★86
THIRD POV
After exactly ten minutes, all those who made it to the quarterfinals were standing in a straight line facing the vip section. They were all dressed in rich white robes.
The arena was redesigned to fit this certain event. It was no longer a ring.
From the heavens came light. The coliseum went silent, and everyone had their eyes on the light as it slowly descended. As it approaches the ground, it dimmed and a silhouette can be seen. The moment it touched the ground, the light completely faded and behold Asteri, the founder of Star Island.
"Greetings, everyone."
He began.
"It has been ten days since I made my promise, so now it is time to fulfil it. Without wasting any time, let us proceed."
He snapped his fingers, and a box appeared beside him.
"I will begin with my personal gift before moving on to the main event."
They stood in line according to their positions, with Asteri facing them—Natsu, Seiji, Masashi, Yasu, Majo, Scarlet, Tokito, and Raiden.
The box hovering beside him glowed silver. Eight silver, star-shaped badges flew out, each one moving on its own before pinning itself neatly to their attire.
"These are my tokens for those who reached the quarterfinals. Congratulations."
The crowd erupted into applause. Then, a small golden box floated forward, stopping before the first four. It opened slowly, golden light reflecting in their widened eyes.
"T–this is—?"
"Five thousand gold coins."
Asteri answered.
The crowd gasped.
"This is—"
"You fought well. Match 105 was one of my favourites."
Asteri cut in, leaving no room for protest. "Thanks to your performances, I expect to see you again in the next tournament."
Natsu and the others bowed in unison.
"Thank you very much."
"Get up."
The founder said immediately, his voice firm. "You've earned it."
"Forgive me."
"I beg your pardon."
"Now, if you will excuse us…"
Knowing they did not belong to the next batch, they left the stage and joined the others.
With Natsu, Seiji, Masashi, and Yasu gone, it was time to reward those who had reached the semifinals.
"Next."
At his command, silver star badges flew out and pinned themselves to the remaining four. Without waiting for further instruction, four boxes followed, stopping before each of them and opening to reveal the treasures within.
"Fifteen thousand gold coins. Congratulations."
Cheers and applause filled the arena.
"Now, for the wishes. Majo?"
The way she recoiled showed she had been caught off guard. Clearing her throat, she composed herself, using the moment to form a single, deliberate wish.
"I have been forgiven, and I now serve you, which means my wish has already been fulfilled. Still, this is another chance to earn merit and be of use to you. As a demon, I naturally seek power. That is my wish."
"Power."
Ne repeated.
"Be specific. A skill, magicule, perhaps an art?"
"If the last is possible, I will choose that."
She answered, obviously greedy.
"Hmm. In that case, I would need to grant you more of my energy so you can withstand an art. That is not something I can do properly right now. You are close already—can you wait a little longer?"
"No problem."
Majo stepped aside, and Asteri turned to the next person.
"What do you wish for, my Guardian?"
He asked with a smile.
Scarlet stiffened, clearly flustered, yet he forced himself to maintain a calm expression.
'Foolish demons will naturally seek power. Majo is right about that, but I'm not a foolish demon.'
"I'd like to be the one closest to you."
"Being my guardian isn't enough?"
"No."
'Being my butler isn't enough?"
"No."
"What exactly do you need?"
"Like I said, to be the one closest to you."
"Hmm, personally, the opposite gender is who I want to be close to me."
In a heartbeat, Scarlet's body was enveloped in a red fog, and his body was reshaped that of a lady.
[[IMAGE]]
[[IMAGE]]
The spectators gasp but no one dares to laugh or oppose him. Hinata, Towa, and those touched by it couldn't let this slide.
"How's this?"
Scarlet asked without any shame, ignoring the crowd. Asteri froze. He's caught off guard and didn't know what to do.
"Gender doesn't apply to us demons. But if you like this, I'll keep it. Just for you."
Scarlet spoke, and Asteri was at a loss for words. He's never experienced this before. This is new to him.
"Un—ah."
He stammered, unable to find the words. Was he stunned by the beauty or what?
(This is a third-person pov, even though I can't write what he's thinking. Lol)
"That's inappropriate. You already have two tight positions that keep you next to him. What the hell is this?"
The queen let her emotions fly. Scarlet's predatory eyes locked onto her, but it wasn't anything bad. She got the wrong message due to his nature and fidget a bit. This is more than enough to be punished.
