Systems Made me Lord of the City

Crownless King

Chapter 05

Adrian didn't have time to think before the guards shoved him into the middle of the ring.

It was a wide circular pit filled with sand. Nobles leaned over the railings above, ready to watch a man get hurt.

Marcus Valen sat in the center seat, cane across his knees, looking pleased. Selene sat next to him, relaxed, chin on her hand, like this was just entertainment.

“Begin,” Marcus said.

The guards unlocked Adrian’s arms and tossed him a sword. He picked it up. It was heavy, dull, and poorly balanced. Good for a show. Useless for a real fight.

Adrian turned it in his hand and gave a dry smile. “Figures. You want a performance, not a fight.”

Selene’s voice came from above. “Fight or die. Either way, my father gets what he wants.”

Adrian looked up at her, still bloody around the mouth. “You’re enjoying this too much, princess.”

The first opponent stepped in. A tall guard in chainmail with a real sword. He smirked. “I’ll make this quick, beggar.”

He charged.

Adrian stepped aside, turned, and slammed the hilt of his dull sword into the man’s temple. The guard dropped to the sand and didn’t get up.

People above gasped. Someone spilled their wine.

“Lucky hit,” a voice muttered.

The second guard came forward, angry. “You’ll pay for that.”

He swung hard. Adrian ducked, grabbed a handful of sand, and threw it in the man’s eyes. While the guard cursed and staggered, Adrian punched him square in the jaw. Something cracked. Teeth hit the ground.

The nobles started whispering. Some laughed. Others looked less amused. Marcus leaned forward a little.

The last fighter was the biggest. Heavy armor, scarred face, looking for a fight. “You think you’re clever, street rat? Let’s see you dodge this.”

Adrian raised the blunt sword. “Clever? No. Just faster than the pigs they keep around here.”

The big man turned red and charged with a roar. Their blades met hard. Adrian felt the shock run up his arm. The man kept swinging, heavy and angry. Adrian blocked and moved, breathing hard, waiting.

The crowd went quiet. Only the sound of metal and heavy breathing filled the pit.

The big man swung wide. Adrian stepped out of the way. The man stumbled forward. Adrian moved in, drove his knee into the man’s stomach, ripped the sword from his hands, and pressed the edge against his throat.

Everything stopped.

Adrian looked up at the nobles, then at Marcus. His voice was steady.

“Trial’s over. Who’s bleeding now?”

Some people clapped nervously. Others looked away.

Selene smiled. “Not bad. Maybe he’s more than just talk.”

Marcus slammed his cane on the floor. “Kill him! I said kill him!”

The guards hesitated. No one moved. The man who had just beaten three of them was still standing, calm, and that made them nervous.

The system spoke in Adrian’s head.

[Mission Complete: Survive the Trial of Blades. Reward Unlocked — Hidden Legacy Fragment: Iron Will.]

Heat spread through him. The pain in his ribs faded. He felt sharper, stronger.

The guards finally started to move closer. Adrian turned toward them, still holding the blade to the downed man’s throat. “Anyone else want a turn?”

Selene leaned forward, watching him. “He’s still smiling,” she said quietly. “After all that.”

Marcus looked at her. “You think he’s a toy? Fine. Keep him. But when he turns on you, remember tonight.”

Adrian raised his head. “If I turn on her, it’ll be because I’ve already won.”

Selene laughed, actually laughed. “You’re bold, Adrian Black. Most men in your spot would be begging.”

He met her eyes. “I’ve never begged in my life.”

She looked at him for a second longer, then nodded slightly. “Maybe you’re worth keeping alive.”

Marcus stood up. “Enough. Guards, take him away. Chain him until I decide what to do with him.”

Adrian dropped the sword and held out his hands as the guards came forward.

As they cuffed him again, he kept looking at Selene.

She gave him a small smile. “Well, king without a crown. What’s your next move?”

Adrian grinned, slow and cold. “My move? Make them all kneel. Every last one of them.”

Selene’s smile grew a little wider.

The nobles above kept watching as the guards dragged him out of the pit. Some looked impressed while most looked uneasy.

Adrian Black, the beggar and nobody, had survived the fucking trial.