random123456

Chapter 213: But

As the sound echoed in the room, Valeria was surprised.

'They didn't come for me?'

She asked herself. It was really something that she had never expected.

"You, Lucavion. Come with us. We need to talk."

Lucavion's smile was easy, almost lazy, as he looked up at Zerah, who stood before him with a barely veiled arrogance in her gaze. Her posture was rigid, and there was a flash of impatience in her eyes as she waited for him to respond.

"Why should I?" he replied, his tone casual as he leaned back in his seat, the glint of mischief never leaving his eyes. He made no move to stand, simply watching her with an amused tilt of his head. "I don't even know you."

Zerah's lips tightened, her composure wavering at his blatant disregard. "This isn't a request," she said sharply, her tone laced with a simmering edge. "You've crossed enough lines already, and our sect would appreciate some answers."

Lucavion chuckled, raising his eyebrows. "Lines? What lines have I crossed? And, answers? About what? I thought the tournament was a place for fighting, not questioning one's motives." His tone remained light, but his gaze sharpened slightly as he continued, "Or is there something about my victories that bothers you?"

Valeria observed the exchange in silence, her hand resting loosely on the table but her expression as hard as steel. She hadn't expected this confrontation to shift so suddenly onto Lucavion, and the fact that Zerah now seemed focused on him sent a chill down her spine.

Zerah's fists clenched at her sides, a spark of anger flaring in her gaze as she met Lucavion's mocking expression. Every part of her wanted to draw her sword, to show him the price of his arrogance.

But she restrained herself, reminding herself of the delicate situation. Causing a scene here, under the watchful eyes of the Iron Matron's inn, would bring trouble none of them needed. Worse, they lacked a valid reason for confrontation; her personal irritation wasn't nearly enough to justify a public fight.

Swallowing her pride, she forced a small, composed smile onto her face, the kind that barely reached her eyes. "I assure you, Lucavion, it is not about your victories," she said, her voice softening to an almost diplomatic tone, "we only wish to talk. It would be easier for everyone if you'd simply come with us."

Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk widening as he observed the barely concealed tension in her posture. "Talk, is it? Funny, you don't seem like the talking type," he replied lightly, his voice dripping with amusement. "But let's pretend I'm interested. What is it that the great Cloud Heavens Sect wants with a 'nobody' like me?"

Zerah's smile tightened. "I think you know very well why we're interested," she said, keeping her tone even. "That is why, you must also know that this is not a place to talk about it."

Lucavion's eyes flickered with a knowing glint as he looked up at Zerah, a slight tilt to his head. Of course, he understood exactly why she was here, but there was no reason to make this easy for her. Not yet, at least.

'Ah, so they finally get to act,' he mused inwardly, enjoying the irony. They'd made sure his opponents were equipped with advanced weapons, pushing him harder than most fighters, and yet, each attempt had only added to his reputation rather than diminished it.

'I guess, I am finally against one of them?'

He did not have any access to the information about his opponents beforehand, at least, not the moment that his opponents were determined.

Sects had such privileges, and it was fine for him, as this was the real world and connections indeed mattered.

Though on the other side, Valeria's eyes darted between them, her posture tense. She couldn't decipher the undercurrent between the two, a silent exchange that seemed to carry years of enmity in mere glances. 'What are they talking about? What reason could Lucavion possibly have for drawing their attention like this?' She narrowed her gaze, trying to read between their words.

Lucavion leaned back even further, folding his arms across his chest. "And here I thought I was just another face in the crowd," he said, his tone light but calculated. "I didn't realize the Cloud Heavens Sect took such an interest in nobodies."

Zerah's forced smile didn't falter, though her eyes held a hard, dangerous glint. "Oh, rest assured, you're far from 'nobody' anymore. Word of your… accomplishments spreads fast in a city like this. So, Lucavion," she continued, her voice lowering just enough that only those at the table could hear, "if you want to keep certain details... hidden, I suggest you come with us."