A cold palm rested on his shoulder, and the person behind him whispered.
"Scarlet—"
Asteri was smiling, but Scarlet got his own message.
"F—forgive me."
"That's okay. As my guardian and butler, these two posts have earned you the right to be the one closest to me."
Asteri told him/her as he made his way towards Tokito.
"So, Transcendent Demi Human. What's it gonna be?"
"If a military force for this Isand is ever mobilised, I'd like to be it's general."
"That's an interesting wish. And based on your background, this isn't going to be new to you."
"Yes, sir."
"Drop it."
He wispheres before continuing.
"I understand, but if Raiden has the same wish I'm after, we'll have a long vote here to decide. What do you say, Demi God of Lightning?"
"I'm afraid I'm interested in that spot too."
"Well, this is interesting. Let's have a vote, shall we? Everyone is free to choose who they want."
A small pop-up screen appeared in front of everyone watching, be it on or off the coliseum.
The details.
Vote for your future Star General.
Raiden
Tokito.
"The vote is the first step, and it won't directly determine who's getting crowded. In the meantime, add this to ponder on."
Vote for the future Star Admiral.
Seiji
Sailor.
Vote for future Star General (Air Force).
Yasu
Masashi
Majo
Vote for the future Star Supreme Commander
Tokito
Raiden
Natsu
Scarlet King
Majo.
"I think five minutes should be enough for everyone to choose. If you can't think it out, just pick randomly before the screen closes. I, too, will make a choice."
Another small screen pops up next to Asteri's shoulder. Athena flinched at the sudden emergence of the screen.
"Pick one of your choice, my lady."
Athena didn't make a move.
"Are you waiting for me to choose so you'll copy?"
He asked, and she nodded.
"That's cheating. It's a bad habit."
He scolded.
"Luckily, this isn't a test or exams so I'll let it slide."
With that, everyone focused on their screen thinking who to choose. Some even discuss it with one and which is totally fine. Since the kids are going to participate, nothing bad can possibly happen.
After five minutes, all the screens closed, and Asteri distributed the results for everyone to see.
Vote for your future Star General.
Raiden (50%)
Tokito (50%)
Vote for the future Star Admiral.
Seiji (89%)
Sailor (11%)
Vote for future Star General (Air Force).
Yasu (41%)
Masash (58%)
Majo (1%)
Vote for the future Star Supreme Commander
Tokito (40%)
Raiden (41%)
Natsu (17%)
Scarlet King (2%)
Majo (0%)
"Great. Just great."
Sarcasm leaking from Majo's words.
'Hmm, it looks like Athena and I are the only ones who chose Scarlet in the overall.'
"That's such a wonderful result. From that, I'll personally deliver my judgement. Let's start with the easiest one, the Star Admiral post.
Due to Seiji's ability, he's fit for it. I don't know about his background, but we have a lot of time to get him up to speed. With that..."
Asteri beckoned for him to approach, and he hastily did.
"I officially appoint Seiji as the Star Admiral for this island. I hope you'll keep the islands safe from the waters."
Asteri extended his hand with a smile, and Seiji gently shook it. He held his palm as fragile as an egg, scared it may slip and be destroyed.
"It's an honour. I'll live up to your expectations."
"Stand aside, please."
He pointed towards a location, and Seiji stood there, observing.
"Next off will be Star General, Air Force category. A lot of you have chosen Masashi, which isn't a problem, but I've included that anomaly there for a reason. She's a demon, yes. Hundreds if not thousands of years of experience and knowledge. Not to mention her powers as well as her troops. I appreciate your votes, but I'll have to give this spot to Majo."
She jumps from the sidelines, clearly excited before composing herself as she approaches him.
"Well done. Another plate on your table."
The moment their hands came into contact, a cold breeze washed over Majo, and she immediately drifted into her boundless space of imagination. For her, this is almost like a dream come true. To be touched by her master. (Not in "that" way).
"Hey. How long are you going to keep daydreaming?"
Asteri's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Apologies. As usual, I'll live up to your expectations, my lord."
She stepped aside, standing next to Seiji.
"Was this a coincidence? I don't know, but let's proceed. Raiden and Tokito. In terms of strength, Raiden takes it, but when it comes to experience, Tokito easily wins.
