Chapter 6: Everyone Has Something to Hide and Show
The cheers from the battlefield still echoed faintly in the background as Nile Zephyrion stepped down from the arena. His expression remained composed, his footsteps calm. But before he could leave the grounds entirely, his eyes met another gaze — one that didn't glare in rivalry or boil with resentment.
Ursus Maritimus, a warrior known more for brute strength than conversation, was staring at him — not with anger, but with curiosity. A silent, measured observation.
Nile didn't speak. He simply nodded once and continued on.
As he made his way toward his hotel room — one tucked quietly inside a luxury estate known as The Nile Crest, a place reserved for nobles and prodigies — his attention was caught by a familiar figure near the marketplace.
Arnox Arakan, calm as ever, stood before a weapon vendor, examining a collection of blades.
Nile approached, hands in his pockets.
"Are you planning to use a sword now?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
Arnox didn't turn, still inspecting the weapon on display.
"No. I already use a sword. But my main blade's with the smith. Just here to get something temporary."
Nile raised an eyebrow.
"So you do use a sword. I've never seen you carry one."
Arnox finally looked his way.
"That's because I store it in my 'Void vault'."
A soft hum escaped Nile's lips.
"I figured you were the type to carry one on your back. Makes you look more like a warrior."
Arnox smirked.
"I'm an all-rounder. I use every weapon I can get my hands on — and I am not carrying everything on my body."
Nile chuckled softly.
"Isn't that a little too much information to share with someone like me?"
Arnox grinned.
"Aren't you a spy?"
Nile gave a small laugh, brushing his hair back.
"Stop that. I'm a humble noble, remember?"
Arnox glanced at him with a half-amused look.
"Didn't think nobles could smile."
Nile shrugged.
"And here I thought I wasn't supposed to."
They both shared a quiet chuckle before Nile added:
"Next round starts on 14-11. That's three days from now."
Arnox nodded.
"Yeah. Plenty of time."
Then, a moment of thought passed between them before Arnox asked:
"By the way, how many participants registered for Vaga this year?"
Nile replied without hesitation.
"Two hundred and eighty. It's more than usual… too many, honestly."
Arnox gave a low whistle.
"Yeah, that's a lot."
Nile narrowed his eyes curiously.
"Are you planning to win this?"
Arnox answered, his tone firm but not arrogant.
"Yes. I am."
A flicker of amusement passed over Nile's face.
"After seeing me and others perform, you still think you can win? Should I call that confidence… or overconfidence?"
Arnox's gaze was steady.
"It's not ego. It's pride and self-confidence."
He smiled faintly.
"The kind only a warrior understands."
Nile looked at him a moment longer before smiling again.
"That's a dangerous kind of pride."
Arnox tilted his head.
"What about you? Ever thought of joining a warrior team?"
Nile raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't it unusual for a champion to join a regular warrior team?"
Arnox smirked.
"So, you do think you're going to win."
Nile didn't deny it.
"After seeing your confidence, I can say—show me what you've got."
Arnox laughed genuinely this time.
"Come on. Let's go to a café. I know one nearby."
Nile followed with a light chuckle.
"You don't seem like the type who enjoys attention."
"I don't," Arnox replied.
"That's why I found a quiet place. You coming?"
Nile nodded.
"So you're a spy, Who love finding a peacefull place, and a peace lover. Interesting mix."
"Sure am," Arnox said casually.
As the two disappeared down the street toward the quiet district of cafés, the camera panned to another café nearby — modest, shaded, and dimly lit.
Inside, a cloaked man leaned over his drink, whispering to his companion across the table.
"Did you see Match 17?" he said, his voice low.
"That human… he has the creature power of some strange bird."