'Accomplishments?' Valeria thought, her confusion deepening. The Cloud Heavens Sect had always acted with a kind of restrained pride, rarely concerning themselves with any competitors outside of their immediate goals. Yet now here they were, seemingly rattled by Lucavion's victories.

"Oh, I see," Lucavion replied, feigning understanding, his voice dripping with false innocence. "I imagine that would be quite convenient for you, wouldn't it?" His gaze held hers steadily, challenging. "But maybe I prefer to stay right where I am. After all, it's not every day the Cloud Heavens Sect makes such an effort for... well, a phantom."

Zerah's expression flickered for just a moment, revealing a flash of irritation. She took a step closer, lowering her voice to a near whisper. "This isn't a game, Lucavion. You do know, this will be your final offer."

He chuckled softly, unfazed by the veiled threat, and raised an eyebrow. "Really? Let me hear the offer then."

Zerah scanned the room quickly, noting how the tension between them had drawn the attention of nearby patrons. People were starting to glance their way, their gazes flickering between Lucavion's lazy grin and her own composed, albeit strained, expression. Aware of the eyes upon them, she took a deep breath and swallowed her irritation, smoothing her expression into something softer—something that could pass as interest.

Her smile shifted, the edges turning up in a calculated display of charm as she leaned in slightly, allowing a hint of warmth to creep into her gaze. She lowered herself gracefully into the chair beside him, one hand resting on the edge of the table as she looked up at him through half-lidded eyes.

"Oh, Lucavion," she purred, her tone laced with a playful edge. "You do like to make things difficult, don't you?" She reached over, tapping a finger lightly on his arm as though they were close friends—or perhaps something more. "All this resistance... it only makes me more intrigued."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he observed her act. He didn't seem the least bit fazed by her sudden change in demeanor, leaning back in his chair with an amused glint in his eyes. "Is that so?" he murmured, his tone playful but measured. "Well, I certainly wouldn't want to disappoint the esteemed Cloud Heavens Sect."

Zerah's smile tightened ever so slightly, but she kept her expression light, letting out a soft, almost flirty laugh as if they were sharing an inside joke. She glanced around the room again, subtly noting how many eyes were now watching them, her voice dropping into a low murmur that only Lucavion could hear.

"Listen carefully," she said, her tone still deceptively sweet. "It doesn't matter what persona you want to project here. I'm only interested in making sure the upcoming match goes smoothly... with a favorable outcome for our side. Surely you're clever enough to understand what I'm asking."

Lucavion's eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly entertained by her attempt at subtlety. He leaned in slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he matched her tone. "Oh, I understand perfectly," he replied, his voice low but laced with mock surprise. "But I'm afraid you'll have to be a little more specific. I wouldn't want to make any assumptions, after all."

Her jaw tightened just slightly, but Zerah maintained her flirty facade, her eyes narrowing as she met his gaze. "We'd like you to consider a... graceful defeat. The Cloud Heavens Sect doesn't forget favors, Lucavion. Think of the opportunities that could open up for someone like you."

He chuckled, feigning thoughtfulness as he looked her over. "Tempting offer," he murmured, his smirk never faltering.

Lucavion leaned back, his gaze drifting to the ceiling as if he were weighing Zerah's offer with the gravest of considerations. After a beat, he glanced back at her, his tone thoughtful, though his smirk remained intact.

"Well, let's think about this," he began, his voice laced with casual musing. "I'm a rogue Awakened, without ties to any sect, guild, or party. Not exactly wise to take on a whole established sect on my own, especially one with the influence and resources of the Cloud Heavens Sect." He paused, letting his words hang in the air. "So, in theory, aligning myself with you could save me a lot of unnecessary conflict."

Zerah's smile grew, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes as she nodded along. She had expected stubborn resistance from him, not this sudden show of practicality. Perhaps, she thought, this rogue has more sense than bravado after all.