This rank mostly covers the former, so I'll have to appoint Raiden as the Star General."
They applauded, understanding where I'm coming from.
Raiden approached and shook hands with Asteri before returning back to his original spot because this was just an unexpected event.
"With this, the Star Supreme Commander inevitably goes to Tokito. I know Scarlet is among the list, but this spot is mostly about strategies and experiences. But wait, Scarlet has thousands of years of experience compared to Tokito, but I have my reason.
First, I need a friendly commander. A commander is expected to be harsh towards his subjects, but I'm not going by your regular standards. This is my standards, and this is how I want it to be.
With a softie like Tokito, his subordinates will be able to freely give their thoughts when needed, but having something like Scarlet won't be easy. Even if they urge them to bring one or two suggestions, only the brave will speak up. This is a friendly environment. We don't need that here.
Secondly, Scarlet has way more positions than almost everyone here, including my own clones. He took Shinn's spot, became my guardian, and has successfully become the closest person to me physically. Everywhere I go, he's there. Giving him this spot will be like marking him as my favourite. And that's it. These are the reasons I chose Tokito for this spot. If anyone has complaints, feel free to speak now or meet me later. Congratulations, Star Supreme Commander."
Tokito approached him, and they shook hands before returning to his position.
"This was unexpected. It's getting dark. Let's round this up."
The box glowing golden and two golden badges went straight to Tokito and Raiden. The 30,000 gold coin boxes followed suit.
"The finals were definitely interesting, and I promise to give a bonus to the runner-up. 10,000 gold coins, a runner-up badge, and a certain amount of my magicule have been added. Well done."
They applauded and cheered. The runner-up badge was a half golden and half crystal badge.
The four badges were arranged neatly with the runner-up badge being at the top, the golden right below it, and the last two next to each other above the golden badge.
"You've handled my energy pretty well the last time. Once we get some tests, I'll call on you."
"I'll be waiting then."
He bowed slightly and left. All that's left is Raiden Asteri.
"It's time. Is that your catchphrase or something?"
Asteri said.
"I've never thought about it, but it might be cool."
"It's time. Time for what, True Blaze?"
Asteri spoke to himself, and a translucent light flew from the box. The badge itself was given off that translucent glow, but the real badge is transparent. Not just any transparent substance but a mixture of transparent crystal and clear diamonds.
"I had this personally made for the winner. You've earned it. Congratulations."
Already having 80,000 gold coins, another 20,000 was offered along with Asteri's magicule, which will be delivered soon.
"You naturally have a wish for simply being the winner, but I'll grant you one more wish. I'm all ears, Star General. Perhaps you prefer the Demi God of Lightning?"
Asteri teased, and Raiden flustered, embarrassed, but he quickly wiped it off.
"I'll accept anyone you call me with. For my first wish, may the strength we forge here never be used to dominate but to defend. Unless during war or existential crises."
Everyone, including Asteri, was caught off guard by his wish.
'Everyone is seeking power and wealth. He's pursuing peace and protection. What a guy.'
"I won't ask for a spell that binds or seals off your powers. But if you truly love this island and its creator, these words are enough."
'This is certainly unexpected. Someone who's asked for a spell or something for confinement, but he didn't. He had hoped people would obey what he said even behind his back. Hope keh?'
"That's—that's very noble and universal. I never thought of that, but you've made a clear point. You all heard him. I don't need to say it twice. Now for your second wish."
Raiden approached Asteri, and the latter turned off the amplification magic.
"This is more of an answer seeking and guidance."
"I'm listening."
"Why and how is an elf possessing divine powers? It has never occurred in my family. We worship a diety but this isn't something obtained through prayers or piety. I need answers, and I'm confident your grace has it. I may have the answers, but with a guide, I'll be lost and won't be able to deliver my duty. "
'Lady Elara once told me some stars like the Deity of Sun are being worshipped. Not that I care...'
"I have answers, and I'll help. But this isn't the appropriate time."
"I understand. I'll patiently wait for your summons."
He lowered his head and left. The cheer skyrocketed, the arena filled with flowers and some celebration stuff.
"It looks like you guys can't hold off any longer. We'll, this marks the conclusion of Star Tournament I. I'll see you all in the upcoming tournaments. Have a blessed night."
Asteri announced and slowly took off, flying towards the vip section.
To be continued...