「More than two months later.」

The finals of the free-fighting tournament on the Continent of Southeland were about to begin.

The champions of each Level’s competition would have the opportunity to represent Southeland in the international free-fighting tournament.

Like a dark horse emerging from the underground fighting pits, "Knight" had won the hearts of the people in the southern part of the Continent of Southeland.

He had fought his way from some obscure little town all the way to the capital of the strongest southern nation, the Luvian Empire, and had even defeated the capital’s top-seeded fighter from a higher level.

If he could win the Continent of Southeland tournament in a week, he would represent Southeland in the international free-fighting tournament.

"Lord Knight—"

"Lord Knight—"

Fervent cheers erupted from the largest boxing arena in the capital of the Luvian Empire.

On the stage, "Knight" sent his opponent flying with a single kick. The man crashed heavily to the ground and didn’t get back up.

He wasn’t tall and looked small and thin, but his seemingly frail body contained incredible explosive power.

He had a habit of wearing a Wolf King mask during his matches, which made him look incredibly fierce.

"The champion of the Luvian Empire’s free-fighting tournament, Great Martial Sect Level, is... Knight—"

The referee grabbed "Knight’s" arm and raised it high.

The crowd below erupted in a frenzy of cheers—

"Knight" descended the stage slowly, trophy in hand. He walked over to a man in a wheelchair, bent down to give him a hug, and tucked the trophy into his lap.

"Brother, I won."

The man in the wheelchair looked very weak, coughing from time to time as if he were forcing himself to stay and watch the match.

"Congratulations."

"Knight" accepted the prize money, then began to slowly push the wheelchair toward the exit.

Just then, two staff members stepped forward to block their path. "Lord Knight," they said politely, "the Prince requests your presence—"

Meanwhile, inside a VIP suite in the boxing arena, two men in lavish clothes were chatting over red wine.

"Prince Harmon, this fighter, Knight, isn’t currently signed with any gym. If you’re interested, I can sign him."

Hamon’s interest was immediately piqued. "With skills like that, how could he not be signed?" he asked curiously.

"I’ve looked into it. This Knight and his brother are fugitives from the fighting pits up north. They’re currently applying for legal status in the Luvian Empire."

A sharp glint flashed in Hamon’s eyes.

According to a secret report, a tragic incident had occurred in the Ocrean Empire over a month ago. Prince Dick Oak was assassinated in his royal villa. But strangely, the Ocrean Royal Family didn’t issue a wanted notice. Instead, they dispatched men to secretly search for the two assailants within the country.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK—

A knock came from outside the VIP suite.

"Come in—"

The door opened, and "Knight"—the man who had just defeated his opponent on the stage—entered, pushing a wheelchair.

"Sirs, good afternoon!" The fighter "Knight" bowed to the two men in the room.

Hamon didn’t speak, his gaze fixed with interest on the two men before him. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

One was in a wheelchair, bundled up tightly from head to toe. The other was small and thin, his face hidden by a Wolf King mask.

"This is Prince Harmon of the Royal Family. You’ll need to take off your mask," the boxing arena’s owner said with a smile, setting down his teacup.

"Knight" stiffened for a moment but complied, removing his mask to reveal a bloodless face.

His features were reasonably handsome, but his face was completely devoid of expression. His gray eyes, in particular, held no emotion whatsoever.

"Prince Harmon."

Hamon studied him for a moment, then a smile touched his lips. "Your skills are impressive. Are you willing to serve the Royal Family?"

"Knight" cupped his fist again and replied, his expression neither servile nor overbearing, "I am, but I have a request."

"Go on..."

"I request that Prince Harmon send someone to cure my brother’s illness."

Hamon seemed to smile a lot. His slightly chubby, baby-faced cheeks had two small dimples, giving him a rather boyish look.

"Done. Where are you living now?"

"138 Rooker Street."

***

The Luvian Empire’s capital, Barrok City, was a very modern metropolis. The Royal Palace was located in the eastern part of the city, a prosperous and expensive district inhabited by imperial relatives, nobles, and high-ranking ministers.

Commoners were not allowed to live here, so a massive plaza separated the royal district from the populace.

The public could enjoy the plaza, but they were forbidden from entering The Royal Palace.

Hamon had his men arrange for "Knight" and his brother to be housed in a high-end apartment, which was still relatively close to the royal district.

"Mr. Knight, here is your and Mr. Elias’s identification. From now on, you are legal residents of the Luvian Empire. Prince Harmon hopes you will win the championship at the Southeland Free-Fighting Tournament in one week. That way, he’ll be in a good position to recommend you to His Majesty the King."