Lucavion continued, his tone almost conspiratorial. "And let's not ignore the perks you're hinting at. Favor with the Cloud Heavens Sect, connections, maybe even some guidance with resources or… cultivation techniques?" He raised an eyebrow. "For a guy like me, it sounds like a path to a smoother, more manageable life—one without quite as many obstacles."

Zerah's amusement softened into something….

Maybe this guy is not that bad?

His pragmatic thinking, unexpected in someone who usually acted with such carefree arrogance, kinda looked cute.

She caught herself admiring him for a moment, even finding him—adorable, in a way she hadn't anticipated.

Let's spend tomorrow's night with him.

"Exactly," she murmured, imagining the tomorrow night.

But then….A voice came into her ears.

"But, I refuse!"

Chapter 214: I refuse

"But, I refuse!"

Zerah's eyes widened, her mind barely processing what she'd just heard. But I refuse. The words echoed in her ears, ringing with a finality that shattered the comfortable illusion she'd briefly allowed herself to entertain.

She turned slowly to look at him, the lingering traces of her admiration replaced by sheer disbelief. Surely, this had to be a joke. Lucavion couldn't have been serious—not after everything he'd just said. Not after hinting that he understood the advantages, the opportunities she was offering.

"What?" she managed, her voice caught between incredulity and shock.

But as her gaze met him, all hope of him jesting vanished. His face held none of the lighthearted mischiefs he often wore; instead, his expression was dead serious, his eyes gleaming with a cold amusement that bordered on cruelty.

Lucavion tilted his head to the side, his one foot suddenly raised onto his seat.

"One of the things I, Lucavion, love doing most… is saying 'No' right to the faces of those who think they have an absolute advantage!"

His face was menacing, his eyes were cold.

'What?'

He was dead serious, really saying that.

Her jaw clenched, the warmth she'd felt just moments ago evaporating into a simmering resentment. "You…" she stammered, struggling to keep her composure, her voice low but filled with venom. "So you were just toying with me?"

He shrugged, utterly unbothered by the anger simmering in her eyes. "Bingo!" he echoed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Lucavion's smirk only widened, his eyes glinting with a dark amusement that twisted the atmosphere into something razor-sharp. He leaned forward, his gaze never leaving Zerah's, a mocking glint dancing in his expression as he spoke, voice low and dripping with disdain.

"Oh, did you really think I'd make deals with people like you?" he asked, his words laced with cruelty. "I'm not interested in bending to the whims of two-faced schemers who parade their arrogance as if it's worth anything to me." He paused, letting his words sink in, each one sharpened with malice. "I've got standards. A little dignity, if you will. Something you might want to consider yourself."

Zerah's face flushed, a mixture of humiliation and fury boiling beneath her calm facade. The lingering warmth she'd felt before was gone, replaced by a deep, simmering resentment. Her composure wavered, her hands clenching at her sides as she fought to maintain her expression, but the venom in her gaze was unmistakable.

"So this is what you call 'dignity,' then?" she hissed, her voice barely containing the resentment flooding through her. "Mocking people who have shown you respect?"

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, the smirk never faltering. "Respect? Let's not kid ourselves here. This was never about respect," he replied coldly. "It was about leverage. Influence. A trade-off, where you saw me as some tool to fit into your grand schemes." He chuckled darkly, leaning back as if to savor the bitterness in her gaze. "But unfortunately for you, I'm not one of your lapdogs. And I never will be."

For a brief moment, a silence stretched between them, taut and heavy, the tension simmering in the air. Zerah's face hardened, her anger barely restrained. She knew that any outburst here would only give him satisfaction, but his words had left a mark, cutting through her usual resolve.

"Fine," she said, her voice like ice. "Play your little game, Lucavion. But don't be surprised when this arrogance costs you dearly."

He gave a mocking little bow, smirk still firmly in place. "Can't wait to see you try," he replied smoothly, eyes flashing with taunting amusement. As she turned to leave, he added, loud enough for her to hear, "And make sure to bring that so-called dignity with you. You'll need it."

