The Herb King

"Serge, make sure that you do things right this time. You've already failed once so make sure that you don't make a second mistake." Gustavo eyed Serge coldly.

Serge wiped the sweat on his forehead as he nodded his head. "Yes, Boss Gustavo! Don't worry!"

"Leave!" Gustavo dismissed him and when Serge left, he stared at the remaining people inside the room and said. "The battle event will begin soon. Make sure that the participants that we will be sending are briefed on what they should do. I believe that Ragnar would invite the best participants to join the Leone Empire's army. It would be great if we can place more spies in their midst."

A buff man with an eyepatch and arms full of scars said. "Boss, this time our best young fighter will be joining the competition. There should no trouble for him to reach the top five in the contest. As for the others, they should be able to enter the top fifty."

This man was the Vice Leader of the Northern Viper Group, the One-Eyed Viper, Vhincent. He is a skilled fighter and was proficient in using sabers. Other than that, he was also a mid Level 4 Esper!

Gustavo smiled as he nodded his head. They had been hiding in the dark for many years and no one knew the exact origins of the Northern Viper Group. In truth, they were elite warriors of the neighboring Ford Empire sent to cause chaos in Leone Empire. Their main task was to spearhead the collapse of the internal factions of the empire! As for his attraction to the young miss of the Reynolds Household, it was merely an act to have everyone think that he was a lovestruck fool.

"Brothers, we are already close to completing our mission. Once a crack will form in the internal state of the Leone Empire, our Ford Empire would begin its attack." Gustavo muttered with a wicked smile on his face. The others also revealed murderous expressions.

"Let's roll out of here. The security of Lion City has been increasing and it wouldn't be good if we are spotted." Gustavo stood up and left the building. There were already more than five merchant carriages prepared to take them out of the capital.

***

It was nighttime and the next day was the start of the battle event. The young participants have already entered the accommodating area prepared for them. There were about a thousand participants this time and all of them were the most talented Espers all over the empire! They were the hopes of their families and friends.

These are the requirements to join the competition:

- Age must be not less than 11 and not above 20

- Only Level 1 Espers and above are allowed to join

- Only citizens of the empire can join

The main goal of the competition was to gather elite warriors for the army and the top eleven to fifty will automatically be promoted to sergeants! As for the top ten, they would be promoted as lieutenants! The top three will also get additional rewards from the Imperial Family!

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the accommodation area of the participants was already filled with intensity. There were even some minor disputes, but no one dared to start a brawl since they would immediately be disqualified from the competition.

In a dark alley outside the arena, four figures were standing respectfully in front of Serge. "You guys have received the guidance of Boss Gustavo and your main objective this time is to reach the top fifty. There must be no failure! The boss has placed great importance on this mission and he will surely reward you guys handsomely if you manage to accomplish it. You must not underestimate the other participants since all of them are elites of their respective cities and districts."

"Yes, Boss Serge!" The four young figures responded with confidence.

Serge nodded his head, feeling satisfied with their answer. "Alright. Just remember what to do if they ask you guys some questions."

The four nodded their heads obediently. They knew that they would be sent as spies, but they were eager to contribute to the bandit group. As students of Gustavo, they knew how powerful he was and they wanted to show him that they would be useful for his cause.

Serge then turned his gaze towards the leading figure of the four. "Alec, you must enter the top three no matter what it takes!" He commanded in a solemn voice.

That's right! This young man was Alec Ward, the young genius of the Ward Family. It was a secret of their family that they were in cahoots with the Northern Viper Group! The bandit group was also the main reason for the sudden rise of their family's power!

Alec's eyes were filled with confidence. "I'm aiming for the championship! Don't worry, Boss Serge."

Serge chuckled when he heard the young man's words. He then took out something and handed it to Alec. "This is a Refined rank sword prepared by Boss Gustavo for you. You better not disappoint him."

The other three felt jealous in their hearts as they looked at the Refined rank sword in Alec's hands. However, they knew that their chances of getting into the top three were low so they could only remain silent at the special treatment given to their companion.

Alec smiled joyfully as he carefully observed the sword. It was not heavy and it fits perfectly in his hands. He then bowed at Serge and muttered. "I won't disappoint the bosses!"

"Good! You guys go back to the accommodation area. The organizers might feel suspicious if you're gone for a long time." Serge warned them before he left.

The four young people also returned to the accommodation area.

The dark alley became silent when the group left the scene.

***

Meanwhile, Prince Calvin came to the Reynolds Household's mansion to deliver the contract and documents to Leric.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Leric smiled at the second prince.

Prince Calvin grinned as he waved his hand. "No problem! You can give me the signed contract tomorrow."

Leric nodded his head. "Alright."

"Since I've delivered the documents, I'll take my leave now, Sir Aethelwolf. See you tomorrow." Prince Calvin left after bidding farewell.

Leric glanced at his departing figure and then at the documents in his hands. The papers felt heavy for some reason.