Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

Aleksander and Commander Arturo were conversing politely in the king's study. Arturo was asked to visit his liege earlier in the day to discuss the plans for the upcoming tournament.

Shortly after the announcement of the end of the war, the king announced that Marked Ones would be allowed to continue participating in the Adventurer's Guild, and Merchant Guild, and attend academies, including the one in the capital. The forced conscription was still in effect, but would only be utilized during times of war.

During times of peace, Marked Ones would be allowed to participate in those different aspects of society. They still could not purchase property, get married, or hold legal offices, but they would be able to earn a living as laborers, adventurers, or whatever else.

Another decision that the king had made was that the Senior Exhibition at the Arcadios Royal Academy would instead become the 'Exhibition Tournament' and all nations were invited to register students from their nations' state academies. Only three nations chose not to participate in the end, but all the others were all too happy to accept the invitations.

The leaders of those nations were also invited to observe the fights and would be in attendance for those as well. Every leader would be in attendance for it. The reason Aleksander invited him specifically, was to discuss security measures in the capital for the event.

"So, your thoughts Arturo?" the king asked in between sips of his coffee. Normally, it was proper to drink tea in the presence of company, but the nation of Arcadios was different. They were the nation that consumed the largest amount of the stuff and imported it in massive quantities from the mountainous regions of Eroa.

"I believe it would be best for us to avail ourselves of Lord Petra's military force. Many of his men are still present around the capital and I believe that through their excellent training, they would be more than sufficient to supplement the city guard as well as the royal army."

Aleksander pondered it for a moment. "And you are sure you are okay with this?"

"Yes, though I distrust the man for allowing the likes of that…boy to exist in his domain and even his own house… he proved himself trustworthy of at least this much." He admitted. "He even foot the entire cost of the assassination after being unable to prove that Marked One's death."

"Yes, that is true. Richard believed the boy was dead and even showed us the recording. However, he also admitted that this…Lucas or whatever his name was… was quite the survivor." Aleksander agreed.

"Yes. Though one cannot rule out that Lord Petra did not act in such a manner for honor, but rather covering his ass… if I may be so crass, my liege."

Aleksander laughed so hard he spat out his coffee. "Arturo, I appreciate your candor always. In private you may speak freely… but yes, I agree. Richard's actions may be for a multitude of reasons."

A few moments of silence later Aleksander continued. "I think your recommendation is a good one. I shall reach out to Richard and request a portion of his men to assist with security. For the sake of assisting you in keeping your sanity Arturo, I will request that these additional forces be placed under your command.

Richard himself is attending the event, so he will not be available to give or receive orders. Is this acceptable?"

"Yes, my liege, more than acceptable."

The two continued to discuss security measures and the like for a few more hours before they settled on a finalized plan for security checkpoints and patrols. Eventually, they moved on to some of the entry applicants.

Several entrants would be considered 'seeded' and guaranteed a spot in the final rounds of the tournament. The thought process is that it would be a bracket-style tournament. There would be a total of ten seeds. Seven of which belonged to the number one picks from each country.

The remaining three spots would be decided by a free-for-all group elimination match. The remaining three participants would be selected. For these three winners, the tournament would provide advanced healing spells, potions, and stamina recovery potions so they could immediately turn around and fight if needed. Find more to read at m_v l|e'm-p y r

"Who are the participants from the other kingdoms?" Arturo asked.

Aleksander passed him a document with the names that he had received. On it was a list of seven names. "So… we have a prince of Paede, a disgraced son of a noble family, an elven commoner, a nephew to the king of Docia, a member of the al Famyn family… and…"

"Are you serious?"

"Very."

"Interesting…"

They finalized the brackets and sent them off to the Royal Academy so they could make preparations. On the day of the tournament, the free-for-all battle would start at first light. There was no telling how many people would participate in that elimination tournament, but shortly after, the normal tournament would start.

They agreed that if the elimination battle lasted longer than two hours, then a team of judges who were watching the participants would select the ones with the most eliminations and choose them to fill the three open spots.

The setup was sure to rile up any commoners who wished to participate and complain about the number of nobles in the guaranteed slots, but those positions were earned based on performance. The second opportunity for them to participate would be to win the group elimination battle royale.

The tournament consisted of four rounds. The first round would be two fights to determine the final eight. The second round would consist of four fights. Then two fights in the next round, to determine the championship fight. In the second to last round, the four fighters would each have an opportunity to announce their request that they would ask of King Aleksander.

The king believed that the audience would be more invested in the final rounds if they knew what the fighters were trying to achieve. If they were aware of their hopes and dreams, then it would encourage them to do other things… like betting on the fights, which was something that the kingdom was setting up.

"One last thing Arturo."

"Your majesty?"

"The Oracle will be in attendance as will her daughter. King Verdayl of Eroa will be bringing Kalivas with him so they may interact. Be mindful of any rumors you hear spread. And inform our Empyrean Rankers of his presence. I would hate for them to think he was attacking when in fact he is just observing the fights."

"Your will be done."