Ben was exhausted this time. He had no mind to fight tomorrow also. He went to collect his money from betting. Seeing the amount of money he received, he was horrified. ' 5 million mudras. That much was money was involved in this match. I seriously need to be careful.' He looked around to see if anyone was observing him. Luckily there was no one. He got out though an inconspicuous door of the building. He was cautious and kept his guard up. He decided that he would eat something quickly and go to his hotel. He decided against it then. He booked another hotel for the night and informed his first hotel that he won't be coming today.
Ben was being a bit paranoid. But it had its advantages. There were some people eyeing him. But unfortunately for them, Ben was paranoid and overthinking, making him difficult to track easily. He went to another hotel, a more dilapidated one. He made sure that no one was following him. There he rested for the day. Ben was reassured because he did not remove his mask inside the SMT and had used another exit to get out. Ben despite being paranoid, now was learning how to control it. He began to hammer in the mentality that if something happens even after all these preparations, then let it happen.
Ben had also informed his parents that he would be back after a few days. He also called Rebecca, who playfully said she was happy that someone fought Ben like that. She also congratulated him on his win.
After a good night's rest, Ben got out of the hotel and hit the streets. It was not exactly just a night rest. It was already 2:00 pm in the afternoon. Ben looked around. There were street vendors and various roadside restaurants, which were selling various delicacies. He decided to check on them.
That was when he saw a familiar face. At first, he did not get him. He just thought it was someone familiar to him. But as he got near him, he recognized the person. Malcen was enjoying a street food that was really famous in the area, along with a fruit squash. He was laughing with the vendor and the people near by. Ben raised an eye brow. To Ben, Malcen did not strike the person to be so socializing. Ben decided to go and talk with him. He could also find if he was willing to got to the SMT for a spar.
Malcen spotted Ben when he moved closer. He recognized Ben. He was a bit flustered at first. He was on a mission here. He could not get caught here. Malcen signalled with his eye to meet him later. Ben stopped. He understood Malcen's intention and so changed his way and went to another vendor and bought some food and juice.
Ben waited for Malcen to finish patiently. After a few minutes, Ben saw him walk. So he followed Malcen. They reached a bench facing the sea and sat down on either side of the Bench. The GCMR was situated in the city of Keli. It was a direct challenge to the nearby Naturas and Metallas to dare and attack this facility. There will always be Martial entities in the city and other protective measures in place. Even the administration of the city is under entity council. Outside forces had no influence here.
Soon, after making sure that no one suspicious was nearby, they started talking.
Malcen: " So, you are selecting martial techniques, if I am not wrong.
Ben: Yes. I have been here for some days now. I believe you are here on a mission.
Malcen: Yes.
Ben: And I suppose it is a secret mission as well, which you cannot tell anyone.
Malcen: ....
Ben: I just assumed it. You did not strike me as someone who loved socializing. But here you were talking with everyone and laughing….. I could see your pain( chuckling)
Malcen: Hey, I am not like that. I do enough socializing everyday.
Ben: Oh so you have a schedule for socializing and interacting with people. Dude you are weird.
Malcen: Whatever….
Ben: Nothing to say…..
Malcen: I don't want to waste my breath talking with a kid.
Ben: Ha, this kid handled you in sparring despite not knowing any techniques.
Malcen: What about all the times I beat you? You did not win against me.
Ben: I was a novice knight who did not know any martial techniques. What do you expect?
Malcen: Excuses.
Ben: I need to ask teacher Mahaansh about your winning streaks.
Malcen: .....
Ben: Anyway what is going on? Anything I can do or is it a top secret mission.
Malcen: Well, it is a secret mission, but I don't mind some help. But I don't know if you are up to it or not.
Ben: Why don't we spar in the SMT?
Malcen: When do you want it?
Ben: Today, now.
Malcen: I have a few matters to handle. But there are 2 conditions here.
Ben: What are those?
Malcen: If you lose the spar with me, you need to remain in the city for the next 48 hours. If you win in the spar, you need to attend the mission and you can't go back.
Ben: That is kind of steep. What will I get back?
Malcen: There will be remuneration. But that amount is tied to the mission details and I can't disclose it. Also, now you need to at least wait for 24 hours before leaving the city.
Ben: ( A bit concerned) Can I go to learn martial techniques? You don't want me to be stuck at the hotel right.
Malcen: You can go anywhere in the city. Don't just go outside."