Zerah didn't turn back, but the tension in her shoulders told him his words had struck deep. She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Lucavion to watch her retreat with a satisfied glint in his eye, wholly unbothered by the storm he'd just unleashed.

**********

As Zerah and her disciples exited the inn, leaving a wake of whispered ire, Lucavion's mocking smirk lingered, practically daring anyone to challenge him further. The room's tense air gradually dissipated, and the patrons resumed their quiet, private conversations, retreating to their own lives.

Across the table, Valeria watched Lucavion with a narrowed gaze, her earlier composure replaced by an unfamiliar agitation. She found herself holding onto memories of Zerah's brief, intimate gestures toward Lucavion—like when she had boldly draped herself over him. Despite herself, Valeria's mind kept circling back to it, a stubborn irritation gnawing at her thoughts.

'Why is this bothering me so much?' she wondered, her eyes flitting away from him as she tried to gather herself. 'It's not as if his choices should matter to me.'

Her attention shifted back to Lucavion as he leisurely adjusted his coat, his expression radiating pure satisfaction. He seemed entirely unfazed by the hostility he'd just incited as if he thrived on the challenge.

Unable to hold it in, Valeria spoke, her tone laced with restrained frustration, "So, is humiliating others your way of… fun?" She half-sneered, but the bite in her voice carried an undertone of genuine curiosity. This Lucavion—the one who seemed to relish in cruelty—was one she could hardly stand.

He met her gaze, a trace of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Only when they're foolish enough to try to pull one over on me," he replied, almost dismissively. "She thought she had the upper hand. I simply reminded her otherwise."

Valeria exhaled sharply, leaning back as she struggled to contain the discontent simmering beneath her calm facade. 'What kind of person derives joy from someone's embarrassment?' she questioned internally.

And then she remembered how he was before.

'Well…..he is indeed like that….'

But as she observed the satisfaction in his smirk, another thought surfaced, unwelcome and unsettling: 'Did he actually enjoy her attention before all this?'

Valeria's jaw clenched subtly as the image of Zerah wrapped around him flashed again in her mind, unbidden. Her irritation solidified, taking root like a splinter she couldn't ignore.

"Why does it even matter?" she muttered under her breath, more to herself than to him.

Lucavion caught her quiet words, his smirk widening. "Troubling thoughts, Valeria?" he asked, feigning innocence. "Jealousy, perhaps?" His gaze danced with a knowing mischief that only fueled her frustration further.

"HA! Who is jealous of whom?!"

The instant the words left her mouth, Lucavion's laughter erupted, loud and unrestrained.

"HAHAHAHA!"

His head tilted back before he doubled over, clutching his stomach, laughing as if he'd heard the most hilarious joke in the world. The sight of him bent over, nearly choking with amusement, only added to her simmering anger. Her cheeks burned, partly from embarrassment, though she wouldn't admit it, even to herself.

"You! YOU!" she spluttered, fists clenched as her voice rose above the hum of the inn. Nearby patrons glanced over, some curious, others amused. But Lucavion didn't even seem to notice the looks; he laughed on, completely unabashed.

Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. "What exactly is so funny about any of this?" she demanded, her tone sharp as steel. Her eyes locked onto him with barely contained frustration.

Still chuckling, Lucavion straightened up, letting out a few final, breathless laughs before his gaze settled back on her, his expression a blend of exasperating amusement and genuine interest. "What was so funny?" he echoed, tilting his head mockingly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Your reaction, Valeria. What else?"

Valeria's eyes were still narrowed, her frustration simmering. "And what's so funny about my reaction, then?" she pressed, her voice sharp with barely veiled irritation.

Lucavion shook his head, the last traces of his laughter fading into a smug smile. "It tells quite a lot of interesting things," he said, with a gleam in his eye that only deepened her irritation.

Her expression turned skeptical, her voice tight. "What exactly does it tell?"

"Oh, that's for you to figure out," he replied, waving off her question with infuriating casualness.

