Ravenshire Clan publicly hosted the Crown Prince of Kharoth. Many prominent nobles were invited. "Cheers to the Crown Prince of Kharoth. In just a few months, you will officially ascend the throne and become the King of Kharoth. I wish you wisdom throughout your reign, and I urge you to look upon your subordinates with compassion and listen to their voices. Do not become a stubborn tyrant who acts only according to his own desires. Although I trust the late King's judgment, I also know that you will never become such a person." Roland raised his cup once more. Everyone present, including the prince, followed suit. Then they drained their cups in a single gulp. The banquet continued. One noble after another approached the prince, showering him with flattering words and praise in an attempt to win his favor. The Duke paid little attention to it. The banquet had already fulfilled its purpose. More importantly, the message delivered during his toast was clear for the entire world to

"Don't fall for him yet. He's very handsome, but he's also completely useless. He can't cultivate because his spiritual roots are broken.""But he used to be a genius before his roots were broken," someone added."Used to be. Notice how that's in the past tense?" another person shot back."Anyway, he's the heir of Ravenshire and Ravenmoor. Isn't that pathetic?"The red-haired youth's appearance stirred even more commotion than Richard's entrance, completely eclipsing it.Richard noticed and silently fumed. He had always been the center of attention wherever he went. If Mattimeo hadn't been here, Richard was certain all eyes would have been on him.Well, after today, he wouldn't have to worry about anyone stealing his spotlight again.Mattimeo walked toward the stand, followed closely by a strikingly beautiful young woman."That bastard is so lucky. He gets to have the most beautiful maid in the clan even though he's nothing but a wastrel!" one of the young men in the crowd muttered th

"Gia wins!"The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.She hadn't won through strength alone. She had outwitted her opponent, turning the battle in her favor through clever tactics rather than brute force.Roland nodded in approval."She has the foresight of someone who belongs on a battlefield. Use everything to your advantage, including your surroundings and your enemy's movements."His praise drew several approving nods.Meanwhile, Mattimeo sat in the spectator stand, his expression unusually serious as he watched the ongoing matches. His eyes followed every movement on the stages, carefully analyzing each technique displayed before him. Some of the skills were so straightforward that he could already replicate them after seeing them once.Because of that, his attention was completely fixed on the battles.Number five was called.Soon afterward, it was time for number six.Richard stepped onto the stage opposite an ordinary-looking girl.The elder declared the start of the match.

Tristan's sword flashed with murderous intent, the blade carving sharp arcs through the air as it whistled toward Mattimeo.Mattimeo became passive, focusing almost entirely on defense and evasion.Soon, he was forced to run around the stage."Seems like he's still not a match for Tristan." Richard felt a wave of relief. Even so, a small part of him still hoped for a miracle and for Tristan to somehow lose.The fight dragged on.Again and again, Tristan's sword slashed through the air, each strike carrying enough force to injure a lesser opponent. Mattimeo weaved between the attacks, ducking beneath blades, twisting away from thrusts, and retreating whenever necessary.As the battle continued, Mattimeo carefully studied every movement Tristan made.Soon, he realized something.He could practically predict all of Tristan's attacks.Every stance.Every shift of weight.Every swing.If he wanted to, he could end the fight quickly.But he didn't.The sword flashed past Mattimeo's neck onc

Lightning crackled around Richard. Lightning was his main element. He raised his sword again, and arcs of lightning danced violently along the blade.Then he moved.His figure blurred across the stage, becoming frighteningly fast. Mattimeo could do nothing but defend as strike after strike crashed against his sword. Sparks exploded with every collision.Clang! Clang!The pressure mounted relentlessly.Soon, a tingling sensation spread through Mattimeo's arm. His grip weakened slightly as numbness crept into his hand.It's the lightning.The electricity flowing through Richard's sword was gradually affecting him.Flames suddenly surged from Mattimeo's blade, wrapping it in blazing fire.Richard's sword descended once more.Fire and lightning collided violently. Red and blue energies devoured each other, sending a shockwave sweeping across the stage.Both youths were thrown backward by the explosive force.Richard slid several meters without moving his feet before finally coming to a st