Chapter 23: From Bounty to Bracket
Garion was just about to leave the office with Dahlia when his eyes caught a really interesting poster.
The Grand Youth Tournament. Held Once Every Ten Years!
Garion stopped, folding his arms. He leaned closer to read it.
The officer at the desk noticed and smiled.
"Ah, I see you’re interested in that tournament."
Garion raised an eyebrow. "Tournament? What kind?"
The officer adjusted his clothes and stood.
"It’s a prestigious event. It is held once every eight years and is open only to citizens under the age of eighteen."
He then raised his hand, smiling.
"And it was exactly ten years since the last one, and the next one will be held in this very city. Many sects and families had sent their disciples to attend this event."
The officer also approached Garion, spreading his arms wide.
"Not only was it a prestigious event, but the rewards were also incredible."
Dahlia’s ear practically perked up the moment she heard about it.
"A tournament...?"
The officer nodded, grinning.
"Yes, girl. The winner can claim rare materials, high-grade weapons, and even top-tier manuals of the Mana Core Realm."
He approached Dahlia, grinning.
"You know how rare mana cultivation art of the second realm. But if you win, you can get it, and it’s even a top-tier one."
Garion’s expression quickly sharpened.
Mana Core Realm manuals?
That’s exactly what I’m missing. I’ve only created the foundation of my own art for the Mana Refinement Realm.
If I could get my hands on that manual, then I could...
His lips curled into a smirk. "Where do we register?"
The officer clapped his hands.
"Follow me. I’ll help you with the process, but you need to practice a lot as the tournament begins this Sunday."
They then walked down a short hall to the registration room.
At the center, there was a pedestal with a glowing crystal orb.
The officer quickly explained what it is.
"This orb verifies the age of all participants. Since the tournament is for those under eighteen, it’s mandatory."
Dahlia stepped forward nervously. She placed her hand on the orb. Light pulsed, and numbers appeared on it.
[14 Years Old]
The officer nodded.
"Perfect. You’re eligible to register. Just tell us your name and what affiliation you are from."
Dahlia straightened her back and nodded.
"Dahlia, disciple of... the God Gym."
The officer froze mid-stroke. He looked up, blinking.
"God... Gym? What kind of sect or group is that? I’ve never heard of it."
Dahlia glanced nervously at Garion.
Garion, however, just smiled proudly and began to explain it.
"It’s not a sect in the usual sense. It’s just a place where people train their bodies, pushing them to the limit."
The officer tilted his head. "Train their bodies?"
Garion nodded.
"Yes. I wanted something unique. Everyone else names their sects with words like supreme, heavenly, etc."
Garion then tapped his chest.
"That’s why we chose the word Gym instead of sect. And also as for the god... well, we all aim to be powerful, don’t we?"
He smiled as if the explanation was obvious.
The officer blinked again and slowly nodded.
"I see... quite a unique name indeed. Though I must admit, this is the first time I’ve heard of that word."
Garion only smirked, hearing that.
"Yeah. But in the end, it’s all the same. What matters are the results of that sect, school, or gym?"
The officer nodded and quickly finished the registration.
"Very well. Dahlia, age fourteen, representing... the God Gym."
Once the scroll was sealed, the officer smiled and handed over a slip of parchment.
"You’re officially registered. The tournament begins this Sunday. Bring this with you to the arena."
Dahlia took the slip and bowed slightly.
"Thank you."
Garion only smiled seeing Dahlua, but still his curiosity got the better of him as he looked at the orb.
"By the way? Can I try using the orb too?"
The officer frowned, confused.
"You’re clearly older, sir, and you cannot join. But if you’re only curious about how to use it and see your own age, you’re free to use it."
Garion nodded as he began to use it. He touched it and soon the crystal glowed brighter.
[23 Years Old]
The room quickly went silent.
The officers blinked.
"...What?! Only twenty-three? Impossible!"
They looked at Garion’s big body again.
"How can someone look like that at twenty-three? He’s built like a mountain."
Dahlia smirked smugly.
"He’s my master. What did you expect?"
Garion grinned at the stunned officials.
"It’s just the effect of training. Work hard, eat right, and my body will grow. It’s so simple."
The guards exchanged awkward glances, not believing him. If it was what he said, shouldn’t they also be huge?
Dahlia tugged at Garion’s sleeve.
"Master... can we go now? If the tournament is this Sunday. That’s only a few days. We need to train."
Garion looked at her, his smirk turning sharper.
"Exactly. The god Gym doesn’t accept losing. If we’re entering this tournament, we’re winning it."
Dahlia clenched her fist in excitement.
"Yes, Master. I’ll do whatever it takes."
Garion chuckled, placing his hand on her head.
"Good. Let’s head back. Today, training will be even harsher. Tomorrow, we’ll add weights. By the time the tournament begins, you’ll be ready to crush anyone."
The two turned and left the office, coins jiggling from the bounty reward, the registration completed, and their path was set.
As they stepped back into he street, Garion couldn’t help but smirk again.
A once-in-ten-year tournament, rare treasures, and a stage to test Dahlia against other people...
This is perfect. Time to show the world what the God Gym can do and invite more members to join.
And Dahlia? She just grinned, imagining herself standing on the arena stage, her enemies trembling before her.
If I win this... the God Gym will become famous. People from everywhere will want to join.
Her smile sharpened.
Then I won’t be the only one suffering under Master’s training. I’ll make all of them squat, push, and sweat until they cry.