Valeria's gaze narrowed further, piercing and skeptical. She opened her mouth, ready to fire back, but Lucavion leaned in, shifting the mood with a subtle but disarming ease. Resting his chin on his hand, his elbow on the table, he fixed her with a look that was both knowing and unexpectedly gentle.

"But whatever you're worrying about," he began, his voice quieter, the smirk softening at the edges, "didn't happen. So, you really don't need to worry." His eyes held hers for a beat, intent and unwavering. "Even if a hundred women like her lined up, Valeria, I'd still choose dining with a beautiful knight who upholds her honor a hundred times over."

And that…..

That was something she couldn't answer.

Chapter 215: What is this?

"But whatever you're worrying about, didn't happen. So, you really don't need to worry. Even if a hundred women like her lined up, Valeria, I'd still choose dining with a beautiful knight who upholds her honor a hundred times over."

The words hung in the air between them, Lucavion's gaze steady, his expression uncharacteristically sincere. For a brief moment, Valeria simply stared, the weight of his words lingering without fully sinking in. Her mind spun, looping around what he'd said, trying to make sense of it.

'A hundred times over… he would choose…' she began to piece it together slowly, the significance dawning in her thoughts like the first rays of sunlight cresting the horizon.

And then, it hit her.

Her face flushed, the warmth spreading swiftly from her cheeks up to her ears, the shock rooting her to her seat. She couldn't hide the crimson spreading across her skin, and her hands instinctively clenched in her lap. But Lucavion's eyes held hers with a playful glint, watching as her expression shifted, completely aware of the effect his words were having.

"You…" she managed to stammer, feeling her voice waver against her will. She clenched her fists tighter, as if that might quell the rush of heat in her face, the feeling so foreign, that she hardly knew how to respond. She scowled, but it lacked its usual force, undermined by the lingering blush.

Lucavion's smirk returned, subtly triumphant. "Yes?" he drawled, his tone light and maddeningly smug.

Valeria opened her mouth to respond, but no words formed. Her throat tightened as if it refused to let anything out. She clenched her jaw, silently cursing herself for the lack of control. What was happening to her? The feeling inside her was like nothing she had ever encountered—burning yet fleeting, intense yet elusive.

As a knight, she had spent her life training, striving, and carrying the weight of her family's honor on her shoulders. She had sparred against the deadly opponents and met the clash of cold steel without flinching. But now, this warmth—so unlike the chill of iron—left her unable to steady herself.

'This… this can't be real,' she told herself, fighting against the foreign sensation flaring in her chest. 'It's not the thrill of battle or the cold discipline of duty.'

But if it wasn't that, then what was it? The warmth wasn't just from the fire beside them; it was in her very core, heat rising up and mingling with the maddening thrum of her heartbeat. And, though she wanted to look away from him, her gaze was drawn back to Lucavion, as if he were the source of it all.

'What is this feeling…?' she wondered, frustration and confusion clashing. Her heart pounded in her chest, betraying her with every erratic beat.

'Why can't I just answer him now?' she questioned herself, a gnawing frustration taking root alongside her confusion. She had never hesitated to face anything head-on and had always confronted challenges, no matter how daunting. But now, when the response should've been simple, her voice was gone. Her throat felt constricted, and she could barely breathe through the swirling, heated tension that sat heavily between them.

'What makes this different?' she asked herself again, as if repeating the question might yield an answer. But nothing came. The answer was as elusive as the sensation growing in her chest.

Lucavion's eyes remained fixed on her, pitch black and unwavering, his gaze carrying an intensity that felt almost… suffocating. It weighed on her in ways she couldn't understand, making her pulse quicken and her resolve falter. For reasons she couldn't explain, she found herself looking away, her gaze drifting toward the fire rather than meeting those piercing eyes that watched her so closely.

