. The ones Kael had once fought alongside in Nevan.

"Sol, Herion, Linda, and Frey," Kael said with a rare smile tugging at his lips.

Sol raised a hand in greeting while Herion broke into a wide grin and rushed forward. "Waaahh!" He clenched his fist and swung it lightly against Kael's shoulder. "You look even better in person than I remember!"

Kael caught the blow with ease and smirked faintly. "You haven't changed." He then turned and gestured at the others, introducing Adriana and Seraphina to Sol and Linda, making sure everyone knew one another. The atmosphere eased slightly as names were exchanged and short greetings filled the air.

In the middle of their chatter, a sharp cough echoed across the space.

Everyone fell silent as Martina walked forward, her figure carrying the same commanding presence as before. The excitement dimmed at once, and the group's gazes grew heavy.

"I hope you all had a proper introduction," Martina said, her eyes sweeping across each face. "Because for the upcoming days, we are going to be a team. So it's better to know one another well now, rather than regret later."

Her words left a weight hanging in the air. The group nodded silently, their expressions tightening, knowing what awaited them would not be simple.