"We are the Burton family from the Kingdom of the Black Sun, that's our invitation," Billy took a few steps forward and handed a scroll to the chief guard.
"Hmmm, a fine-looking scroll, let me check if it is real." The chief guard giggled, turned around, and tossed the scroll to one of the soldiers next to him.
"If it's real? Do you think another Saint would waste his time impersonating me just to hear the details of a junior tournament?" Billy's words were logical, but the guard leader sneered, forcing Billy to stay calm.
"Are you trying to pressure me with your status as a Saint? That only makes me doubt you more. Wait here until I finish verifying!"
"You..!!" Billy almost grabbed the man by the neck, but an old elder beside him pulled his hand back and gestured toward the gate on the left. A Duke's expedition from the Black Sun Kingdom was being humiliated in the same manner.
But when Billy turned to the right, he saw that no one else was being stopped at all… every other kingdom's delegation passed freely just by showing their invitations. It was crystal clear—they were deliberately being targeted!
Billy finally understood his uncle's intent… this was aimed at the entire Black Sun Kingdom. It was for the Dukes and royal family to respond, not for a small Earl's house like theirs. They were still guests in foreign land—one wrong move could have dire consequences.
So, as long as the others endured, he had to endure as well.
Half an hour passed under the blazing sun… the rest of the kingdoms' families entered one by one without hindrance. Even the Duke's family from Black Sun had entered ten minutes earlier, yet the Burtons were still waiting at the side.
"Bastards! Are we here to be humiliated like this?" one of the elders finally shouted, unable to hold it in.
"Hehe, no humiliation sir, just routine procedure." The chief guard smirked.
"We've been standing here for nearly an hour! The announcement will begin any minute!!"
"Oh? You're right… well, you can go in now."
"What about this so-called routine verification?" Billy's voice was calm, but a faint killing intent slipped out.
"You can say I'm in a good mood since you all stood obediently, haha… you may enter now."
Billy paused, glaring at the guard and imagining dozens of ways to kill him, but finally sighed. "Follow me."
The Burton expedition entered with lowered heads, teeth clenched in anger, but all of them were strong or held high positions, so they kept their rage contained.
Inside, the hall was vast, divided into eight main sections. Each kingdom's delegation sat in their allotted space.
After a quick glance, Billy found the Black Sun Kingdom's corner—but it was completely full.
"There are no seats left for us!" one elder shouted.
"What do we do now? Stand here like clowns?!"
Billy's face darkened. If they left in anger, it would stain their reputation. If they stood silently, it would be another humiliation. He was about to curse and storm out when a voice suddenly rang out:
"Oh, Caesar Burton! Bring your family over here!"
A few people were ordered to stand and give up their seats for the Burton elders.
The whole Burton party turned toward the voice. It was Felix Bradley, head of the Bradley Military Institution where Caesar studied.
Everyone sighed in relief and hurried toward him.
When they arrived, Billy nodded, "Thank you, sir Felix, you saved us from a truly embarrassing situation."
"Thank you, headmaster." Caesar bowed slightly.
"Haha, no need. Let's just say we have ties now… come sit, let the young fellows stretch their legs for a while."
Billy didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Stretch their legs? Even before they arrived, many of Black Sun's nobles were already forced to stand.
"Sir Felix, what's going on here? Why are we being treated like this?" Billy asked.
"I don't know either. There have always been border conflicts with Dolivar, but that's no reason for such treatment. Small wars are normal and never escalated political tensions to this degree. To use the Eight Kingdoms Tournament as a tool to suppress us is baffling. The event should ease tensions, not raise them! Don't they know the days turn? Soon it will be our turn to host, and they'll taste their own medicine… strange, very strange." Felix shook his head.
"It doesn't matter for now. Endure until we return. His Majesty will decide our response."
Felix's last words had barely faded when a booming voice echoed: "Haha, welcome everyone to Dolivar! It is my honor, Joseph Dolev, to host you and announce the rules of this tournament.
As you all know, each tournament differs based on the host's choice. This time, it will consist of only two stages: the first, an elimination round to remove most participants; the second, the final ranking battles. For the elimination stage… it will be the Hunting Event! Of course, you all know what that means…
The second stage will be one-on-one combat among the survivors, chosen by board. Any questions?" Joseph smiled calmly as he looked around.
The hall remained mostly quiet. Some nodded, some frowned, whispers broke out here and there.
But in the Black Sun section, everyone stood up at once, faces pale in disbelief.
Finally, Prince William, head of their royal expedition, roared furiously, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?! The Hunting Event?! Why were we not told beforehand?!"