'Why can't I meet his gaze?' The question spun in her mind, pressing her with the kind of dread she had never felt in battle. She clenched her hands tightly, feeling the tension in her muscles, the vulnerability of being unable to confront him directly. 'Why is it so… hard?'

But even that question gave no clarity, only compounding the strange, tightening sensation within her chest. A stifling tension she couldn't shake.

Just when Valeria felt as though the overwhelming tension might finally push her over the edge, a clatter sounded beside her, and the aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air. She turned quickly, relief flooding her at the interruption, grateful for anything that might break the spell of this moment.

But when she looked up to see who had brought their meal, her sense of reprieve vanished almost as quickly as it came. Standing beside their table, towering and formidable, was none other than the Iron Matron herself, her sharp gaze assessing as she set down their plates with an air of calm authority.

Valeria's relief faltered. The Iron Matron's presence was always charged, and tonight was no different. The woman's silent power radiated as she placed the dishes before them, her eyes flicking between the two with a faint hint of amusement as if sensing the invisible tension crackling between them.

"Your meals," the Iron Matron intoned, her voice low and carrying that measured weight that quieted everything around it. She looked pointedly at Valeria, her expression unreadable but distinctly knowing.

"Thank you," Valeria managed, her voice steadier than she felt, though she kept her gaze firmly on the food in front of her rather than risking another glance in Lucavion's direction.

The Iron Matron gave a brief, approving nod, then turned her gaze on Lucavion. "I trust this will be to your satisfaction, as well."

"I never doubted your skills."

"I don't want to doubt yours too….But, you really seem reckless."

"What can I do? I learned it from my master."

"….."

The Iron Matron's gaze sharpened, fixed unwaveringly on Lucavion. Her eyes held a kind of quiet challenge, and Lucavion, unfazed, met it head-on, the edges of his mouth curved in a slight, almost daring smile. They held each other's stare, a silent contest of wills unfolding between them.

After a long, heavy pause, the Iron Matron's lips curved into a small, approving smile. "If that's what you want, then I'll uphold my promise," she murmured, a glint of something like respect flickering in her eyes.

Lucavion's own smile widened, but this time it was genuine, a rare glimpse of sincerity in the usually mocking expression he wore. "Thank you, Miss Little Bear," he replied smoothly, inclining his head slightly in a gesture that was part respect, part cheek.

The Iron Matron chuckled, crossing her arms as she stood back. "Only you can still use that name."

"I know that."

"Is that so?" she remarked, amusement flashing across her face. Then, with a final approving nod to Valeria, she turned and left them for their meal.

Valeria, still reeling from the strange exchange, glanced down at her plate, hoping the food might ground her from the swirl of emotions that Lucavion had stirred in her.

Just like that, their night went on.

*******

Lucavion stepped into the wide, open corridor leading toward the arena, his footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

The tension was tangible, and the silence between the thick walls seemed almost expectant, as if the stones themselves understood the significance of this stage.

Now that only thirty-two contestants remained, each match was a spectacle, with every pair battling in full view of the crowd and the tournament's most esteemed guests. He felt the shift in the air, the weight of hundreds of eyes awaiting him on the other side of the gate.

As he approached, he let out a slow, steady breath, drawing on his focus as he felt the mana hum through him, resonant and ready.

The clash with Zerah from the Cloud Heavens Sect had left a lingering satisfaction, and he knew that every word he'd thrown back at her had only deepened their interest, and their disdain, in him.

'Exactly as planned.'

The door to the arena loomed ahead, sunlight spilling through the cracks, casting his shadow long and dark across the floor. With a faint smirk, he rested his hand on the hilt of his estoc, feeling the familiar weight as he pushed open the gate and stepped into the open.

The noise hit him immediately—a deafening roar of cheers, gasps, and murmurs, the crowd's anticipation filling the air like a living thing. Lucavion paid it no mind. His eyes were already on the ring ahead, his senses sharp, his focus unbreakable.

This was his stage, and he would play his part perfectly.

'You people...This time, I will make sure to crush you thoroughly.'